Hunting is one of the oldest hobbies and is still enjoyed by many today. The thrill and satisfaction of stalking and catching one’s prey is what makes it fun and a hobby to look forward. Every good hunter who enjoys hunting also enjoys using the best tools for the job. Good hunting knives further enhance the joy and the thrill of a hunt.
Hunting knives come in various sizes and shapes depending on the prey and the location of the hunt. These knives are precisely engineered and built purposely for hunting. They offer superior sharpness, feel, styling and balance to take any professional hunter’s experience to a whole new level.
Hunters prefer different types of hunting knives, and this is mainly is based on each hunter’s tastes, the prey, and the hunting location. Some prefer fixed blade hunting knives while others prefer folding blade hunting knives.
There are many hunting knives to choose from, and the best choice will also depend on the type of knife you need. You might want a knife for skinning, for a good grip or its general performance. Below we’ve written some great tips with hunting knives reviews to choose the best knife for a great hunting experience.
Which One is Better for Hunting: Fixed or Folding Blade?
It’s possible to have both a straight-edge and serrated blade on the same knife. However, the same cannot be said about fixed and folding blades. The two are mutually exclusive and one has to make a choice based not only on the personal preferences but also considering the functional differences between the two. If you are looking for an extremely durable, strong and classic blade, then you are better off with a fixed blade. However, if you are all about versatility, safety and convenience then go for a folding blade. Below are the pros and cons of each blade type which will help in your decision.
Fixed-Blade Knives
Pros:
- Perfect for heavy-duty tasks and rugged jobs in the field since they’re very strong due to the blade running through the handle.
- More reliable and durable thanks to the lack of moving parts.
- Compared to folding knives, they’re much easier to clean.
Cons:
- Transportation is less safe compared tofolding knives since they are longer and bulkier and have to be placed in a sheath.
- They are more inconvenient since they interfere with sitting and climbing.
Folding Blades
Pros:
- More safe and convenient to carry around since you can easily carry it on a belt sheath or in a pocket and they can be stored when not in use.
- Much safer when transporting.
- Has a one-handed opening mechanism which is very convenient.
- An excellent choice for a hunting knife that can be used on a day-to-day basis.
Cons:
- Compared to fixed blades, they are not as strong.
- The use of locking blade folders and release latch is inconvenient.
- Not easy to clean since blood or tissue can easily be collected in the blade channel.
Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Length/Weight | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Our review
|
Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath | 7.75in / 2.5oz | 420HC | $ |
 Our review
|
Gerber 31-001901 Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade Survival Knife | 4.8in / 13.07oz | Premium Steel | $$ |
 Our review
|
KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman Fixed Blade Survival Knife | 5.5in / 0.75lb | 1095 Cro-Van Steel | $$ |
 Our review
|
Buck 105 Pathfinder Fixed 5 Inch Blade with Leather Sheath | 9.13in / 4.5oz | 420HC | $ |
 Our review
|
BlizeTec Survival Fixed Blade Knife | 8.46in / 4.86oz | 420 stainless steel | $ |
Top Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Reviews
Fixed blade knives are also known as non-folding knives and are designed to suit your hunting needs, and you can choose one by the make, the brand, price, country of origin and more. Click on the product title to read detailed knife review with features.
Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
This Woodsman Hunting Knife is a standard hunting knife because of its durability and excellent strength for wear resistance. It is perfect for hunting small game, camping activities and fishing. The knife’s steel clip blade is 10.2 cm long and made from stainless steel that can easily be resharpened. It is not only efficient and sleek, but it also comes with a genuine leather sheath that easily allows you to attach it to your belt for easy carrying and easy access. With a weight of 2.5 0z., the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath Hunting Knife is easy to carry on a hunting trip.
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Features at a Glance
- Overall length: 7 3/4 inches & weight: 2.5 oz.
- 4 inch 420HC steel clip blade.
- Genuine leather sheath.
- Can easily be resharpened.
- Buck forever warranty.
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Gerber 31-001901 Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Sheath
This is a hunting knife that will keep you alive when nothing else will. This knife is everything you will need on a hunting trip and more. It has a fine, dependable blade that is 4.8” long which you can use to delicately fillet a trout or hack firewood. It has an updated full tang construction that ensures its durability and improves its performance.
