[Updated Post]
Are you looking for the best rated hunting knives on the market? This is a tool that you will mostly be using after you’ve done your job in the woods, but it can also serve many other uses while you are on your campsite.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why should I Buy a Hunting Knife?
- 2 2020's Best 9 Hunting Knife Review Chart
- 2.1 Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife, Fine Edge Hunting Knife
- 2.2 Puma 116393 Skinner Fixed Blade Knife, Plain Stag
- 2.3 Benchmade - Steep Country 15008, Drop-Point
- 2.4 ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife with Canvas Micarta Handles
- 2.5 Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife with HD Polyester Front Pocket Sheath
- 2.6 Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Black Blade Knife
- 2.7 Benchmade - Hidden Canyon Hunter Drop-Point hunting knife
- 2.8 Best Budget Hunting Knives Under $50
- 2.9 Perkin Knives Custom Handmade Damascus Hunting Knife with Sheath and Sharpener
- 2.10 Columbia River Knife and Tool K700KXP Ken Onion Skinner
Why should I Buy a Hunting Knife?
Hunting is one of the oldest and most primal hobbies some of us still enjoy. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of bringing down your prey. A hunting knife has a single purpose: Processing meat after a kill. Traditionally designed for cutting rather than stabbing, and usually have a single sharpened edge.
These knives will help you make the most of your next hunt. Each has its own unique style but they all have in common to be made from the best material available making them both strong and long-lasting.
In this article, we list our top 15 of the most bought and best-rated hunting knife brands on Amazon and give you an overview of why they made the list in 2020. Let’s begin.
2020's Best 9 Hunting Knife Review Chart
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Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife, Fine Edge Hunting Knife
Gerber has been making survival tactical knives for the US Military since 1968.
The StrongArm Fixed Blade carries on the legacy of tough-as-hell fixed blade knives for hunting and most survival application. With a sheath that can be mounted in a variety of ways, this knife offers reliable use whether on-duty or off.
With a full tang, 420HC steel blade and rubberized diamond texture grip, this is a knife you can bet your life on. The MOLLE-compatible multi-mount sheath system offers optimal customization, keeping your knife ever at the ready in hunting situations.
Features & Technical Specs:
- Full tang, ceramic-coated 420HC drop point blade.
- Rubberized diamond-texture handle for unshakeable grip.
- Striking pommel at base of handle for rescue + survival.
- The modular sheath can be mounted on MOLLE, on the belt, or traditional drop leg.
- Brute strength in the moment you need it most.
- Blade material: 420HC
- Handle material: glass-filled nylon with rubber overmold
- Blade length: 4.8” (12.2 cm)
- Overall length: 9.8” (24.8 cm)
- Knife weight: 7.2 oz (204 g)
- Overall weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
- The StrongArm features a black handle and a fine edge, full tang 420HC steel blade
- Ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip
- A striking pommel at the base of the handle breaks through hard surfaces
Puma 116393 Skinner Fixed Blade Knife, Plain Stag
Since 1769, Puma has been making the finest knives in the world. This hunting knife is the ideal tool for any avid hunter and features a D1.4 German stainless-steel blade and genuine stag-horn handle, which adds style and durability.
Each blade is Rockwell tested to a hardness of 57-59 for the perfect combination of strength and ease of sharpening. Perfect for field dressing your next big game kill or for general outdoor use. The handle is drilled to accept the included leather lanyard.
This Puma knife is the ideal accessory for hunting trips and comes with a convenient leather sheath for carrying.
Features & Technical Specs:
- D1.4 German stainless-steel blade
- Blade is Rockwell-tested to a hardness of 57-59
- 4.7″ drop blade specifically designed for skinning
- Grooved thumb indent for better control
- Genuine stag-horn handle
- Custom proofed Rockwell Hardness
- Plain-edge knife with brass rivets
- Leather sheath
- Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 1.6 x 2.6 inches ; 7.8 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Blade length: 11.6″
- Overall length: 11.6”
- Knife weight: 7.8oz
- Handmade by Skilled German Craftsman from Solingen, Germany
- Blade Length: 5 Inch, Total Length 9 4/9 Inch, Knife Weight 5.64 oz.
- Staghorn Scales, Aluminium Bolster with Brass Pins
Benchmade - Steep Country 15008, Drop-Point
Typical Benchmade quality and sharpness.
This knife was designed to hit the dead-middle of hunter preferences for shape and feel of hunting knives and the materials used, exceed the performance expectations. Intended for Hunting use, the Steep Country models has a lanyard hole and comes with a black, molded Kydex sheath that offers multiple carry positions.
This drop-point style blade, weighing at 3.71oz, is made of American Made Steel (CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) and well-rounded characteristics, such as; excellent corrosion resistance and superb edge qualities. The balanced stainless steel makes it a solid choice for any hunting tasks.
