Hunting Knives: Key Features to Have and the Best Options on the Market

Do you consider yourself a seasoned and knowledgeable hunter? Then you know just how important it is to have the right equipment to fully enjoy your favorite hobby and get it done correctly while simultaneously keeping yourself safe.

As a hunter, isn’t it true that your hunting knives are some of the most imperative tools you have in your hunting gear collection? You need these pieces of equipment in order to properly clean your game in various ways (not just skin your game, like the common skinning knife would do).

That is why when you are selecting a new hunting knife, you need to ensure it has all of the key features a successful, dependable, and sturdy hunting knife should have. Let’s have a closer look at the characteristics of all hunting knives, then the best knives for hunting on the market today.

Best Size Blade for Your Game
If you are typically hunting squirrels or other smaller game, you don’t want to be cleaning them with a six-inch blade! That is not only unnecessary but will be cumbersome, as that type of blade length is for larger game, such as whitetail deer.

Therefore, know what game you’re after and ensure that the blade length correctly corresponds with it. Big game bodes well with a blade that is about 4 to 6 inches in length. Small game, in contrast, does well with an average 3-inch long blade.

It is important to note that the longer the blade, the deeper it can go, but the less control you have over it. Therefore, when purchasing a hunting knife for multiple-sized game, many hunters compromise on a 4-inch blade.

Point Shape: Drop, Clip, and Trailing
No matter what game you intend on cleaning, be sure to carefully select your point shape. There are three main options: clip, drop, and trailing. The most popular for most hunting knives is the drop point, but all three come with their own advantages.

The drop point is the king of control, as its spine has a convex curve towards the tip. Contrastingly, the clip point has a concave curve from spine to tip, which allows for better control of the tip. Both clip and drop points make skinning game with loosely fitted skin (deer, sheep, antelope, etc.) easiest.

The trailing point is ideal for game with tighter skin to the muscle, as it has a long concave shape that has an increased length sweep. However, the control is less with this point shape because it is positioned about the spine. Therefore, when capping game, the clip and drop points are the typical go-tos.

The Gut Hook
Gut hooks may not be entirely important, as many hunters have hunted their entire lives without ever using one. The addition of it to your hunting knife could provide you with the advantage of easily skinning game.

However, there are some disadvantages to having this on the tip of your knife blade. It could pose as a nuisance for sharpening or simply get in your way when gutting or conducting other tasks.

Steel Type
Another important attribute to consider for your next hunting knife is the steel type. Fortunately, there is a multitude of excellent steel types on the market today for your hunting knife blade: M-390, 440C, ATS34, 154CM, and D2. Ensure that your hunting knife is made of any one of these steels for the best experience.

Best Hunting Knives from The Knife Connection
Now that you have a better idea of what you are looking for in your next hunting knife, let’s take a look at our top two best-selling hunting knives to get you even closer to finding the perfect knife for your next hunting trip.

1.ESEE Knives Series 4HM-K

Our top-selling hunting knife is an obvious one: the ESEE Series 4HM-K. This knife is a powerhouse in that it is ideal for both cleaning game and numerous other outdoor tasks. The black blade is fixed and has a drop-point. It has a modified handle made of green canvas micarta, one of the most popular and durable types of knife handles.

2.ESEE-6

ESEE makes the top of our list once again with the ESEE-6. It offers its users a fixed blade with a drop point and a cutting edge length of 5 ¾ inches. The handle is made of micarta, once again one of the best knife handles around. It’s excellent for hunting, fishing, and a slew of other outdoor activities, providing its utility.

In order to make the most of your hunting experience, equip yourself with the right hunting knife. Give our hunting knives a perusal and feel free to give us a call at (866)-336-2834 if you have any questions.