If you love hunting and fishing or you just have a passion for wilderness expeditions, then you need a reliable hunting knife. A super sharp hunting knife is the perfect cutting tool and it offers you a lot of versatility for all sorts of hunting or outdoor survival tasks, from skinning small and large game, field dressing a deer, cleaning a fish, or even cutting rope to make a shelter.
The 6 Best Hunting Knives
- Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Set
- Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Knife
- Grand Way Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
- Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife (Our Top Pick)
- Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife
- Perkin Hunting Knife
Our Top Pick for the Best Hunting Knife
Our top pick for the best hunting knife is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife. If hunting is your passion, you need the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter knife. Benchmade has designed a strong and razor-sharp high-quality hunting knife that is ready for all sorts of hunting tasks.
Whether you need to skin a hog or to dress a deer, you can rely on this amazing hunting knife which fits comfortably in your hand to deliver a superior cutting performance.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Hunting Knife
Before you choose your new hunting knife, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
- What type of animals do you hunt, small game like rabbits or birds or larger game animals like deer or bison? A small knife will make cutting, skinning or dressing deer or other large animals too difficult and the knife can break. So if you only go on hunting trips once in a while and hunt small game, a smaller, compact folding knife such as the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife is a great choice.
- Are you a big-game hunter? Choose a larger fixed-bladed knife. A large knife is tailor-made for the big game but it is not recommended for skinning small game or delicate tasks such as cleaning a fish.
You also have to consider the size of the blade, the knife’s design and blade type, and the composition of the blade, full tang or partial tang, and what the handle is made out of.
Size
The size of a hunting knife is measured in inches, which includes the length of the blade and the overall size of it from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade. A good blade length is between 3-4.74-inches. To get a good idea of what size to choose, scale your blade up or down depending on the size of your preferred game.
Folding Hunting Knives
Some hunters like a folding blade, such as the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife, which is small and compact enough to fit into your pocket and it has a very sharp blade that is designed for small, precision cuts.
Fixed Blade
The overall consensus in the hunting community is that a fixed blade knife is the ideal type of hunting knife for the serious hunter and fishermen. It is the best choice not only because it has a stronger blade that can cut through tough hide and bone but it is a general-purpose knife that you can use for all types of hunting or outdoor survival tasks.
A fixed-blade knife has fewer moving parts than a folding knife so it is easier to clean and it has a stronger blade, full tang, and a sturdier handle, which makes it an excellent cutting tool for both small and large game.
Blade Types
The three main types of hunting knife blades are a clip, straight, or drop edge. Of course, the type of blade can be determined by personal preference. However, a clip, straight edge, or drop point blade has different advantages. Once again, the general vote from experienced hunters is that a drop-blade hunting knife is the blade of choice.
– Clip Point Blade
A clip point blade is a good choice for detailed cutting work for small game animals such as the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife, which has a tapered razor-sharp point that is good for piercing and it gives you extra control for working in tight places.
The fine narrow tip of the blade also means the blade can be quite fragile and it is best not to use it for heavy-duty cutting tasks as the blade can get damaged.
– Straight-edge Blade
A straight-edged blade, such as the Grand Way Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Hunting Knife or the Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Set, has a single-edged blade that curves downwards toward its point, but the other side of the blade carries a flat, unsharpened edge, which allows you to press down on this edge with your fingers to increase the knife’s cutting force.
The single-edged design also increases the thickness of the blade which gives it extra strength for heavy-duty tasks, which also makes it a great knife for cutting rope, splitting kindling, and slash through tree roots.
– Drop Point
A drop point blade has a very balanced design and its blade curves or drops slightly downward toward the point of the blade.
Drop-point knives have a razor-sharp pointed end that is thicker and stronger than the clip-point blade, which makes this type of blade a good choice for big game hunters who need to cut, skin, or carve through tough animal hide and bone.
