Best Field Knife for Fall Hunting

Finding the right blade that suits the task at hand is as critical to hunting.

Lots of manufacturers claim to make the best knife for hunters. However, a hunting knife can mean different things to different hunters. The type of hunting you do makes a difference in your selection, too. Big game hunting like deer requires a fixed blade with a rugged handle and drop point blade, whereas, when hunting rabbits or squirrels, a folder and clip point are ideal.

 What Do We Mean by a Good Hunting Knife?

A good hunting knife does not necessarily mean one used to slice and field dressing game. Hunters, in reality, will use their hunting knife for many jobs while out in the field. You likely will use your knife for clearing away brush, cutting branches, trimming rope, and a variety of other tasks.

Most good hunting knives have blades around 4-5 inches long, with a strong spine for heavy cutting and an acute point for finer work.

Make sure you carefully consider what sorts of things you will use your hunting knife for before narrowing down your choice.

Standard Hunting Requirements

Larger knives make it easier to dress larger game, but smaller blades help you get into tighter places. Hard steel works great but, if you are the type of person who has a tough time sharpening a blade, you may be better off with a softer-steel version you can easily field-sharpen.

No law states you can’t bring several specialty knives with you when you hunt, though it might be impractical to carry all you need on your person when sitting in your blind waiting for that 12-point buck.

Drop and Clip Point Blades

You will find a wide range of possible features on a good hunting knife. One of the key elements to decide on is whether you want a drop or clip point blade.

The clip point is more traditional. These are thinner at the tip. The concave feature lets you lie your index finger easily along the back of the blade, allowing you to grip it like a scalpel.

The drop point is thicker and considered more versatile. You can pry with it and have less chance of unintentionally punching a hole in the gut sack while cutting into the game. Many hunters find the drop point better balanced, permitting you to grip the blade safely in numerous ways.

Types of Hunting Knives

Hunters tend to gravitate to certain types of blades. You don’t really need a huge blade. Larger blades like a Bowie knife tend to get in the way rather than help you accomplish what you need to do when hunting.

Folding Knife

A folding knife can come in handy for dressing game and other purposes while out in the woods. Some superb examples of folding knives are:

The Richard Rogers Vector Custom Titanium Bead Blast CPM-154 has a drop blade with a fine bead, blasted point. The handle is made of anodized titanium and includes a padded, zippered case.

Another quality folding knife with a drop point is the Microtech LUDT Turquoise Auto Black Plain 135-1TQ. Eight inches long, all the hardware is stainless steel, with a pocket clip and push-button opening. The handle color is turquoise, making it easy to see in the outdoors.

The Zero Tolerance 0801TI Rexford Titanium Flipper 3.5″ Stonewash ZT 0801TI has an S35VN stainless steel 3.5-inch blade with a clip point. It comes with a reversible left/right and tip-up deep-carry clip. The machining on the handle provides extra comfort and better gripping than many models.

Fixed Blades

Fixed blades are very durable because they are a solid piece of steel. Many hunters prefer a fixed blade in the field for rugged field work, but also carry a folding knife for easy tasks and convenience. If you are searching for a solid fixed blade for out in the field, consider one of the following:

The Medford Knife & Tool NAV-T Fixed Blade has a blade length of 3.75 inches and an overall length of 9.25 inches. It has a drop point with one-piece black oxide finish and steel construction. It comes with a black padded nylon zippered pouch and a black Kydex sheath.

The Chaves Knives Redemption 2 OD Green/Black DLC Hellbent Holsters Sheath is a sturdy, dependable knife that will last. Overall, the knife is 7.5 inches with a 3.5-inch blade. The handle has green paracord wrapping with a nice Chaves zippered padded and Velcro PVC patch.

Final Thoughts

If you are an experienced hunter looking for a new blade, consider the factors mentioned here before you make a final purchase decision.