Knives Out
Choosing the best blade for your hunt.
Knives are critically important for hunting, especially for big game. Ancient, native hunters made do without binoculars and firearms, but they spent countless hours fashioning knives out of obsidian and chert. Blades have made some serious technical advancements since those days, but their importance remains imperative. It’s a good idea to carry at least two in the field at all times—one as backup, just in case. Here are the different types of knives commonly used by modern hunters.
Fixed-Blade
These classic knives have one primary advantage: they’re nearly impossible to break. Additionally, they have enough heft to sharpen and use repeatedly for an entire lifetime. On the flip side, however, they’re heavy. That can be a deal-breaker for people hunting in the backcountry, but it isn’t too much of a concern for front-country hunters. Montana Knife Company makes an excellent knife called the Super Cub, among other fixed-blade options.
Folding
Everyday folding pocketknives strike a good balance between durability and weight. Newer folding mechanisms are simple, sturdy, and difficult to break. The blades are thinner than those of fixed blades, though, so bring along a field sharpener to hone the edge a few times when skinning and field-dressing an animal. Pocketknives are also notorious for disappearing. Carry an extra tucked away in a safe spot deep in your pack. Benchmade has a staggering array of folding knives, many of which will serve you well in the field.
Replaceable-Blade
Lately, more and more hunters are turning to replaceable blade knives, which have a metal mechanism allowing the user to pop out the blade and replace it with a new, surgically-sharp one. The used blades are discarded (safely, please). Always cutting with a sharp knife allows for more safe, precise cuts, but the razor blades really are insanely sharp and can easily result in injury. Use incredible caution and don’t cut toward yourself. The main drawback is the knives’ durability. They break easily, so a backup folder or fixed-blade is essential. Gerber makes several solid options to choose from.