by Christopher Jones
Hunting knives are important outdoor tools; however, their value is also intrinsic, with most people owning a hunting knife that has been passed down through the generations. However, if you do not have a hunting knife owned by your parent or grandparent, then you need to choose wisely when making your purchase.
But choosing the best hunting knife is not easy. We have put together a complete guide here to make the search much easier by availing the list of the top ten most bought and best hunting knives in the market today.
A quality hunting knife should have the ability to work for versatile applications, however, you also need to keep in mind the main use of the knife you are about to buy. After all, a hunter who goes after big game cannot use the same hunting knife as a hunter that goes after rabbits.
Here at hunterstales.com, we are aiming to put together an easy to understand best deer hunting knife reviews to help you finally pick a hunting knife that matches what you're expecting from it. A hunting knife that works!
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Before you select your hunting knife, there are a few things that you should take into consideration. The factors are listed below so that you can go over them before you make your final hunting knife decision.
While your first choice of a hunting knife might be a large and imposing knife, huge blades are actually impractical for hunters. When it comes to skinning game as well as other hunting tasks, you do not require a machete.
Instead, you should choose a hunting knife that is practical for you and your hunting needs. If you are looking to clean game birds and small animals like squirrels, choose a small and lightweight hunting knife. If you want to hunt big game like elk, go for a bigger and more sturdy knife that can cut up your target.
Always remember that the knife should fit comfortably in your hand, so that you do not lose grip as you cut.
When choosing a hunting knife you will need to chose between fixed and folding hunting knives. As you can imagine, fixed blades are in a permanently open position. These blades are stronger, durable, reliable, and easy to clean, making them good for heavy duty applications.
On the other hand folding knives allows the blade to be folded closed, thanks to their pivot point design. These blades are smaller, easier to carry, more convenient, and easy to use, making them perfect for light day to day applications.
When it comes to knife blade design you will encounter several options, mainly drop-point, skinning, and clip point.
Firstly, we have the drop-point hunting knife, which has a thick, strong, and curved blade. This hunting knife is excellent for skinning animals and splitting bones.
On the other hand we have the clip-point blade that is flatter and thinner, and which has a well-defined point for small punctures. This type of knife is less efficient than its drop-point counterpart when it comes to splitting, skinning, and gutting, however, it is great for hunters who want a knife that can perform non-hunting applications.
Lastly, we have the skinning hunting knife. As you can guess, this knife is great for skinning game (medium to large), as it has a high sweeping blade that can quickly and easily separate flesh from skin with minimum meat loss. This knife can also effortlessly undertake game-cleaning chores.
You can also consider other features that come with the blade, such as a deer gutting hook and a bird gutting hook. Lastly, some hunting knives comes with interchangeable blades, for more versatile applications.
Another great fixed blade innovation from KA-BAR is the Becker Companion. This hunting knife makes use of a 1095 cro-van steel blade, which is exceptionally lightweight and durable. Additionally, the blade will efficiently split kindling, chop vegetables, pry apart joints, and skin game for when you are setting up a campfire grill.
The drop-point blade of this knife is also composed of a comfortable 20 degree angle, which maximizes balance and grip so that you can carry out your outdoor chores with ease. The flat 5.5 inch blade can be sheathed in a glass-filled nylon contraption, so that you are kept safe and your blade is kept sharp.
The large and sturdy hunting knife also boasts of spectacular cutting power and superior resistance, ensuring that you will be using it for a long time to come.
Quick Facts
The Pathfinder is a heavy duty and multi-functional knife, that is perfect for a myriad of outdoor applications. This rugged knife has been meticulously designed by Buck Knives to improve your hunting performance, so that you can have the most memorable experiences of your life.
The 5 inch fixed blade of the Pathfinder is made of 420HC carbon stainless steel, which is both sharp and resistant to corrosion for durable usage. This blade is supplemented by a handle composed of black phenolic, which is sturdy and easy to grip for more precise cutting.
