Let’s get back to the blades now. Owning a hunting knife is wise for almost everyone because even if you’re not a professional or recreational hunter, there’s a good chance you will find yourself in a situation where a good knife could save you a lot of trouble. But if you are an outdoor enthusiast, not owning a great quality knife it means you don’t even understand the basics of survival in nature. And setting foot in the wild with insufficient knowledge and equipment can be quite risky.
Hunting is a popular sport worldwide attracting many people annually but besides being a recreational activity, it has a historic value for being a primary survival skill. Hence, for executing this skill with finesse, a hunting knife counts as a necessity.
We broadly classify the hunting knife in two major categories, the foldable blade and the fixed one. Now most of you will be inclined to think the foldable one seems like the best choice. After all it folds into the handle making it safe and much easier to carry as the size is halved when you close it. But if you ask an experienced professional, they’d tell you otherwise. A foldable knife is the ideal choice if you’re just looking to add one to your toolkit and don’t plan on engaging in an outdoor activity besides cutting an occasional rope and wire or carving your initials in the bark of a tree in your favorite spot. However, a fixed knife is the best bet for your adventures in the wilderness.
You may be wondering why we are inclined towards the fixed blade. The answer is quite simple : Too many moving parts.
Having moving parts means having parts that are prone to malfunctioning and you don’t want to invest in a survival tool that might fail on you in time of need.
Even though folders are popular because they’re easier to conceal and convenient for everyday tasks, what you don’t know is they are much harder to clean. They easily get jammed with dirt, mud or blood and guts if used on an animal and therefore require more attention and care than your average fixed blade knife. In the market you will find quite a few pretty excellent and practical folding knives, however in our opinion the fuss-free built, simplicity of structure and maintenance of a fixed blade trumps the foldable any day.
Plus a fixed blade will perform all the tasks a folder can and more, be it skinning a deer, digging, splitting or cutting. One big advantage of a fixed blade is its strength and durability meaning it won’t break easy and obviously it’s faster to deploy in situations of self-defense.
Now that we have established all the facts about foldable and fixed knives, the next step is deciding which model and design is perfect for you and to assist you in doing that, we have compiled an extensive list of the twelve best hunting knives in the market nowadays. The key features required to determine the correct knife include the blade and handle style, material, length and affordability.
So without further delay, let’s check out the best hunting knives of 2022
The first one on our list is the cheapest of the lot but don’t be fooled by its ridiculously low price because in functionality, it can give the most expensive ones a run for their money.
Table of Contents
1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife
Retailing at $19 apiece, no one expects the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife to last long but surprise, the company has so much faith in this product that it comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Unbelievable right? In our opinion not a single knife in the market can compete with the value this design provides for a measly cost. Forged from Sandvik stainless steel, the fixed 4.1-inch blade of this knife is ideal for carving, food preparation and cutting tinder. This high-quality razor sharp blade is tough and less prone to corrode or rust. With its ergonomic, patterned, high-friction grip the rubberized handle fits well into the hand providing greater control, safety and resistance to slip in wet and cold conditions. Even though you may not need to replace it, it’s low price tag is a desirable feature for putting your mind at ease because even if you lose it, you can always buy a new one. Also if it fails you because of a manufacturing fault, you can always claim the warranty and the company will replace it free of cost. In conclusion this is the most dependable knife for most activities be it cutting a tough rope or hunting large or small game.
2. Buck Knives 119 Special Hunting Knife
Produced by the renowned company, Buck Knives, the 119 Special Hunting knife is one of the best from their wide range of exceptional hunting knives. It boasts a gorgeous handle made of cocobolo wood and brass that ensures a comfortable grip and balance. With a 420HC blade and it’s bowie-style clip-point, this tool promises a perfectly balanced cut control. A beautiful amalgam of style and substance this blade’s function is as spectacular as the looks. It’s pricier than the pocket friendly Morakniv Companion blade but for $67 it costs much less than the most expensive one on this list. And with a premium high quality snap-fastening sheath accompanying it, this iconic blade is completely worth its price tag.
3. Spyderco Proficient Hunting Knife
Spyderco isn’t a new name for blade enthusiasts but there’s a good chance you associate them with their innovatively-shaped folding EDC knives. Well, we’re here to tell you that Spyderco has produced a vast variety of exquisite fixed blades too. The superior vanadium rich S90V stainless steel blade of the Proficient knife has skyrocketed its performance value providing a full-flat grind and increased cutting power. This one is an outdoor knife through and through created specifically for bushcraft and survival purposes. It’s full-tang solid carbon handle is carefully contoured and polished to provide an easy and comfortable grip. With its blade being only 4 inches long, this may not be the longest in this list but the reliability, proficiency and superb quality of this hunting knife makes it one of the most expensive on our list and we assure you it’s worth every dime.
