10 Best Hunting Knives for 2024 & Buyer’s Guide

Experienced hunters understand the importance of an efficient hunting knife for a successful catch. A subpar blade, common in lower-quality knives, tends to be less sharp and possesses an inadequately designed handle that hinders a secure grip.

Hunters frequently rely on their knives and have specific demands based on their intended use. However, these requirements can vary significantly depending on the task at hand.

Whether you seek a compact, multi-purpose blade or a rugged, heavy-duty tool, we’re going to offer a diverse selection to serve varying hunting styles.

What is the Best Hunting Knife in 2024?

Let’s see our selection of the best hunting knives for this year in detail…

1. SOG FSA8-CP Flash II 8 in. Straight Edge EDC Knife

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The SOG Flash II hunting knife serves as a daily carry flip knife with assisted opening tech. This folding knife measures 11.43 cm in closed length. It has an AUS-8 Serr steel blade and an FRN handle with an assisted opening system. The quality of the steel as well as the processing is very good as usual by SOG.

It features one-hand opening which is one of the most reliable and fast blade knife systems ever. Closing is also possible with one hand. The locking mechanism is super strong. The safety lock keeps it from opening unless it’s unlocked. You don’t need to worry about it may unlock and slip and cut you.

The Flash II knife is compatible with all hunting activities and its lightweight design makes it good for camping or hiking. It also benefits from a pocket clip safety system and a hardness of 57-58.

2. JEO-TEC Nº15 Bushcraft Multi-positioned Hunting Knife

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JEO-TEC Nº15 hunting knife has been specially designed to be used in rough conditions and hard outdoor environments. The length of the blade is 140 mm and its total length is 280 mm and the thickness of its blade is 5 mm. It is suitable for hikers, hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor exploration sports enthusiasts.

It has a cocobolo wood handle and a multi-position leather sheath. This knife fits the hand well and is balanced, from tip to pommel. As for its high-quality leather carrying case, it is convenient for multi-position.

The box comes with a genuine leather multi-positioned Sheath, Sharpener Stone, and fire steel. The sheath is well crafted and sewn with expert craftsmanship, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the JEO-TEC Nº15 Bushcraft knife is a must-have for your survival and camping gear. We have had a chance to use this knife.

3. CELTIBERO BLACK Premium Survival Tactical Knife

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CELTIBERO is a Spanish manufacturer, handcrafted with a polished and laser-cut blade. This BLACK hunting knife from CELTIBERO is made of stainless steel with a micarta handle. The blade Length is 145 mm / 5.70″ and the overall length is 275 mm / 10.82″. The blade has a thickness of 5mm and a total length of 27cm.

The handle is so much comfortable to handle and use for different purposes; you don’t need any gloves or jimping. However, without the gloves, you will get blisters using the jimping for a longer period of time.

The CELTIBERO hunting knife is designed to excel in demanding conditions and rugged outdoor environments. It has been specifically designed for hunters, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. It comes packed in a multi-position carrying case with fire starter pockets. A sharpening stone is included with the package.

To ensure quality, the CELTIBERO BLACK hunting knife comes with a lifelong guarantee.

4. Perkin Damascus Steel Fixed Blade Handmade Knife

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This American brand Perkin’s hunting knife has impeccable quality with a blade made of 440c steel. With a very successful stainless steel finish, this knife is the perfect gear to live your passion in all serenity. Its blade is sharp enough and the walnut handle is also impeccable.

With a flawless finish, it comes with a leather case for a total length of 26.67 cm. It is an ideal model for both hunting and camping. The blade at its widest is 1 1/2″ the sheath is 2 1/2″. It has built-in excellent craftsmanship with premium materials. It is also a beautiful hunting knife for the price.

In our point of view, the sheath is extremely tight with one defect. However, still very well-made and highly functional. We prefer round handles and full tangs, but we recommend this model because of its uniqueness.

Keep in mind, if you do not properly care for and oil your Damascus, it will not stay beautiful.

5. Perkin Bushcraft Full Tang Hunting Knife with Sheath

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Perkin Full Tang hunting knife is known for its high-quality craftsmanship. It is handcrafted using premium materials, which ensures durability and longevity. This Estaing-style hunting knife in the bushcraft model is delivered in its genuine leather case.

It has a sharp Damascus steel blade and a deer antler handle. This knife also has a good finish like the Japanese models. It can be used for all the same reasons a small pocket knife is used – as an EDC, opening packages, cutting string, etc. However, this military model is often used for underwater exploration or camping.

It is shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, which is essential for extended use in the field. The entire blade length from the center of the handle to the tip is 8 inches. It has a micro bevel, definitely not a Scandi grind, but for the money, you can’t beat it. However, the sheath is a little on the Cheapish side (the sheath is a vertical model).

6. Jellas Pocket Folding Knife with Figured Wood Handle

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Jellas folding pocket knife measures 8.11 inches and has a stainless steel blade with an opaque finish. The length of the blade is 3 11/32 inches. This pocket knife features a clip point shape blade for improved piercing power. The package comes with a black leather case for additional security.

