Are you looking for the best hunting knife? There are numerous options to choose from, each with a different shape, build, and type. The best fixed blade hunting knife would have a blade that does not move either up or down and cannot be folded. It’s more durable and studier, making it an excellent option for hunting and camping.
You will need a solid and reliable fixed blade knife if you are planning an outdoor adventure like hunting. How do you choose the best knife from the vast array on the market? The truth is, picking the best can be a hassle.
We have put together this review of the best-fixed blade knives so you can spend less time buying and more enjoying your adventure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
- OUR TOP PICK: Morakniv Companion Sandvik Stainless Steel Knife
- RUNNER-UP: Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Blade Knife
Comparison of the Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
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What is a Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Best For?
While some knives can be used for multiple purposes, others are designed for specific purposes only. A multi-purpose knife may be cost-efficient, but sometimes, a function-specific one is what you need.
Why Did These Fixed Blade Hunting Knives Make Our List?
Several very good reasons why these hunting knives made it to our list of the “best fixed blade hunting knife” review.
- Solid Build: The blades are made from stainless steel or carbon steel, making them strong and durable. The steel grade is high-quality, sharpens easily, and holds an edge for a long.
- Sharpness: Whether it’s skinning or boning, sharp knives make precise and smooth cuts. Dull blades tear the meat. These knives have razor-sharp edges that cut through the meat easily without injuring your hands.
- Excellent Size and Weight: You should choose a knife size that matches your hand. The knives in this list are not too big and not too small. Most of them are also lightweight for easier mobility while the heavier one is great for chopping wood when camping, thus an ideal option.
- Firm Grip: When hunting in wet conditions, your hands will get wet. You, therefore, need a knife that will provide a firm grip. These knives have high-friction to ensure the knife does not slip from your hand even when drenched in blood.
- Great Price: The prices of these knives are affordable, considering the features they come with. There’s best for budget, and the others offer incredible functionalities at a great price.
Review of the Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
There’s no single “best knife” on the market, but you can get one depending on what you intend to use it for and the features you’re looking for.
Best Overall:
Morakniv Companion Sandvik Stainless Steel Knife
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The sharpness of this knife stands out for most buyers. Most of them use the knife for bushcraft, and the sharpness and easy sharpening make it an ideal option.
Additionally, they are also intrigued by the comfy grip and the high-quality stainless steel blade. Although the sheath is not that great, most buyers seem content as the knife makes it up where the sheath goes short.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s a versatile knife that you can use for carving, hunting, fishing, etc. It’s Sandvik stainless steel build is not only corrosion-resistant but also incredibly strong and durable.
You don’t have to worry about the knife slipping and potentially getting lost or harming yourself whenever you’re working in cold and wet conditions. The handle has a comfortable grip and is patterned to increase friction, consequently offering you a tight grip.
It also comes with a sheath and a limited lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is a great knife that will last for a long time thanks to its durable build. It will make a good companion whenever you get to fish or hunt, and the razor-sharpness will make cutting seamless.
Runner-up:
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers have found the overall quality of the knife excellent for the price. With its sturdy and reliable build, a great grip surface on the handle, and its lightweight design, they have seen it as an ideal knife for small and big game hunting. It’s also a great tool for self-defense.
The belt clip is seen as a great addition to the package. You can clip it vertically for convenient carrying.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s solid carbon stainless steel build gives this knife its most important feature; reliability. You won’t fear the knife breaking when you’re in the middle of something. Also, it’s corrosion-resistant.
To guarantee you a tight grip and prevent slipping, the handle is made of thermoplastic elastomer and a handguard. Even more convenient is the quick and easy access it affords you. You can clip it to your belt so you can easily reach it whenever you need to use it.
The 4.7 inch blade has a false edge, which you can sharpen. The sheath is also a thoughtful addition, although it could be better.
Bottom Line
This knife is ideal for people who can do with a one-sided blade for hunting. The solid blade and the tight grip will see you through the job. If the sheath is not a big factor for you, buy the knife for its great quality, not for the sheath, it comes with.
Best for the Money:
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Blade Knife
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers are impressed with the edge it comes with and its overall quality. Some, however, have experienced rusting. Carbon is not as corrosion resistant as stainless steel. Buyers are advised to maintain it properly and not store it when wet to prevent corrosion.
Its affordable price is another reason for great reviews as you get a quality knife without breaking the bank.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Even though it rusts easily, the carbon steel build is quite sturdy and strong, which is essential, especially if you’re using it to chop small limbs and carving.
Its handle has a patterned grip to provide high-friction for better performance even in wet conditions. It will ensure the knife does not slip from your hands and provide comfort and safety.
It’s 4.1 inch long, a comfortable length to carry it around. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a sheath.
Bottom Line
Are you on a budget? This Morakniv companion fixed blade knife is the best option for an affordable knife that does not compromise quality. You can use it for hunting, make carvings, prep tinder, chop wood, and use it as a self-defense tool. Its sharp blade remains sharp for a long time, and you can easily sharpen it.
