Essential Guide to Top-Rated Hunting Knives in the UK

Hunting knives are more than just tools; they’re a connection to our primal past and an essential piece of kit for the modern hunter. This guide will explore the world of hunting knives, from their role in outdoor activities to detailed reviews of top-rated models available.

A hunting knife is an extension of the hunter, designed for versatility in outdoor activities. These knives are designed to dress game of all types and sizes. Hunting knives tend to be fixed blades as a folder’s opening and closing mechanism can become clogged up with blood and associated material. However, there are many folders featuring multiple tools needed for skinning, such as a bone saw, zip blade or gut hook.

Here are our top five:

1. Fallkniven H1z Fixed Blade

1. Features an Elmax Stainless Steel blade, which is a powder steel, so it is naturally stronger and resilient
2. The whole knife can be sterilised for more hygienic work
3. An exceptional hunting knife

2. Victorinox Hunter Pro M

1. Ergonomically designed for comfort during long hunting sessions

2. Excellent grip stability

3. High-quality Swiss craftsmanship

3. Spyderco Bow River

1. New addition to Heinnie Haynes’ catalogue

2. Fixed blade design with 8Cr13MoV stainless steel

3. Ergonomic G10 handle for excellent grip in various conditions

4. Benchmade Meatcrafter

1. S45V Stainless Steel blade

2. Tough orange sheath - this bright colour helps the user see it if it’s dropped in green undergrowth

3. Santoprene handle for comfort and grip

5. Maserin Jager Hunting Three Blade

1. A three-blade skinning/gutting knife worth its weight in gold as a functional tool for game management

2. Each blade is 440 Stainless Steel

3. G10 orange colour handle

Choosing the Right Blade for Hunting

 

The following blade types illustrate the variety of uses of a hunting knife.

• Wide-bellied: designed for skinning game with its curved 4.5-inch blade that helps separate hide from meat

• Gut-hook: specialised blade for field dressing that allows for opening the animal’s abdomen without puncturing internal organs

• Bone saw: used for cutting through bones and joints during the butchering process

• Zip-blade: similar to a caping knife, designed for detailed work around areas like the head and neck

• Filleting knives: used to descale and gut fish

Fixed Blade vs. Folding Knives for Hunting

Fixed Blade Strengths:

• Easier to clean

• No intricate parts to get clogged

• Easier to handle

Folding Knives Benefits:

• Multiple blade types can be carried in one tool

Essential Features of a Hunting Knife

1. Handle Material

1. Handles are often made from organic materials, like wood, stag antler and bone, that are able to withstand harsh conditions

2. Man-made materials like G10 and Micarta provide an excellent grip even in the wet

2. Blade Length - Depends on intended use

1. Longer blades for big game

2. Shorter blades for small game and precision tasks

3. Blade Material - Impacts durability and edge retention

1. Stainless steel for corrosion resistance

2. High carbon is a harder steel, so it retains an edge longer but is more difficult to sharpen and more prone to corrosion

4. Locking Mechanism (for folding knives) - Ensures safety during use

5. Sheath - Protects the blade and allows for easy carrying

When choosing a hunting knife, consider your specific needs, hunting style, and experience level. Whether you opt for the versatility of the Spyderco Bow River or the precision of the Benchmade Meatcrafter, selecting the right knife will enhance your hunting experience and efficiency in the field.

Remember, a quality hunting knife is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a reliable companion for your next hunt.

Explore Our Best Hunting Knives For Your Next Adventure