Jellas hunting knife is also famous for its Unique Design in the World. The handle was created from original figured wood with Nature Wood Fragrance and naturally formed grain on high quality timber. The handle is streamlined, and with its ergonomic design, you’ll be extremely comfortable when holding it.

Jellas hunting knife also has an excellent balance of hardness and corrosion resistance, which ensures proper operation without sharpening frequently. This pocket hunting knife also provides razor-sharp cutting performance. You can also cut materials like carpets, cartons, etc… For any manufacturing defect, Jellas promises a free new replacement guarantee.

7. Walther OSK II Outdoor Survival Knife

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The name of the knife is Osk II: Acronym for Outdoor Survival Knife. One of its distinguishing features is its 440 stainless steel blade painted black. The blade is serrated on the reverse. Its one-size design makes it a versatile tool suitable for a range of outdoor activities and survival situations.

One of its other typical aspects is that its blade and handle are made of alloy. The handle is covered with non-slip rubber for a more comfortable grip. At the end of the handle is a glass breaker with an eyelet, through which you can also slip a rope or a tether strap for a better grip.

The knife is sold with its black nylon sheath with belt loop and its Kydex sheath. The ergonomic design feels fantastic. Overall, the Walther OSK II survival knife has many properties that should be observed. You can place it horizontally or vertically on the belt thanks to a loop.

8. JEO-TEC Nº39 NEW CELTIBERO Bushcraft Survival Knife

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It is an aesthetically designed hunting knife. Indeed, the whole is elegant and reflects robustness. In the case of its blade, it is very strong and sharp. It was laser cut and then hand-polished to have a perfect finish.

This knife has been specially designed for use in harsh outdoor conditions and environments. The construction is very solid and does not fear water. On the other hand, the end of the neck is very practical for percussion, for example, for opening coconuts.

JEO-TEC Nº39 hunting knife is designed for long-term use thanks to the thickness of its blade. You can use this knife to kill animals and cut meat while camping or if you are on a mission in the military. It is not a folding knife. However, it is more strong and resistant. 

JEO-TEC Nº39 hunting knife was designed for outdoor and survival activities, to be able to cut wood, carve, cut branches and cook. You can also use it to dig holes, drill trees or make constructions. The sharpening stone and fire steel lighter are also included with the product.

9. MTech USA MT-086 Series Fixed Blade Hunting Knife

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MTech USA MT-086 hunting knife has many advantages and will meet all expectations as a hunter. This model stands out for its robustness guaranteeing use in extreme conditions. With a weight of 0.5 lbs and a blade length of 7 inches for a total length of 12.25 inches, it is a practical product for hunting in the wild. As proof, the nylon case with which it is supplied can hang easily on the belt of its users.

Thanks to a reinforced ABS handle, the MTech hunting knife is characterized by its strength. Let yourself be surprised by the very well-thought-out design of the blade of this model offered by the brand. It is made of AUS-6 stainless steel and always stays sharp for optimal cutting results.

If you plan to invest in a product that perfectly combines elegance and performance, you will be charmed with this delicate knife. The manufacturer has worked with the greatest care in every aspect of this hunter’s equipment in order to offer an absolutely magnificent end product of great efficiency and practicality.

10. Cold Steel AD-10 & AD-15 Tactical Folding Knife with Lock

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We end our ranking of the best hunting knives with the Cold Steel AD-10; it is a folding knife built for several types of outdoor uses such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and more. It is above all a knife that will help you in your various tasks, especially those that require the use of a very sharp knife.

Cold Steel AD-10 and AD-15 hunting knives are made with ultra-tough S35VN stainless steel which is well known for its high chromium content that is especially used in cutlery. This structure gives the cost the capacity of 57-59 HRC on the Rockwell scale, so you can be sure that this knife slides well and meets your needs.

The wide saber-ground blade with a robust drop point makes it ideal for a wide range of uses, from everyday carry to big game hunting, daring expeditions, and thrilling adventures. The handle is strong and user-friendly, thanks to heat-treated and full-length aluminum liners. Overall, if you are looking for a hunting knife that is good value for money, the Cold Steel AD-10 will be your best ally.

Types and Uses of Knives: According to Manufacturers

There are 3 main types of knives used specifically for hunting. Some models are engraved.

• Knife with drop point blade: Drop point blades have a thorn that slowly descends to the tip of the blade. The downside to dropping point blades is that they are not very useful for drilling and their tip is not as sharp as, say, point knives.
• Bowie blade knife: Bowie blades or spiked blades are usually straight, then stop roughly in the middle of the blade and then curve to the tip. The tip is great for piercing but is narrow and a bit weak. This is a downside of a clip point blade.
• Gut hook knives: Hose hooks or zippered knives have an unusual look for the uninitiated. This is used by hunters to open the abdomen of the animal without slicing it into the muscle or any organ. The downside of this type of hunting knife is that the hook cannot be sharpened easily, which can be a problem in the long run.

