Unless you are a vegetarian, hunting is one of the most important things you do. People has been hunting since the beginning of the history, not only for food but also for recreation, survival. Deer is the most popular choice of hunters.
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Apart from a hunting rifle, the most valuable tool that needs to be at their disposal is the best deer hunting knife that fulfills their needs.
People invented knife long before they invented a pocket or a belt to keep it. To a deer hunter, a hunting knife more than just a random tool. You use it for skinning and dressing the deer, sometimes to cut ropes, trim branches or open your coke can.
From newbie to veteran, passionate hunters take pride at the knife or the knife set they own. It’s an exhibition of their persistence, their strong mentality.
That’s why choosing the ideal knife is a priority for deer hunters. Should the knife be big or small? What should be the angle of the blade? Which one is better as a blade? Hard steel or a flimsy one?
Comparison Table of Best Deer Hunting Knife :
Buck Knives 0691BKG Buck Zipper Fixed Blade Knife with Guthook
Best Sellers Rank
Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 2 inches
Product Weight: 1 pounds
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
Best Sellers Rank
Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.5 x 1.5 inches
Product Weight: 13.3 ounces
Cold Steel SRK Kraton Handle, Black Blade (Concealex Sheath)
Best Sellers Rank
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 4 x 1 inches
Product Weight: 12 ounces
Choosing The Perfect Deer Hunting Knife For Your Needs:
Choosing the best deer hunting knife can be a hard job, even tricky sometimes. But if you know the basics, the process will be a whole lot easier. This is where this guide will help you.
The market is full of different types of hunting knives. Some satisfy your needs; others don’t. Now, it’s not rational to take you cutlery set with you to a hunting trip.
That’s why you should opt for multipurpose deer hunting knives that give you a chance to keep your
gear
bag light and super portable.
Ready to go through the awesome tips? Let’s jump into the world of mastery-
- The Blade Type:
The mother of all confusions. Which type of blade should you choose? A clip point blade or a drop point blade?
A clip point blade has a sharp, thin tip that lies above the spine. The tip is well-defined, narrow and always gets in touch with the target first, which makes it vulnerable to accidental cuts if not done carefully, like tearing the skin or a ligament.
A drop point blade reduces the problem. It has a wider blade, which reduces the chance of accidental cuts. The tip is not as sharp as a clip point, but they are stronger and resistant to breaking. Moreover, you don’t need that sharp tipped knife for dressing out a deer.
Some knives come with multiple interchangeable blades. You can swap one blade for another. And the flexibilities the knife provides are remarkable.
- Folded Or Fixed?
Keeping a knife which is folded is easy. There’s no need for a sheath, just fold it and keep it. You have to buy a sheath for a fixed blade knife. But, there is a version of folded knife which has multiple blades, you won’t mind to own one.
But, when it comes to dressing a deer task, a fixed blade is more suitable as the blade will stay still, so the risk of accidental slip is minimal. And it offers more control to the Hunter during dressing. Also, the cleaning process of a fixed blade knife is easier than the foldable one.
- Weight:
What should be the weight of your knife? Depends on your needs. Lightweight knives make your campsite errands easy, like cutting ropes or cooking.
The heavy knives also carry some benefits. Due to their weight, your deer skinning job will be easy. You can cut tree branches or chop woods with them.
- The Blade Materials:
The durability of a knife depends on the materials used on the blade and handle. There are two kinds of blade types, carbon steel, and stainless steel. The carbon steel is stronger, easy to sharpen, but gets rusty over time. But with a little maintenance, carbon steel blades can give you a long term service. When you’re not using, apply wax mixed with oil on the blade.
Hunters prefer stainless steel blade more because of its capability to withstand different weathers. They don’t get rusted and has a nice look on them.
- The Handle Materials:
Do you know what is the other name of Handle is in the case of a hunting knife? It is “feel.” You should feel comfortable when you hold the handle because you are going to hold it for a long time when dressing the deer.
Opting for wooden or bone handle isn’t a popular choice. Because they tend to slip, making your skinning task harder. Don’t go for cheap plastic handles either. Nylon or polymer made handles offer you a better grip for your after hunting jobs.
5 Best Deer Hunting Knife Reviews:
Considering the facts, we have gone through a wide range of best-hunting knives for you and selected the top 5. Each of them justifies the features of the best hunting knife and will be your most favorite confidante for a long time.
1. Buck Knives 0691BKG Buck Zipper Fixed Blade Knife with Guthook:
The Buck Company is known for their high quality, durable, amazingly built knives. They have been manufacturing high-quality knives for over a century now. When it comes to strength and beauty simultaneously, the Buck Knives are on top of the game.
The Buck Knives 0691BKG Buck Zipper is a prime example of superb artistry. Easy to use, portable, seamless cut makes it the deer hunter’s most desired. The knife offers a secure grip, more control and handles the dressing of a deer or an elk smoothly.
Some Important Features:
- It has 4-1/8" Guthook blade made with 420HC steel, which has excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. The total length is 8.5” and the weight is 6.6 oz.
- The blade works both ways as a clip point and a drop point knife. It has a deep belly with a strong thick point for heavier tasks. The angles on the sharpened edge also make it a perfect choice for field dressing.
- It has a textured rubber handle with a brass ending, which ensures safe and secure grip.
- The knife comes with a heavy duty nylon sheath, no extra charges.
- Made in the USA, guaranteed for a lifetime.
What We Like:
- Affordable price tag.
- Attractive gut hook design.
- Corrosion resistant, razor sharp blade.
- Full tang, strong blade with edge retention.
- Rubber handled grip, comfortable to hold.