The only downside of a drop point blade is that you have to be careful if you are using it for small game such as fish or birds as the strong blade can damage the internal organs, or damage the hide of other types of animals.
Blade Composition
Blades can be made out of stainless steel or high carbon steel. Stainless steel is well known for its strength, high level of hardness, and durability and it is a material that does not corrode or rust easily.
The Grand Way Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Hunting Knife is made from stainless steel but it has been put through a special sharpening process so that it maintains its incredibly sharp edge.
Handle
How a hunting knife feels in your hand is very important. The handle should allow you to get a good grip on the knife and allow you that flexibility during the cutting or skinning process. Handles can be made out of polished wood such as the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife, or ABS plastic Elk Ridge Hunting Knife.
Even though plastic is lightweight and easier to keep clean and can give you a good, solid grip, it can feel a little flimsy in your hand. Wood and leather are stylish options and also feels solid in your hand. However, if the leather is very thick, it can feel too cumbersome for those hunters who have smaller hands.
Hand Guard
Cutting or dressing an animal can be messy work, so a handguard prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade, which can give you a nasty cut.
Carrying Sheath
A carrying sheath allows you to keep your knife safe and secure and close at hand on your belt and it is also designed to keep the blade in good condition and to protect you from cutting your leg open. Carrying sheaths can be made out of nylon or leather.
Although leather is an attractive option and it is highly durable and long-lasting, the leather sheath may need re-stitching after heavy-duty use. Nylon is easy to clean and is lighter, but it does not look as stylish as leather and can be a flimsy material.
Another carrying option is a lanyard hole where you can attach a cord to the handle and carry it around your neck or attach it to your backpack.
Gut Hook Blades
Some hunting knives have a gut hook blade, while other manufacturers include a separate gut hook knife such as the Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Set. A gut hook blade or knife is a great tool for gutting animals and field dressing as the extra sharp hooked blade allows you to unzip the skin of an animal for quick and easy gutting, skinning, and cleaning.
6 Best Hunting Knives – Reviews
1. Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Set
The Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Set is specially designed for the true outdoor adventurer, so if hunting is your passion, this 2-piece hunting knife set is the perfect all-around hunting and skinning knife tool duo, and it is great value for money.
The set of 2 knives include a 7-inch trailing point hunting/skinning knife that has a straight edge 3½-inch blade and a 6.5-inch deep bellied knife gut hook knife. The blades are razor sharp and are made from strong 440 black stainless steel, which contains more carbon to give the blades excellent hardness and edge retention.
Both of the handles are made from an attractive green camo ABS plastic with a non-slip texture and finger grooves to give you extra cutting control.
If you want to carry the knife around your neck or attach it to your backpack, there is a lanyard hole where you can attach a cord. Elk Ridge also includes a black nylon dual sheath where you can safely store the knives for quick and easy access.
Pros
- Ideal for hunters, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Two-piece set: hunting/skinning knife and gut hook blade knife
- Great value for money
- Excellent hardness and edge retention
- Full tang
- Strong stainless steel
- Sharp blades
- Attractive green camo ABS plastic textured handle
- Handle has a lanyard hole
- Durable black nylon sheath can fit both knives
Cons
- Knives need to re-sharpen out of the box
2. Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Knife
A classic hunting knife, the ruggedly good-looking Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Knife combines high-quality craftsmanship with a solid design which makes it a must-have knife for the serious hunter, survivalist, or camping enthusiast.
This stylish knife is a high-performing cutting tool for light to medium tasks and it comes at an extremely affordable price tag.
If you are looking for a sturdy hunting knife that is sharp, lightweight, and fits snugly in your hand, this is the knife for you. The Mossy Oak knife has a long 6-inch mirror-polished fixed, clip-point blade that is constructed from durable stainless steel, which helps the blade to hold its edge longer than conventional steel.
This type of steel is corrosion-resistant and also gives the blade extra strength and surgical steel sharpness. You can use it to cleanly slice through meat and cut in tight places, so it is a great choice for skinning deer or other small game animals.
