Are you game for a hunting trip now and then? Hunting in the wilderness is exciting but requires good preparation. From the plethora of necessary tools, buying a hunting knife that’s sturdy, sharp and durable is crucial. Whether it’s a 12-inch camping survival knife or a 24-inch massive hunting knife, picking the right one makes the sport interesting.
If you are looking for a hunting knife, investing in the right one is highly recommended. Here are a few things to look for when picking up the perfect knife before going for your hunting trip.
Whether to fixed or replaceable blade knife
One of the features to consider is choosing between folding or fixed blade hunting knives. Fixed blades are durable, and sharper, and do not come with the complication of replacing the blades. Fixed blades are stationary knives and are known to be the classic hunter’s choice. With a sturdy handle, it helps in keeping the position intact and facilitates exemplary hunting abilities. However, if you are on the lookout for a compact knife, a folding knife is a good option but limits hunting capacity.
Full or Partial Tang
Hunting knives are either full or partial tang. The full tang knives serve as better hunting knives as it sturdier and stronger as compared to the partial tang. Investing in a full tang knife for hunting purposes is recommended as it is secured and gives a stronger hold. In a full tang knife, the handle tang extends through the handle, but in partial tang knives, the blade doesn’t extend entirely to the handle.
Sheath cover for knife
On purchasing a fixed-blade knife, make sure to always cover it with a sheath to prevent accidents and injuries. Leather sheaths are the most common material as they shield the blade and prevent the sharp blade from cutting. When not in use, it keeps the knife and prevents corrosion or rusting.
Handle ergonomics
Unless the handle is ergonomically designed, it hinders the overall grip and efficiency. Handles made of leather sheathing add a classic look and also gives a strong grip. Avoid going for thin handles as it impacts the balance. While choosing a hunting knife, always look for the grip and how comfortable it is to hold the knife.
Versatile function of a hunting knife
Although hunting knives the designed for better hunting, they are multi-purpose and are the ultimate camping tool. There are a range of hunting-related tasks that the knives can perform.
- Field dressing is a common use of the hunting knife that involves the removal of the animal’s internal organs. This process helps in preserving the meat for a longer time. The sharpness of the knife helps in effortlessly conducting the process.
- Another utility of the hunting knife is skinning. This process involves removing the hide or skin from the carcass. The thin and sharp edge of the blade makes it easy and convenient to skin the hide.
- Hunting knives are perfect for deboning which involves removal of the bones. The process is often performed in an attempt to reduce the overall weight of the carcass making it easier to carry the meat.
- The sharp and agile blade makes the knives perfect as a butchering tool. The technique involves cutting the carcass and meat into pieces. It is an intensive process and hence demands a strong, durable, and sharp knife.
- Apart from using the knife for hunting purposes, it helps with a range of other work like cutting ropes, first aid, self-defence etc.