The black leather sheath will also protect you and your knife in all situations, and the aluminum pommel gives the knife a polished appearance.
Quick Facts
Spyderco brings to us the Sage Carbon Fiber knife, which has been expertly crafted for ultimate camping and hunting trips. This plain edge knife is made up of a CMP-S30V steel blade, that is extremely rigid and wear resistant for accurate cutting. This 3 inch flat blade is then attached to a carbon fiber handle woven with twill, for a ridged texture which improves your grip as you cut.
However, the most impressive feature of the Spyderco knife is its LinerLock system, which is an ingenious mechanism that allows you to lock open the folding knife.
The 3.2 oz plain edge knife also has a wire pocket clip, which can be easily adjusted for left and right hand carry. This convenient design makes the Spyderco Cage one of the most comfortable knives to go hunting with.
Quick Facts
Gear and knife experts Gerbert have come together with outdoor survival enthusiast Bear Grylls. The collaboration of these adventure lovers has given us the Ultimate Serrated Knife, which will faithfully accompany you through all of life's most extreme situations.
The carefully designed fixed point knife is exceptionally versatile, and it comes with an emergency whistle on lanyard, a diamond blade sharpener, a pommel, and a fire starter. These smart survival tools are packed in the lightweight and military-grade nylon sheath, making them safe to store and easy to access.
This 11.2 oz Ultimate Knife has an ergonomic grip, so that you can comfortably handle the knife in all situations. Additionally, the 4.7 inch stainless steel blade with a fine serrated edge is both sharp and dependable, so that you can quickly and efficiently cut through all material before you.
Quick Facts
The KA-BAR is without a doubt the most famous fixed blade knife the world has ever seen. This fighting knife was designed over 70 years ago, to serve the troops that were fighting in World War II.
Today this full size fighting knife is still serving the brave men and women of the US Marine Corps, and can be used for your hunting applications as well. This 0.68 lbs knife has a 7 inch blade, as well as an edge angle of 20 degrees for more effective kills.
Additionally, the handle material of the hunting knife is leather, which is durable and easier to grip when you are outdoors. 1095 carbon steel is used in the construction of the clip-point blade, for rigidity and durability so that you can be hunting with this knife for a long time to come.
Quick Facts
Another popular Spyderco creation is the Resilience Plain Edge knife, which is part of the Value Folders series. This G-10 knife is much larger than its Persistence and Tenacious counterparts, with a 4.25 inch blade and an overall weight of 5.4 oz. The hunting knife boasts of superior cutting performance, and it makes use of top notch materials and construction without breaking the bank.
The flat ground blade of the Resilience is made up of 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, which allows for razor sharp cutting through all materials. This blade is complemented by the knife's ergonomic spine, which uses cross-hatches for grip and a slip-proof seat for your thumb as you grasp and cut your game.
For smooth and fast open and close action, the knife makes use of phosphor bronze washers. Additionally, the skeletonized steel liners housed in the handle allow for weight savings, without sacrificing on sturdiness or rigidity.
Quick Facts
The Cold Steel 21SC is a knife that performs exactly like the warriors (Spartan) it is named after. This tough and unbreaking knife has been designed to perform the legendary feats of old in a modern setting. The first thing you will notice about the knife is its 4 mm thick blade, with a re-curved edge that ends in a sharp point. This 8A stainless steel blade has been specifically designed to allow for deep sheering cuts and accurate stabs as seen with Kukir blades.
When it comes to the handle of the knife you will encounter an injection-molded Grivory design, which has been contoured and textured to optimize comfort and grip as you cut. Additionally, the Cold Steel 21SC has a dual thumb plate for quick-draw opening's, and it comes with dual pocket clips for left and right handed carrying.
Lastly, this 7.5 oz knife utilizes a Tri-Ad locking mechanism, which will prevent accidental opening. This safety mechanism has been shown to withstand the highest degrees of torture, for your benefit.
