How Important are Knives For Hunting?

If you enjoy the occasional getaway into the wilderness for some camping or hunting with your mates, then you probably know how important proper preparation is. This is especially true if you’re going to be hunting for the food you’re going to eat while on the trip. That being said, having the right tools for hunting, like a rifle and a knife, is of utmost importance. You might be asking yourself: “Why would I need a knife? It’s not like I’ll actually stab the prey with it.” And the answer is – you’re right, you won’t stab it, but preparing your catch definitely requires a knife, and not a kitchen one.

Hunting knives, just like all other tools for hunting, are designed for cutting, not stabbing. They feature a curved blade and a single sharpened edge. The curved part is for skinning, while the straight part is for cutting meat slices. That being said, a hunting knife can improve your hunting and camping experience, as they’re versatile enough to satisfy all of your needs while out in the wilderness. But before you invest money into a costly one, you should consider how you’ll use it and what type of game you’re going to hunt. Every game requires a different type of knife.

For instance, there are general purpose knives that can be used for most tasks. They feature a large drop point and people who need to cut wood for a fire, prepare a shelter, skin, or a wide range of other tasks can make use of them. On the other hand, field dressing knives are used for what their name implies – field dressing, which is the process of preparing the game for transport from the wilderness to your home. Similarly, skinning and caping knives are also used for what their name implies – skinning and caping.

Now, regardless of what type of knife you decide to go for, you’ll need to pick between a folding and a fixed knife. Folding knives are more compact and easier to carry around, while fixed blades are stronger and more versatile. Typically, fixed blades are the superior option, because they also feature full tang blades, which are far more reliable than half-tang ones. And lastly, you have to consider the blade’s materials. Typically, stainless steel and carbon steel are your best options. Stainless steel is easier to clean and maintain in good shape, while carbon steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion.