Knives For Sale (Hunting & Outdoor Knives)

Hunting Knives Buying Guide : What You Need To Know?

Why Do You Need Hunting Knives Over Normal Kitchen Knives?

Hunting knives are specially designed for outdoor tasks. Kitchen knives are made for food prep on a clean surface, not for gutting a deer in the woods. That’s the main difference.

When you’re out hunting, you deal with tough skin, bone, and muscle. A hunting knife is built to handle that. It's stronger, thicker, and usually has a full tang blade for added strength. These knives won’t snap under pressure, unlike many kitchen knives.

Which Type of Hunting Knife Is Right For You?

Choosing the right hunting knife depends on what you hunt and how you like to carry your gear. There are a few common types, each with its pros and cons.

• Fixed blade knives are the top choice for most hunters. They’re strong, easy to clean, and can take a beating. Since the blade doesn’t fold, there’s no weak point. These knives are perfect for field dressing big game and other heavy-duty tasks. You’ll need a sheath to carry one, but it’s worth it for the durability.
• Folding knives are compact and easy to carry in your pocket. They’re great for casual hunters or as a backup blade. However, the folding joint can get dirty or break under heavy pressure, so they’re better for light tasks.
• Gut hook knives come with a special hook on the back of the blade. This is used to open up the belly of an animal without cutting into the organs. It keeps the meat clean and is great for deer or larger game.
• Fillet or Skinning knives have a curved blade made for skinning animals quickly. They’re not always ideal for cutting through bone, but they make skin removal much easier.

Various Shapes of Hunting Knives To Consider

Blade shape plays a big role in how a hunting knife performs. Some shapes are made for strength, while others are better for detailed work. Here are a few common ones to know.

• Drop Point: This is the most common shape for hunting. The spine drops gently toward the tip, making it strong and easy to control. It’s perfect for skinning and general field work.
• Clip Point: The tip is thinner and more pointed than a drop point. This makes it good for piercing and detail work. However, it’s also a bit weaker and more likely to snap under pressure.
• Skinner Blade: These blades are curved to make skinning fast and efficient. The curved edge lets you work under the hide without cutting into meat.
• Tanto: This shape is more tactical and features a reinforced tip. It’s very strong and great for piercing, but not ideal for skinning or processing games.
• Trailing Point: With a long, sweeping curve, this blade is great for slicing. It’s perfect for cutting meat and skinning but may lack the strength of other shapes.

Different Hunting Knife Blade Lengths

Blade length is another important factor when choosing a hunting knife. The length affects how easily you can control the knife and what tasks it can handle.

• Shorter blades, around 3 to 4 inches, are great for small game, birds, and detailed cutting. They give you more control, especially when skinning or working around joints. They’re also easier to carry.
• Blades between 4 to 5 inches are the most versatile. This size is ideal for field dressing deer, hogs, and other medium-to-large game. It’s big enough to handle tough jobs, but still small enough to control safely.
• Longer blades, from 5 to 6 inches, can handle large game and heavy-duty tasks. These knives are great if you want one tool to do it all. But they’re bulkier and may feel harder to manage for fine work.

Which Hunting Knife Brands You Can Consider To Buy?

The market is full of hunting knife brands, but only a few have stood the test of time. Here are some trusted names that hunters love:

• Benchmade is known for top-quality materials and smooth craftsmanship. Their knives are made in the USA and designed to last. While they’re pricey, you get what you pay for—excellent edge retention, durability, and performance.
• Buck Knives has been around for decades and is a go-to for many hunters. Their fixed blades and folders are affordable, reliable, and come with a lifetime warranty. The Buck 119 is a classic hunting knife.
• ESEE Knives build rugged fixed blades that are great for hunting and survival. These knives are tough, simple, and easy to sharpen in the field. Many hunters trust ESEE for backcountry use.
• Gerber offers a wide range of hunting knives at reasonable prices. Their gear is practical and designed with hunters in mind. The Gerber Vital series is popular for field dressing.
• Cold Steel is known for strength. Their knives often feature thick blades, aggressive designs, and durable materials. These are great for hard-use hunters and those who want something a little different.
• Havalon is a game-changer for skinning. These knives use replaceable surgical blades, so they’re always razor-sharp. Ideal for skinning and caping, but not made for heavy cutting or prying.
• KA-BAR knives are built tough and have a military background. They’re solid and dependable for field and survival tasks. Hunters who want a strong all-around blade often choose KA-BAR.

FAQs

Is it illegal to carry a hunting knife on your belt?

Laws vary by state and country. In many U.S. states, it’s legal as long as the knife isn’t concealed and not used as a weapon. Always check local laws before carrying.

What is the best grade of steel for hunting knives?

Top choices include S30V, 154CM, D2, and 1095. Each has trade-offs in edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.

What is the best blade shape for a hunting knife?

Most hunters prefer drop point blades. They’re strong, versatile, and ideal for field dressing and skinning.

Why are Benchmade knives so expensive?

They use premium steel, have tight quality control, and are made in the USA. You’re paying for precision, performance, and durability.

What is the best knife to cut a deer with?

A fixed blade drop point knife around 4 to 5 inches long is ideal. It’s strong, easy to control, and works well for gutting and skinning.

Which is better: fixed or folding blade hunting knives?

Fixed blades are better for strength and reliability. Folding knives are easier to carry. Many hunters carry both. For more details check our blog post about : Fixed Blade or Replaceable Blade.

What is the best grind for a hunting knife?

The flat grind and convex grind are both excellent. Flat grind gives clean cuts. Convex is tougher and great for heavy use.

What degree are most hunting knives?

Most hunting knives are sharpened to 20 to 25 degrees per side. This balances sharpness with durability.