Sharpest Fixed Blade Hunting Knife:
KA-BAR Becker BK2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Camping and outdoor enthusiasts are impressed with this field knife’s heavy weight as it’s an advantage when chopping wood. However, it might be a hindrance when hunting as you have extra weight to carry around.
Its sharp and strong blade allows customers to chop wood and carvings with ease and cut through the catch's flesh.
Additionally, its long blade is an advantage—however, there are complaints of the scales being slick and the thick black coating.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its razor blade sharpness is the most outstanding feature of this knife. It’s probably the reason it’s recommended for camping.
The blade shape and angle make it suitable for various functions, and the carbon steel blade is sturdy. It’s also full tang meaning the blade extends to the full length of the handle, adding to its strength.
The Grivory handle provides for a firm and strong grip.
Bottom Line
If your needs include chopping wood cutting into the catch’s flesh, go for this knife. It’s heavy-duty, has a long blade, and is full tang, which are ideal features for a camping knife. You can use it for other functions as well.
However, it might be too heavy to carry it around when hunting and for self-defense. Otherwise, it’s incredibly sharp and strong to handle your cutting needs.
Best Gerber Fixed Blade Hunting Knife:
Gerber StrongArm
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This knife has a significant amount of good reviews from recent buyers and users. It performs admirably at almost every task, be it combat or survival tasks.
Its solid build has made it dependable among many users, especially for bushcraft, and the handle gives you a tight grip. There’s no way it’s going to slip from your hands even in the wettest of conditions.
Unlike other knives where buyers are always complaining of the poor quality sheath, this one is made from high-quality materials and has rivets and lashing points for mounting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Gerber fixed blade hunting knife features a multi-mount sheath system including a drop leg system, a MOLLE mount, and a belt loop option for horizontal carry.
The blade comprises 420 HC steel, durable, and coated with a black ceramic to maintain a low visual profile and add its efficiency by preventing corrosion.
Additionally, there’s a pommel at the base of the handle that helps you to break through hard surfaces during a rescue or whenever it’s necessary. Other features include cerakote coating and rubberized diamond texture grip for a firm grip.
Bottom Line
This knife is ideal for survival applications. It’s also useful for other tasks that require a strong blade. The multi-mount sheath system is great when hunting or camping, as you can easily move around with it.
Added to its superior quality handle, the full tang blade and the pommel make it an excellent piece to add to your hunting equipment.
Best Damascus Fixed Blade Hunting Knife:
TR-1166 Tracker Knife
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers have been impressed by the handle, which is strong and durable. Although Damascus steel is prone to rust, proper maintenance and keeping the blade oiled always have kept it rust-free.
However, the leather sheath has disappointed many. The rivets on the sheath reportedly touch the blade, causing rust spots, and even though the leather is good, its design is not the best.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The blade is razor-sharp and versatile. It can be used for different functions, including small game hunting and chopping wood.
The beautifully carved micarta handle offers a great grip by resisting water and moisture. If you are bored with mounting the sheath vertically, you can change to a horizontal mount.
Additionally, the serrations at the top of the blade are a blessing to bushcrafters as they function as wood notchers.
Bottom Line
Overall, it’s a great knife for not-so-difficult hunting and camping tasks but requires proper and regular maintenance. If the sheath is causing corrosion, you can get another one. At its price, it’s quite affordable considering the features.
Hunting Knife Fixed Vs. Folding- Comparison Overview
There are several similarities and quite a few differences between the best fixed blade hunting knives and folding ones.
Similarities
1. Both can be used in different ways like self-defense and cutting different things.
2. Both require proper use and maintenance to ensure they last for a long time.
3. They have different features depending on the tasks they are meant to do.
Differences
1. Fixed blade knives are stronger and durable. They are usually one piece of metal without any foldings. Folding blades knives (also known as pocket knives), on the other hand, are not so strong due to the folding mechanism.
Morakniv Companion Sandvik Stainless Steel Knife
2. Folding blades are easier to carry around and great for easy everyday use. Fixed blades are best suited for rugged field and outdoor work such as hunting and camping and less convenient to carry around.
3. Folding blades come in different configurations, some of which allow the confidence of a fixed blade by locking into place. Fixed blades, on the other hand, have no configurations.
4. Fixed blades are also easier to clean and maintain because there are no folds while you have to clean the folds and joints on the folding blades making it harder.
Hunting Knife Blade Shapes
You have probably noticed some differences as far as the blade shapes on these fixed blade hunting knives are concerned. Here are some of the many different blade shapes you should know about.
Drop Point
In drop point, the blade's tip is made lower by a convex curve from the spine. The back of the knife is not sharpened, preventing the knife from breaking and also provides excellent control during precision cutting.
Advantages of Drop Point Blades
- Excellent for skinning and hunting
- Large cutting edge
Disadvantages
- Tip is less sharp compared to a clip point
- Not suitable for piercing
Clip Point
It's similar to a drop point except for one difference; instead of a convex curve, it has a concave curve. It’s perfect for general-purpose, piercing, and precision-cutting. The tip provides control and balance.
