Best Hunting Knives of 2023

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Hunting knives are an essential part of hunting gear, even though they are rarely going to be used for hunting.

They can be made in different sizes, and shapes, from different materials, but you will always find them to be useful and irreplaceable when in the field. Here is the list of the 15 top hunting knives you can currently purchase.

Top 15 Hunting Knives for Any Budget

Hunting Knives for Any Budget

1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife

Specification

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Patented handle
  • Multifunctional
  • Color-matching sheath
  • High-quality made

The first one worth mentioning is this Morakniv multifunctional outdoor knife with a stainless steel blade that’s corrosion-resistant. It is a high-quality Swedish product with excellent edge performance and razor sharpness.

This knife has a patented handle that will feel comfortable in your hand, and its high-friction grip will provide you with a great amount of control no matter what you are using the knife for. Even if you find yourself to be in cold and wet conditions, its performance and safety will be on a satisfying level.

This knife will prove to be useful when you are in a field, hunting, especially for food preparation, carving, cutting wood, preparing tinder for fire, etc. The extremely sharp blade will go through all sorts of structures effortlessly.

If you decide to purchase this item, you will also get a color-matching sheath made from hard plastic and with a belt clip, which will keep the knife secure. The blade is super thick – it only has 0.1 inches, and its length is 4.1 inches, which is optimal for a hunting knife.

2. Ka-bar Marine Corps Fighting Knife

Specification

  • Durable and strong
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Fixed-blade design
  • Full leather sheath
  • Gold-plated brass guard

Ka-Bar knives are part of the market from 1898, and each one of this brand’s products went through a unique manufacturing process. They are known to be corrosion resistant and effective, and to have great strength, holding ability, and razor-sharp cutting edge.

This piece has an edge angle of 20 degrees, seven inches long blade, and the most famous fixed-blade design. It will be ideal for almost anything you may need a knife for when being on the hunting trip, from carving wood to cutting through meat.

It’s very durable and sharp, and it is made with tough 1095 Cro-van steel. This knife features a beautiful gold-plated brass guard and pommel, so it can also be a great gift for your family members and friends who are hunting knife lovers.

You will also get a full leather protective sheath in which you can keep your knife in order to protect it. It won’t easily break like others made of plastic. We are talking about a knife that was one of the most used ones during the Second World War, so its reputation is outstanding.

3. Smith & Wesson Swhrt9b

Specification

  • Dual edge blade
  • Beautiful design
  • Handguard
  • Leather sheath
  • Durable

The market is full of fixed blade hunting knives, but not every one of them is as good as this one made by Smith & Wesson. It has nine inches of overall length, but the blade itself is 4.7 inches long. It is a beautifully designed piece that will come quite handy when you are on a hunting trip.

This knife is super durable and steady, and it’s made of high carbon stainless steel. The handle is wrapped with rubber, so it will feel totally natural and comfortable in your hand. It won’t slip or fall out no matter what the weather conditions are.

The manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty on this product, and he claims it is a very dependable piece. It is suitable for everyday use, for all sorts of things, especially if you have in mind that it can be easily stored in a boot or belt sheath.

This knife has a dual-edge blade, which is excellent for many reasons, a handguard that will prevent slipping, and a lanyard hole. The package includes leather made sheath that will keep it safe in situations when you are not using it.

4. Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife

Specification

  • 12 additional blades included
  • Super sharp
  • ABS plastic handle
  • Nylon holster
  • High-quality made

Now, let us present to you one of the most popular skinning knives that has a pop-out stainless steel blade and rugged stain-resistant ABS plastic handle. Its overall length is 7-1/4 inches, and it’s a quite practical and handy pocket-sized piece.

The retractable blade will be out of great help when you are in a field, especially for skinning and dressing purposes. It may not seem like a knife that has much to offer, but when you start using it, you will establish why it is so popular among hunters.

Its razor-sharp blade will allow you to peel the skin from a dead animal effortlessly, with great precision, and pretty quickly as well. The great thing is that this blade is not made to be sharpened but replaced with another one. And if you decide to purchase this knife, you will get 12 extra blades of the same quality.

