How to choose a hunting knife
Blade length, steel, grind and handle — the four decisions that define a hunting knife you will keep for life.
A hunting knife is a tool you trust with the most demanding part of the hunt. Choosing well comes down to four decisions.
Blade length
For most hunters a blade of 90–120 mm is ideal: long enough for field dressing, short enough for control. Larger blades suit camp and bushcraft work more than precise cuts.
Steel
Stainless steels such as Böhler N690 resist corrosion in wet, bloody conditions and hold a keen edge. High-carbon steels like 1095 are easier to resharpen in the field but demand more care.
Grind and edge
A flat or scandi grind gives a strong, easy-to-maintain edge for game work. Hardness around 58–61 HRC balances edge retention with toughness.
Handle
Stabilised wood, micarta and G10 stay secure when wet. Choose a shape that fills your hand with no hot spots.
A handmade knife is built around these choices for you — and signed by the maker who forged it.