With 10 inches of total length and 13.7 ounces, this knife is solid and balanced in the hand. The large handle gives you a solid grip in any conditions and the oversized bolster where the handle meets the blade prevents your hand from slipping toward the blade as you lean in to your cut.
The Gerber 31-001901 Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade is the ultimate efficient multi-tasker knife with several functionalities such as slicing, chopping and filleting. Additionally, its stainless steel pommel at the base of the handle also acts as a hammer. As if those were not enough survival features, the knife also has two holes in the handle that give the hunter the ability to lash it to create a spear and also has a lanyard cord with an emergency whistle. If this is not the ultimate survival knife for any hunting trip, I don’t know what is.
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Features at a Glance
- Length: 4.8 inches; weight: 13.7oz. with sheath.
- Non-slip rubber grip.
- Emergency lanyard whistle.
- Full tang fine edged blade made from premium steel.
- Built-in fire starter rod in watertight holder.
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KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman Fixed Blade Survival Knife
This fixed blade knife is made from 0.188″ thick 1095 Cro-Van Steel and offers a 5 1/2″ straight edge blade that has been flat ground for better edge retention. For added stability when applying pressure while cutting, the KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman Fixed Blade Survival Knife has a black Zytel handle and includes a heavy-duty polyester sheath with front pocket.
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Features at a Glance
- It’s 0.188″ thick & made with 1095 Cro-Van Steel.
- Blade length: 5-1/2 inches; overall length: 10-7/8 inches.
- Has heavy-duty polyester sheath.
- 5 1/2 inch straight edge blade.
- Zytel handle.
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Buck 105 Pathfinder Fixed 5 Inch Blade with Leather Sheath
This knife has a comfortable handle, and the hunting guard is not bulky but large enough to keep your fingers away from the blade. While working in tight places with a fixed-blade knife, the taper of this blade is ideal. The blade is also just big enough, 5” long, to make reasonable cuts while avoiding cutting yourself in the process.
With a weight of 4.5oz., this Buck 105 Pathfinder Fixed 5 Inch Blade with Leather Sheath is easy to carry on a hunting trip and includes a genuine leather sheath for storing the knife when not in use.
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Features at a Glance
- Length: 9-1/8 inches; weight: 4.5 oz.
- 5inch long 420HC steel modified clip blade.
- Genuine leather sheath.
- Easy and safe to carry.
- Buck forever warranty.
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BlizeTec Survival Fixed Blade Knife
3-in-1 full tang hunting knife with magnesium fire starter, LED flashlight & belt pouch.
This knife was made for hunters who seek the utmost outdoor experience. It’s an all season survival full tang knife that features a sturdy 420 stainless steel blade, a mini survival fire starter for making fires, a belt pouch and a strong LED light. The BlizeTec Survival Fixed Blade Knife is a perfect fit for various adventures such as hiking, hunting, camping, backpacking or any strenuous outdoor activity. It is perfect for starting fires, cutting branches, skinning food, building a shelter or digging pits.
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Features at a Glance
- Well constructed tactical fixed blade knife.
- Sharp & sturdy 30-degree blade with partially serrated edge.
- Length: 8.46 inches & weight 4.86 oz.
- Corrosion resistant 420 grade an SS blade.
- The product includes a premium gift box & 1pc of full tang knife with belt loop nylon leather sheath, flint fire starter & a powerful mini LED light (battery included).
