Of course, your hunting knife should have secondary characteristics that make it useful for survival, camping, and all-around utility. But the big job, the one it must conquer, is getting the meat field dressed quickly so its preserved and will taste great on your dinner plate.

　　What to look for? The knife should hold an edge or be easily field sharpened. It should fit well in the hand to protect the user from accidental injury. And a good hunting knife is usually stout enough to crack bone.

　　It doesnt need to be big or bulky like some sort of weapon. Remember, the animal is already dead when the knife comes into play. Use the links below to quickly navigate to what piques your interests, and dont miss our Buyers Guide, comparison chart, and frequently asked questions sections.

　　Editors note: This guide received an update on November 14, 2024, adding the Benchmade Flyway to the lineup.

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　　The Best Hunting Knives of 2024 Best Overall Hunting Knife: Benchmade Raghorn Best Budget Hunting Knife: Outdoor Edge WildPak 8-Piece Hunting Knife Set Runner-Up Hunting Knife: MKC Stonewall Skinner A Super Value Folding Knife: Morakniv Basic Best Ultralight Hunting Knife: Argali Carbon Knife Best Replaceable Blade Hunting Knife: Gerber Gear Vital Big Game Folder Best Processing Knife: Benchmade Meatcrafter Benchmade Raghorn $270 at REICheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Steel: CPM-CruWear (carbon fiber handle) or S30V (G10 handle) Weight: 3.5 oz. Blade length: 4.64 Overall length: 8.88 Pros Excellent steel holds an edge for a very long time Light Blaze orange blade (on carbon fiber version) won’t get lost Great ergonomics Cons The sheath doesn’t attach to a belt easily Carbon fiber version expensive Sean McCoy If youre in the market for the best hunting knife, period, and are willing to spend more than $300, its hard to argue with the Benchmade Raghorn.

　　Introduced in 2022, the Benchmade Raghorn ($420), or $270 for the G10 version, is a next-level hunting knife. I started testing it before its release and used it through a full big game hunting season.

　　Now available in two versions, the original carbon fiber handle, CruWear premium model, and a more affordable version with S30V steel and G10 handle, this is a wonderful hunting knife.

　　My first big test of the Raghorn came on the second to last day of the Colorado archery elk season when I took a small cow. With my buddies still trying to fill tags, it fell on me to haul it out and process it, mostly alone. But fortunately, I had this sharp tool as a trusty sidekick the whole way. From field dressing and breaking down the elk all the way to skinning quarters, cutting steaks, and even cleaning up scraps for the grinder, the Raghorn was the only knife I used to process the elk. And did it ever deliver.

　　One full elk processed, and the Raghorn was still sharp enough that I carried it straight back into the field for (an unsuccessful) rifle season. Sure, Ill send it to Benchmade for a free re-sharpening before the next big game season — a nice perk from the brand. But the fact that it could certainly handle multiple big game animals with maybe a light stropping really impressed me.

　　Most of this performance comes from cutting-edge steel (CPM-CruWear hardened to 63-65 Rockwell hardness). Its wonderful steel on a thin blade thats accurate, slices well, and cuts clean.

　　Couple that with an easy-to-see blaze orange blade, carbon fiber scales, and aggressive jimping along the spine and finger choil an excellent grip. The result is a darned near-perfect hunting knife.

　　Impressively, this rather large knife (4.64 blade, 8.88 overall) weighs just 3.5 ounces or 5 ounces including the sheath. Its incredibly light in the pack for a knife that performs beautifully in the hand.

　　Best Budget Hunting Knife Outdoor Edge WildPak 8-Piece Hunting Knife Set $51 at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Steel: 420J2 stainless steel Weight: 2 lbs., 6.4 oz. Blade length: Various Overall length: Various Pros Pros Low cost Has everything you need Comes with a carrying case and sharpener Cons Knives need resharpening often, dull quickly Too bulky for backcountry hunting Sean McCoy What youre looking at here is a whole lot of bang for the buck. The OUTDOOR EDGE WildPak 8-Piece Hunting Knife Set ($54) includes everything you need to break down just about any animal in the field.

　　This kit includes a gut hook, skinning knife, boning caping knives, a bone saw, spreader, and a knife sharpener. Everything fits in a slick little case, keeping you organized.

　　This might include more than youll ever use if youre a minimalist, but for those who like to have options, the set offers a ton of metal for an impressive price. These sets also make a pretty sweet gift.