- Made in the USA, lifetime guarantee.
What We Didn't Like:
- The sheath provided with the knife should be higher quality.
2. Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath:
This is a Bowie style knife with a 6.25 inch straight back blade with a satin finish. The blade is made of 420 HC carbon steel which makes it one of the strongest, corrosion resistant knife. A reviewer put together the right words to describe it, “rebirth of a classic.”
The knife is very beautiful in design and comes with a black and genuine leather sheath. The knife is heavy and large, almost 12 inches long, thus suitable for intense tasks like cutting the branches and chopping wood. The reason why this knife is so popular is its toughness. You can assign it any job, and you won’t be disappointed.
Some Important Features:
- It has a 6.25" straight back Bowie blade with satin finish. The 420HC steel delivers excellent strength. The weight is only 11.75."
- It has gone through the edge retention process, thus corrosion free.
- It has a black Micarta handle with Aluminum pommel guard.
- A black, genuine leather sheath is provided by the manufacturers, a perfect match for the knife’s beauty.
- Made in the USA, Lifetime guarantee.
What We Like:
- The slick design comes with a leather sheath.
- The Bowie type blade is long and strong.
- The knife is slightly heavy, suitable for intense works.
- The knife is full tang so you can get a better grip.
- The handle has a Micarta composition which makes it resistant to weather, very durable.
What We Didn't Like:
- Some reviewers suggested that the retaining strap should be stronger.
3. Knife King "Janus" Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife:
Are you looking for the suitable knife for rough and tough jobs, like bushcraft activities? A lot of knives on the market claim they are the strongest, but only a few can meet the standards. The name ‘King Janus’ is the perfect fit for our next knife, because this is a knife that can endure even the toughest tasks.
Features:
- It has a 6.5” blade with 200 layers of Damascus steel.
- The blade is durable, preserves the sharpness even after rough use.
- Razor sharp and rock solid blade. On Rockwell scale, it has a hardness of 58-60 hrc.
- Perfect for bushcraft activities.
- Double edged knife, substantial and well-constructed.
What We Like:
- The price is quite low, considering the features.
- Made of Damascus steel which is known for its quality
- Has a hardness score 58-60 on a Rockwell scale
- The walnut wood handle is gorgeous and gives a natural feel
- Suitable for skinning and dressing deer.
What We Didn't Like:
- Buyers need to be careful because there are fake products on the market.
4. Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite Folding Hunting Knife 3-1/2" Replaceable Stainless Steel Blade Kraton Handle:
The best deer hunting knife among the folded ones. This one is the only folding knife that made to our list. Which means it has outstanding flexibility and quality. You are not particularly good at sharpening knife; this one is for you.
The knife locks back standard folding knife design and comes with six replaceable razor sharp blades. The blades are of standard 3.5”, so when one blade gets dull, you can make a quick replacement.
The blade has two parts, blade, and frame. You slide the razor blade into the frame, where it fits neatly. A hole at the handle end of the blade locks the blade with the handle.
Features:
- It has push button replacement blade system, comes with six blades.
- It has a rubber TPR handle which is secure, with amazing gripping capability even when wet.
- The length of blade is 3.5”, total knife length 8” and weight is 6.4 ounces.
- The blade is made of 420J2 stainless steel, razor sharp and strong.
- Comes with Mossy Oak nylon belt sheath.
What We Like:
- A foldable knife with six blades and a nylon sheath, a complete package.
- The price is surprisingly low
- The blade fits tightly on the handle, quite secure.
- The rubber handle is easy to grip, even when wet.
- It's super portable, you can carry it in your pockets
What We Didn't Like:
- Cleaning it might be tougher than a fixed blade knife, which is natural for all folding knives.
5. Cold Steel SRK Kraton Handle, Black Blade (Concealex Sheath):
The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue knife) was built with one purpose, to be the strongest and toughest multipurpose knife on the market. Not only a deer hunting knife, but this is also considered as one of the best survival knives.
Let me tell you one information about this knife. The cold steel SRK has been issued for U.S Navy Seal team members going through BUDS(Basic Underwater Demolition Seal) training. The tactical fixed blade knife has been popular among Special Forces and military personnel.
The SRK is 10.75" long and has a 6" black epoxy powder coated VG-1 steel clip point blade. It has a black checkered Kray-Ex handle and comes with a black Secure-Ex sheath.
Features:
- It’s a solid knife with AUS 8A stainless steel blade.
- Nonstick coats helps the blade to stay corrosion free.
- The clip point tip helps the user in precision cutting tasks.
- The deeply checkered Kraton handle provides a strong grip.
- The blade is 6” long and weighs 8.2 ounces.
What We Like:
- Widely recognized by the military and special forces.
- The Kraton handle is quite comfortable even after long use.
- Comes with a molded plastic solid sheath, which has a military aura on it.
- Specially built for tough works. From survival to hunting deer, you got it all.
What We Didn't Like:
- The price is slightly high, but that’s due to its multifunctional capabilities
Read More: 5 Best All Around Hunting Knives in 2017
Final Verdict:
For many people, the most exciting part of deer hunting starts after the actual hunt. They love the skinning, gutting, taking the meat and keeping a trophy for them. The best deer hunting knife may vary from person to person according to their needs.
But some things are common, the knife should be easy to use, the blade should be strong enough, and the handle wouldn’t let your hand slip onto the blade.
Considering the facts, we paid attention to various benchmarks from length to strength, from sharpness to blade materials, from price to multipurpose abilities.
Therefore, after a thorough research, the top 5 was chosen and presented to you. Each of them can assist you on a hunting trip.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts. Happy Hunting!!
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