Best Hunting Knife

(Last Updated On: April 8, 2018)

Check Our Top 6 Best Hunting Knife Reviews

I believe all hunters want the best hunting knife with them as they go out for hunting. Most of the Hunting Knives included in the comparison chart are great options; however, there are five of them that we would like to point out as our favorites. Below you will find our top picks for fixed-blade and folding knives as well as a detailed review of each one of them. We hope you enjoy our selection of the best hunting knifes!

#1. Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife with Speed Safe

Product Details

The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur is a folding knife that has a 3-3/8 inch stainless steel blade. Buyers have the option of a smooth blade or a serrated blade. The lightweight handle is made of anodized aluminum and has a non-slip grip thanks to Trac-Tec inserts. These grips allow the knife to be wielded even when wet.

This folding blade features Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening system that allows users to open the knife manually by pushing on either the thumb stud or Index-Open system of the blade. The SpeedSafe torsion bar prevents the folding knife from opening accidentally. The knife measures in at 5×2.2×1 inches and has a shipping weight of 4.8 ounces. Color options include a standard black or black with dark gray, red, or tan accents.

Simple Use

By applying manual pressure to the thumb stud or Index-Open system, the blade will get past the resistance of the torsion bar. Once the blade has been released from the handle, the torsion bar moves along a track and moves smoothly until the blade locks in place.

Kershaw describes the knife as ideal for different situations including every day usage and extreme situations. Always consider safety when handling any knife. The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur is reported to have a very sharp blade that keeps its edge even when used, so be especially careful when the blade is in use.

 

As an American product made in Tualatin, Oregon, many buyers have been satisfied with this knife. Hundreds of online reviews boast about how well the blade holds its sharpness, the light weight, and overall ease of use.

Thanks to the quality of the Kershaw Knife company name as well as the easy operation and safety features, the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife has been lauded with high ratings online. At a very attractive price, this Kershaw product holds its own in the tactical folding knife market.

#2. Buck Knives 110-9210 Folding Hunter Lock-Back Knife

The 110-9210 Folding Hunter Lock-Back Knife by Buck Knives is a high quality knife for a reasonable price that has hundreds of three to five star reviews online and lacks low ratings.

Product Details

The Buck Knives 110-9210 Folding Hunter Lock-Back Knife features a 3-3/4 inch stainless steel clip blade that allows for detail work while using the blade. The handle is made of natural wood-grain and features brass bolster accents. This folding hunter knife opens and closes with ease. The 110-9210 knife features a nail-notch lock-back design for ease of use.

The Buck Knives 110-9210 Folding Hunter Lock-Back Knife is measured at 10×2.8×1.8 inches and weighs in at 11.2 ounces. The knife also comes with its own black leather sheath and the option of a lifetime warranty.

Knife Specifications

The blade shape featured on the Buck Knives 110-9210 is called a clip. Clip refers to the area and length of the curve of the portion of the tip of the blade that does not cut. While the point of clip blades are effective for detail work, please note that the point does not hold the same strength as the thicker part of the knife’s blade. As a lock-back knife, the 110-9210 works similarly to a fixed-blade knife with the added benefit of being able to fold the blade into the handle.

When opened, the blade will be locked into place. To release the locking mechanism, push down on the rocker at the back of the handle. Closing these knives require the use of two hands.

The 110-9210 Folding Hunter Lock-Back Knife by Buck Knives is a proud product of the United States that is lauded for being sharp and effective for tasks like skinning and even shaving. Many owners have grown up with 110 model Buck Knives, making the 110-9210 a trusted, nostalgic option. Potential owners can be encouraged by the high quality at a reasonable price that will not break the bank.

#3. KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife

The KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife is a fighting blade that comes with a partially serrated edge. This reasonably priced knife has received very high ratings and reviews online. Lets check it out!

Product Details

The KA-BAR Fixed Blade is a black utility knife with a partially serrated edge. The KA-BAR Fixed Blade is also referred to as a fighting knife. The American production company, KA-BAR, holds over a century of experience in knife making, and is known for its military heritage. KA-BAR knives are prided on their strenght and resistance to corrosion, and their ability to hold an edge.

Each KA-BAR knife comes with a sharpened blade straight out of the box. KA-BAR generally focuses on an audience ranging from people on a casual outdoors trip to experienced hunters with high end weapons and riflescopes. To do so , the company offers a variety of utility knives that can handle a range of duties large and small.

