The Best Hunting Knives of 2025: Tested, Reviewed & Ranked

Updated on February 8, 2025

A hunting knife is not just a tool—it’s a trusted companion in all your outdoor activities. Whether you’re on a regular hunting trip or out camping on the weekend, having the right knife will certainly help you in dressing the game and/or meal preparation. This piece cuts through the noise to bring you detailed reviews of ten of the best hunting knives on the market. The key features, pros and cons, and deeper insights will help you in making an informed choice.

“The U.S. hunting industry generates approx. $25 billion in retail sales annually.” – Statista | Hunting and Wildlife Viewing

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife | Best Hunting Knife

420HC steel blade (6 inches length) + phenolic handle + genuine leather sheath + lifetime warranty

The Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife is known for offering great performance and craftsmanship to the hunting community. The knife features a 6-inch 420HC steel blade, which is resistant to corrosion and has great edge retention. The phenolic handle gives a balanced grip, making sure of precise cutting. This knife also comes with a leather sheath for easy carrying. Having been in the game for more than a century, Buck Knives has come up with a great product yet again – one that balances innovation as well as tradition.

“In production since 1942, the Buck 119 Special is one of the Buck Knives’ best-selling models because of its durability and quality in performance.” – Buck Knives Official Site

Pros

• Durable Blade: The 420HC steel blade gives greater edge retention, and is resistant to corrosion.
• Comfortable Grip: The phenolic handle is super easy to grip, and reduces hand fatigue when used for longer periods.
• Classic Design: This knife has a traditional look and feel that instantly appeals to both the collectors as well as the practical users.
• Quality Sheath: The genuine leather sheath is elegant and easy-to-carry.
• Lifetime Warranty: Buck Knives prioritizes customer’s peace of mind, and their lifetime warranty is the proof of that.

Cons

• Weight: Weighing 10.5 ounces, some users consider it heavier to carry around.
• Handle Material: Some users have noted the phenolic handle might not offer as smooth a grip as other modern synthetic materials do, specially when used in wet conditions.

MOSSY OAK Survival Hunting Knife | Hunter Knife

stainless steel blade + ergonomic handle + Nylon sheath + Added sharpening stone, fire starter

The MOSSY OAK Survival Hunting Knife is known for its versatility in the professional hunting community. The knife has a 10-inch fixed blade, which is made up of a robust stainless steel blade that’s perfect to cut and slice things. Its handle offers a comfortable grip, while the blade’s sharpness is maintained with the added sharpening stone. Moreover, the knife’s package includes two more useful things: a fire starter and a nylon sheath to carry and store. With this feature set, this knife offers great value for money, making it an ideal selection for cutting tasks when out hunting.

Pros

• Versatile Blade: The stainless steel blade is great for cutting, slicing, and skinning tasks.
• Ergonomic Handle: Provides solid grip which reduces hand fatigue.
• Comprehensive Kit: Additional tools such as a fire starter and a sharpening stone add value to the product.
• Durable Sheath: The nylon sheath makes it easy to store and transport the knife.
• Value for Money: Provides great features for a competitive price.

Cons

• Weight: Has a weight of 14.4 ounces, which some users believe makes the knife heavier to carry.
• Sheath Quality: Some users report concerns regarding the durability of the nylon sheath.

Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife | Benchmade Hunting Knife

CPM-S30V stainless steel blade + stabilized wood handle + premium leather sheath + Typical quality Benchmade material

The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife is all what hunters demand: compact, precise and portable. Equipped with a 2.67-inch CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, the knife has greater edge retention and is resistant to corrosion. The stable wood handle makes sure of a comfortable yet strong grip. The knife also has a leather sheath for safe carrying. Field dressing game or carrying out cutting tasks is super easy, thanks to the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife – a reliable, great performing product addition to any hunter’s gear.

“The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter is hunters’ top choice because of its CPM-S30V steel, which is brilliant in retaining the edges.” – Benchmade Official Site

Pros

• Exceptional Blade Quality: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion, and great for retaining the edges too.
• Compact Design: The knife is highly portable due to its small size, and is super easy to handle as well.
• Comfortable Grip: The stabilized wood handle gives greater control and precision.
• Premium Sheath: The stylish leather sheath safely stores the knife, and is easy to access.
• Lightweight: Weighs only 3.11 ounces, making sure that no additional weight is added to the hunting gears.