Types of Hunting Knives: According to Hunters

Here, hunting knives are divided into four categories:

• The first and most popular: fixed blade knives;
• The second includes the folding knives: their blade is foldable and fits into the handle for easy transport. They have pocket sizes to reduce weight and offer a few extra functions;
• The third brings together all the pocket knives, which are probably the ones that depart the furthest from hunting practices and even include scissors and files;
• The last category includes Lockback folding knives. It is also a type of pocket knife whose blade locks.

The vast majority of hunting knives in the market are fixed blades while folding knives hold the largest share of the remaining market.

Best Hunting Knives Buyer’s Guide

When purchasing your favorite hunting knife, several characteristics must be taken into account:

Fixed or folding

The blades of your hunting or fishing knife will either be in a fixed stationary position or folding. Durability will always be in favor of the fixed blade and that is common sense, as there are fewer mechanical parts to handle and break. Fixed-blade hunting knives are also easier to clean and maintain.

Folding blades are much more versatile in their use and can easily be hidden, removed faster than a fixed blade, and are for everyday use. Carrying a folding knife in the pocket is an advantage. The locking mechanisms of all folding blades are of high quality and very secure compared to fixed blades.

Blade material

Stainless steel and carbon steel are the most reputable materials for blades and both have several features that favor one over the other. Stainless steel is made up of several components such as iron, nickel, carbon, chromium, etc. It is very rust-resistant, but it lacks the sharpness of carbon and is known to stain in certain environments.

Carbon steel blade is sharper compared to stainless steel. It’s also easier to take care of and maintain that sharpness. Carbon blades rust and discolor awfully easily, even if they are neat.

Scabbard

Most hunting knives on the market come with their scabbard, although companies often try to save money on this accessory. Indeed, the sheaths already supplied are quite often of poor quality. However, scabbards and holsters are important because they are the safest way to carry your knife.

Most of these can be attached to your belt using eyelets or rings located in the upper or lower part of the knife so that it can be attached to the leg. Some hunting knives can still be attached via other means such as straps or belt loops to your bag for example.

Ease of handling

The handle is a fundamental part of the hunting knife and guarantees its smooth and safe operation. A good grip is firm, provides a good grip in large and small hands, and has ambidextrous characteristics. It must be able to offer you a good, solid, and non-slip grip in all conditions.

It is also recommended that the handle must be comfortable. Fixed blade models are incredibly known for having comfortable handles, as heavy use demands high quality.

Handle grips made of micarta (decorative high-pressure laminate) or G10 (fiberglass dipped in resin) have become very popular. But natural wood handles have never gone out of fashion, as they are durable, comfortable, and often elegant.

Handle end

The handle end of a hunting knife is usually not designed the same way as that of a survival knife. Most of the manufacturers of survival knives seek to provide them with the most extra features without transforming them into Swiss army knives. For this reason, the handle end of a survival knife is often turned into a window breaker, which is an essential feature in an emergency.

The tip of a hunting knife is often normal and does not have a special feature. Because it primarily serves to counterbalance the weight of the knife.

Timeshare

Multi-purpose knives with several characteristics are the most in demand. They allow several types of tasks to be carried out with a single mechanism. The idea of ​​putting two types or 3 blades in a knife is a nice innovation, and there are a lot of choices. Emphasis is placed on the fact that while it is nice to have a multi-purpose knife. The overall quality is best served by using two knives with specific functions rather than a knife with two blades.

FAQs

What is the ideal blade length for a hunting knife?

The ideal blade length for a hunting knife typically ranges from 3.5 to 5 inches. This length strikes a balance between versatility and maneuverability. It’s long enough for tasks like field dressing and skinning, yet not too unwieldy for intricate work.

What blade material is best for a hunting knife?

High-carbon stainless steels like VG-10, S30V, or D2 are excellent choices for hunting knives. They offer a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. However, specific requirements can vary based on your hunting environment and intended use.

Can a hunting knife be used for survival situations?

Many hunting knives can serve as survival tools due to their durability and versatility. However, specialized survival knives often have additional features like a sawback or integrated firestarter. If survival situations are a primary concern, consider a dedicated survival knife.

Final Thought

A hunting knife is a necessary accessory for every hunter, and with the many sources online, it becomes even easier to make an informed choice. We have exposed you to the criteria to take into consideration to acquire the hunting knife that suits you and that would best meet your needs for your outdoor activities.

Pick the one from our list that best suits your needs, and remember that there are a lot of hunters who have more than one tool in their collection. Our editorial staff’s favorite is the JEO-TEC Nº15 Knives fixed blade knife, which impressed us with its versatility and numerous attachment possibilities. Its stainless steel blade is also very sharp and of high quality.

We also made a list of our favorite hunting knife sharpeners, and they are sorted by price, so you can pick the best one for your budget.