Rating of the best hunting knives for 2024

Going to hunting, every self-respecting fisherman should have a high-quality knife in his arsenal. Many hunters take pride in their gadgets, and some even collect them.

Today's review focuses on the selection of a hunting knife and a selection of the best models based on feedback from real buyers.

Types of knives for hunting

In order not to be mistaken in the choice, especially for beginners, first you need to understand why you need this item on the hunt.

Except for self-defense, in most cases, hunting knives are used to finish off a wounded animal, skin the prey or for household needs.

The tool consists of a handle and a cutting part. Particular attention is paid to the choice of the blade, since the service life and operational data depend on its wear resistance, strength and sharpness.

Every hunter is familiar with the concept of "Rockwell hardness" - HRC. The higher this value, the stronger the product and, naturally, more expensive. The best option for game fishing is from 55 HRC.

So that over time the sharp blade does not become dull under the influence of corrosive processes, the cutting part is chrome plated.

There are many types of knives. To begin with, they are divided by field of application:

• Single-function - for one specific task, for example, to dismember game or separate bones from meat;
• Universal - suitable to finish off a wounded animal or bird. The cutting part of such a product is usually flat, without sawtooth sharpening. Handle with restrictive recess.

In natural sizes, the shape of the fishing knives varies. The most popular types of blade are:

• Rectangular;
• With a lowered top edge to reduce product weight. On the reverse side there is either a false blade, or it is also sharpened;
• With an overstated butt line - found on long blades;
• "Bowie" - the edge of a thin, awl-shaped blade is beveled at an angle so that the sharp part approaches the place of the stop when piercing;
• Straight Edge and Curved Cutting - Used for piercing;
• Dagger-shaped - with a double-edged cutting part.

By structure, the models are divided into the following types:

• Classic - weight 120-180 gr., Blade length - 10-13 cm;
• Large - weight from 180 to 300 g., Blade length - 13-17 cm;
• Foldable is the safest option. They can be equipped with one or two blades and vary in size. Before purchasing a model, you need to check the mechanism by slightly shaking the blade. If it staggers, then it is better not to purchase such a knife.

How to choose the right implement?

In order for the knife to be really useful, and not just take up space in the luggage, it is necessary to approach the choice with all seriousness.

Particular attention is paid to the following characteristics:

• Scope - for cutting carcasses, finishing off prey, economic purposes, etc.;
• Price-quality ratio;
• Blade type and quality of materials of manufacture;
• Comfortable grip.

The most suitable option is a model with a thin wedge-shaped blade: such a tool cuts well, but there is also a drawback that such a knife quickly loses its sharpness due to its small thickness.

The handle must also meet certain characteristics, because it guarantees maneuverability, and therefore ensures efficient work. The handles of hunting knives are connected to the cutting part in two ways - riveted or riveted.

Basic requirements for the handle:

• Strength;
• Balancing;
• Non-slip surface;
• Comfortable use.

Compliance with these characteristics is ensured by the material of manufacture: wood, bone, horn or metal.

The most commonly used horns are moose, deer, roe deer or some types of livestock. Ivory or ivory will not work as this material dries out and deteriorates quickly.

The hardwood handle has some advantages: it does not stick to the palm in blood and does not freeze to it in cold weather. In addition, this handle is durable and lightweight.

The metal part is reliable, but it can stick to your hands when cutting game, quickly cools in the cold and can cause discomfort.

Rubber or polypropylene is easy to use, but in the cold season, such material can crack.

Stoppers located between the blade and the handle are needed for a general purpose device to prevent the palm from sliding onto the cutting edge. For cutting prey and similar precise operations, it is advisable to choose a tool without them.

Tips for Beginner Hunters

If a beginner finds it difficult to choose a knife, then four basic rules can help him:

1. For catching large ungulates, a small tool with a short but wide blade is suitable.
2. To finish off a wounded animal, you need a knife with a narrow cutting part.
3. Skinning game without a curved blade and a ripping hook will be problematic.
4. A tool with a long blade will help to cut the carcass.

Top 10 best hunting knives

10th place: "Buck 110BRS"

Main characteristics
Country:	USA
Material:	stainless steel, wood
Blade:	9.5 cm.
Full length:	21.9 cm.
A type:	folding
Sheath:	leather
Average price:	5810 RUB

Hunters have been extremely positive about this knife, which has been produced since 1962. During its existence, the tool has earned a positive reputation and, despite the fact that it is folding, the strength of 110BRS is not inferior to the solid one.