　　These Outdoor Edge field dressing kits have been around for a long time for a reason. Ive had a set for years, and the quality is impressive. They wont hold an edge quite like more expensive steel, but they certainly accomplish more than their price tag lets on.

　　Ive used mine to field dress and process deer in the past, and I still keep it as a backup under the backseat of my truck. The knives are easy to sharpen with the included sharpener, which is good. Youll likely need to give them a few touchups throughout your processing to keep that edge fresh.

　　My several-year-old version has a few more pieces than this version, which, frankly, is a good thing. This particular kit is streamlined and has everything a hunter needs on a budget without having too many unnecessary parts and pieces.

　　Runner-Up Hunting Knife Montana Knife Company Stonewall Skinner $325 at Montana Knife Company

　　(Photo/Montana Knife Company) Specs Steel: Magnacut Weight: 5.5 oz. Blade length: 4.75″ Overall length: 9.25″ Pros Excellent steel Versatile, large-bellied blade shape Grippy, ergonomic handle Cons Hard to find Sean McCoy The MKC Stonewall Skinner ($325) is a strong challenger for the best hunting knife on the market. Particularly the premium model with Magnacut steel blade, this is a premier knife from a cottage brand that is making waves in the knife world.

　　Why all the hype? Brand founder Josh Smith has been turning heads for some time now. Also the brands master bladesmith, Smith passed the Journeyman Bladesmith test at just 15 years old — the youngest anyone has ever passed the test. Something of a prodigy in the world of knife-making, Smith became a Master at just 19. Today, the demand for his knives is intense.

　　We put the MKC Stonewall Skinner through rigorous testing in 2022. Hunting Editor Rachelle Schrutte used it to clean four deer and a mountain lion, and through all that, it kept a keen edge, only needing re-sharpening by the very end of the season.

　　But the story goes deeper than edge retention and quality steel. Every component of this knife is genuinely fantastic. The blade shape gives an enormous cutting edge and a nice fine point. The handle fits beautifully in the hand. And the high polish not only looks beautiful, but also makes the knife super easy to clean.

　　This is one of the hot knives of 2024. So why didnt it take the top slot? Well, two things give the Benchmade a minor leg up: weight and availability. The Benchmade Raghorn will save you two ounces in the pack for about the same price and similarly high-quality steel. And, well, you can get one.

　　Read Review: MKC Stonewall Skinner Review: Magnacut Hunting Knife Done Right

　　A Super Value Hunting Knife Morakniv Basic Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Steel: Sandvik Stainless Weight: 4.1 oz. Blade length: 3.6 Overall length: 8.25 Pros Great price for a quality knife Comfortable handle Cons Wont hold an edge like higher-end knives Not full-tang Sean McCoy This is a cheap knife ($13) that can take a beating, and its a true fit for even big-game hunting. One GearJunkie tester said, My longstanding adventure partner knife has been a Mora — a stainless steel blade with a bright-blue plastic handle, which is easy to find when you set it down.

　　He continued, Its survived me hammering on it with a log to break a deers pelvic bone. Ive also gutted many fish with it. Its a do-all blade. Its light, cheap, easy to replace, and easy to sharpen. Not at all fancy, but its all you need. 

　　Morakniv makes the Basic knife in Sweden. While the steel isnt as impressive as others on this list, when it comes to value, nothing can stand up to the Morakniv. The plastic handle is grippy and ergonomic, and the fixed blade is durable enough for any camp tasks. If youre just getting into hunting and looking to save some money while having effective tools on hand, this is a great place to start.

　　Best Ultralight Hunting Knife Argali Carbon Knife Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at BlackOvis

　　Specs Steel: S35VN Weight: 1.8 oz. Blade length: 3.25 Overall length: 7.25 Pros Perfect shape for efficiency Light Excellent steel Cons Not easy to attach sheath to belt or other external straps Sean McCoy The hunting brand Argali Outdoors specializes in lightweight backcountry hunting gear. And with that, it developed its own run of hunting knives. The Argali Carbon Knife ($193) fits the lightweight theme to a tee.

　　At just 1.8 ounces, the featherweight is barely noticeable. And yet, it doesnt compromise prowess. Our field testing has proven it to be an agile and effective knife on big game in the field.

　　The grippy handle ensures that you dont lose control even in wet and difficult conditions. Further, strategic jimping adds grip to the handle and knife spine. This ones a precise tool in the hand.