Cons

• Blade Length: The short blade might not be suited to cutting and skinning activities when hunting larger game.
• Price: Its price is on the higher side, which might be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.

KNINE OUTDOORS | Hunting Knife Set

stainless steel blade + includes gut-hook skinner, caping knife, boning knife, wood/bone saw, rib spreader, gloves, sharpening stone, carry case

The KNINE OUTDOORS Hunting Knife Set is an all-in-one solution for everyone in the hunting sphere. This knife set comes with additional tools such as a gut-hook skinner, a caping knife, a boning knife, a wood/bone saw, a rib spreader, gloves, a sharpening stone, and a carry case. All the knives feature a stainless steel blade which is super reliable in the field. Superior grip is achieved through the expertly-crafted handle, which adds to the precision of the product. The set has a great design and high-quality materials, which make it a valuable addition in any hunter’s gear.

Pros

• Comprehensive Set: Comes with all necessary hunting and game processing tools in one package.
• Durable Blades: Stainless steel blades sharpen the product and make it resistant to corrosion.
• Ergonomic Handles: The handles give a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue when used for longer periods.
• Portable Case: The added carry case stores and transports the tools safely.
• Value for Money: Hunters get a quality product at a reasonable price.

Cons

• Weight: Some users believe the package contains a lot of items, and that makes it heavy to carry on extended hunting sessions.
• Individual Tool Quality: Some users report that the individual tools in the set are not of high-quality compared to the specialized single knives.

Canvas Chef Knife Roll Bag | Hunting Knife Case

waxed canvas material + 10 storage slots + added zipper compartment + reinforced handle, adjustable shoulder strap + width: 17 inches

The Canvas Chef Knife Roll Bag is a great storage solution for hunters and chefs alike. They can easily store and transport their stuff through this bag. Made from high-quality waxed canvas, this roll bag is both stylish and high-performing. It has 10 slots to safely store knives and culinary tools. The handle and adjustable shoulder strap make it comfortable to carry, while also giving it a classy look. The bag comes with a zipper compartment, too, giving additional storage options to store small items. If you’re leaving for a hunting trip or on your way to attend a culinary event, the knife roll bag is a product you just can’t leave behind.

Pros

• Durable Material: The durable waxed canvas construction gives the bag a classy look.
• Ample Storage: The 10 slots along with a zipper compartment offer a lot of space to store knives and other accessories.
• Convenient Carrying: Transporting is easy thanks to the reinforced handle and adjustable shoulder strap.
• Secure Fit: The slots prevent movement while transporting the knives and keep them in place.
• Versatile Use: Both hunters and chefs can use it, which make it a versatile storage option.

Cons

• Size: Some users find the bag too large when they know they only need to carry a few knives.
• Weight: At 1.7 pounds, it adds a decent amount of weight to your gear, which might be a consideration when covering longer distances.

SHARPAL 101N 6-in-1 Knife | Best Hunting Knife Sharpener

sharpening stages include tungsten carbide blades, ceramic blades, tapered diamond rod + added fire starter, high-pitched whistle + pre-set optimal sharpening angle + portable

The SHARPAL 101N 6-in-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool is a versatile and compact solution for hunters. This multifunctional knife sharpener is equipped with tungsten carbide blades for instant edge setting, ceramic blades for fine honing, and also a tapered diamond rod for serrations and gut hooks. Moreover, it comes with a fire starter, a high-pitched whistle, and a pre-set sharpening angle. The SHARPAL 101N is a great tool to possess for hunters and campers, who need reliability and performance in the field.

Pros

• Multifunctional: Has a sharpening tool (a fire starter) as well as a survival tool (a high-pitched whistle.)
• Durable Construction: High-quality material composition for extended use.
• Consistent Sharpening: Pre-set angle guides make sure of precision sharpening.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or a gear bag.
• Value for Money: Provides various tools in one unit – and that too at a relatively lower price.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Users need to learn how to effectively use the different sharpening stages, which might be time-taking.
• Limited Use: While the product is versatile, it still might not replace more comprehensive sharpening systems for extensive maintenance of the knives.