The Santropene handle offers excellent flexibility with high tear strength, fatigue resistance, and resistance to harsh chemicals, which improves performance in a range of tough jobs. And it also includes a lanyard hole.
This knife is permanently open and comes with a sheath to protect the edge. The sheath is molded Kydex with multiple carry positions. Kydex offers outstanding impact and chemical resistance as well as fire retardancy.
Features & Technical Specs:
- Action: Fixed Blade
- Blade Steel: CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC)
- Blade Length: 3.50″ (8.89cm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.140″ (3.56mm)
- Overall Length: 7.65″ (19.43cm)
- Handle Thickness: 0.62″ (15.75mm)
- Weight: 3.71oz. (105.18g)
- HIGH-QUALITY: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well-balanced, offering superb edge qualities and rust resistance. The Santoprene handle offers excellent flexibility with high strength and resistance, making it perfect for tough jobs.
- WELL-DESIGNED: The Steep Country is a fixed blade, full tang knife, providing greater strength and reliability than a folding knife. The simplicity of the knife also makes it easy to clean.
- ALWAYS READY: The 15008 is the perfect size for a hunting knife. The molded Kydex sheath is durable and offers multiple carrying positions.
ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife with Canvas Micarta Handles
The ESEE Laser Strike hunting knife is one of our favorites. With over 100 customer reviews and a 5-star rating on Amazon, the Laser Strike is an improved ESEE fixed blade knife with a spear point blade shape and a more ergonomic handle. This model does away with the striking pommel on the butt of the knife in lieu of a more comfortable grip.
It comes with Kydex sheath, belt clip plate and handle removal washer. Ferrocerium fire starting flint and tinder tabs are included inside the handle.
Jimping on the back spine of the knife is also improved on this knife, really locking your thumb in place. If you have experience with any of the regular ESEE knives, you will surely enjoy the Laser Strike.
Esee has an awesome warranty and here’s the first portion of the warranty info from their website. “If you break it, we will replace it. Warranty is lifetime and transferable. In other words, we warranty the knife no matter how many times it’s been traded, sold or given away – no sales receipt or proof of purchase required.”
Features & Technical Specs:
- Overall Length: 10.00″
- Blade Length: 4.75″
- Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Sheath: Kydex
- Made in USA
- Black Textured powder coating on blade
- 1095 carbon steel
- Canvas MI carta handles
Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife with HD Polyester Front Pocket Sheath
This hunting knife gives you the impression that it can go through anything. For all those who camp, hunt or spend time afield. The blade is constructed of 1095 Cro-van steel and has an overall length of 10.5″ inches. And the Ka-Bar 22 performs perfectly at skinning wild game.
What does the sheath look like?
The new BK-22S sheath is constructed of a heavy-duty Polyester with a front cargo pocket with Velcro closure, a blade insert sleeve, handle retaining straps, and riveted leg lashing holes.
The primary difference between the BK-2 and the BK-22 is the new sheath and a new upgraded blade coating. The sheath on the BK-2 is a glass filled sheath that constantly takes the edge off the blade. After numerous complaints from owners, Becker redid the sheath and updated the blade coating. I would opt for the BK-22
Features & Technical Specs:
- Blade Steel: 1095 Cro-Van, 56-58HRC
- Blade Length: 5-1/4″
- Overall Length:: 10-1/2″
- Handle Material: Zytel
- Weight: 16oz
- Sheath Material: Heavy-Duty Polyester
- Knife Made in USA; Sheath Made in China
- Used by all branches of miliary and service members
- Great for collectors and outdoor services,Tested to ensure quality and durability
- Becker 22 Second Generation "Companion" Fixed Blade Knife with HD Sheath
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Black Blade Knife
Why change something if it works? Spyderco, practices the principle of C.Q.I. – Constant Quality Improvement. If they can refine and improve the ergonomics or cutting performance of an established model, they do it.
The Para Military 2 has several changes over the classic version. The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position. It features a Compression Lock and an ambidextrous-friendly four-way clip which carries tip-up/tip-down, left/right-hand and rests deeper in a pocket.
Spyderco kept the same high-performance CPM S30V full flat-ground blade but they have also lengthened the blade’s tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger choil. Implementation of a new Bushing Pivot System generates fluid action and more consistent manufacturing tolerances. Larger lanyard gives more options for tactical carry.
Refinements to overall construction may not be drastic or even visible to the eye but from the G-10 textured handle to the CPM S30V steel full flat blade, everything is sharper, smoother and guaranteed to provide performance and user comfort.
Features & Technical Specs:
- Blade Length: 3 7/16″ (87 mm)
- Cutting Edge: 3 5/64″ (78 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 9/64″ (3.5 mm)
- Overall Length: 8 9/32″ (210 mm)
- Blade Steel: CPM-S30V Premium Stainless Steel
- Weight: 3.75 oz.