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Best Folding Blade Hunting Knife Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Length/Weight | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Our review
|
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife with Speed Safe | 3.38in / 3.9oz | 14C28N stainless-steel | $ |
 Our review
|
Spyderco Endura 4 Wave Plain Edge Folding Knife | 3.81in / 3.6oz | VG-10 steel blade | $$ |
 Our review
|
Kershaw 1870 Knockout SpeedSafe Folding Knife | 3.25in / 3.4oz | 14C28N stainless steel | $ |
 Our review
|
Benchmade Contego Folding Knife | 3.98in / 5.92oz | CPM-M4 SS blade | $$$ |
 Our review
|
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools SAT001-CP Flashback Knife | 3.5in / 3.7oz | AUS 8 stainless steel | $ |
Top Folding Blade Hunting Knife Reviews
It is essential to find the right folding knife to carry every day. Before selecting any hunting knife, it is important to think about what you do every day; e.g. are you into camping, hunting, etc. No matter what you do, there is always a best-suited folding knife for your activities. Check out our best five folding hunting knife reviews below.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife with Speed Safe
For strength and corrosion resistance, the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding knife is constructed of Sandvik 14C28N steel. It also features a 3.375” smooth or serrated blade. It offers power and performance, making it essential for extreme everyday situations. It has a lightweight anodized aluminum handle that provides Trac-Tec inserts that provide a secure grip even in slippery and wet conditions.
To help the user to open the knife smoothly when closed and to keep it from being opened by accident, the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife is equipped with a SpeedSafe assisted opening system.
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Features at a Glance
- 3-3/8″ smooth or serrated blade.
- Re-curved stainless steel blade.
- Reversible pocket clip.
- Tungsten DLC coating
- Non-slip grip, even in wet and slippery conditions.
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Spyderco Endura 4 Wave Plain Edge Folding Knife
This is one of the hunting knives that you might consider adding to your collection. The opening feature allows the user to open the blade quickly and easily.
The handle of the Spyderco Endura 4 Wave Plain Edge Folding Knife features a bi-directional texturing for traction and improved ergonomics, and the steel blade features a 1/2” opening hole and a four-way pocket clip. This folding knife has a 4-way pocket clip for easy transport and storage.
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Features at a Glance
- Blade length: 3-13/16″ & weight: 3.6 oz.
- Spine jimping, flat saber-ground blade.
- Skeletonized steel internal liners, phosphorus bronze washers.
- Easy 1-hand opening.
- Emerson blade-opening feature.
[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B00190VMFM” key=”tall-orange” locale=”US” tag=”azhunt-20″]
Kershaw 1870 Knockout SpeedSafe Folding Knife
The Kershaw Knockout Knife looks good, but beyond its stunning exterior it has fantastic features. Its blade is a modified drop-point in high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel with a stonewashed finish. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability. It is big but lightweight enough to be carried around.
The Kershaw 1870 Knockout SpeedSafe Folding Knife comes with a pocket clip that will secure it to your pocket and prevent it from being dropped.Even better is the fact that the handle is drilled for a 4-position carry. The Knockout is destined to be your new favorite everyday knife, thanks to its light weight and versatility.
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Features at a Glance
- Blade length: 3 1/4″ & closed length: 4 5/8″.
- Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel & stonewashed finish.
- Very slim design that fits well in your pocket.
- Very ergonomic handle.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
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Benchmade Contego Folding Knife, Combo Edge, BK Blade 810SBK
This folding knife is beautiful and a well made all-purpose knife. The CPM-M4 Super Steel blade is very sought after, and the Osborne style is ideal in the world of knife production.
This Benchmade Contego Folding Knife is packed with great features to help you to get the job done easily. It is built with the required toughness and durability for any hunting occasion. It has a large-bellied blade to enhance its strength while cutting.
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Features at a Glance
- Blade length: 3.98 inches & weight: 5.92 oz.
- CPM-M4 SS blade material with black cerakote.
- Patented AXIS mechanism.
- Reverse Tanto blade with ambidextrous thumb-stud openers.
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SOG Specialty Knives & Tools SAT001-CP Flashback Knife
The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools SAT001-CP Flashback Knife is an ideal everyday knife that opens faster and is designed for many more purposes than any other assisted knife available.
This knife comes with a lot of features including AUS 8 stainless steel with an attractive satin finish. Its 3.5” straight edge blade has a drop point shape that sharpens easily and makes quick work of any task. The knife’s SOG Assisted Technology helps open the blade faster using one hand. The piston lock with a movable bar wedged between the blade and knife handle securely shuts the blade in place when in the open position.