General Fixed Blade Knife | Buck 120 Hunting Knife

420HC steel blade + phenolic handle with aluminum guard and pommel + genuine leather sheath + lifetime warranty

The Buck Knives 120 General Fixed Blade Knife combines three in-demand things: elegance, precision, and strength. This is what makes it a hunters’ favorite. It features a 7.375-inch 420HC steel blade, and is made to ace heavy-duty tasks. It has great edge retention and corrosion resistance capabilities. The phenolic handle with aluminum guard and pommel gives it a secure grip. A genuine leather sheath for storage and transportation is also provided. All this makes the Buck 120 General a reliable companion to have when going outdoors. Read Detailed Review

Pros

• Durable Blade: The 420HC steel blade gives greater edge retention and makes it resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
• Comfortable Grip: The phenolic handle with aluminum guard and pommel is responsible for a solid grip.
• Classic Design: The timeless design appeals to everyone.
• Quality Sheath: The genuine leather sheath helps with the safe storage and transportation.
• Lifetime Warranty: Buck Knives’ Forever Warranty gives peace of mind to customers.

Cons

• Size: Its large size is a distracting point, as reported by some users who prefer a more compact knife.
• Weight: At 8.3 ounces, it’s considered heavy, which is a concern when they have to be carried over long distances.

COHOMELARS Knife with Sheaths | Hunting Knife Sheath

stainless steel blade + 5.5 inches blade + wooden handle + two leather sheaths

The COHOMELARS Straight Hunting Knife is a practical tool for hunters and those people who love going outdoors a lot. The knife’s stainless steel blade gives greater edge retention and makes it resistant to corrosion. The aesthetic wooden handle provides a solid grip, enhancing overall control in usage. The knife also includes two high-quality leather sheaths, making it super easy to store and transport. If you’re preparing game or just going through routing outdoor tasks, the COHOMELARS Straight Hunting Knife is a must-have product that will surely make those tasks convenient for you.

Pros

• Durable Blade: The stainless steel blade gives superb edge retention and corrosion resistance.
• Comfortable Grip: The wooden handle is aesthetically designed for a smooth yet solid grip.
• Quality Sheaths: Comes with two leather sheaths for safe, easy storage and transportation.
• Versatile Use: Capable of performing various hunting and outdoor tasks.
• Value for Money: Offers a practical tool at a decent price point.

Cons

• Weight: 9.6 ounces is considered heavier when hunters need to carry it over long distances.
• Handle Material: The wooden handle is comfortable but not as durable as some other synthetic alternatives, as claimed by a few users.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter Wooden Pocket Knife Knives

420HC stainless steel blade + crelicam ebony handle with brass bolsters + black leather sheath + lock-back mechanism

The Buck 110 Folding Hunter Wooden Pocket Knife has modern functionality and a classic design. The knife has a 3.75-inch 420HC stainless steel blade that excels in edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle, created with Crelicam ebony and brass bolsters, gives a good, solid grip. The lock-back mechanism of the knife makes it secure in usage. It includes a black leather sheath for simple carrying and storage. This pocket knife is ideal for hunters due to its timeless appeal and pragmatic performance.

Pros

• Durable Blade: The 420HC stainless steel blade gives excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
• Classic Design: The Crelicam ebony handle with brass bolsters gives out a great look.
• Secure Lock: The lock-back mechanism takes care of the safety protocols.
• Quality Sheath: Comes with a black leather sheath to easily carry around and store safely.
• Portable: The foldable design makes it easy to carry in a pocket/bag.

Cons

• Weight: Some users find its 7.2 ounces weight a bit heavy for a pocket knife.
• Maintenance: The wooden handle can lose its appearance and durability if not regularly maintained.

Opinel No. 8 Folding Knife

sharpening stages include diamond plates, ceramic rods, and leather strop + built-in angle guides + portable + 6.75 x 1.5 x 1 inches

The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is designed to keep hunting knives razor-sharp all the time. The sharpener features five stages of sharpening, including diamond plates, ceramic rods, and a leather strop. It’s a comprehensive sharpening solution for each type of blade. The angle guides, which are built-in, give a consistent sharp angle that’s vital to achieve professional results. It easily fits in your hunting gear because of its compact design, so you can always make sure that your knives are in optimal condition.