This knife feels comfortable in the hand and it is quite lightweight at 8-ounces. Its polished rosewood handle has a pommel to guard your fingers. The ergonomic handle grooves ensure a non-slip balanced grip and two rivets strengthen the full tang handle.
To keep your knife safe and always at the ready on your belt, Mossy Oak also includes a durable protective leather sheath with a snap fastener.
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Great value for money
- Solid and sturdy
- Sharp stainless steel
- Mirror-polished fixed clip point blade
- Corrosion-resistant
- Long-lasting edge
- Very strong blade
- Full tang
- Ideal for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
- Designed for skinning deer and small game
- Beautifully polished rosewood handle
- Durable protective leather sheath
- Ergonomic handle grooves
Cons
- Not designed for breaking bone
- Tip can bend easily
- Not ideal for large game animals
3. Grand Way Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
Whether you are looking for a knife for hunting, fishing, or a handy cutting tool that you can rely on for survival purposes in the wilderness, the Grand Way Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Hunting Knife is a versatile high-quality knife that is designed for the most extreme outdoor conditions.
The Grand Way 9.5-inch Fixed Blade Hunting Knife is a perfect blend of attractive design and high functionality. It is one of the most beautifully crafted hunting knives with a solid polished wood grain contoured handle that has a safety metal back guard that absorbs any shock and protects your hand throughout the cutting process.
The high-carbon solid stainless steel straight-edge 4.4-inch blade is designed for all sorts of game, from wild boar, hog, or deer.
When you need any cutting force, the blade is thick and sharpened, and you can press down on the unsharpened straight edge when you need extra force for cutting through the rib cage, bones, and joints, and you can even use it for cutting wood and slashing tree roots.
As the steel composition is balanced and has undergone a high-quality factory hardening and sharpening process, the blade will keep its sharpness and you can expect a high level of durability and resistance to rust.
To keep the knife safe and secure until you are ready to go into hunting mode, Grand Way includes a heavy-duty nylon sheath and its sheath suspension allows you to put the knife on your belt. Grand Way offers a 100% money-back guarantee and the knife is protected by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for hunting and fishing
- Thick blade can cut through bone and joints
- Solid and incredibly sharp blade
- Extra factory hardening process
- High level of rust resistance
- Beautifully crafted polished wood grain handle
- Easy to hold and use
- 100% money-back guarantee
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Sheath is too long
- Not ideal for large game
4. Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife
A sturdy, lightweight, and compact knife, the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife is designed for the hunt and it excels at skinning and meat removal, as well as dressing game and general outdoor tasks.
Made in the US, the Benchmade Hunter Knife is crafted from premium CPM-S30V stainless steel that gives the hollow ground, drop-point blade a superb cutting edge. Its fixed bladed and full tang construction also contributes towards the knife’s overall superior level of strength and wear and tear resistance.
The stabilized Dymondwood® handle is backfilled with synthetic resin which gives the handle an exceptional strength to withstand extreme temperatures, and the deep index finger grooves give you extra traction for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
When you need to have quick access to your knife, the leather carrying sheath has a durable leather belt loop which means it will stay safely attached to your belt. Or you can attach a cord in the lanyard hole to keep the knife attached to your backpack or around your neck.
Benchmade stands behind its exquisite hunting knife and it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality hunting knife
- Extremely good value for money
- Made from premium stainless steel
- Super sharp blade
- Superb cutting edge
- Very good weight to size ratio
- Excels at skinning and meat removal
- Highly versatile cutting tool
- Durable stabilised Dymondwood® resin handle
- Deep index finger grooves
- Leather sheath with belt loop
- Lanyard hole
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Handle can get a bit slippery when wet
5. Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife
If you prefer a folding knife as opposed to a fixed-blade knife, the Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife is destined to be your new hunting tool for your next game expedition.
