A hunting knife is more than just a blade; it represents history and tradition. It is a tool that can do everything from field dress an animal and skin it to cut rope and help spark a fire in a survival situation.
Fixed blades give hunters strength and power and typically feel better in the hand than folders. However, stainless steel hunting knives can rust when exposed to high humidity. Find Quality Equipment at Elk Calls for Hunters
The blade is arguably the most important aspect of any knife. It’s used for a wide variety of tasks including field dressing and skinning game, cutting cord, and helping to spark a fire in a survival situation. There are many different knife blades, but hunters tend to lean toward fixed-blade knives that have no moving parts and offer ruggedness.
A popular hunting blade shape is the drop point, popularized by Bob Loveless. It features a thicker point for strength and is less prone to puncturing materials like hides and vital organs when skinning. A blade with a curved point is also good for skinning and has the added benefit of making it easier to remove meat from bones.
Hunting knife blades may be as compact as 2.5 to 3.5 inches for small game or as long as five to six inches for big-game. Some hunters may use a separate knife with a curved-tip skinner blade for its named purpose and a longer knife with a drop or clip point to handle rougher field butchery tasks.
Stainless steel blades are popular with hunters because they’re resistant to rust and require less maintenance than carbon steel blades. However, some stainless steel knives can be difficult to sharpen and tend to cost more than their carbon steel counterparts.
It’s essential that a hunter’s knife be properly maintained to ensure that it performs at its best. A knife with a dull edge is ineffective, and it can present a danger to other people and animals. Regularly using a high-quality whetstone to touch up the blade’s edge keeps it sharp and extends its life.
It’s also important to regularly inspect a knife’s handle for cracks or other signs of wear. A cracked or damaged handle can make it more difficult to hold and control the blade, affecting the knife’s performance. Oiling the handle regularly with a knife-specific lubricant is another way to keep it in good condition and protect it from moisture. For long-term storage, wrap a clean and dry knife in acid-free paper and then place it inside a plastic bag filled with a package of desiccant to prevent mold and rust.
Handles
In the hands of a hunter, a knife is used for a variety of tasks ranging from field dressing (gutting) an animal to skinning and cutting around bones and joints. These high-force applications call for rugged blades and grippy handles.
Some of the more popular handle materials include wood, leather and bone, although a number of well-engineered synthetics also offer a combination of sure grip and durability. Some handle styles may include a lanyard hole for a cord or rope, which is useful in keeping your knife within reach during hard use.
The handle’s main function is to provide a comfortable grip and warmth, but it must be sturdy enough for rough use. In his article, “Handle Design for the Hunter,” Dick Turpin describes several key elements of a good hunting knife handle:
He notes that a knife with a thin grip can be difficult to control in high-force applications like skinning large game or cleaning fish. He recommends a larger handle for these types of jobs. He also suggests avoiding handles with sharp or pointed edges, which can slip out of the hand while cutting.
Bone, antler and horn are often used as handle materials for hunting knives, because they are readily available from game animals. However, these materials can be brittle and susceptible to cracking due to their natural composition. They can also be slippery depending on the texture of the grip.
Synthetic handles are a great alternative, because they provide a grippy surface, even when wet with blood or mud. Some, such as Zytel and Kraton, are incredibly durable and almost impossible to break, while others feature a soft grip that feels comfortable in the hand.
Whatever handle material is chosen, the knife should be lubricated regularly to maintain its durability. Linseed oil is a common choice, but vegetable oils, which are derived from oleaginous plants such as linseed, rapeseed or almond, are becoming more preferred because of their environmentally friendly nature. To lubricate, place a few drops of the chosen oil onto a paper towel and rub it into the handle, applying a generous amount until it stops absorbing the oil.
Sheaths
The knife sheath is the final touch to the knife, completing the unique fusion of function and form. A sheath is more than just a protective case for the blade; it is the embodiment of both its purpose and owner’s personality and aesthetic preferences.
Sheaths are available in a wide range of styles and materials, from traditional leather to modern Kydex. Each option offers distinct appearances and performance characteristics, ranging from rugged outdoor use to refined collector’s pieces. The type of leather used, its thickness and tanning process, and the sheath’s original treatment will all affect its durability and appearance.
Many sheathmakers choose to use vegetable-tanned cowhide for their sheaths, with exotic leathers such as ostrich, stingray and alligator offering additional style options. Using the appropriate tooling and stitching techniques, sheathmakers can also add contrasting colors or inlays to further enhance the sheath’s appearance and functionality.
Depending on the type of sheath, its design and your environment, sheaths may need regular maintenance to keep them in peak condition. Generally speaking, the more frequent you use your sheath and the more vigorous your blade’s usage, the more often it will need attention. It is important to check your sheath for foreign matter, tarnishing and cracking, especially in damp environments.
Once a sheath is properly maintained, it will protect your knife for years to come. If you have a sheath made of the wrong material for your specific knife, it will likely wear out faster than you will be able to replace it. Additionally, if you don’t regularly clean and maintain your sheath, it will absorb moisture that will affect the quality of the knife inside.
A well-maintained sheath can significantly extend the life of your blade, so it is important to check it for foreign matter and tarnishing regularly. You should also inspect your sheath for signs of wear and tear such as tears or loose stitches, nicks or scratches in the sheath’s surface, and rust on the knife. If your sheath is not in good condition, a local cobbler can often repair it for a small fee.
Maintenance
Hunting is a time-honored tradition that requires patience, practice, and the right tools. A hunting knife is one of those key tools, used for everything from skinning game to tying camp rope. But even the toughest blade can suffer damage if not properly maintained and handled. That’s why it is important to understand the different components of a hunting knife and how best to care for them.
First, you’ll need to determine what kind of blade your hunting knife has. There are fixed blades and folding knives, both of which can be suited to different tasks. The blade material also matters, as stainless steel is less prone to corrosion but might require more frequent sharpening. Carbon steel, on the other hand, is a bit more susceptible to rust but holds an edge better and can be less expensive.
Once you’ve determined the type of blade and handle, you’ll need to clean it regularly. A good cleaning routine involves washing your hunting knife with soapy water, followed by a thorough rinse to remove any dirt and debris. Always dry your knife before sheathing or storing it. Sweaty hands can transfer minerals to the metal, causing the knife to corrode.
It’s also a good idea to keep the knife away from anything it shouldn’t touch. Knives are often misused, used as pry bars or screwdrivers, and that can cause serious damage. A damaged hunting knife can often be fixed by filing or reshaping the tip to restore its functionality.
Finally, you should lubricate your hunting knife regularly. This will reduce friction and improve performance while preventing corrosion. You can use linseed oil to lubricate a wooden handle, while leather or rubber handles should be treated with mink oil.
A knife is a workhorse, so it’s going to get dirty from time to time. The most important thing is to keep it clean and dry. Washing and rinsing will usually do the trick, but you may need to use a stronger cleaner like Bar Keeper’s friend if your knife is particularly dirty. Handles made of natural materials like wood, bone, or horn will also need regular lubrication to avoid cracking and swelling in extreme temperatures and humidity.