Pros

• Comprehensive Sharpening: Involves multiple stages of sharpening solution for different blades.
• Consistent Results: Built-in angle guides help with consistent sharpening.
• Portable: The lightweight design means it’s easy to carry around.
• Durable Construction: The high-quality materials help to withstand rugged outdoor usage.
• User-Friendly: Beginners as well as experienced knife owners will find it very easy to use.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Some users report they need time to learn and get accustomed to the various sharpening stages.
• Price: A relatively higher price point compared to other simple sharpeners – but it’s also worth the price.

How to Choose the Best Hunting Knives

Choosing a hunting knife can be time-taking. We’re listing out some key factors to consider which shall ease the selection process for you:

1. Blade Material

High-quality stainless steel like the 420HC or CPM-S30V gives greater edge retention and corrosion resistance. Make sure that the blade material caters to your needs.

2. Blade Type

Both the fixed blades and the folding blades have their plus points: fixed blades are strong and reliable for heavy-duty tasks while folding blades are convenient and portable. Choose based on your usage and carrying preferences.

“A National Shooting Sports Foundation Survey found that 67% of hunters would choose fixed blade knives over folding knives – just because they’re more reliable and offer more strength in the field.” – NSSF

3. Blade Length

Blades that are 3-6 inches in length are best for a lot of hunting tasks. A short blade is precise, while a longer blade will perform better when used for larger games.

4. Handle Material

Handles that are constructed from wood, rubber, or other notable synthetic composites have a stern grip. Check to see if the handle feels OK in your hand.

5. Sheath Quality

A quality sheath will make sure of secure storage as well as easy access to your knife. Leather and nylon offer different levels of durability and protection, so opt for a knife that includes these.

6. Additional Features

Hunting knives that include add-ons like gut hooks, fire starters, or other sharpening tools add value and functionality to the product.

7. Brand and Warranty

Brands with good reputations like Benchmade and Buck Knives are reliable and give their users a lifetime warranty with their products. Investing in an established brand will give you peace of mind and satisfaction.

Ticking these checkboxes ensures whatever knife you pick fulfills your needs and genuinely assists you on your hunting trips.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right hunting knife can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. With a variety of options available, it’s essential to choose a knife that suits your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a robust fixed blade for heavy-duty tasks or a compact folding knife for portability, our reviews and buying guide aim to help you make an informed decision. Invest in a high-quality hunting knife to ensure reliability, durability, and efficiency on your next adventure.

“High-quality hunting knives investment can be cost-beneficial in the long run, as cheaper knives demand higher maintenance and frequent repairs.” – Field & Stream

FAQs

What is the best blade material for a hunting knife?

High-quality stainless steel, such as 420HC or CPM-S30V, is considered the best for hunting knives due to its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Should I choose a fixed blade or a folding blade for hunting?

Fixed blades are stronger and more reliable for heavy-duty tasks, while folding blades offer convenience and portability. Your choice depends on your primary use and carrying preferences.

What is the ideal blade length for a hunting knife?

A blade length of 3-6 inches is suitable for most hunting tasks. Shorter blades offer precision for small games, while longer blades are better for larger games and versatile use.

How do I maintain my hunting knife?

Regularly clean and dry your knife after use, sharpen the blade as needed, and store it in a high-quality sheath to protect it from damage.

“The life of a hunting knife can be extended by up to 5 years or more through proper maintenance.” – Knife Manual

Are additional features like gut hooks and fire starters necessary?

While not essential, additional features like gut hooks and fire starters can add value and versatility to your hunting knife, making it more useful in various outdoor situations.

What should I look for in a hunting knife handle?

Look for a handle made from durable materials like wood, rubber, or synthetic composites that provide a secure and comfortable grip, especially during extended use.

How important is the sheath quality for a hunting knife?

A high-quality sheath is crucial for safe storage and easy access. Leather sheaths offer durability and protection, while nylon sheaths are lightweight and often more affordable.