If you are one of the thousands of people who enjoy that greatest of American outdoor pursuits, hunting, then the chances are that you will own a hunting knife. It really is impossible to get a good job done without a quality knife. This article will discuss how to find quality hunting knives, what features you should look for and how much you should expect to pay. Whether you are an experienced hunter on the look out for a high quality replacement for your existing knife, or you are new to hunting and are looking for your first hunting knife, this article can help you to find the best knife for you.
Finding the hunting knife that is right for you can be tricky. Many hunters will have several knives lying around that they have never really used; they simply were not up to the job. If you are on the lookout for a new knife, you need to ask yourself several questions. What type of hunting will I be doing? How large is the game I will be stalking? What knife design will work best for my purposes?
The first thing to consider is the blade itself. There are three main blade designs: drop point knives, clip point knives and skinning knives.
1) Drop point knives will suit hunters who hunt large game. They facilitate skinning large animals quickly without damaging the underlying flesh. Gutting is also possible with drop point knives. You can even open a rib cage with a knife of this type although if the game is large you are better off investing in a saw for this purpose.
2) Clip point knives have thinner blades. They are better for the casual hunter as they are slightly less efficient than the drop point types.
3) Skinning knives are self-explanatory! They have a specially designed shape to remove the hide from animals.
Obviously, the blade lies at the heart of any good knife. However, a truly great knife requires more than just a keen and well-designed blade. The handle should be ergonomic with a good non-slip grip. The last thing you want is a sharp wet knife slipping out of your hands. Another thing to consider is whether you want a knife with a gut hook. A gut hook allows you to open the abdomen easily whilst minimizing the risk of cutting into the abdominal organs. This means you are less likely to spill gut contents over the meat. A gut hook is therefore a great addition for hunters who want to use their knives for evisceration as well as skinning.
If you are looking for new, quality hunting knives, then expect to pay in the region of $20-$100 for a clip point knife. Drop point knives can be slightly more expensive. There are no upper limits though and some bowie knives can sell for over $1000! Whatever the price you ultimately pay, hopefully this article has demystified the world of hunting knives and helped you to understand what kind of knife you should look for the next time you visit your local hunting retailer.
William enjoys writing about hunting knives. Be sure and do your research before you go and invest in one. Also learn proper hunting knife maintenance so your investment will last for many years to come.
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