Another advantage of this knife is that it fits all Piranta blades, and also, it comes with a nylon holster that will keep it safe and protected during the time you don’t use it. So if you are looking for a skinning knife, this is most definitely the best possible choice you can make.

5. Old Timer 152otl Large Sharpfinger

Specification

  • Fixed-blade knife
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Lightweight
  • Durable and sharp
  • Lifetime warranty

This Old Timer’s blade is, according to many reviews, the best hunting knife in the market, or at least one of the best and the most popular ones. It is a fixed-blade knife made of reliable, high-quality carbon stainless steel and saw cut Delrin handle slabs.

It’s a lightweight piece, given that it weighs only six ounces, and its overall length is 8.6 inches. The blade itself is four inches long, and it’s suitable for all sorts of hunting and camping needs. The knife is very durable and super sharp.

You will have quick and easy access to your knife thanks to the full brown leather made belt sheath that’s ideal for everyday carry. Given the design on the handle, the knife will remain safe in your hand, and it won’t slip no matter how you hold it and use it.

The manufacturer is offering you a lifetime warranty on this product, and he guarantees this item can be passed from one generation to the next one. The Old Timer hunting knives are trustworthy items that will turn out to be quite handy and useful.

6. Crkt Hunt’n Fisch Fixed Blade Knife

Specification

  • Sharp blade
  • Multi-colored handle
  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Lifetime warranty

If you are looking for the best case hunting knives, here is another suggestion. This piece, in particular, has a beautifully designed multi-colored handle and short but sharp blade. Innovation and integrity are two things the manufacturer had in mind when creating this knife, so it became one of the industry’s leading pieces.

The optimum blade control will be guaranteed thanks to the multiple friction grooves along its spine. Whenever you are in a field, hunting, or camping, you will be able to use this knife for pretty much anything. It’s a small, compact, and super durable item that will justify the investment.

You will also get high-quality made leather sheath you can attach to your belt, so your knife can always be in your hand’s reach. The great thing is there are multiple carry options – you can let it hang from the belt, rest horizontally to the side, or to lie across the waistband.

The knife comes with a lifetime limited warranty that will cover any sort of defects in workmanship or materials. For less than 70 dollars, you will be able to provide yourself with a real hunting knife you can rely on at any time.

7. Ka-bar Bk-10 Becker Crewman

Specification

  • Can withstand great pressure
  • Sharp blade
  • Perfectly designed handle
  • Polyester sheath
  • Secured with several screws

The search for hunting & survival knives can now end because this Ka-Bar all-black piece is everything you wished for. It is made of high-quality material, it is tested by several militaries across the world, and it can withstand a great amount of pressure.

The whole design is based on the latest technology, and it’s developed for outdoor usage and survival needs. The blade is crafted from 1095 Cro-van steel, which is lighter, more flexible, and better than the ordinary steel most knives are made of.

The handle is another outstanding detail, given that it will fit your hand perfectly with a high-level of grip. This knife can withstand rough usage since it’s been secured with several screws. That means it is super durable, and that it won’t break or damage easily.

This item comes with a polyester sheath that will protect the blade when you are not using it. The overall length of the knife is 10-7/8 inches, while the blade itself is 5-1/2 inches long. It is a very popular piece among experienced hunters who know having a knife in a field is imperative.

8. Gerber Gatormate Folding Knife

Specification

  • Rubber covered handle
  • Durable and sharp
  • High-quality made
  • Suitable for all weather conditions
  • Lightweight

Among many folding hunting knives that are available in the market, this one is a great option for you. It has a soft and comfortable Kraton rubber covered handle that will make sure you always have a great and reliable grip.

When it debuted, it was named to be the most creative knife of the year thanks to the fact it had modernized design and gator-skinned handle. Over the years, it proved its value, so today, many hunters choose this knife as the weapon of choice.

It’s very durable, sharp, and reliable, and it comes with a lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer. It’s 7.2 inches long overall, but the blade itself has only 3.08 inches length. It weighs 3.2 ounces, so it’s very light and suitable for carrying.

