When it comes to hunting, having a reliable and high-quality hunting knife is essential. A hunting knife is a versatile tool that can be used for field dressing, skinning, quartering, and more. It is not only a tool for processing game, but also for personal protection and survival in the wilderness.
unting knives have been some of the most important types of knife out on the market. In fact, much of the innovation and design of hunting knives has led to the creation of tactical knives. This is because hunting knives need to be tough but really it has only one job. A hunting knife needs to be able to process meat that has been freshly killed. However, we all know that a hunting knife has many other secondary purposes which make the selection of a hunting knife much more complicated.
A good hunting knife is an investment that can last a lifetime, and the right choice can make all the difference in the field. With so many hunting knives available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 5 hunting knives to help you narrow down your options.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for Selecting Hunting Knives
- Buck Knives 119 Special
- Morakniv Basic
- SOG Field Knife
- KA-BAR Becker Companion
- Benchmade Meatcrafter
Criteria for Selecting Hunting Knives
When it comes to selecting the right hunting knife, there are several important factors to consider. Here are the top criteria that should guide your decision:
Blade Material and Design
The blade material and design of a hunting knife are critical to its performance. A high-quality blade should be made of a durable and corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or Damascus steel. The design of the blade should also be considered, with options ranging from drop point, clip point, and skinning blade designs. A drop point blade, for example, is versatile and can handle a range of tasks, while a skinning blade is best for skinning game.
Handle Material and Design
The handle of a hunting knife should be comfortable and secure in your hand. The material used for the handle can affect its grip and durability. Common materials include wood, bone, rubber, and synthetic materials. Some knives have handles with ergonomic designs for a comfortable and non-slip grip, while others have textured or contoured handles for improved control.
Blade Length and Weight
The length and weight of a hunting knife are also important considerations. A larger blade may be more efficient at processing game, while a lighter blade can be easier to handle and carry. The ideal blade length and weight will depend on the type of game you are hunting and your personal preferences.
Other Important Features
There are other important features to consider when selecting a hunting knife. For example, a full tang construction provides added strength and durability, while a finger guard can help protect your fingers from the blade. Other features to consider include a lanyard hole, a sheath, and a serrated edge for cutting through tough materials.
By considering these criteria, you can select a hunting knife that is right for your needs and preferences.
Buck Knives 119 Special
If you were after the look of a classic hunting knife then the Buck Knives 119 Special is for you. This is a fixed blade knife that has a nice 6 inch blade designed as a clip point. It is a blade made from metal that is strong enough to take a beating in the bush but still easy to sharpen. In order to keep the traditional hunting knife look, Buck Knives went with a Cocobolo hardwood for the handle that also has a polished brass hilt and pommel. Excellent choice for the real classic look!
Morakniv Basic
I don’t care what people say, the Morakniv Basic is one of the closest knives we got that is a perfect hunting knife. Sure, it doesn’t look pretty or “tactical”, but these knives are a true fit for the needs of hunting. They are well built and can take a beating. The blade on the Basic is easy to sharpen thanks to a stainless steel blade and just works. The handle fits perfectly in your hand and is designed to be used for long periods of time as you clean a fresh kill. Did I mention it’s easily the cheapest knife on this list?
SOG Field Knife
SOG might be known for their tactical line up of products but the SOG Field Knife is designed to be used out in the bush. SOG priced this at a relatively low price point for a fixed blade knife which means you are getting a lot of bang for your buck. The Field Knife has a 4 inch clip-point blade that uses a full tang which makes it stronger. The metal is easy to sharpen and actually has solid edge retention. SOG put a thermoplastic handle that will provide great grip and is safe from the elements you’ll experience while hunting.
KA-BAR Becker Companion
I’ve talked about this knife many times before and for good reason. The KA-BAR is a really tough fixed-blade knife that doesn’t specifically target hunting but it easily could. The Becker Companion is just such a solid outdoor knife that I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for hunting too. The Becker Companion has a 1095 Cro-Van blade that is very easy to sharpen and holds its edge well. It has a drop-point blade that is 5.25 inches long which means it’ll also easily handle some of those bushcraft tasks.
Benchmade Meatcrafter
With a name like Meatcrafter, Benchmade really hit the hunter market on the head. The Meatcrafter is a result of a collaboration between Benchmade and hunter Steve Rinella who also founded MeatEater. Together they built a knife that is specifically focused on how to turn that kill in the field into food. As a result, the Meatcrafter has a nice long 6.7 inch trailing point blade that is made from S45VN steel. It has a 14 degree edge angle that anyone who is skinning an animal will appreciate. It ain’t cheap, but it’s going to be the closest to a hunting knife.
Happy hunting!
Ben