The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty for its product.

The tool is suitable for skinning prey and can be used for tourist domestic purposes. The handle is made of walnut and brass pads, it fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip during use. The set with the device includes a leather case made in Mexico and a spectacular black box, in which it can be presented to a collector or just a connoisseur of cold steel.

• Quality and reliability;
• Leather case included;
• Universal application;
• Lifetime warranty;
• Not a melee weapon;
• Prolonged sharpness of the blade;
• Durability of operation.

• Short blade;
• High price.

9th place: "Military Elastron Stonewash"

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	corrosion-resistant steel, elaston
Blade:	16 cm.
Full length:	28.7 cm.
A type:	monolithic
Sheath:	leather
Average price:	2 500 RUB

Among the army weapons modified for civilian needs, the "Militari", produced by the "Kizlyar" plant, stands out. The cutting part of the blade is narrowed towards the point. A continuous matt black-coated canvas passes through the handle. The elaston handle does not slip or stick to the skin.The anti-reflective coating protects the blade from aggressive environmental conditions and does not wear off even with active use.

This utility knife is suitable for cutting and skinning large prey and for tourist purposes.

• Brutal appearance;
• Multifunctionality;
• Solid construction for added stress protection;
• Non-slip grip;
• Unlike most products, Kizlyar does not require a purchase permit;
• Affordable price.

• Not suitable for skinning small prey.

8th place: "Model 007"

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	author's alloy, wood
Blade:	14.5 cm.
Full length:	26.3 cm.
Sheath:	leather
Average price:	from 10 500 rubles, depending on the alloy

Model 007 is a kind of visiting card of Igor Yurievich Pampukha. The blacksmith has been making this knife for 20 years and over the years the tool has proven itself perfectly in various situations. The blade is forged from stainless, alloyed or carbon damask steel, which is a part of the author's alloy of the craftsman and, depending on the material, the price varies. The knife withstands long-term stress and facilitates the laborious process of skinning the butchering of the animal.

The blade is specially designed to guarantee a precise and deep cut. The famous gunsmith always hardens the material with his own hands and forges weapons.

According to the owners, the tool lies comfortably in the palm of your hand, the hand does not get tired even with prolonged loads, does not slip and does not cool in frost.

• Handmade;
• Author's alloy and individual approach;
• Lifetime warranty on the weapon and its service;
• Prolonged sharpness of the blade;
• No purchase permission needed.

• High price.

7th place: "Shark SARO"

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	steel, oil-resistant rubber
Blade:	13 cm.
Full length:	25.8 cm.
Sheath:	cordura (nylon)
A type:	monolithic
Average price:	3 250 RUB

This model has an interesting design and is made of high-quality, well-sharpened steel. "Shark" is not classified as a melee weapon, although it is one of the options for combat knives among divers.

The butt of the blade is equipped with a skinning tooth, which can be used both for cutting a sling and for a metal file. The tool is all-metal, made from an alloy of alloy steel and refractory metals. The handle is formed by gluing two carbon fiber pads.

The tool is suitable for both tourist and domestic needs, as well as for skinning and cutting large animals.

• Low weight;
• Interesting design;
• Quality materials of manufacture;
• Multifunctionality;
• Does not require a purchase license;
• Affordable price.

• Users complain that the grip is slipping.

6th place: "Spyderco Bill Moran"

Main characteristics
Country:	USA
Material:	Japanese stainless steel, thermoplastic
Blade:	9.9 cm.
Full length:	20.3 cm.
Sheath:	kydex
A type:	monolithic
Average price:	9 500 RUB

This hunting knife is the result of a collaboration between Spyderco Corporation and American designer Bill Moran. The model is in demand among tourists and hunters, as it is made of high quality materials that are lightweight and durable.

Suitable for household needs and will become an assistant when cutting even a large animal.

Due to its small dimensions, the tool does not take up much space and does not hinder movement. It can be used both as a main weapon and as a spare.

• Robust construction;
• Quality materials of manufacture;
• Prolonged sharpness of the blade;
• Little weight;
• Multifunctionality.

• Short canvas;
• Cast handle;
• High price.

5th place: "Eggen HE75"

 

Main characteristics
Country:	Norway
Material:	laminated stainless steel, Karelian birch
Blade:	10.1 cm.
Full length:	21.1 cm.
Sheath:	leather
A type:	classical
Average price:	8 250 RUB

As planned by the manufacturers, this knife was supposed to become a multifunctional tool for hunters and tourists. The tool is created manually from a special alloy using a unique technology that gives the blade a three-layer structure.

