If you’re a crazy hunting freak, we bet this piece of writing is for you. Hunting is a hobby people go adventurous for. But only the right ones know how to make their hunting experiences worth a while. When talking about hunting, what do you do after you hunt a bird or animal? You obviously cut it and prepare it as your delicious meal. And for that, normal kitchen knives won’t do justice. You’ll need a professional hunting knife to skin up the animal and cut up the meat.
Remember, hunting knives are different from hunting daggers. This is because daggers were used for killing the wild game while hunting knives are used to cut through the hunted animal and prepare it for food. For hunting purposes, a good quality hunting knife makes cutting and boning a lot easier and convenient as compared to other knives.
If you’re wondering “How much should I spend on a hunting knife?”, here’s what you need to know. Mostly, quality comes with the price. But this isn’t true in every case. There are plenty of hunting knives that you’ll find within a reasonable price range. On average, there are many foldable hunting knives for less than $50. While the best ones cost somewhere between $50 to %100. If you want to opt for premium options, you’ll have to spend even more than this. It depends on you how much you’re willing to spend and to what extent you hunt.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Good Hunting Knife?
A good knife is going to be one that does a great job without you having to put a lot of effort into making it do so. There are a number of factors that define the goodness of a hunting knife. Take a look below.
Build Quality – The build quality of a hunting knife greatly defines how well it can work. Build quality is something that could easily be judged at the moment you hold a knife, but only if you’re a professional. So, make sure you buy a hunting knife that has the finest build quality.
Material – For hunting knives, especially, Carbon Steel is considered the best material. Knives made of carbon steel are extremely strong and highly durable for years. However, carbon steel blades are pretty easily corroded. So, we would recommend you to go for a carbon steel ‘stainless’ coating knife so it would be less likely to rust.
Other than Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel is the 2nd best material for hunting knives. Most people prefer stainless steel over carbon steel because it doesn’t get corroded easily.
Sharpness – A hunting knife is of no use if it isn’t sharp enough to cut through anything wild. You’ll definitely need a hunting knife for skinning, cutting through meat and bones, and then slicing the meat. So, make sure your knife is extremely sharp.
Blade Thickness – The thickness of a blade is a huge factor in determining the strength of the knife’s blade. The blade of your knife should be thick enough to not break or bend when used for cutting through hard and thick meat.
Design – For many people, the design of a hunting knife may not be a big deal but actually, it is. There are different designs for hunting knives that decide different types of hunting. Mostly, the ‘curved’ hunting knives are preferred.
Portability – Hunting knives have to be portable because obviously, you wouldn’t be hunting in your kitchen. You’ll have to carry them with you on your hunting search. So, while choosing a hunting knife, make sure it is constructed for portable purposes.
Multi-Purpose Knife – A hunting knife should be good enough to be used for different purposes while you’re on the hunt, rather than just being good enough for cutting your hunt. It would be great if your hunting knife includes an ax, saw, maybe a seat belt cutter as well, and a fire starter. Because you’ll need these things out in the wild.
Best Hunting Knives Sets
Mostly, professional hunters prefer having a SET of hunting knives rather than just having one or two hunting knives. That’s because a complete set contains a number of knives, each one of which would be serving a different and specific purpose.
Here, in this section of our article, we’re going to share with you the details for our SEVEN sets of hunting knives that we have shortlisted from our research about the great hunting knives sets.