It features precision-machined pivot pins and fasteners, as well as a unique thermoplastic handle that will offer you great comfort no matter what the weather conditions are. The convex curve that’s bending towards the point of the blade is ideal for all hunting needs.

9. Spyderco Proficient Fixed Blade Knife

Specification

  • Durable and reliable
  • Ergonomic design
  • High-quality made
  • Leather sheath included
  • Sharp blade

Here is another fixed-blade knife we believe can meet all your needs when you are in a field, hunting. It will provide you with high-performance and reliability, as all other high-quality made knives of this kind would. It has an ergonomic design that will increase the cutting power and minimize fatigue.

This piece has a very comfortable handle made from durable carbon fibers that are fused with epoxy resin. It is very durable but lightweight with a high level of tensile strength. The edge of a blade is razor-sharp, just as it should be.

The craftsmanship is spot on and flawless, and the blade that has no serrations or teeth extends from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. It feels natural in your hand, and it’s suitable for food preparation, carving, and all other outdoor activities.

The knife comes with a leather sheath that can be attached to your belt, so you can always have it on you. The overall length of a product is 8.75 inches, while the blade itself is only four inches long. It is a high-tech expression of a classic bushcraft knife with a stainless steel blade.

10. Sog Fixed Blade Knives With Sheath

Specification

  • Non-slip grip
  • Ergonomic design
  • Extremely strong and durable
  • Multifunctional sheath
  • High-quality made

This is a true tactical fixed-blade knife that’s suitable for spec ops and hunters with great skills. It has a tang knife blade made from black AUS-8 titanium nitride-coated stainless steel, which is great for combat, camping, and all other outdoor activities. Its total length is 9.6 inches.

This item has a stainless steel handle as well covered with glass-reinforced nylon for better grip. It’s super strong and extremely durable. The manufacturer used cryogenic heat treatment that makes these knives the atomic level strong.

The knife comes with a deluxe sheath created from hard plastic that perfectly fits its shape. But not only does it keep the knife safe when you are not using it, it also features a ferrochromium fire starter, line cutter, and sharpener, so it’s multifunctional.

If you take care of your knife properly, it will last you a lifetime. It’s a modern clip-point hunting knife designed to look like those Navy Seals are using. Thanks to the fact it has an ergonomic shape and non-slip grip pattern, you will never drop it by accident.

11. Buck Knives 113 Ranger

Specification

  • Ergonomic design
  • Sharp blade
  • High-quality made
  • Performance-oriented
  • Ebony handle

If you are looking for buck hunting knives, here is an item you should consider. This knife is small, compact, very durable, and it is corrosion-resistant. It also has great edge retention, and it is built to last for years.

We are talking about a knife that’s designed for the skinning game, given that it has a narrow tip, downward angled point, and wide curved belly. It is a performance-oriented item made from a 420HC reliable blade and ebony handle that will fit your hand perfectly.

Its overall length is 7-1/4 inches, and it comes with a full leather sheath that has an integrated belt loop. Thanks to that, you will be able to carry it on your belt, and therefore have easy access to it. It’s made in the USA, and the manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty.

This Buck Knives model is a stylish and effective piece that will get the job done without a doubt. The ergonomic handle is one of its biggest advantages if you compare it to other similar products because it will feel very comfortable even after a few hours of using it.

12. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Swa24s

Specification

  • High carbon stainless steel
  • Aluminum handle
  • Durable
  • Ergonomic design
  • One-hand access

Among all types of hunting knives, those folding ones are usually the most popular. The reason may lie in the fact they are very easy to carry and super practical. Smith & Wesson’s all-black knife is made of reliable high carbon stainless steel, with a firm aluminum handle.

It’s durable and dependable, it will feel natural in your hand, and it won’t ever slip. Thanks to the ergonomic design and security of the liner lock, it will always stay right where it should. It’s a small and compact product suitable for all sorts of outdoor activities.

The handle features finger indentations and textured material, so the good grip is guaranteed. You will be able to access and open it with one hand only. The thumb studs, finger flipper, and ambidextrous thumb knobs will make sure you can do that.

The product comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer’s promise to serve you well in almost any situation. Also, if you are looking to buy a gift for a real knife collector, we suggest you go with this one, you won’t make a mistake for sure.