　　Our hunting editor, Rachelle Schrute, said this knife is her go-to tool. Its much more grippy than a lot of other knives that size, she noted. The Argali is flat enough and with a wide enough blade that it lives in my bino harness.

　　Thats high praise coming from a woman whos cleaned more animals than most. And the Argali Carbon has the specs to back it up. US-made S35VN coupled with textured G10 removable handles make this knife simply great. And for the price, its a very good value that will last for decades if cared for properly. Finally, Argali offers a lifetime mail-in sharpening for their knives, at no cost to customers.

　　Best Replaceable Blade Hunting Knife Gerber Gear Vital Big Game Folder Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Steel: Replaceable stainless steel scalpel blades Weight: 4.9 oz. Blade length: 3.75 Overall length: 9.75 Pros Easy and safe blade changes Razor-sharp new blades every time Ergonomic handle Cons Cannot accomplish hard-use tasks. User should carry a second knife for camp Sean McCoy In recent years, Ive begun carrying a replaceable-blade knife along with my fixed blade on any elk hunt. Thats because its impossible to beat the sharpness of a scalpel when it comes to fine work while quartering game. I still carry my fixed blade too, but a replaceable-blade knife is indispensable.

　　But wheres the Havalon, you ask? Well, its been bumped off by a replaceable-blade knife from Gerber. After using the Gerber Gear Vital Big Game Folder ($51), our team of testers found it much easier to replace blades in the field. And that means its safer and overall easier to use than its competitors. Many guides have made the switch, and we have too.

　　With the safest exchangeable-blade systems available, you can keep a surgically sharp blade ready and replaced in seconds. The 3.75-inch blades arent made for breaking a bone or batoning wood. Instead, these are for intricate, perfect cuts. Thats what you want for quality meat.

　　This model ships with four extra blades; two drop-point and two blunt, to get the work done fast and efficiently.

　　Best Processing Knife Benchmade Meatcrafter Check Price at Amazon

　　Benchmade designed the Meatcrafter with renowned hunter Steve Rinella; (Photo/Sean McCoy) Specs Steel: S45VN (also availabe in several other steels) Weight: 3.24 oz. Blade length: 6.08 Overall length: 11.06 Pros Excellent handle for long hours of work Blade shape optimized for meat processing Super sharp, slicey, thin blade Perfect for butchering game in camp or at home Cons Too large to carry in the field Not intended for gutting or quartering game Sean McCoy Benchmade worked with hunter Steven Rinella of MeatEater to build a knife with the express purpose of turning wild game into food. So the Meatcrafter ($370) really comes into play when the hunt is over.

　　The 6.7-inch trailing-point blade uses premium S45VN steel to hold its extremely keen 14-degree edge angle. A gorgeous Grivory handle sits beautifully in the hand. We tested the knife and loved it for meat processing. The long blade gives an exceptional cutting surface that can work for hours on end without losing an edge.

　　While we wouldnt carry this blade in the field, it would live in camp or at home to complete the large task of butchering an animal into freezer-size steaks, chops, and loins. It, too, comes with a hefty price of $370. But with that, you get an heirloom-worthy tool that is a joy to use.

　　Read Review: Meatcrafter: Benchmade Blade Is Highly Functional Work of Art

　　Best Small Game Knife Benchmade Flyway Check Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Design: Full tang fixed blade Steel: CPM-154 Handle: G10 Blade length: 2.70 Blade thickness: 0.09 Length: 6.96 Weight: 2.10 oz. Pros Scalpel-like sharpness Excellent handle ergonomics High-quality steel holds edge very well Cons Hard to sharpen on your own Sean McCoy Read Review: Upland Hunting Knife Fight! MKC Sharptailed vs. Benchmade Flyway Regarding small game, hunters are best served by short, stout, sharp knives. In essence, these are aggressive pairing knives capable of fine detail work. The Benchmade Flyway ($200) is the epitome of this knife

　　Hunters can find two versions of the Flyway. First, we tested the CPM-154 stainless steel version. Its a good value with very good steel and a nice, grippy handle. It works wonders in the kitchen for fine detail cutting on both wild game and store-bought fare and has become a go-to knife that our editors use every day.

　　The second version is identical, except for the steel. Just launched in 2024, it uses S90V super steel to hold an incredible edge. Nearly $100 more than the original, the S90V version is best fit for serious duck or small game hunting when the knife almost exclusively cuts meat and avoids time on cutting boards. Thats because it is also really difficult to re-sharpen, so is ideal in situations that wont slowly dull the blade.

