A hunting knife is, among other camping gear, an essential part of any trip to the great outdoors! Even if you’re just going for a camping trip, a good, sturdy hunting knife should always be found in one of your pockets. The name may suggest you’ll need it for hunting purposes only, but hunting knives are actually quite versatile and can be useful in many situations you may find yourself in when out and about in the Australian wilderness. Still, not any hunting knife will do it for you. Just like with any other item, you’ll need to choose one that suits you and your needs best. We’re all different, and hunting knives are made in millions of different variations to reflect our individual needs. As great as that can be, it can also make choosing the ideal hunting knife a bit of a chore. Here’s what you need to pay attention to when looking for the best hunting knife for your next trip!

Design

You can find hunting knives for sale at specialized stores, as well as many other outlets that aren’t specifically centered on the outdoors. You should definitely always opt for a specialized store when buying though, as they usually carry brand-name knives of proven quality and that’s exactly what you need. A hunting knife that’s not well made runs the risk of leaving you stranded after it gets damaged from performing tasks a hunting knife should and that’s quite a risk to take when you’re travelling into the wilderness. The first thing you’ll need to pay attention to when looking for the ideal hunting knife is the design. Ask yourself, are you looking for a folding knife or a fixed-blade knife?

A folding knife is great for transportation as it folds down to convenient pocket size and it can also be easily and safely stored away when not in use. Its folded design is also very convenient for one-hand use, as you can usually unfold the knife by pressing a button or pushing a lever with one hand, rendering it very practical.

A fixed-blade knife, on the other hand, is much sturdier than a folding one, as the blade goes deep within the handle, so it can take a lot more pressure and heavy use. The fact that it doesn’t have any moving parts is also convenient and adds to its durability. You can expect a fixed-blade knife to last and serve you longer than a folding one, though that’s not a rule set in stone.

Blade

The blade is obviously a very important part of your knife. In fact, it basically is the knife itself, so paying attention to its make and design is crucial. When looking at the blade specifics, make sure to look at the material first. Stainless steel blades are your best option, as they’re the most durable, easiest to clean and maintain. Plus they’re corrosion-resistant, and will definitely do a good job no matter what you use them for.

If you’re looking for a knife specifically made for hunting purposes, you’ll need to mind the blade’s shape as it makes a lot of difference in what you can use your knife for. For starters, your knife can be either curved or straight. Curved knives have a lot of different variations, like a clip point, drop point, tailing point, and so on, each of which has its own specific purpose in hunting and handling game.

A knife without a curve is also good for hunting, though curved knives are known to be a bit more durable than their spear-like counterparts. Think about what you’ll use your knife for and go with the best option for that. Also, keep in mind that your knife will inevitably be used for other purposes outside hunting, so make sure you get a versatile one!

No matter which shape you opt for, or if your knife is a folding one or one featuring a fixed blade, always make sure the material is of the best quality as that determines if the knife is good and can be used for anything at all! If you’re looking for a knife for hunting purposes, I recommend skipping the folding ones and go for a fixed blade.

Handle

Lastly, you should consider the handle. Many people tend to overlook the handle when choosing hunting or camping knives but the truth is, the handle is very important to the whole experience of using the blade and to its overall durability and functionality.

First things first, consider the handle material. Leather is the most commonly used material in quality-made knife handles and it’s probably one of the best materials for the job. Sturdy and long-lasting, it will ensure a safe grip and comfortable handling. This leather is usually treated to make sure your knife won’t slip around in your hand. There are also synthetic options that many people argue are more durable than leather, but it all depends on the quality of the make.

Next up, see if the handle is textured and includes creases for your fingers. This will make sure your knife lays comfortably in your hand. Also, pay attention to whether the handle features a stopper at the top. The stopper is a piece of material that will prevent your hand from coming in contact with the blade. Most knives have this kind of feature, but it’s still important to make sure. If you’re buying in-store, take the knife in your hand and test it out. If you’re buying online, make sure to read reviews and do your research.

To Conclude

By having a proper, long-lasting, highly functional, quality-made hunting knife you will be prepared for anything nature might throw at you while visiting. Take these tips into consideration when choosing your blade and I’m confident you’ll pick the best knife out of all the hunting knives for sale out there. Always make sure to keep your knife clean and sharpened and pay attention to where you leave it. A hunting knife in the wrong hands can be bad news. Keep your knife in its sheath at all times and when you don’t need it, store it away in a secure place to make sure nobody gets hurt.