Knife Specifications

The KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife measures at 11-3/4 inches and weighs only 0.65 pounds. Included with the knife is a hard sheath that is very secure. The seven inch blade has a 20 degree edge angle. The blade is made of 1095 Cro-Van steel, making it easy to sharpen while maintaining an edge. This plain carbon steel is used in knife making and has proven to be a very popular choice in materials for KA-BAR knives.

The handle is made of Kraton G, a man-made material that rests comfortably in the user’s hand. The KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife features a clip point and a flat grind. The knife also features a piece that allows the knife to be strapped to bags.

The fact that the KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife is produced in the United States and has such great quality for a low cost speaks levels for some buyers. The KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife is primarily intended for self defense. The knife could be used as a camping knife, but other designs would work better at nearly the same cost. Keep this in mind while shopping around the marketplace. If the purpose suits your needs, the KA-BAR Fixed Blade Utility Knife may just be the product for you.

#4.  Kershaw 1670S30V Blur Folding Blade Knife

By focusing on the product’s details in this review, we hope to provide you information that will determine if this product is right for you

Product Details

The Kershaw 1670S30V Blur Knife is equipped with a S30V Steel Blade with a stone-washed finish. The handle is made of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum. Slippery conditions are no match for the Easy-grip Trac-Tec handle inserts, which allow users to keep hold of the handle when slick. When fully opened, the Kershaw 1670S30V Blur Knife measures at 7-7/8 inches. The unit weighs in at 4 ounces.

The locking liner keeps the blade still. The Kershaw Blur also comes with a Kershaw pocket clip for a safe way to carry the knife. The featured SpeedSafe opening system allows for ambidextrous use and easy, single handed opening. Buyers have the choice of smooth or partially serrated blades.

Knife Specifications

The Kershaw Blur Knife aims to solve the problem of grip-related knife injuries. The handle, which uses specific materials and features to improve grip plays a major part in solving this issue. The SpeedSafe opening system also helps in this front.

The SpeedSafe system was created by Ken Onion, a celebrated knife craftsman who is involved in the design and manufacturing process to make sure the products match his high standards for quality assurance. The 30SV steel blade is used for these knives in favor of the material’s strength, resistance to corrosion, and sharpening ease. The blade comes sharpened, so use care when handling the knife out of packaging.

With high quality assurance standards, the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur series outshines much of its competition. Online reviews praise the Kershaw 1670S30V Blur Knife as a solid choice for an American made knife. When considering the quality for the price as well as Kershaw’s renowned customer care and limited lifetime warranty, the Kershaw 1670S30V Blur Knife presents itself as a fine choice for various situations through day to day life.

#5. Gerber 22-01874 Mark II Knife

The 22-01874 Mark II is a fixed blade hunting knife produced by Gerber. Today we will be reviewing the knife’s features and specifications in an effort to help you decide if this knife is right for you.

About the Knife

The Gerber 22-01874 Mark II is a 420 HC steel fixed blade knife with black oxide coating. Both sides of the blade edge are serrated in one section and plain in the other. The handle is made of die cast aluminum. The knife comes with a ballistic nylon sheath. The long, thin knife is 11.6 inches, with the blade making up 6.6 inches of that length. The Gerber 22-018974 Mark II weighs in at 12.5 ounces. The knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The Gerber Mark II tactical knife was first introduced in 1966. It has since become a serialized collector’s item and one of the best selling knives of all time.

In Review

The Gerber 22-01874 Mark II cutting knife is a decent beginner’s blade, though some other hunting blades that are better quality can be found for a better price. The knife is not full tang, and is dull upon package opening. It can sharpen very well but loses its edge quickly. It is produced in the United States, specifically in Portland, Oregon. Reviews recommend the knife for its intended purpose: self protection. If consumers are looking for a camping knife, this is not it. The knife exists for the reason of survival through combat, and is not to be used as a field knife.

If you are hunting, the Gerber 22-01874 is a great device for dispatching prey. The knife can be used to adequately fend off attacks in cases of self defense by fencing with the blade and is capable of making skull indentations with the pommel. The blade dulls after approximately one thorough use. The high price for its single use functionality and design is probably not a good choice for buyers hoping to purchase a knife for a camping trip. Hunters and members of the armed forces are better suited to this product, as it is more a weapon than it is a tool.

#6. Tac Force TF-705 Series Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Tac Force TF-705 is a knife that can be used for all kinds of applications. It basically gives you the ability to turn your normal pocketknife into an extremely powerful tool that will cut through just about anything, and like your Swiss army knife, it doesn’t just come with the blade (although the blade is definitely the best part.) It comes with some other tools as well. It has a very nice design, made by a name in the industry that we recognize (being knife people) and so, let’s see what the pros and cons to carrying this knife might be. Right after the features.

