Things to Look for When Choosing a Hunting Knife

Choosing the right hunting knife can be a challenge simply because there is such a wide selection and you often feel that you need something for everything but at the same time you are often limited by what you can carry. You must figure out exactly what you need the knife for. Are you a game or a trophy hunter? Are you looking for an all purpose knife that can be used at home and in the camp? Do you spend a lot of time hunting? Think about all of these questions if you want to make the best purchase.

The first thing you will want to consider is folding or fixed blade? Seems simple enough but this one distinction can make a world of difference. Folding blades can work very well if they are high quality but tend to not be as strong and have more moving parts than fixed blade knives. Folding knives are also more versatile in the fact that they are easier to carry in a pocket when not hunting.

Fixed blade hunting knives are the choice for most serious hunters because they are more reliable, accessible, and stronger. Once you get a sheath strapped onto your belt there is little to worry about with a fixed blade knife.

This is a very important issue that is often overlooked by people without knowing any better.  There are three main types of blades they are the clip point, skinning, and drop point.  There are many other varieties of design but as far as hunting knives goes this makes up the majority.

Clip Point Knives

The clip point knife has a thin blade with a very defined point.  This hunting knife can serve many other purposes besides simply hunting.  This is a good design for hunters looking for a multi purpose tool but probably not the best for people looking for a dedicated hunting tool.

Skinning knives

This is not something that is going to be essential for all hunters.  Skinning knives are generally used for big game.  Many hunters will carry this in addition to another knife.  It can be a great time saver when skinning a large animal.  The blade is designed to allow for easy separation of skin from flesh.

Drop Point Knives

These are the most popular hunting knives and also the most useful.  Anyone that is looking for a dedicated hunting knife will most certainly settle on a drop point knife.  These knives are generally large and have long curved blades that allows for maximum cutting coverage at once.  They are very simple and utilitarian.  Their size and durability allows them to be used for other carving and dressing activities as well, if saws and hatchets are not available.

GUT HOOK

A hunting knife with a gut hook is a consideration that you will want to make.  It is not essential but it can come in handy.  And, chances are that once you have used one you could not imagine not using one.  

The gut hook is simply used to open the abdomen without ruining the meat by spilling the guts before removing.  As far as pricing goes gut hook knives are commonly a little more expensive than their counter parts but in the scheme of things we are only talking a couple of bucks.

THE KNIFE HANDLE

Choosing a knife that has a good blade is highly important but make sure you do not overlook the importance of a good handle.  Making quick work of a kill is important in bear country and having something that feels good in your hand can go a long way in allowing you to do your work quickly.  Wood, bone, and leather are all common but possibly not as functional as some of the newer synthetics with anti slip technology.  That can allow you to have more blade control and precision.  Keep safety in mind when making this decision.

Hunters will usually gravitate towards on thing or the other depending on their personal experience.  There is no right or wrong way to do things if you are achieving your desired results.  If you are short on experience try some different hunting knives and see what feels best and works best.  See what other people are using and what they like or dislike.  The old timers can probably offer some pretty good tips in this area and hunting knife wisdom is as good as old cowboy wisdom.