The cutting part is sharp and is suitable for skinning an animal, and even for carving wood.

The handle is tilted towards the blade for extra comfort during extended work. Also on the handle there is a support for the finger, which prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade.

The set includes an embossed genuine leather sheath.

• Lifetime manufacturer's warranty;
• Quality materials of manufacture;
• No purchase license required;
• Multifunctionality;
• Handmade;
• Thoughtful design;
• Comfortable grip.

• For some types of work on the hunt, the blade is not suitable: too short;
• High price.

4th place: "Berkut" Kizlyar

 

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	corrosion-resistant steel, wood
Blade:	15 cm.
Full length:	28.7 cm.
Sheath:	leather, designer
A type:	big
Average price:	1 250 RUB

Despite the low price, the Berkut manufactured at the Kizlyar plant has been distinguished by its durability for almost 20 years and is in demand among tourists, hunters and weapon collectors. Bowie canvas is sharpened from one and a half sides: butt is sharp to the middle. The anatomical handle made of Caucasian walnut fits in the palm of the hand "like a native".

The blade is versatile: suitable for skinning, butchering carcasses and copes well with chopping young branches and small bones.

In the 90s of the last century, these knives were made of not the best quality steel: the tip often broke, the blade was dull and scratched. Today, these shortcomings have been eliminated and the plant produces high-quality and beautiful weapons.

• Price-quality ratio;
• Multifunctionality;
• Anatomical handle;
• Prolonged sharpness of the blade;
• Affordable price.

• It is a melee weapon, a purchase permit is required.

3rd place: "LAPPI PUUKKO 85"

Main characteristics
Country:	Finland
Material:	carbon steel, Karelian birch
Blade:	8.5 cm.
Full length:	11.5 cm.
Sheath:	leather
A type:	classical
Average price:	4 590 p.

The legendary Finnish Puukko knives are popular all over the world and have a long history. This tool belongs to the traditional Scandinavian equipment of the hunter. The classic straight blade is forged using triple stacking from materials that are resistant to temperature changes.

The rounded handle is firmly attached to the cutting edge of the implement. It is mainly made from Karelian birch, since products from this wood species do not slip and do not chill your hand in the cold. The tool is ideal for fishing and is suitable for almost all types of hunting and field work.

Puucco knives can vary in blade length and are manufactured by many manufacturers around the world.

• Versatility;
• Reliability, proven over the years;
• Quality materials of manufacture;
• No purchase license required;
• Comfortable handle;
• Prolonged blade sharpness.

• This particular model has a short canvas.

2nd place: "Bear" Rusich

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	Damascus steel, Karelian birch
Blade:	16 cm.
Full length:	28 cm.
Sheath:	leather
A type:	classical
Average price:	4 590 p.

The model is made of 400 layers of Damascus steel - hard and durable. This tool fully complies with the requirements of the state standard and belongs to the class of cutting and skinning knives. Therefore, no purchase permission is required.

It can also be used as a hiking tool for tourist purposes.

The handle, made of Karelian birch, is characterized by increased wear resistance and is not subject to corrosion processes.

• Quality materials of manufacture;
• Long-term sharpness of the cutting part;
• Strength and durability;
• Multifunctionality;
• No purchase license required.

• Not found.

1st place: Russian Knight "Buran"

Main characteristics
Country:	Russia
Material:	Damascus steel, wenge
Blade:	18.8 cm.
Full length:	31 cm.
Sheath:	leather
A type:	monolithic
Average price:	4 200 RUB

The all-metal survival knife "Buran" becomes the leader of the rating. Made from the strongest Damascus steel (1200 layers). Differs in long-term sharpness and wear resistance. For the convenience of the owner, a sharp thread is provided on the butt of the blade, which makes the product almost universal.

The weapon is suitable both for finishing off the beast and for cutting and skinning prey. The handle is made of wenge wood: non-slip and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

Despite its impressive size, the knife does not belong to the class of edged weapons and does not require a purchase permit.

• Strongest steel;
• Long-term sharpness of the cutting part;
• Multifunctionality;
• No purchase license required;
• Durability and wear resistance;
• For products of similar quality, the price is relatively low.

• Not found.

Attention! The article is for informational purposes only. In order to avoid mistakes when choosing, before buying, it is worth checking the characteristics and prices with a consultant in a hunting store or by phone with a customer support operator.