Features & Benefits of the TF-705 Folding Knife

• Measures four and a half inches when it is closed.
• Features a stainless steel blade with half of it serrated.
• Has a gray aluminum handle which makes it really light.
• Also includes other tools like a can opener, a glass breaker and a clip for your pocket.
• Dual Lanyard slot, black blade, red handle.

Our Review of the Tac Force TF-705

We are always amazed when we find a high-quality knife that seems like it would be high-dollar and turns out to not only be affordable, but extremely affordable. This knife is terrific, measuring just over 4 inches closed and a total of 8 inches when it is open. The blade is stainless steel made of high carbon materials and the knife has an assisted opening which makes it a little easier. The blade is also partially serrated which comes in handy sometimes.

However this knife can be a bit hard to close if you don’t know how to do it. The blade locks when it is open by moving aside and past a little piece of metal that keeps it from going back in. This is actually a safety feature, because you don’t want the knife closing while you are using it, but unless you are familiar with knives, you might struggle with this initially. Anyway, once you get the blade closed the first time you won’t have any problems doing it again.

Honestly, we go through a lot of knives and this is one of the best low priced knives that we have come across. Everything works on it, and while it might not include all of the tools that you’ll find in a Swiss army knife (those Swiss, they need all sorts of tools available) it is still a great knife to have with you for those instances that you just need a pocketknife that works. It also came very sharp and didn’t need honing at all.

#7. SOG Specialty Knives Twitch II Knife

The TWI-98 Twitch II Knife was designed with versatility in mind but without any compromises to your safety. There’s no shortage of folding knives in the market, but this one is right near the top when it comes to ease of use and convenience.

Features

The Twitch II has a lot of features and combines precision with portability. Thanks to its size, this SOG is an ideal knife to carry around, and the AUS-8 steel and satin finish adds style points as well. The edge, meanwhile, measures 2.65 inches and the unique drop point shape allows you to use it for just about any application you have in mind.

Aside from that, the SOG Specialty Knives Twitch II also has a pass-through lock bar where the kick is located. If you strike the kick, the SOG Assisted Technology will do the rest and open the knife for you. Thanks to its design, the blade will be locked securely when you open it so there’s no need to fear an accident.

Ergonomic design has not been sacrificed either, as it is evident from the handle, and the contours are just right for the knife. The handle is made of rosewood and fits snugly in your hand. There’s a pocket clip included as well.

The TWI98-CP Twitch II Knife has been getting a lot of thumbs-up on the web, and that’s to be expected because of its solid built and feel. Like other SOG knives, this one has a sleek feel, and the opening and closing mechanism works without a hitch. The knife is also compact and it is very convenient to carry.

The knife handle comes in either metal or wood, but both are well-designed and the opening mechanism works the same way. For many people and reviewers, it is the safety feature that really sets this one apart from the others.

The design of the blade takes a bit to getting used to.

Conclusion

The SOG Twitch II is an exceptional product that really delivers. Unlike other folding knives, there’s no feeling of cheapness or flimsiness in the built, and it only weighs 2.6 ounces, very handy. In addition, the SOG Specialty Knives Twitch II includes a limited lifetime warranty, an indication of how good it is.

#8. Timber Wolf Blazin Bowie Knife

The Timber Wolf is a knife that’s been built for heavy duty use, and this is evident from the looks and feature set. Although it is less expensive than other knives, don’t let that fool you as it is very durable and can withstand rigorous use. Even though some low cost knives are susceptible to chipping and breaking, this one is a notable exception.

Features

The main feature of the Timber Wolf is its 4 1/8” stainless steel blade, which is not only sharp but sturdy as well and suitable for use in hunting, tactical operations, and various everyday tasks. The handle is hardwood and the curved design is one of the most striking you’ll see on a knife and complements the blade perfectly. Other features include a lanyard hole, shining brass pins, and a stainless steel guard.

The knife is 9 inches overall and the wood on the handle is also handcrafted, unlike those of other knives; and the fact that pins were used instead of screws is testament to the kind of design process it went through. As far as looks go, this one is a winner. However, this knife isn’t just about looks as it is also fully functional and can be used in different circumstances. The other thing that makes the knife different from others is the ergonomic design, as that has been fully implemented here.

The Timber Wolf has a lot of good features, not the least of which is the leather sheath, which is among the best in its class. Design wise, the Timber Wolf scores points too, and one quick look at it shows that a lot of thought went into the design. Also, the handle is slimmer than with most other knives, making it easier to hold and grip. Apart from the blade, the Timber Wolf has a solid sheath, and there’s a smooth and sleek feeling when you hold it.