Quick Facts
Buck Knives also brings to us the Special fixed blade knife, which is a large and classic hunting knife that has been a loyal companion for almost half a century. This hunting knife is made up of a 4.5 inch black phenolic handle, with a polished aluminum guard for durable and ergonomic performance.
Additionally, the Special comes with a 6 inch 420HC carbon stainless steel clip blade, which a satin finish and plain edge for quick and precise cutting. This blade is also composed of hollow ground bevels, as well as a clip point style for versatile applications.
Lastly, the 7.5 oz Buck Knives Special is equipped with a sturdy leather sheath, which keeps your knife sharp at all times.
Quick Facts
The Kershaw Skyline knife is the perfect knife for everyone. This slim, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to carry knife is an ideal companion, with the ability to cut through snacks, packages, and other items that you may encounter on a daily basis. The manual opening knife is composed of a drop-point blade with a strong tip, which is razor sharp and resistant to corrosion and wear and tear.
The high-performing knife also has a super thin profile, which allows for spectacular weight savings for comfortable and extremely discrete carry. When it comes to the handle you will encounter deeply textured scales, which provides optimum grip without piling on weight.
There is also an inbuilt flipper that allows for quick and easy manual opening, as well as a liner lock mechanism that allows for secure use. The reversible Skyline is exceptionally balanced and incredibly sturdy, making it perfect for all your needs.
Quick Facts
Another Gerber-Bear Grylls collaboration has resulted in the Pro Fixed blade, which allows for serious performance in the most extreme outdoor conditions. This Ultimate survival tool will cater to all of your needs, through its clever design that combines all of the features you will need into just one knife.
The 4.8 inch drop-point blade is extremely dependable and versatile, and can tackle a range of applications including filleting trout and hacking up firewood. The premium stainless steel construction of the blade is also rust and corrosion resistant, and ensures that the blade will remain sharp even after hard use.
The 13.7 oz knife also has a solid and balanced handle, with a textured grip that will prevent your hand from slipping as you go about your cutting. In addition, the knife comes with multiple survival tools, such as a stainless steel pommel, a lanyard cord, and an emergency whistle.
Quick Facts
Benchmade - 15060-2 Grizzly Creek Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Wood Stabilized - Walmart Link
Buck Knives 0685BKG Bucklite Max II Large Guthook Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath, Black - Walmart Link
Gerber Freeman Guide Folding Knife, Fine Edge, Gut Hook [31-000592] - Walmart Link
Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Gut Hook Knife, 9.5-inch Full Tang Field Processing Knife - Wooden - Walmart Link
KA-BAR US Army Fighting/Utility Knife Serrated Edge - Walmart Link
Benchmade - 15060-2 Grizzly Creek Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Wood Stabilized - eBay Link
Buck Knives 0685BKG Bucklite Max II Large Guthook Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath, Black - eBay Link
Gerber Freeman Guide Folding Knife, Fine Edge, Gut Hook [31-000592] - eBay Link
Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Gut Hook Knife, 9.5-inch Full Tang Field Processing Knife - Wooden - eBay Link
KA-BAR US Army Fighting/Utility Knife Serrated Edge - eBay Link
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a hunting knife, but with the buying guide and reviews provided above your job is made much easier.
Using the information provided above, you can now go about your shopping with clear direction, so that you can find the best hunting knife for all of your needs. Best of luck on your hunting adventures, the knives detailed above will not let you down!
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About Christopher Jones
Chris is a true globetrotter. He has been to many destinations and tried different types of food from all over the world, yet he still loves finding new places and tasting their specialties. Chris has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and so he decided to go back to school at age 24 for his MBA at University of San Francisco so that he could have a better understanding of business strategy in order to start his own company. His favorite motto is “how can one live well, travel well, and work well without having good food every time?”
Be with Chris: 
Kitchen Goodness