The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools SAT001-CP Flashback Knife weighs 3.7 ounces making easy to carry around. It also has a pocket clip that secures it to your pocket and prevents it from being dropped or getting lost while on a hunt. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Features at a Glance
- 3.5-inch straight edge blade, weight 3.7 oz.
- Steel drop points shape blade with a satin finish.
- Low carry reversible bayonet pocket clip.
- Open faster, securely lock, ergonomically contoured, well-balanced handle and many more features.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Hunting Knife
When you need to buy the best hunting knife, you should know what to consider before buying in order to make an informed choice. Here is a guide on the things to consider before buying a knife.
Blade Design
Do you need a serrated or straight blade? Or which one among tanto, drop point and clip point is most appropriate for your needs? Concerns about the design type are valid since it’s a vital point when it comes to the performance of your hunting knife. Deciding on which one is better is debatable and ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you care about an excellent knife for skinning animals, then the drop-point will be the perfect choice, especially for big game hunters. On the other hand, the clip-point is more of a general purpose knife and can be used by hunters who want a knife which does more than just skinning.
A good number of knives make it easier for the user since they come with interchangeable blades which can be easily swapped. This enables the hunter to use whatever type of blade is best suited for the task at hand.
Blade Length and Thickness
Size is such an important factor which must not be overlooked for obvious reasons like the smaller the size, the easier it is to transport from one place to another. However, there are so many other important issues around the size of the knife, including practicality and performance. For instance, if you focus on cleaning squirrels and game birds, then a smaller knife will be perfect. On the other hand, if you hunt elk a stronger and bigger knife is a better fit. Most importantly, ensure the knife is comfortable enough and has a firm grip to ensure that it’s up to the task.
Blade Material
Toughness, edge retention, wear resistance and corrosion resistance are just some of the factors exhibited by the best blade materials on the market today. These features are important because they not only determine how well one sharpens the knife but also how well the knife holds its edge after sharpening it as well as the knife’s durability. Stainless steel and carbon are the two types of materials mainly used in the creation of blades. S30V, 154CM, VG-10 and 420HC are just some of the materials that have been used in the production of hunting knives.
Choosing the ideal knife for you is all about your preferences and requirements; thus if you care for durability, then stainless steel will do, but if you are looking a blade that maintains a good edge for longer, carbon is what you should go for. It is better to spend extra money for the best blade material because you’ll surely get good value for your money.
Durability of the Knife Handles and Sheath
Granted the aesthetic appeal of the knife’s handle is important, but is it the only factor to consider? As a hunter, you are looking for a knife that will be able to perform perfectly regardless of the weather or situation. Although bone, wood and leather handles are functional, they score less on durability as well as offering that ideal grip. Therefore, go for the synthetic materials such as ABS, Kraton and Zytel handles which provide comfort thanks to the sure grip as well as durability. Regardless of your handle choice, the important factor is that it remains comfortable even after extended use.
A good sheath should be comfortable and sturdy. It should also contain a belt and lanyard attachment, a lower attachment and a strap to ensure that you can easily carry your knife around.
Brand and Model of the Knife
First, know the brand that you would like to choose. With many brands selling these hunting knives, you should ensure that you choose the best brand for your needs when making your choice. By reading knife reviews from customers who have bought these hunting knives, you will be able to make a perfect choice of what you should buy. You should never buy a brand with a poor reputation.
Cost
Since these hunting knives often cost differently in the market depending on the features, you should ensure that you do your research when making that perfect choice. You should research their prices and make sure that you get the best deal. Depending on the amount of money that you are willing to spend, you should be able to make the best choice thus enabling you to save money when buying.
Seek the Opinions of Experts
For those who may have a problem choosing the perfect hunting knife, read hunting knife reviews and get help from experts if to make the best choice. With their wealth of experience, experts will help you make an informed decision when buying the best hunting knife according to its intended use. Only purchase a knife according to its intended use.
You also can check out this article: How to Choose a Survival Knife for Hiking, Backpacking or Camping.
Final Verdict
The above is an expert guide to the things to consider before buying a knife, especially when looking for high-quality knives. Keeping this information in mind, you will be able to buy a good hunting knife. Being well-informed has enabled many people to make the best choice when buying these knives.
