There’s something macho about carrying a big, imposing knife like the ones Crocodile Dundee or Rambo used. However, these knives aren’t useful for most hunting tasks.
When you’re field dressing a deer or preparing game for the table, you want a reliable, sturdy knife. Look for a traditional fixed blade design, which offers superior strength over folding knives. Read on Bugle For Elk for more information.
Whether employed for food acquisition, shelter construction, or even self-defense, hunting knives are crucial in survival situations. But a survival knife is more than just an instrument—understanding how to select, use, and maintain a hunting knife elevates its importance beyond mere utility.
A good survival knife is typically a fixed blade because it feels better in the hand and has more strength and power than a folder. It should also feature a sharp, strong edge and be easy to keep razor-sharp. For this reason, a knife made from hard steels like S30V or CPM-S35VN is ideal. The high vanadium and niobium content in these premium grades optimizes the knife’s toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Similarly, a hard, durable handle material like G-10 enhances the knife’s grip.
The primary application of a survival knife is food preparation, which includes skinning and gutting game for processing and consumption. A stout, durable hunter’s knife should be capable of cracking bone and cutting through thick hide. A survival knife should be able to easily field sharpen, with a wide, smooth cutting surface and a stout enough tip to penetrate a skull.
Hunting knives are also often used to craft traps and snares, or for preparing and cleaning fish or other wild foods. They can also be used to construct impromptu shelters from branches and leaves, such as lean-tos, tarps, or palms (depending on the climate). They are also handy for making stakes out lines of taut string, which can help to mark one’s location or draw attention to an emergency signal.
The multifaceted utility of a good hunting knife is what makes it such an indispensable tool for wilderness and survival scenarios. If you’re looking for a knife to aid in your survival techniques, choose a full-tang, drop point blade with a fire starter notch and a versatile handle material. A sheath should hold the blade securely in place and include a belt loop for attachment to your gear. Also, opt for a knife that is forged from a premium grade of steel like S30V or CPM-S35VN or from a hard, durable material like G-10 or Elmax.
Skinning
Skinning knives are designed to easily separate the skin from an animal. They are typically shorter than other hunting knives, making them easy to control while you’re working. Many of them have a curved blade that’s perfect for smoothly sliding under the skin. Other features include a gut hook on the back of the blade and a handle that’s easy to grip, even when your hands are wet.
If you’re planning to use a hunting knife for skinning, it’s important to learn the proper technique. A thorough knowledge of the animal’s anatomy is essential for minimizing damage to both the hide and the meat. You can also improve your skinning skills by studying diagrams and looking at skilled hunters to learn their strategies.
There are several different types of skinning knives available, but a good option for most hunters is a drop point knife. This specialised knife is designed for field dressing and skinning, but it’s not suitable for cutting rope or twigs or any other general camping-related tasks. This is because the blade has a thick, curved shape with no defined point, which means it’s less likely to accidentally tear into meat while you’re skinning an animal.
Another good choice is a folding skinning knife. These knives are compact and fold into the handle, which makes them convenient for packing in your backpack. They are often made of stainless steel, which is durable and corrosion-resistant.
Regardless of which type of skinning knife you choose, it’s important to keep it sharp. A sharp blade is safer and more effective, so it’s a good idea to carry a sharpener with you in case your knife becomes dull. You can also resharpen your knife in the field by using a stone to remove burrs and maintain the edge.
It’s also a good idea to lubricate your knife regularly. This will reduce friction and prevent it from rusting. The best lubricant for your knife is one that’s specifically designed for the material it’s made from. Some products may require special instructions for use, so it’s best to read the label carefully before applying.
Butchering
When it comes to hunting knives, a quality blade is vital. It needs to be able to cut through hide, and be sturdy enough to crack bone. Ideally, it should also have secondary characteristics that make it useful for camp chores and cooking. A good hunting knife should hold its edge and be easily field sharpened. It should also fit well in the hand to prevent injury.
Many quality hunting knives are made from carbon or stainless steel. Those with carbon blades need regular care to ensure they remain free from rust. If a carbon-steel blade becomes dull, it can be coated with wax to protect the metal and slow corrosion. It should also be cleaned after each use to remove food particles, oils and acids from the blade’s surface.
A specialised hunting knife is ideal for dressing an animal or skinning it. This type of knife typically has a thick, curved blade that is stronger than other types. A drop point blade, for example, has a thick pointed tip that allows hunters to use the entire blade for skinning, which speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of damaging meat or blood cells.
The handle is also a key feature of a hunting knife. Dick Turpin of Knife Makers Inc in Lincoln, Nebraska, advises buyers to choose a handle that provides comfort and warmth for use, especially if you’re using the knife for cold-weather hunting or camping. Leather, wood and antler handles are good choices for this purpose. He warns against thin handles, as they’re difficult to grip and may slip out of your hands during skinning.
It’s also important to consider how easy it is to clean your fixed blade hunting knife and its sheath. After every use, it’s important to wipe down the knife and sheath with a damp cloth to remove any blood and tissue. Then, it should be rinsed with warm, soapy water and dried immediately to avoid rust or corrosion. If the knife is going to be stored for a long time, wrap it in plain paper and place a package of desiccant inside to absorb moisture.
Self-Defense
While many hunting knives feature designs that may be ideal for self-defense, it’s important to note that effective knife self defense necessitates tactical proficiency, not just possession of a weapon. The key to successfully neutralizing a threat with a hunting knife is smart positioning and movement, which directly correlates to your ability to evade an assailant. Additionally, a properly sharpened blade is essential for maximum performance and safety. A knife can also be useful in deterring a potential attacker by its intimidating appearance, if you’re careful to choose one with the right size blade for your defensive needs.
For example, while a large knife with a curved blade might seem intimidating for some hunters, it isn’t practical for skinning game or other common tasks. For this reason, it’s best to select a specialized skinner or bushcraft knife that features a narrow flexible blade and a quality non-slip handle. Some even feature hygienic antibacterial surfaces.
A specialized gut hook is another knife feature that can prove valuable for hunters who often harvest larger mammals such as wild boars. This knife typically has a curved point designed to pierce the animal’s stomach and then open it to remove its contents. For hunters who hunt smaller animals, a specialized deboning or fillet knife can be used to clean and prepare the meat for consumption.
Finally, some hunters opt to carry a hunting knife with a serrated edge or saw. These knives can be useful in cutting wood or thick material, such as brush and twigs. Additionally, a serrated blade can help hunters cut meat and fish with greater ease.
Regardless of the specific blade features you select, the most important consideration is whether or not your knife meets legal requirements for carrying in your jurisdiction. While most everyday hunting knife styles are permissible for civilian use, more tactical blades might invite legal scrutiny, so it’s critical to understand your state and local laws before committing to carrying a hunting knife.
The final piece of advice when choosing a hunting knife is to take the time to practice handling and using your blade safely, particularly for beginners. Practicing in the comfort of your own home can give you confidence in your abilities and prepare you for any situation you might encounter on a hunting trip or in a self-defense scenario. It’s also a good idea to consult with a certified personal trainer or law enforcement officer for more advanced training on how to use and defend yourself with a knife.