Hunting Knives

About hunting knives

Hunting knives are a hunter's best friend. Whether you're using a heavy-duty fixed blade knife for some serious hunting or a folding knife for quick, convenient pocket carry, these knives help with pretty much everything, from skinning to gutting to butchering.

Hunting knives come in several different types and can be categorized as follows:

By construction

Fixed blade knives

• A solid, non-folding blade that's ideal for heavy-duty hunting tasks like gutting and skinning large game

Folding knives

• Features a blade that folds into the handle

• Compact and easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt

By specific purpose

Skinning knives

• Have a precise, curved blade to help separate the skin from the meat without damaging the hide

Boning knives

• Comes with a narrow, flexible blade designed specifically for removing bones from the meat

Gut hook knives

• Features a hook on the back of the blade for opening the game's abdomen without puncturing the internal organs

By blade type

Drop point knives

• All-around hunting knives with a strong, durable blade that tapers to a point

• Best for field dressing and skinning

What are hunting knives used for?

Hunting knives are used mainly for processing game, which includes tasks like skinning, gutting, and butchering. These knives are durable, versatile, and sharp—a must-have for hunters everywhere.

Who makes the best hunting knives?

Many brands are known for their premium, top-of-the-line hunting knives, including:

Benchmade

High-quality, American-made knives—that's what Benchmade is all about. They offer a variety of durable hunting knives, whether you're tackling big game or smaller tasks.

Explore Benchmade hunting knives here.

ESEE

ESEE Knives is famous for their rugged, no-nonsense fixed blade knives. Built for tough conditions and survival scenarios, these knives are beloved by the hunter who needs a reliable tool for demanding tasks.

Check out ESEE knives here.

White River

White River offers some of the fastest-selling hunting knives on the market. In terms of ergonomics, White River knives are tough to beat. 

Explore our collection of White River knives here.

Buck Knives

A classic name in the knife industry, Buck Knives embodies traditional design paired with high-quality craftsmanship. Many hunters choose Buck knives for their proven durability and toughness in the field, a legacy started by founder Al Buck.

Browse our selection of Buck knives here.

When it comes down to it, the best hunting knife ultimately depends on your specific needs, hunting style, and personal preferences. Fixed blade or folding? Choose the knife that fits your hunting demands. In terms of availability, many brands ship across the USA—so you're sure to get the right knife for your next adventure.

What are the best hunting knives?

Some of the best hunting knives include:

• Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner: This Benchmade hunting knife is especially designed for big game hunters. Made from premium CPM S30V stainless steel, the full-tang drop point blade is razor sharp but easy to sharpen when needed.

• ESEE Izula II: This no-nonsense hunting knife, according to some reviewers, isn't exactly on the pretty side. But it gets the job done and comes with a no-questions-asked warranty.

• Buck 110 Folding Hunter: This foldable hunting knife is an American classic and still one of the bestselling knives on the market.

• White River Knives Small Game: If you’d rather not carry a regular bushcraft knife, this small fixed blade knife is compact, lightweight, and perfect for dressing small game, fishing, or hunting birds. 

How do I sharpen hunting knives?

Regular knife sharpening helps keep your hunting knives in top shape. For best results, follow these tips:

• Keep the angle consistent: Hold your knife steady at an angle of 20-25 degrees to get a sharp, durable edge without removing too much material.

• Use the right tools: Sharpening stone, honing rod, or electric sharpener? Pick the tool that matches your knife's needs. For example, a sharpening stone gives you more control—great for bringing a dull blade back to life.

• Hone regularly: Between sharpening sessions, use a honing rod to keep your knife’s edge aligned. This extends the time between sharpening.

• Don't overdo it: Over-sharpening can wear down your blade faster than necessary. Sharpen your knife only when it’s noticeably dull, and avoid taking off too much material.

• Consider professional sharpening: If you're uncertain about your sharpening skills or have a premium knife, seek the help of a professional to ensure a precise edge and prolong your blade’s lifespan.

What is considered the best hunting knife?

The best hunting knife is subjective, but knives like the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner, White River Sendero, and the ESEE Izula II are often considered top-tier choices due to their blade quality and versatility.

For those who prefer portability, folding hunting knives are compact and easy to carry but can handle a range of essential tasks, including field dressing and skinning.

What knife do hunters use?

Hunters often use fixed blade hunting knives for skinning and field dressing, but folding hunting knives are also popular for their portability.

What knives do I need for deer hunting?

For deer hunting, you typically need the following:

• Gut hook knife for field dressing

• Skinning knife for removing the hide

• Boning knife for processing the meat

Many hunters prefer multi-purpose knives like the Benchmade Steep Country for these tasks.

What makes a knife a hunting knife?

A hunting knife has a sharp, durable blade made from materials like stainless steel, designed for tasks such as skinning, gutting, and processing game.

How to choose the perfect hunting knife: A comprehensive guide

Shopping for a hunting knife? Here's how to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck:

1. Think about the blade material and length.

The blade is the most important part of a hunting knife, and its performance is directly tied to the material used. Stainless steel blades are popular because they're durable and corrosion-resistant. High-carbon steel blades, meanwhile, stay sharp longer and are easy to sharpen.

Blade length matters, too. If the blade is too long, it can be hard to handle. Too short, and it might not be versatile enough to tackle various tasks. A blade that's around 3.5-5 inches strikes a good balance.

2. Consider the knife's weight.

The ideal weight of your hunting knife depends on your preferences and hunting style. Here's a breakdown of why weight is important:

• Comfort: A lightweight knife is generally more comfortable to carry and use for extended periods, especially when skinning or dressing game.

• Maneuverability: A lighter knife is easier to maneuver and control, making it more suitable for delicate tasks that require precision.

• Chopping power: A slightly heavier knife may provide more power for chopping tasks like processing larger game.

3. Know the knife's purpose.

Hunting knives come in various styles, each tailored to specific tasks. For example, a drop point blade is versatile and great for general use, while a gut hook blade is perfect for opening up game without damaging the organs.

If you’re mainly after big game, get something sturdy and multifunctional—like a fixed blade drop point knife with a strong, durable blade. For small game or survival situations, a compact fixed blade knife, a folding knife, or a gut hook is a better choice.

4. Check for comfort and ergonomics

A knife should feel good in your hand, especially if you intend to use it for long periods. Look for handles with finger grooves and texturing to ensure a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Materials like carbon fiber can be ideal for this—they balance lightweight comfort and strength.

Before you buy, it’s a good idea to hold the knife and see how it feels. Comfort is key when handling any precise or repetitive task.

Where can I find hunting knives for sale?

Northwest Knives is a proud distributor of high-quality sporting knives from top brands like Benchmade, Spyderco, Tops, ESEE, Schwarz, and White River.

Premium knives for hunting that we currently have on sale include:

• Benchmade 15085-2 Mini Crooked River Manual Folder

• Tops Mini Scandi 2.5

• Benchmade 15017-1 Hidden Canyon Hunter

• Benchmade 15500-3 Meatcrafter

Need to connect with our team? Fill out this form, and we'll get back to you within 24-48 hours. Alternatively, you may call us at 208-884-8626 for any urgent requests or concerns.