Advantages of Clip Point Blades
- Controllable and sharp point
- Great for stabbing and self-defense
Disadvantages
- Point is weak and can easily break
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Blade Knife
Trailing Point
In the trailing point, the blade edge curves upwards, and the tip is higher than the center axis of the spine. They have a long cutting edge and are lightweight, thus excellent for skinning and slicing.
Advantages of Trailing Point Blades
- Perfect for slicing and skinning
- High tip is out of the way
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for stabbing and piercing
- Has a weak point
Needlepoint
Also known as a dagger, needlepoint blades are long and very narrow. They are symmetrical and have two straight edges that meet along the centerline. Consequently, the point is extremely sharp, making them perfect for piercing.
Advantages of Needle Point Blades
- Excellent for piercing and stabbing
- Extremely sharp point
Disadvantages
- Weak points that can easily break
- No cutting edge for slicing
How to Sharpen a Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
You will need a coarse-grid stone, a medium to high-grid stone, a high-grid stone, a nagura stone, and a leather strap
Steps to Follow
- Draw grid marks using a pencil on the fine-grid stone, then use truing (sharpening) stone and remove all the pencil marks to give you a smooth and flat surface.
- Take the coarse-grid stone (usually 400 grid). Place your knife at 20 degrees and start sliding it back and forth on the stone. Pour some water on the stone to keep it lubricated.
- Make sure you sharpen the knife's full length from the tip to the base, on both sides.
- Then take the medium grid stone (6000 grid) and repeat the process. This helps reduce the scratches on the knife.
- After that, pick the fine-grid stone (10,000 grid) with the negura stone and run the knife on it. The negura stone creates a slurry with the 10,000 grid making sharpening more efficient and helps polish and refine the edge.
- Lastly, take the knife to the strop, a piece of leather with a compound that polishes the blade, aligns, and hones the edge to a better level. Put your knife on the edge of the strop and pull it towards you.
How to Clean and Maintain a Hunting Knife
Steps to Follow
- Take a sponge and pour some soap on it, then wet it with hot water. Do not use the rough side of the sponge, which is used for cleaning pots.
- Scrub the blade slowly and carefully to avoid injuring yourself. Remember to clean the base and remove any debris that may have gotten in between the blade and the handle.
- Rinse it in hot water to remove soap. Hot water removes grime better, and also any remaining water will evaporate.
- Wipe off the water and coat the blade with a protectant. You can use mineral oil or olive oil. If you use the knife to prepare food, make sure the protectant you use is safe to ingest.
- Wipe the protectant off the blade and store it in a sheath.
Apart from helping you keep fit, you’ll put a meal on your table after a successful hunting session. The type of hunting knife you choose is crucial, and although there’s no one best knife, you can pick one that suits your needs. Ideally, a hunting knife should be strong and durable with a sharp edge and provide a firm grip.
People Also Ask
If you plan on owning a hunting knife, getting the best knife on the market is not enough. You must know how to use, maintain, and store for it to function as expected. Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding hunting knives.
How Thick Should a Hunting Knife Be?
For a beginner, a ⅛ inch thick blade is ideal as there’s not much you’ll do. However, if you plan on big game hunting, you might need a thicker blade that won’t break easily. Some people use ¼ inch thick steel, which is deemed unnecessary by most people. A range of ⅛ -¼ inch should be enough. Remember, the thicker the blade, the heavier the knife.
How Many Times Can a Knife Be Sharpened?
You should sharpen your knife at least once per month, depending on how frequently you use it. You might want to hone it after every use, though. However, if your blade is made of soft steel or you normally chop wood, it might get blunt after use. You can opt to sharpen it every time after use.
What Are the Ridges on a Fixed Hunting Knife For?
The ridges or grooves provide additional control and grip whenever you’re using the knife with the thumb on the spine of the knife. They give the blade strength.
How Do I Store a Fixed Blade Hunting Knife?
Make sure you clean and dry your knife before storage, then store it in a plastic sheath. Alternatively, you can make a sheath from cardboard and tape. Store it away from moisture to avoid corrosion. For Damascus steel knives, remember to coat them with oil.
Morakniv Companion Sandvik Stainless Steel Knife
How Long is a Hunting Knife?
An ideal hunting knife should be three to six inches long. A shorter one will have a short blade that may not be useful for hunting, while a longer one will not be convenient to carry around and may also be heavy.
Why Are There Holes in My Deer Hunting Knife?
The hole helps with ‘pulling’ when using the gut hook. You can put your index finger in the hole then pull. Also, putting the finger in the hole gives you more control and balance when skinning.
Why Do Hunting Knives Have a Curve?
A curve increases the cutting edge of a knife, so you have more edge to cut and skin. Curved blades are excellent for long cuts. They can also be great when cutting nets and traps.
How Much is a Good Hunting Knife?
The price of a hunting knife depends on its features. The more basic the features, the cheaper the knife, and more advanced features cost more. However, a cheap knife is not always lacking and vice versa. The price of a good hunting knife should range from $15 to $100.
