The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Hunting Knife

Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a beginner, knives are essential tools when it comes to hunting. A good hunting knife can serve many purposes, including skinning game, opening cavities, cutting through bone, and other simple tasks that come with hunting.

However, with so many types and models of hunting knives available in the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to provide you with an ultimate guide to buying a hunting knife that’ll help make your decision process much easier.

Know Your Needs

Before you commit to any hunting knife, it is crucial to thoroughly assess and comprehend your specific needs and the type of hunting you will be engaging in. For instance, if you are an avid big game hunter, you will require a larger and sturdier knife that can withstand the rigors of handling tough and demanding tasks. Conversely, if your hunting endeavors primarily focus on small game, opting for a smaller and more precise knife would be more appropriate for ensuring optimal performance and accuracy.

By thoroughly understanding and evaluating your unique requirements, you will be able to make an informed decision. Still, you shouldn’t be afraid to buy two knives if the size of the game you hunt varies.

Look at the Blade Features

The blade is the most important part of any knife, but it’s especially crucial to ensure you make the right choice when buying a hunting knife. The following are some features to keep an eye on when picking one out.

Blade Types

There are many different blade types available in the market, each designed for a specific purpose. The clip point blade, for example, is optimal for precision cutting and slicing. The drop point blade, on the other hand, is ideal for skinning because of its curved shape. Other popular blade types include the trailing point blade, the tanto blade, and the spear point blade. It’s important to choose a blade type that’ll suit your specific hunting needs.

Blade Material

Blade materials vary from knife to knife, and the type of material used will ultimately affect the performance, durability, and overall quality of the one you choose. The most popular materials for hunting knife blades include high-carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. High-carbon steel is well known for its sturdiness, while stainless steel is resistant to corrosion. Lastly, Damascus steel combines different metals, making it strong, durable, and resistant to rust. Plus, the end result of this blade type looks great.

Blade Length

As previously touched on, the blade length will affect how you use the knife based on the type of hunting you will be doing. A longer blade length is better for larger game because it can handle bigger cuts, allowing you to get deeper inside the carcass. On the other hand, we have shorter blade lengths, which are ideal for smaller, more precise cuts. The most common blade lengths for hunting knives range from 2.5 inches to 5 inches, but it’s up to you as to which size best fits your needs.

Consider the Handle

Since the blade is the main part of any knife, it’s easy to get too focused on it and completely overlook the other primary component: the handle. This part of a knife is just as crucial for hunting. A knife with a weak handle is much more difficult to use, so let’s look at some features you should consider for this part of the knife.

Handle Material

The handle material of a hunting knife is crucial because it affects grip and durability. Popular handle materials include wood, synthetic materials, bone, and rubber. Wooden handles are durable and offer a traditional look and feel, while synthetic materials are a bit stronger and more weather-resistant. Bone handles are more about style but can last for many years without issue. Finally, rubber handles offer a superior grip, providing more control over the knife in wet environments.

Handle Design

The design of the handle also affects the knife’s grip and overall comfort of using your blade. A handle that is too thin will be uncomfortable to hold for long periods, while a handle that is too thick can make the knife difficult to control. While these problems vary depending on hand size, a contoured handle will fit the shape of any hand better, so be sure to find one with this feature if possible.

Tang

While this is actually a part of the blade, the tang extends into the handle, making it a crucial consideration when looking at this part of the knife. A full tang is the best option for hunting knives since it runs the length of the handle, providing more strength and durability. When the handle is more secure, it’ll be less likely to break after prolonged usage. A partial tang only extends part of the way into the handle, making it less secure, but it’s not a bad choice for lighter hunting needs.

Find Some Useful Accessories

Even though this guide is about buying a hunting knife, it never hurts to consider some of the more helpful accessories that go with it. Explore some items that’ll improve your time with your hunting knife overall.

Sheath

A sheath is essential for protecting your knife, keeping it secure, and making it easy to carry. These are essential accessories for full-tang blades since they won’t be able to fold up into your pocket. Like any other accessory, companies use different materials to make sheaths, including leather, synthetic materials, and Kydex. Leather sheaths offer a classic look and are durable. Synthetic materials are more weather-resistant, while Kydex is lightweight, and manufacturers can mold it to fit the knife more accurately.

Sharpening Stones

Maintaining the sharpness of your hunting knife is pivotal for optimal performance during your hunting expeditions. Therefore, investing in a quality sharpening stone is essential. Sharpening stones come in different grits, with coarse grits used for dull blades and finer grits for polishing and honing an already sharp edge. Each sharpening material has its unique qualities and will affect the sharpness and longevity of your blade differently. It’s important to choose a sharpening stone that matches the hardness of your knife blade and aligns with your personal maintenance preferences.

Decide on a Price Range

Last but not least, price should undoubtedly be a key factor when selecting a hunting knife. The cost of hunting knives can vary significantly depending on factors such as the blade and handle material, design complexity, brand reputation, and additional features included.

However, a higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality, and you may find that a mid-range knife fulfills your needs just as effectively as a premium one. It is important to establish a budget before you start shopping. If you want the quality to match the price, be sure to shop with a qualified ESEE knife dealer. These knives are perfect for hunting, and you can rest easy knowing you didn’t overpay for yours.