Read This Before You Buy Your Next Hunting Knife
A good knife is a must-have tool for any avid hunter. Not only is a knife used in field-dressing the catch of the day, but also in a myriad of other ways when you are outdoors on a hunt. Whether you are on an active hunt or simply enjoying a day in nature, a hunting knife is a tool that you should not leave home without for any reason.
Since a hunting knife is a versatile tool, it should meet specific criteria for quality to ensure it cuts as needed every time you use it. Here's what to look for in a high-quality hunting knife.
The Cutting Edge
It should go without saying that a knife needs to be sharp to do its job, but sharpness seems to be one thing people ignore the most when buying knives online. Just because a knife's packaging states it's for hunting doesn't mean it will perform well in the field. A good hunting knife should be able to cut through an animal's hide as well as through a thick branch. The sharpness of the blade should be priority number one when comparing hunting knives.
Blade Shape Matters
Not all knife blades are created equally, and when it comes to a hunting knife, blade shape matters. Hunting knives typically come in different shapes depending on what they are designed
Serrated Hunting Knives
Serrated knife blades are great for cutting through things that may be more difficult for straight blades to cut. While they are not as sharp initially, serrated blades come with multiple sections of serrations that help you conserve energy while performing strenuous outdoor tasks such as butchering game.
Thickness Of The Blade
The thickness of a knife's blade affects its weight and durability. The thicker the blade, the more power you'll have over your cuts, but the less agility you'll have in the process. A lightweight, thinner blade will afford you the most control over your cuts in the field. When considering the thickness of a hunting knife blade, you must also consider any coating used as a finish. Some hunting knives come with a black oxide finish or corrosion-resistant coatings on the blade for durability.
Quality Handle Material
The material that makes up a hunting knife's handle directly impacts its duration. High-quality natural materials will afford you far more trips into the field than poor-quality materials like plastic. A fixed-blade hunting knife's handle should be sturdy and decisive under pressure to ensure dependable cuts every time it is used. Look for hunting knives with the blade made into the handle for best results.
