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Hunting Knives

Hunting knives are one of the greatest treasures for hunters. Many of them not just use it in the field, but beyond that as well. To ensure that a hunting knife is capable of long-term use and can perform valuable tasks when hunting, you should make sure to buy one that is made to last.

Let us look at some necessary considerations to look upon before buying a hunting knife.

Types of Hunting Knives

Hunting knives are divided into two main types, namely, folding knives and fixed blades. Both work just as their name implies. Folding knives like Gerber Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife consists of a pivot from where a blade folds inside it. However, there are certain benefits associated with each type:

●   Benefits of Fixed Blade Knives

  1. It is suitable for heavy-duty and bigger games because its blade runs from a handle to the end, making it stronger.
  2. Fixedblade knives are reliable and durable.
  3. They can be easily cleaned or washed.

●   Benefits of Folding Blades Knives

  1. Folding blade knives are suitable for smaller games like birds and squirrels.
  2. They are easier to carry, whether on a belt sheath or stowed when not in use.
  3. Many of them can be opened using a single hand.
  4. These can be helpful for everyday use.

Use of the Knife

If you are searching for a knife for a specific function like skinning a deer or cutting the bones, you must prefer a knife with the speciality. However, if you are thinking of buying a knife for multi-tasking, it is better to choose a blade design that works well for every kind of chore.

While looking for a knife for general purposes, you can look for a fixed blade knife. Alternatively, you can buy a set of three Outdoor Edge WildGuide Game Processing Combo ideal for big games. It comprises a gut-hook skinner, caping knife, and a bone saw along with a Nylon belt sheath for easy carrying while hunting.

Size

Though, there is something nice and macho about carrying a big and sharp knife. However, practically for hunters, carrying bigger knives is more of a hassle and useless than having a smaller one.

Therefore, hunting knives must be chosen based on practical usage and personal considerations. If you are looking for a suitable blade for small games like cleaning a bird or squirrel, you need a lightweight knife that fits your pocket.

A Browning Long Haul Hunting Knife is a small stainless steel knife that can easily fit anywhere with its pocket clip. Moreover, it has a hollow ground blade with a thumb stud for a firm grip.

However, for hunting elk or deer, something sturdier and more prominent would be good. They are larger and quicker to cut down a large animal and pack it for home. Regardless of any size of hunting knives, they should offer a robust grip.

Knife Blade Design

Another main factor to consider before buying a hunting knife is the design of the knife blade. Typically, many professional hunters prefer using one of these three blade designs: skinning, clip, or drop point.

A professional hunter who often goes for big games like deer or bear hunting primarily chooses Drop Point hunting knives. This hunting knife is suitable for big games due to its more substantial, thicker, and curved blade. It is ideal for skinning the animals because the entire blade can be used, not just the edges, making the job easy and quicker and less meat loss with the skin.

On the contrary, clip-point blade hunting knives are thinner with well-defined edges. It can be used for the same tasks as drop-point, but the results are ineffective. However, the clip-point knife is helpful for the hunter who wants to use the knife for other purposes as well.

Another popular pick for hunting knives is Skinny Knives. They are notable for skinning medium to large hunting games. Its sharp blades are meant to wipe off the skin of the animal. Moreover, the skinning knife can be considered a versatile knife as it can effortlessly perform other cleaning tasks and be a timesaver for hunters who butcher their game.

Also, there are some knives with interchangeable blades that offer the hunters to perform multiple tasks by swapping the blades. They are easy to carry and can perform various tasks.

Material of the Blade

Another important consideration before buying a hunting knife is the material of the blades. The durability and sharpness of the knives entirely depend on their material. The ideal one can retain its edges, high toughness, and excellent corrosion and wear resistance.

Following are the primary materials commonly used in hunting knives:

  • 420HC:It comprises a medium carbon stainless composition, is highly corrosion-resistant, and has mid-range edge retention. Due to its low hardness, it is easy to sharpen.
  • 154CM:This has a high carbon stainless composition with high abrasion resistance and hardness, allowing excellent edge retention. It is suitable for smaller blades.
  • S30V:It is made up of high-vanadium steel, offering exceptional rust and wear resistance. However, it is not easy to sharpen these blades but retain the edges for more extended periods.
  • VG-10:This material constitutes high-end stainless steel and offers outstanding corrosion and wear resistance with extended edge retention power.

Knife Handles

After analyzing the required qualities in knife blades, it is also essential to consider whether the knife handles are strong enough to exert pressure or how durable they are. Usually, the wood, bone, and leather handles are helpful for practical and aesthetical usage, but these materials are not stable.

However, certain synthetic handles are also available, like Kraton, ABS, and Zytel, which are pocket-friendly and provide a strong grip. Many hunters prefer using synthetic handle knives due to their lightweight and non-breakable property.

Subsequently, if you are a young hunter, it is better to go through the first bow guide to know the necessary safety aspects and other qualities. Specifically, in the knife handle, you must look for a finger stop, contour, and other guards at the end to stop the user’s fingers from sliding over the blade.

Just like with crossbows, you must take an instant test with a hunting knife as well. Hold the knife and analyze how you feel while holding it. Examine whether you are comfortable with its weight, size, and grip.

Sometimes, the knife handles are too small that they can tire your forearm, or maybe too large that it makes the knife out of control. Therefore, choose the one which makes you feel comfortable and easy to use.

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