The handle is a bit different compared to other knives and requires getting used to.

Conclusion

The Timber Wolf is a solid well rounded knife and can pretty much handle whatever you throw at it. The blade is sharp, the sheath is well designed, and the way the knife has been put together says a lot about its capability. Price wise, it only costs half of the other tactical knives out there but it doesn’t lack in functionality and style. This is a good buy

#9. Buck 102BKS Woodsman 4″

The Buck 102BKS Woodsman is made in USA and it’s a knife that certainly deserves its name, as its feature set makes it a great companion when you are in the woods. Beautifully designed and built to last it’s a knife that can handle different tasks and situations, making it ideal for hunters and knife collectors everywhere.

Features

The Buck Woodsman has a 4 inch 420HC stainless steel blade, and it doesn’t just look sharp, it is actually sharp, and works great out of the box. Unlike some blades that can only be used on certain situations, the Buck Woodsman blade is an all around type and is as good for hunting as it is for the home. In addition to the blade, the knife has a nice aluminum guard with a black phenolic handle, and the sheath is made of genuine leather.

The other thing that separates the Buck Woodsman from newer knives is its dependability, because unlike other knives this one is built for long term use and can clean catfish, deer, squirrel, and other animals without losing sharpness. In fact, the Buck Woodsman is good enough for deer field dressing, a testament to the quality of its design. In other words, if you’re a hunter who needs a solid dependable knife for cleaning, this is the one you need to bring along. However, the Buck Woodsman isn’t just for hunting, as the blade design makes it suitable for other applications too.

The Buck Woodsman has been getting a lot of positive reviews and it’s quite easy to see why because the dimensions of the knife are just right for hunting, and the sheath is solid. In addition, the knife has a solid design and feels good in the hands, and it doesn’t have that cheap feel you have with other blades. It’s also worth pointing out that although the knife is small, it packs a lot of punch and can meet the needs of most hunters.

The blade slot is a bit too wide.

Conclusion

The Buck Woodsman is a very good knife and one of the most durable of its kind. If you take care of it, this is the kind of knife that you can pass on. It is powerful enough to handle any kind of fish or game requirement. There are far more expensive knives available, but there’s no need to spend more than you have to because this will do just fine. A great choice no doubt.

#10. Buck Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife

From the expertise at Buck Knives comes the classic yet very effective Buck Ranger Skinning Hunting Knife. More than your typical low end hunting blade, this knife is as beautiful to look at as it is wonderful to use.

With its wood handle, compact design, and leather sheath, this knife assures hunters that they will be able to field dress their kills with ease thanks to the versatile skinning blade. This knife proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.

FEATURES

• Product shipping dimensions: 2.4 inches x 8.5 inches x 1.5 inches
• Product shipping weight: 7.7 ounces
• Made in the USA
• 3 1/8 inch blade
• Black leather sheath included
• Macassar Ebony Dymondwood handle construction
• Simple, classic drop point design

PROS

√ Elegant Design – The aesthetics of this knife are very pleasing to the eye, from its wooden handle to the shiny steel blade.

√ Ideal Shape – The shape of this blade is perfect for skinning deer or other game, making it perfect for field dressing.

√ Excellent Customer Service – If anything ever goes wrong with your knife (which is unlikely), Buck will happily replace it with a new or comparable model, allowing consumers to have a lot of confidence when purchasing one of their knives. In fact, it is protected by Buck’s famous “Forever Warranty.”

√ Full Tang – The metal from the blade runs the full length of the grip, making it very durable.

√ Arrives Sharp – Out of the box, this knife is sharp as can be and ready to go. This saves you a lot of time.

√ Made in the USA – There is no substitute for American craftsmanship, and this knife does not disappoint consumers by sending its manufacture overseas.

√ Leather Sheath – Unlike cheaper knives with nylon sheaths, this knife comes with a sheath made of quality leather.

CONS

χ Compact Size – Some users may find the grip and knife blade to be a little on the small size.

χ Sheath Design – While the sheath is made of leather, it is not the most elegant design in the world.

χ Sheath Stitching – A few users have complained that the stitching unravels. If this happens, contact Buck for a replacement.

While this knife is not the cheapest on the market, it is affordable and will not disappoint you with its quality and attention to detail. The size, shape, and features of this blade make it perfect for small game hunters as well as those looking for a quality knife to carry while camping or on the trail. It’s size makes it easy and comfortable to carry on your belt, which is a welcome departure from the many supersized hunting knives available on the market.

Young, old, experienced, and new hunters will appreciate all that the Buck Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife has to offer, and it will withstand the test of time well enough to be passed down from generation to generation.