- Handle Material: G-10
- Made in Golden, Colorado, USA
- The G-10 handle is narrower at the grip position and wider at the pommel for fatigue-free, slip resistant handling
- Flat ground from the spine to the cutting edge, the blade cuts cleanly and unfettered through all material
- Incorporates Spyderco’s new Pivot Bushing System that makes opening/closing the blade feel smooth while tightening manufacturing tolerances to a higher level
- Screw-together construction with a nested Compression Lock
- Two-position pocket clip for tip-up or tip-down carry and piped lanyard hole as an additional carry option
- 4-way Clip
- Nested Compression Lock. Spine & choil jimping. Screw-together construction.
- G-10 laminate handle scales. 14mm Spyderco Round Hole (for gloved hand)
- AN IMPROVED CLASSIC - Undeniably one of Spyderco's most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, pocket-friendly package.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY - We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but we've also lengthened the blade's tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger coil.
- A SECURE GRIP - The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position.
Benchmade 15016-2 Hidden Canyon Hunter is a premium hunting knife that makes use of advanced materials offering you both style and functionality which is suitable for outdoorsmen and other hunting activities.
A compact knife for those who are looking to save space, it’s truly about as much knife as you’ll ever need for processing your harvest thanks to the large applied blade radius that excels at skinning and meat removal.
Intended for Hunting use, the Saddle Mountain Hunter models have a lanyard hole and comes with a sheath. The 15007-1 comes with a black, molded Kydex sheath with reversible belt loop, and the 15007-2 comes with a brown, pressure fit, rich-leather sheath with an integrated guard.
All Benchmade products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and LifeSharp service to make sure your knife stays razor sharp.
Features & Technical Specs:
- Blade Length: 2.67″ (6.78cm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.140″ (3.56mm)
- Handle Thickness: 0.58″ (14.73mm)
- Blade Material: S30V Premium Stainless Steel
- CPM-S30V premium stainless steel blade (58-60HRC)
- Blade Style: Modified Clip-Point
- Lock Mechanism: Fixed
- Length: 6.32″ (16.05cm)
- Sheath Material: Rich leather pressure-fit sheath with integrated guard
- Weight: 3.41 oz.
- Made in USA
- BUILT FOR THE HUNT: Simplicity and style meets unmatched function, no matter the application; An ideal hunting knife capable of countless tasks in the field.
- AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Drop-point with wide blade radius makes breaking down game a breeze.
- STABILIZED WOOD HANDLE: Is made from a durable composite material that's been backfilled with resin; Stands up to a range of harsh elements and environments; Stronger than natural wood.
Best Budget Hunting Knives Under $50
Perkin Knives Custom Handmade Damascus Hunting Knife with Sheath and Sharpener
All hunters need a reliable knife. Among the top rated hunting knives under $50 to choose from, Perkins Knives has the quality of knives that usually cost several hundred dollars more.
The genuine Damascus steel used to make this knife is a work of art. The knife is ideal for hunting, camping and bushcraft activities and it comes with a knife sharpener and a handmade leather sheath.
Apart from the brand being known to produce top quality blades, the product offers:
Features & Technical Specs:
- Overall Length : 8.0 inches
- Blade length: 4.0 inch
- Burl Wood Handle: 4.0 inches
- 59-62 HRC on Rockwel Scale
- Ideal For Hunting,Camping & Bushcraft Activities
- Comes with knife Sharpener & Handmade Leather Sheath
- Genuine Damascus Steel
- genuine damascus steel knife
- hunting knife full tang
- fixed blade hunting knife ideal for buscraft
Columbia River Knife and Tool K700KXP Ken Onion Skinner
Founded by Rod Bremer in 1994 and based in Oregon, Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) offers a broad line of professional knives that are purpose driven designs.
After going through an extensive field testing program spanning more than five years, the Onion Skinner by Ken Onion has become the favorite knife of many top Alaskan guides and professional hunters. It works well for skinning, gutting and deboning.
The Onion Skinner hunting knife features a three-quarter tang Bohler K110 stainless steel blade, high hollow-ground and polished to a satin finish, with a hardness of HRC 58-60.
Finally, the Onion Skinner features a handle which has a deep finger choil, which greatly improves grip in slippery conditions.
Features & Technical Specs:
- Type: Fixed blade hunter/skinner
- Blade type: drop point, high hollow ground
- Blade length: 3.75″
- Blade width: 1.43″
- Blade thickness: 0.142″
- Blade material: Bohler K110 stainless steel (satin finish)
- HRC 58-60
- Sheath: Molded black leather to lock in the knife against loss
- Handle: Three-quarter tang, glass filled core with TPR outside with lanyard
- Overall length: 8″
- Weight: 3.7 ounces (5.8 oz. with sheath)
- Superior Skinning Blade Shape
- Double Injection Molded Handle w/Textured Grip
- Fitted, Custom Style, Leather Sheath