　　But whichever you choose, the Flyway is a fantastic knife for small game, with aggressive jimping and a sharp tip just dialed for small game processing. It makes fast work of ducks, pheasants, rabbits, or even fish in a pinch.

　　Its worth noting another great knife for small game, the Montana Knife Company Sharptailed. While nearly identical to the Flyway, and better in some ways, its also really hard to get these in stock. But if you prefer it, its a dead heat between these knives, so dont hesitate to grab either.

　　Buck 113 Ranger Skinner Knife Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Buck

　　Specs Steel: 420HC (S30V available in customs) Weight: 5.2 oz. Blade length: 3.12 Length overall: 7.25 Pros Great blade shape for big-game processing Good handle Upgraded steel is excellent Reasonable price Cons Better steel available Sean McCoy After several years as our top choice in this article, Buck was finally dethroned this year, largely due to some wonderfully new modern steels and designs. But this is still one of my personal favorite hunting knives. I have used it to quarter and process multiple elk. At the end of these fairly significant jobs, it remains usefully sharp even before hitting the Wicked Edge GO sharpener to fine-tune again. Not many knives can do that job and still retain a keen edge even today, about 10 years after this one came out.

　　The key to this guy is the S30V steel ($106). Im not sure of the Rockwell hardness, but the stuff just doesnt dull. This steel has become very common in recent years, but even though newer steels now outperform it, S30V is still fantastic.

　　Its also the perfect size for my hand. And while the handle material could get slippery, in my use it remains secure because of the excellent shape that blocks the hand from sliding. The 3.125-inch blade is easy to manage in cold weather. And the rosewood handle? Beautiful.

　　A less expensive model ($70) is available in 420HC steel. These are made in the USA.

　　Note, the photographed model under has a black finish and was a Cabelas exclusive design. Today, you can get the same S30V steel directly from Buck, but only as a custom blade. And it requires an 8-week lead time, so be sure to buy early.

　　Kershaw CQC-11K Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Specs Steel: D2 Weight: 5.8 oz. Blade length: 3.5 Overall length: 8.5 Pros Folding knife option Fast opening Decent steel Affordable Cons Not as safe as fixed blade Better steel available Sean McCoy The CQC-11K is a newer model to Kershaws hunting line. In 2018, it replaced the previously featured Diskin Hunter as a blade that will work great for hunting but can also transition into the survival realm and back. Made in collaboration with renowned knifemaker Ernest Emerson, the CQC-11K ($91) has a 3.5-inch blade of hard-wearing D2 steel.

　　The blade is a great shape for the hunter, with a deep belly for skinning or game processing. Its a folding blade, which can save some space in the pack or pocket. On the handle, G10 front scales will give a good grip even when wet or bloody.

　　Deep jimping on the back of the handle of this knife adds to your secure grip, and the thumb stud or wave opening system allows for quick deployment for EDC. The stainless steel back and sturdy frame lock will keep it open and safe. It has a reversible pocket clip for left- or right-hand carry.

　　DiamondBlade Pinnacle 1 Check Price at Diamond Blade Knives

　　Specs Steel: Friction-forged D2 Weight: 4 oz. Blade length: 2.55 Overall length: 7.25 Pros Excellent blade shape Good handle Hand made Cons Expensive for D2 steel Sean McCoy DiamondBlade uses a unique friction-forging process that results in some of the hardest D2 high-carbon steel on the market. Its blades hold an edge for an incredibly long time.

　　While these come with a hefty price ($315 for this one), the Pinnacle 1 is definitely one of the best hunting knives on the market.

　　The handle is handmade and contains handset mosaic pins. The 2.55-inch blade has a deep belly for excellent skinning and shallow cuts for field processing.

　　Crisp jimping on the blade spine helps ensure a stout grip and varied hold methods. Overall, its close to the ideal hunting knife if your wallet can handle the high price tag.

　　Buck Pursuit Large Knife Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Academy Sports

　　Specs Blade: 420HC Weight: 6.4 oz. Blade Length: 4.5 Overall Length: 9.5 Pros Good value OK steel for the price Easy to maintain Cons Wont hold an edge like modern steel Large Sean McCoy At a mid-tier price, youll be hard-pressed to find a better fixed-blade knife than a Buck. The Pursuit series is a great modern hunting knife line that takes advantage of Bucks excellent steel-hardening capabilities.

　　The 656 Pursuit Large Knife ($60) uses low-priced but well-hardened 420HC steel in its 4.5 full-tang blade. Itll hold an edge well enough to process big game. And the slip-resistant nylon/Versaflex handle will stay secure in your hand.

　　Want this knife at an upgrade? Check out the Pursuit Pro line, which rocks S35V steel at a higher price.

　　Benchmade Altitude Fixed-Blade Knife Check Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: S90V Weight: 1.6 oz. Blade length: 3.08 Length overall: 7.38 Pros Exceptional steel Very light Near perfect minimal design Made specifically for cleaning game Cons Expensive The minimal handle makes hard-use tricky Sean McCoy Introduced in 2019, the Benchmade Altitude ($200) is incredibly light at just 1.67 ounces. But it packs huge capability into this ultralight package thanks to the premium S90V steel construction. Its a simple design thats almost entirely steel, with a couple of carbon fiber micro-scales and abundant jimping to add grip.

　　But dont let the simplicity fool you. At 7.38 inches overall and a 3.08-inch blade with a 2.875-inch cutting edge, this knife is ready to get to work. And thanks to the ultra-high-end steel, it will hold an edge long enough to process an elk, deer, or most any big-game animal in North America.

　　We put it to the test hunting in Colorado in 2019 and 2020 to great success. Spoiler this is also one of my favorite hunting knives, period. And if weight is an issue, itll be the one I chose to throw in my backpack.

　　The Altitude could arguably rank higher on our list, but ultimately, our top choice of the Raghorn is more versatile and should serve more users. But if super light weight is your primary factor, the Altitude is a great choice.

　　Read Review: Benchmade Altitude Review: Crazy-Light, Ultrasharp Mountain Hunting Knife

　　Gerber Randy Newberg DTS Check Price at Gerber GearCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steels: 440C primary blade, D2 tendon blade Weight: 6.6 oz. Blade length: 3.75 Length overall: 8.9 Pros Unique design gives two cutting implements Tendon tool makes tough cuts Primary blade saved for fine work Specifically designed for elk hunting Cons 440C steel only OK Folding design Sean McCoy Randy Newberg is a renowned elk hunter. He brought his decades of experience to Gerber to help the brand build the DTS ($60), a task-specific big-game hunting knife with some unique attributes.

　　First, the DTS has two blades. A primary blade of mid-grade 440C steel gives you a reliable cutting tool. And the DTS secondary tendon tool is made of extremely tough D2 steel.

　　This gives hunters a second, tough blade to use when cutting tendons or other burly flesh, bone, or hair, which helps save the steel in the primary blade for more delicate cuts. Our 2020 testing of this knife shows it to be tough and effective for breaking down big game in the field.

　　Opinel No. 8 Beechwood Handle Knife Check Price at REI

　　Specs Steel: 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel Weight: 1.5 oz. Blade length: 3.25 Length overall: 7.5 Pros Very cheap Secure locking ring Simple camp knife can process small game Cons Not suitable for large game The absolute minimum for cleaning small game Mediocre steel Sean McCoy This is a great, inexpensive camp knife at $18, and it works fine for small-game preparation. Its the only knife on this list that wed hesitate to choose for big game because it has zero finger protection. That said, the superb palm swell in the wood handle makes for a confident grip.

　　For the money, its a darned fine knife. No wonder its been around since the 1880s. The 3.25-inch blade is just about right for cleaning small and midsize game, and the high-carbon steel takes an incredibly keen edge.

　　Not our first choice, but for the money, itll do the job. Opinel makes the No. 8 Beechwood Handle Knife in France.

　　Comparison Chart

　　The author and two buddies take turns dragging a mule deer out of the woods; (photo/Sean McCoy) fI and our team are avid hunters with decades of experience in the field. And we also happen to be total knife knuts. We put the knives listed here through rigorous testing in the field. Some of the knives listed here have gone through more than 10 years of testing. We also travel to trade shows to meet with brands and learn about their newest products. We then put those through tests to decide if theyre worthy of this guide. Ultimately, we recommend the same knives here as we do to our best friends and hunting buddies.

　　Best Knives for Hunters: Personal Preference I know Im going out on a limb with this kind of best of column. Whenever you say best, someone will get left out. Someones going to get theirfeelings hurt.