How To Choose The Best Hunting Knife

Types & Styles of Knives Available

Bowie Knife – First designed by James Bowie in 1830, the Bowie knife is characterized by a single fixed blade that is six to 15 inches in length with a bone handle. The curved end of this knife is ideal for skinning game, while the flat, straight portion is well-suited for cutting meat.

Drop Point Knife – Another fixed blade knife very popular with hunters is the drop point blade, which features a downward sloping unsharpened edge that runs straight from the handle to the point, and the point is very strong and easy to control. This is a great all purpose knife suited to tasks that require a strong blade but allow you to avoid piercing internal organs.

Boning Knife – A boning knife is relatively specialized tool with a short, thin blade ideal for separating bones from flesh for boneless cuts of meat.

Gutting Knife – A gutting or gut hook knife is essential for field dressing, and it features a fixed blade with a curved, sharp extension on top. This type of knife is used to puncture and slit the skin of an animal over the intestines without puncturing the gut. It is also well-suited to cleaning fish.

Multipurpose Knife – This type of knife is ready for anything and usually comes in the form of a folding knife with multiple blades. Multipurpose knives feature items such as screwdrivers, saws, knife blades, scissors, and even forks and spoons in their repertoire, making them fantastic tools for camping.

Size Considerations

When choosing a hunting knife, bigger is not always better. In fact, the best hunting numbers are between two and four inches. Why? Because smaller knives allow for greater precision, making it less likely that you will cut something that you don’t want to cut.

Additionally, shorter knives are easier to carry and transport, making them better suited for life on the trail. While big knives may be useful in certain situations, a small, high quality knife with a high quality blade and sturdy handle should be the weapon of choice in most hunting situations, even when it’s big game you’re after.

Blade Types

Generally, you have two choices when it comes to a blade – fixed or folding. There are distinct advantages to both types, and you may want to have one of each with you. Fixed blades are what most people think of when picturing a typical hunting knife. Permanently extended, these blades are generally much stronger than their folding counterparts, and they are also available in much longer lengths.

If you are a dedicated hunter, a good fixed blade is a must, because it makes skinning and field dressing easier and safer. It can also be used as a good survival tool in a pinch.

Contrarily, the folding knife is much easier and safer to transport, because the blade is easily tucked into the handle, preventing unnecessary knicks and injuries.

The folding knife, or pocketknife as it is also known, can be carried in a pocket, purse, or backpack with ease. Another advantage to a folding knife is its propensity for multiple tools, making it a great item for camping and other casual outdoor activities.

If you are using a folding knife to dress game, however, you must make sure that you have a high quality tool with a very strong pivot point, lessening your risk of breakage or potential injury. A disadvantage to this type of knife is the fact that it is very difficult to clean due to the pivot point housed inside the handle.

Construction Materials

When choosing your ideal hunting knife or knives, you must carefully consider that materials used in its construction. A strong tool can mean the difference between life in death in certain circumstances, so it is essential to purchase a well-made knife. Essentially every knife blade is going to be composed primarily of steel, although it may be a steel alloy due to certain properties associated with various alloys that improve performance. Here is a list of the common blade materials and the advantages of each:

Stainless Steel – A popular material for pocketknives and kitchen utensils, stainless steel is known for its resistance to rust, although it is often not as sharp as other blades.

Carbon Steel – Carbon steel is known for its sharpness and ease of sharpening, making it a perfect material for hunting blades. Due to its tendency to rust, carbon steel blades must be carefully cleaned after use.

Titanium – Titanium is another blade construction option, but it is a softer material than steel and may be coated in other materials to aid in keeping a sharp blade. It is popular for pocketknife blades.

Ceramic – Though less common than the other materials, ceramic blades are occasionally used in pocketknives. Known for their hard, sharp blades which will not ever rust, these blades are also vulnerable to cracking when dropped.

There are a lot of potential materials used in knife handles, as well, with benefits and drawbacks to each. This list will give you an idea of what to look for.

Abalone – Crafted from the inner surface of a mollusk shell, abalone is an attractive albeit somewhat fragile material for some pocketknife handles.

Aluminum – Lightweight and durable, aluminum is a well-known and often used handle material for all types of knives.

Bone – Bone is a common choice for pocketknife handles. It is hard, easy to clean, durable, and can be dyed to achieve various colorations.

Carbon Fiber – While pricey, carbon fiber is both strong and lightweight.

G-10 – This is a durable fiberglass laminate material known for being durable and lightweight.

Stag – This natural deer antler material is attractive and unique.

Wood – Good quality wood handles are durable, easy to maintain, and perfectly suited to heavy duty knives.