13. Uncle Henry 153uh Golden Spike Rat Tail Tang

Specification

  • Durable and reliable
  • Sharp blade
  • Rattail tang construction
  • Good grip
  • Leather sheath with sharpening stone

If you are looking for something a bit different and slightly unique, we present you Uncle Henry’s fixed-blade knife that has a bit of a traditional vibe. It is out of a doubt durable and reliable piece made from high carbon stainless steel, and with a staglon handle.

The whole piece is beautifully crafted and designed, with nickel silver pommel and guard. The blade is extremely sharp, and it comes with a small edge on the top point that will prove its value during skinning or deboning tasks.

It features rattail tang construction that will guarantee the knife’s durability and longevity. The rustically made handle is ergonomic, with finger divets, so you will have a good grip, and there’s also a front guard that will make sure your hand doesn’t slip by accident.

The item is covered with a lifetime warranty, and it comes with a full brown leather sheath that will keep it safe all the time. This piece will make sure you have great and quick access to your knife. As an addition, the sheath includes sharpening stone.

14. Case XX Wr Medium Leather Hunter

Specification

  • Made in the USA
  • Classical design
  • Comfortable handle
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Leather sheath included

Since we are close to the end of our top-rated hunting guns list, it is time to present you with this beautiful, handcrafted model made in the USA. It has pretty much a classical design with a long and slightly curved blade and comfortable handle.

It is a fixed-blade piece created for people who enjoy outdoor activities, especially hunting. Developed by the brand that’s present in the market for more than a hundred years, this knife projects everything they learned during that time.

It’s why it is performance-oriented, with its surgical stainless steel blade, and polished leather made handle. This model comes with a lifetime warranty and full leather sheath that’s going to protect the blade whenever you are not using a knife.

This is a clip blade knife, so it is a multi-purpose one. It is part of a robust collection that’s designed to last and pass on from one generation to the next one. The knife features corrosion-resistance and tremendous strength.

15. Case Gut Hook Mushroom Cap Leather Hunter

Specification

  • Skinning blade
  • Leather handle
  • High-quality made
  • Leather sheath included
  • Made in the USA

The last item is pretty much the same as the one before, since it’s made by the same manufacturer, and it belongs to the same collection. The handle of this knife is also made from polished leather, but the blade is a bit different and serves specific needs.

This knife has a mirror-polished stainless steel gut hook blade that’s adequate for many outdoor, house, and hunting activities, especially for skinning game, and field dressings. It has curved and specifically cut edge points that will prove to be very practical.

The overall length of this model is 8-1/2 inches, but the blade itself is only four inches long. The product is made in the USA, it’s very durable, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, as well as with top-quality leather sheath.

Thanks to the fact the handle is ergonomic, you will have a good grip, and the front guard will prevent the knife from slipping your hand. If you take care of it the proper way and clean it regularly, it will last for years.

What Type of Knives Do You Use for Hunting

What Type of Knives Do You Use for Hunting?

The search to find the ideal hunting knife can be pretty difficult, especially if you are not sure what you are looking for. That’s why it is super important to know what types of hunting knives are there, and also what are the features you should pay attention to.

Types of Hunting Knives

Caping Knife

The fact that this type of knife is called caping says it all. It is an extremely sharp tool that’s used for capping – creating a hunting trophy, by skinning the head and the neck of an animal and detaching it from bones and meat.

The blade is short and almost scalpel-like because this process implies great precision. It has a mild drop point and spear tip shape.

Buck Knife

Buck knives are sport, hunting, and field knives that were invented in the 1960s by the well-known Buck family. It is one of the earliest portable and folding knives, so pretty often buck knife is used as a synonym for this foldable piece.

It has a very long and sharp blade that can be useful for survival and many outdoor activities. Its handle is ergonomic and suitable for long usage.

Skinning Knife

This type of knife is used for removing the skin of an animal. It usually has a very wide, short, and super sharp blade with very little flexibility.

It is not considered to be a weapon as much as a hunting tool. Skinning knives are designed to reduce wrist and hand fatigue, and it is manufactured from high-quality materials like carbon and stainless steel.

