Hunting

How to Choose the Right Hunting Knife

What's the ideal blade length for hunting?

A 3¼″ - 4″ drop point fixed blade is the trusted all-rounder, long enough for the dirty work, short enough for tight control. And if you want it to last from one season to the next, the Buck 103 Skinner and 192 Vanguard are two proven blades worth carrying into the field.

Fixed blade vs folding hunting knife - which is better?

Go for a fixed blade, like the Buck 119 Special when you need enhanced strength and fast access. Go for a folder like the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, when you want a classic that has a smaller size and gets the job done cleanly. Smart hunters pack both.

What steel type is best for hunting knives?

Want edge retention and corrosion resistance with less fuss? Go S35VN stainless, like in the 664 Alpha Pro. Prefer a blade that sharpens easily? Our tried and true 420 HC is incredibly corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen.

Can I use one knife for field dressing, skinning, and butchering?

Yes, one tough blade like the 113 Ranger Skinner can do it all. But when the game’s hung and you’ve got time at camp, add a 663 Alpha Guide Elite Knife to speed up clean cuts and save your edge.

How do I sharpen a hunting knife in the field?

Tuck the EdgeTek Ultra Field FlipStik in your pack. In 5 to 10 strokes, you're back in business. Fast, light, and field-friendly, this simple setup keeps your fixed blade hunting knife slicing sharp. The tri-grit diamond will sharpen any steel quickly and efficiently.

What's the difference between stainless and carbon steel?

Want classic toughness and don’t mind a little care? Go carbon, like the 104 Compadre. Prefer a blade that shrugs off weather and keeps cutting? Go stainless, like the 102 Woodsman or 656 Large Pursuit Knife and spend more time hunting, less time cleaning.

How much should I spend on my first hunting knife?

Start your hunt with $80 - $150that gets you a dependable Buck or equivalent fixed-blade; sturdy, easy to sharpen, and ready to handle your first field-dressing and skinning jobs. If budget allows, stepping into the $150 - $300 range scores premium steels and enhanced performance, but there's no need to spend more for solid starting value.

We recommend the Large BuckLite Max II if you want proven performance without the premium price. Step up to the 192 Vanguard if you’re investing in a classic look that holds up season after season. Either way, a great first knife doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it just has to work when it counts.

What blade shape is best for hunting?

Go drop point, like the 113 Ranger Skinner, for reliable, all-around hunting performance. Choose a clip point like the 110 Folding Hunter when you need fine-tip control. Focused on skinning? The 103 Skinner was made for that job. Again, it depends on the need, but for most hunters, drop point is the trusted everyday performer.

Do I need different knives for different game sizes?

One dependable blade, like the 119 Special, gets most jobs done. However, if you’re chasing everything from rabbits to elk, add a 664 Alpha Hunter Pro Knife for precision for big cuts. Tailor your lineup to your quarry, but be sure to start with that dependable all-rounder.