- Elk Ridge – Outdoors 3-PC Hunting Knife Set
- Gerber Myth Field Dress
- Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Utility Knife
- CRKT Biwa Fixed Blade Knife
- Outdoor Edge RazorLite – Replaceable Blade Folding Hunting Knife
- Outdoor Edge WildLite, 6-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife Set
- Outdoor Edge Game Processor, 12-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife
Image | Product & Features | Ratings | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Our Best Pick
|
Outdoor Edge WildLite, 6-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife Set
|
9.7
|
Buy Now On Amazon |
Affordable Pick
|
Gerber GE31-001159 0539-0742 Myth Field Dress
|
9.5
|
Buy Now On Amazon |
Elk Ridge – Outdoors 3-PC Hunting Knife Set
|
9.1
|
Buy Now On Amazon | |
Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Utility Knife
|
8.8
|
Buy Now On Amazon | |
CRKT Biwa Fixed Blade Knife
|
8.6
|
Buy Now On Amazon | |
Outdoor Edge RazorLite – Replaceable Blade Folding Hunting Knife
|
8.2
|
Buy Now On Amazon | |
Outdoor Edge Game Processor, 12-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife
|
8
|
Buy Now On Amazon |
1. Elk Ridge – Outdoors 3-PC Hunting Knife Set
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 6 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch
- Weight: 8 Ounces
- Model Number: ER-252
ABOUT – Made from quality materials, this set of hunting knives would be a great option for anyone who’s either a beginner into hunting or somebody who does hunting just as a hobby, without an aim to prove something as a hunter. The knives feature fine edge gut hook, caper, and saw blades, all of which are made out of stainless steel, 3CR13 satin finish, and offer an excellent balance between hardness and corrosion resistance.
These knives combine traditional and non-traditional materials for a stylish and unique set that redefines the category. Furthermore, it has consistently razor-sharp cutting performance and strong durability. Camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, and fishing are all activities you can trust this knife set for as well as military, tactical, DIY, survival, and self-defense needs.
2. Gerber GE31-001159 0539-0742 Myth Field Dress
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 12.99 inches x 5.51 inches x 2.56 inches
- Weight: 5 Ounces
- Model Number: 31-001159
ABOUT – This multi-tool kit from Myth Field Dress is designed for modern hunters. It houses two field dressing essentials:
- A fixed blade knife with Gut hook
- And a compact fixed blade
Both of which reflect the sleek design of the Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife family. These hunting supplies are contained within a slim, piggyback-style sheath that fits neatly into a backpack or belt loop. A built-in carbide sharpener is integrated into the base of the sheath for on-the-go sharpening. This hunting companion is definitely worth getting.
These knives have thick blades and a compact sheath designed to clip to your pack, making them ideal for long hunting trips. It doesn’t come with a saw, but it will work just fine on big games if that’s your goal. The Gerber hunting knife design history is fairly impressive, especially when it comes to the carrying of the knives. Even though it’s not fully MOLLE compatible, the sheath is pretty paracord friendly, so it can become a useful horizontal carry if you’re clever enough to have the know-how.
3. Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Utility Knife
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 10.25 inches x 3.5 inches x 4.23 inches
- Weight: 4.23 Ounces
- Model Number: FB46GP
ABOUT – You can expect the same performance from Spyderco’s fixed blade knives as from their ground-breaking folding knives. The knives in this collection are designed to minimize fatigue and increase cutting power with highly developed ergonomics.
It is a custom knife design by Knifemaker Phil Wilson that is incredibly popular among adventurers looking for budget-friendly tools.
A trailing point blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel forms the core of this compact, all-purpose design.
Bow River comes with a high-quality leather sheath and is ideal for survival, camping, and other demanding applications.
4. CRKT Biwa Fixed Blade Knife
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 6.63 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch
- Weight: 1.6 Ounces
- Model Number: 2382
ABOUT – With CRKT’s new Biwa, you don’t get better than this. It’s an Alan Folts design. The blade is small and full tang, so you can maximize cutting capacity while minimizing carry weight. In CRKT’s official description, the knife is described as an all-in-one wilderness hunting knife designed specifically for ultralight camping or hunting.
It comes with a fully adjustable black polypropylene sheath that can be mounted on multiple surfaces. Whether you prefer the scout, left-hand or right-hand carry, or even a neck knife of moderate size, this tool can meet your needs.
The blade thickness on the Biwa is 0.11 inches and its 8Cr13MoV drop point is 3.02 inches. An increased level of flexibility and maneuverability is offered by the long distal taper and pronounced swedge. Additionally, the spine has prominent jimping for fine details.
5. Outdoor Edge RazorLite – Replaceable Blade Folding Hunting Knife
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 7 inches x 3 inches x 2 inches
- Weight: 6.35 Ounces
- Model Number: RB-20
ABOUT – With this razor-knife, you get the sharpest, strongest, and easiest to replace blades available. This black-oxide-coated blade holder ensures that a razor blade is as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel while having the strength of a standard knife. During its manufacture. precision heat treatment and hand-finishing are used to make the stainless razor blades razor-sharp. Furthermore, handles are made of rubberized TPR mounted on stainless steel liners that are durable and nonslip, even when wet.