　　But Im OK with that. Suck it up, buttercup. And feel free to tell me why your knife deserves to be on this list. There are a ton of great blades in the world, and the GearJunkie staff wants to hear about your favorite.

　　The Best Backpacks for Big-Game Hunting of 2024We tested and researched the best backpacks for hunting deer, elk, and big game. These top hunting packs shone through. Read more

　　You may have gleaned this from the above selections, but to be completely clear: I dont like huge knives for hunting, as I feel they are more dangerous to the user when its dark, rainy, slippery, or God knows what else. Theyre also heavier.

　　And I dont like gut-hooks, as I feel a well-handled knife does the job of opening the body cavity just fine. If thats your bag, all right. Its just not mine.

　　The Benchmade Raghorn makes quick work of breaking down game; (photo/Sean McCoy) Finally, I prefer fixed-blade knives in general for hunting. Thats because, if they need to shift into survival or bushcraft mode, you have a tool you can baton through firewood with less risk. That said, folding knives can serve you well and I do include some here.

　　We included retail prices with our selections, but many of the knives above can be had for big discounts during sales. When investing, keep in mind that a good hunting knife can last for a literal lifetime, so its not a place to scrimp. Buy one youll love, and youll love it forever. Buy one you hate, and well, youll be stuck hating it forever, or buying another soon. Happy hunting!

　　Play Price And Value With hunting knives, you get what you pay for — to a degree. But just because a knife is affordable doesnt mean it wont do the job. Remember that old-school carbon steel and 420HC, which are considered cheap today, were top-shelf not that long ago. And they will still process a deer today just as well as in the 1970s.

　　My point is that any knife with decent steel and an appropriate design will do the job. So dont let the lack of a premium blade stop you from getting in the field.

　　In the budget knife range, look for knives with 420HC steel. While its older and softer than modern super steels, it will absolutely do the job. You should be able to find these knives with wood or rubber handles for around $50.

　　As you increase the price range, expect higher quality steels like S30V in midrange knives. Youll find Micarta and G10 handles with good steel for $100 to $200.

　　Over $250, you hit premium materials like MagnaCut, CruWear, and S90V steel. Carbon fiber and other premium handle materials are the norm. And the designs should be dialed.

　　$400 and above are the cream of the crop, with knives like the carbon fiber Benchmade Raghorn (our top choice) carrying these premium prices.

　　Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Sharpen a Hunting Knife? In short, you sharpen a hunting knife the same way as you would any other outdoor knife. That means using a sharpening tool and following its instructions. You can use a sharpening stone, a powered sharpener like a WorkSharp Knife and Tool Sharpener, or a guided sharpening tool like the Worksharp Precision Knife Sharpener or Lansky Precision Knife Sharpening Kit. Using those tools is straightforward but requires reading and following instructions beyond the scope of this article.

　　Its worth noting that several top brands offer free or cheap knife re-sharpening. For example, Benchmade, Argali, and Montana Knife Company all offer free lifetime sharpening of their knives. For hunters, thats a great deal and something worth taking advantage of every year.

　　What Is The Best Hunting Knife Brand? If I had to pick one best hunting knife brand, I would probably say Benchmade. But Buck, Kershaw, Gerber, Spyderco, Havlon, and many other brands make great hunting knives.

　　What Makes a Good Hunting Knife? A good hunting knife will first and foremost be razor sharp. High-quality steel that will hold an edge for a long time helps keep that sharpness during the long process of cleaning a game animal. Next, you want a great handle that wont slip in your hand. Finally, make sure the knife blade shape is appropriate. I personally prefer a blade around 3.5 to 4 inches long with a drop-point or clip-point shape.

　　Can I Carry a Hunting Knife on my Belt? You sure can, at least while hunting. Many good fixed-blade hunting knives come with a belt sheath designed for this purpose. Just be sure not to run afoul of the law while walking around cities or towns with open or concealed-carry knife restrictions.

　　How Should I Care for or Clean a Hunting Knife? To clean a hunting knife, simply wash it with soap and water. But dont put them in the dishwasher as the powerful heat and detergents could damage the handle. Make sure to dry them well before storing them. If you have high-carbon steel, wipe it down with a light coating of oil before storage to inhibit rust.

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　　The Best Womens Hunting Jackets of 2021 No longer are women relegated to buying from the mens section. Womens-specific hunting jackets are available en masse, and weve got recommendations.