4. Kershaw 1896GH LoneRock Hunting Knife
Whenever we talk about blades, a name that stands out is Kershaw. Their knife range features a comprehensive collection from entry-level folding knives to highly specialized machetes. In fact, Kershaw’s hunting knives standout for all the right reasons being cheap, sturdy and easy to use. One of these all-rounders is the LoneRock hunting knife. This modern design is built to withstand most studious hunts. pa heavy spine rimming and a thumb recess, it’s exquisite glass- filled handle paired with the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a vicious blow. The blade being easy to sharpen enhances the overall life of the knife while the inbuilt gut hook makes it the top choice for gutting fish, small game or fowl. For an astoundingly low price of $13, this blade comes with a nylon sheath ready to be carried anywhere, anytime.
5. Helle Folkekniven Hunting Knife
The aesthetic stunner of this list is this Scandinavian design by Helle-Designs. Packed in its simple yet elegant leather sheath, this hunting knife can be carried tucked in your belt or the backpack. This smaller utility knife has a 3.5 inch Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade supported by a curly birch handle is a go to for almost everyone. If you’re looking for a small, lightweight, medium priced hunting knife for your adventures and everyday use, the Folkekniven is one to look out for.
6. ESEE Knives 5P Fixed Blade
Hardly any brand can surpass the ability and robustness of this ESEE 5P fixed blade hunting knife. This hefty yet lightweight knife comes with an attachable Kydex sheath making it travel friendly. It’s 5 inch, 1099 stainless steel blade comes with a black finish. It’s glass breaker tip amplifies the strength to maximum meanwhile the textured Micarta handle provides a steady grip. Falling on the expensive side of the scale, this knife is available in a number of colors.
7. CRKT Hunt’N Fisch Fixed Blade Knife
CRKT’s relatively shorter knife measuring up to 7.25 inches in total is compact, handy and beautiful. The Hunt’N Fisch blade is a perfect cutting tool with its sharp 8Cr13MoV drop-point blade and a modern utilitarian handle. Enhancing it’s cutting power are the friction grooves on the blade’s spine. The multi-layered G10 handle boosts the beauty of this hunting knife while the paracord lanyard is excellent for immediate access. At $76 this knife is a clever choice for the buyer who doesn’t want to invest a lot of money in a knife.
8. Case Large Buffalo Horn Hunter Knife
Case is known for paying tribute to memorable historic tools and this hunting knife is no different. The Large Buffalo Horn Hunter Knife is a present day homage to the sturdy traditional hunter knives that were created to ensure maximum utilization of the hunted animal. The knife derives its name from the fact that it’s handle is crafted from a natural material separated from the horn of a water buffalo. This one is also a visual pleasure being made of a Tru-sharp surgical steel blade sculpted to resemble a saber. Coming with a lifetime warranty, this stylish and strong blade with its genuine leather sheath oozes poise. It’s one of those things you purchase once and it just might last you a few generations.
9. Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner Hunting Knife
The company Benchmade has built itself a reputation based on the spectacular quality and admirable design of its products. Named after a Mountain in Oregon, this particular hunting knife is well equipped to handle the difficult task of field dressing for all kinds of game. It’s stabilized wood handle further increases the efficiency. Crafted specifically with the goal to be used in hunting the Saddle Mountain Skinner has a 4.2 inch, S30V blade supporting a large gut hook on the spine. This one might be costly but it comes with a lifetime warranty and a lifetime sharpening service so we would say it’s a pretty worthy investment.
Finally, the last one on our list a no nonsense hunting knife that serves its purpose well without requiring much attention to details.
10. Ka-Bar Becker BK-2 Campanion Knife
The Becker BK-2 by Ka-Bar is a task appropriate hunting knife designed by the famed Eathan Becker. It’s full-tang fixed blade renders it rugged and hardy. The 1095 Cro-Van Steel blade is efficient and easy to sharpen. It’s Grivory handle is the definition of durable with a glass-breaker tip on the hilt. Made in the USA, this black beauty comes with a hard shell nylon black sheath and is one of a kind. In comparison to its counterparts the BK-2 companion knife is a great deal more chic and purposeful.
We believe the correct knife should be stylish, sharp and durable and that’s why these 10 knives caught our eye. Now that you know the specifications of all the best hunting knives, which one do you think has earned a spot on your shopping list?