If you’re wondering why its handle has to be bright orange in color, here’s why. The bright orange handle can easily be seen on the ground, which saves time in the field and prevents losses. The best thing about this hunting knife, there are six spare blades included!
6. Outdoor Edge WildLite, 6-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife Set
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 4.21 inches x 0.63 inches x 1.97 inches
- Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Model Number: WL-6
ABOUT – This lightweight, compact knife set from Outdoor Edge has a hard-sided carry case, making it ideal for use both in the field and at home. These 6-pieces have a total weight of just 20 ounces, including
- A full tang caping knife
- Gut-hook skinner
- Boning/fillet knife
- Game cleaning gloves
- And a two-stage ceramic/carbide sharpener that keeps its edge.
Precision heat treatment and hand finishing result in shaving-sharp blades made of 420J2 stainless steel. Furthermore, the Orange TPR handle of the knives ensures a secure grip in the field and is highly visible in poor light conditions. Another benefit of elkhorn inlays is that they provide extra index points for greater control during use, which eliminates fatigue and tiredness from long periods of use. Your meat will be of exceptional quality, and you can save money by not having to pay for commercial processing.
7. Outdoor Edge Game Processor, 12-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 6.22 inches x 1.3 inches x 5 inches
- Weight: 5.73 Pounds
- Model Number: PR-1
ABOUT – With the Game Processor, you can prepare the big games, waterfowl, wild turkeys, small games, and fish in one portable butchering set. These tools can also be used for outdoor cooking. There are four blades included in the Game-Processor:
- A 3-inch Caping knife
- A 4-inch Skinner
- A 5.2-inch Boning-Fillet knife
- And an 8- inch Butcher knife for carving turkeys, steaks, and roasts.
The high-carbon 420 stainless steel blades are tapered ground to a razor’s edge and feature a full-tang construction for superior strength. These ergonomic Kraton handles are designed for long-term use and feature a rubberized texture pattern for lock-on grip even when wet. This 12-piece knife set further includes:
- A Tungsten-Carbide V-sharpener
- Carving Fork
- Wood-bone saw
- Heavy-duty game shears
- Cutting board
- Ribcage spreader
- And latex game cleaning gloves
Product Technical Comparison
Product | Manufacturer | Dimensions | Weight | Model Number | Handle Material | Blade Material |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elk Ridge – Outdoors 3-PC | Master Cutlery Inc. | 6 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch | 8 Ounces | ER-252 | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
Gerber Myth Field Dress | Gerber Legendary Blades | 12.99 inches x 5.51 inches x 2.56 inches | 5 Ounces | 31-001159 | Texturized Rubber Rubberized | Stainless Steel |
Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Utility Knife | Spyderco | 10.25 inches x 3.5 inches x 4.23 inches | 4.23 Ounces | FB46GP | Fiberglass | Stainless Steel |
CRKT Biwa Fixed Blade Knife | CRKT | 6.63 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch | 1.6 Ounces | 2382 | Fiberglass | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
Outdoor Edge RazorLite – Replaceable Blade Folding Hunting Knife | Big Rock Sports | 7 inches x 3 inches x 2 inches | 6.35 Ounces | RB-20 | TPR with liners of stainless steel | Stainless Steel |
Outdoor Edge WildLite, 6-Piece Field | Outdoor Edge | 4.21 inches x 0.63 inches x 1.97 inches | 1.25 Pounds | WL-6 | Horn | Stainless Steel |
Outdoor Edge Game Processor, 12-Piece Field | Outdoor Edge | 6.22 inches x 1.3 inches x 5 inches | 5.73 Pounds | PR-1 | Thermoplastic Elastomers, Bone | Stainless Steel |
Final Verdict
We have tried our best to provide our readers with information about some of the best hunting knives that are easily portable as well. We would recommend you always go for a trusted brand when buying hunting knives. Never rely on the costly hunting knives, rather, look for the best manufacturer. A trusted brand and a good manufacturer will always have a lot to offer you, ranging from low to high price ranges.
We hope this article would have been helpful for you.