A family-owned company for over 100 years, Buck Knives is famous, hence the name of its signature classic hunting knife, for high-quality knives that combine the strengths of a fixed blade knife into a good-looking, reliable folding knife that delivers an excellent cutting performance.
A super solid and sharp hunting tool, the Buck Hunter Knife has a razor-sharp 3¾-inch clip point blade that is made from high-carbon stainless steel which has excellent strength, edge retention, and is corrosion resistant and as it has been put through a patented heat-treating system, it is strong and can withstand extreme outdoor conditions.
The clip-style blade has a very sharp controllable point, and is ideal for detail work, piercing and slicing through animal skin and hide. The knife is equipped with a nail-notch lock-back design that allows the blade to open easily on demand and close safely.
The Famous Hunter Knife folds down to a compact size of 5-inch so it will fit into your pocket or backpack, but if you want to keep it close for quick and easy access, Buck Knives includes a high-quality black leather sheath to protect the knife.
As well as being highly functional for the active hunter, this superb knife is a great choice for the fashion-conscious as the handle has a natural wood grain that is easy to grip, while the polished brass bolsters add a special touch of classic style.
Buck Knives offer a lifetime warranty on its spectacular hunting knife.
Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Great value for money
- Razor-sharp clip point blade
- Ideal for hunting, fishing, and everyday cutting tasks
- Proudly made in the US
- Patented heat-treating system
- Great edge retention and corrosion resistance
- Lightweight
- Stylish natural wood grain handle with polished brass bolsters
- High-quality black leather sheath
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hunting cutting tasks
- Lock-bar pivot is not seated flush nor tight
6. Perkin Hunting Knife
Whether you are a hunter, fisherman, bush crafter, or you just want a reliable knife for all types of cutting tasks for your next camping trip, do not leave home without the Perkin Hunting Knife.
Designed by a skilled craftsman, the Perkin hunting knife has a beautiful decorative spine and its highly polished 4.6-inch 56-58 Hrc D2 steel straight-edge/drop point blade is razor sharp so it is ideal for hunting expeditions and outdoor adventures.
This highly versatile hunting knife can be used for a range of tasks such as slicing meat, gutting a fish, batoning wood, or feathering a stick to make a warming fire while you are exploring the wilderness.
You can rely on the knife to make quick cuts, even in wet weather. It can tackle small bones or wood without damaging the blade’s cutting surface, and it is very easy to sharpen.
One of the most comfortable knives to hold and use, the Perkin hunting knife has an ergonomically designed contoured handle that is made from strong and smooth walnut wood that fits naturally in your hand.
The full-tang design and the handle’s two steel mosaic pins ensure its overall strength, durability, and improved precision handling in rough outdoor conditions, while also adding to its stylish appeal.
For easy carrying, this hunting knife is well-balanced and the lanyard hole at the base of the handle allows you to attach the knife to your belt, so you can easily access the knife when you spot your game.
You can also use the brown leather sheath which has a sturdy snap closure and a belt loop to keep the hunting knife safely protected and close to you at all times.
Perkin offers a lifetime replacement or money-back guarantee on its highly versatile hunting knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good price
- Beautiful craftsmanship
- Great cutting performance
- Versatile
- Razor sharp blade
- Sturdy, solid, and durable
- Full-tang design
- Ideal for hunting, fishing, and camping
- Can also be used for small batoning tasks and feathering a stick
- Ergonomic walnut wood handle
- Brown leather sheath and lanyard hole
- Lifetime replacement or money-back guarantee
Cons
- Some complaints over the overall quality of the sheath
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks
Our Top Pick for the Best Hunting Knife
Our top pick for the best hunting knife is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife. If hunting is your passion, you need the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter knife. Benchmade has designed a strong and razor-sharp high-quality hunting knife that is ready for all sorts of hunting tasks.
Whether you need to skin a hog or to dress a deer, you can rely on this amazing hunting knife which fits comfortably in your hand to deliver a superior cutting performance.
Check the price on Amazon