Camp Knife

Most hunting knives you can currently find in the market are the basic version that’s called camp knives. This model is suitable for all sorts of outdoor activities, like food preparation, cutting branches, lighting the firewood, sharpening sticks, etc.

It’s usually the model with a fixed blade and a strong and durable handle that can withstand a lot of pressure and usage. It would be good to have an adequate sheath for it, so you can have it on you all the time.

Bowie Knife

Bowie knife is designed to have a sharp blade on both sides of the tip, front, and back. That will allow you to cut through things from any direction, which can be quite useful.

Many hunters prefer this type of knife because it provides them with a tool for almost anything they might need. Also, it is one of the best self-defense and survival knives.

Boning Knife

This is another self-explanatory knife. It is created for a specific process of removing meat from an animal’s bones. It has a very long and thin blade that curves a bit at the tipping point.

This knife is usually used in a kitchen, not in hunting expeditions, but it can be handy. It needs to be very sharp because boning can be pretty difficult per se.

How to Choose the Best Knife for Hunting?

How to Choose the Best Knife for Hunting

Type of Steel

Today’s hunting knives are usually based on two types of steel – the first is stainless steel, and the other one is high carbon steel. The second one is a much more expensive solution than regular carbon or standard stainless steel, but you will find it to be more durable and easier to sharpen.

Also, it has a higher level of corrosion resistance. However, people are fond of stainless steel blades since they are effortless to maintain and more affordable.

Blade Shape

As we can see above in a part where we talked about different types of knives, they all come with different and specific blade shapes. The most popular are knives with a drop point and clip point blades. The clip point has a super sharp end, and it’s suitable for delicate tasks, but it can easily break.

The drop point blade is more durable, and it’s built to withstand a great amount of pressure. Besides these two types of blades, there are also a spear, tanto, and trailing point blade, but they are not recommended for all hunting needs.

The Handle

The handle of a knife plays a major role in the knife’s safety. It needs to be designed in a way for you to have a firm and non-slippery grip. You should be able to keep it in your hand in the most natural and comfortable way.

Handles made of wood and those covered with rubber layers are the most popular ones because they will provide a great look and effective usage. It would be good for the handle to have a guard, so your hand could not slip towards the blade.

The Sheath

When you order a knife, you will most likely get the adequate sheath in the package. It is very important to have a sheath for your knife because it will keep it undamaged and sharp when you are not using it.

Sheaths will provide you with the possibility of always having a knife on your if you are using the one with a belt loop, for example. They can be made of leather, nylon, plastic, and all other sorts of material.

What Makes a Good Hunting Knife

Frequently asked question

How Long Should a Hunting Knife Be?

Hunting knives can have different length blades, but most experts recommend those that are three to six inches long. That sort of blade length will provide you with great precision when using a knife, and the best level of effectiveness. Longer blades should be used only by hunters who have some great skills and experience in their hands.

What Makes a Good Hunting Knife?

First of all, it’s their design. A good hunting knife should have an ergonomic handle and shorter blade, so you can use it for all sorts of things. They are usually created for cutting and not for stabbing, and often, they have a single sharpened edge. Most models have slightly curved blade tops that are super sharp.

What’s Better – Fixed Blade or Folding Knife?

This depends on what you need the knife for, and what your expectations are. If you want to have a portable and lightweight knife that’s always on you, the foldable piece would be a good idea. But many people believe these sorts of knives are not so effective as classic fixed-blade ones.

They are usually more durable and stronger because of the way they are constructed, and they are much easier to clean than the foldable knives. On the other hand, foldable pieces are easier to carry around, since they can fit your pocket, and they are a good choice for hunters who need a multifunctional knife.

Conclusion

If you are a real hunter, then you definitely know how important it is to have a good knife as part of your hunting equipment. Sometimes it can be used as a weapon, but on other occasions, it will help you survive all the challenges the hunting field and outdoor life may bring in.

It would be good to know what you need a knife for, just so you can choose the right one, but if you are not sure, then pick one of the camp knives because you can’t miss with that one.

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