Best Hog Hunting Knives of 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated December 22, 2021

Hog hunting is not for the faint of heart, and the thought of hunting feral hogs with just a knife sounds even crazier.

Thankfully, however, owning the best hog hunting knives will help you level the playing field some. 

Comparison of the Best Hog Hunting Knives

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Handle made from durable rubber for a secure grip
  • Equipped with a high-carbon steel blade for improved durability
  • Easy accessible sheath included for safety
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  • Nail notch on the blade for easy opening
  • Comes with a stainless steel clip point blade for easy use
  • Made from strong and durable steel to stay sharp for longer
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  • Best for the Money
  • A comfortable rubber handle included for better grip
  • Comes with a nylon sheath and sharpener included
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  • Equipped with a full tang fixed blade for better balance
  • Made from strong and durable steel materials
  • A leather sheath included for easy transport
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  • Comes with a non-slip textured handle for secure grip
  • Full tactical sheath included for secure carrying of the knife
  • Made from very strong and durable materials to last much longer
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What Makes a Knife Great for Hog Hunting? 

There is an on-going argument about the concept of "Fair Chase" when hunting big game such as hogs. Since hunting gear has become way too advanced, it's generally recognized that the hunter has an unfair advantage over his prey, which makes the whole thing less...fun. 

What makes a knife great for hog hunting is that it brings you up close and personal to the animal. You won't be sited somewhere more than 50 yards out, aiming a rifle at the hog. When knife hunting, you will have to let the hog come to within arm’s length before trying your best to subdue it and then stab it. This is not only ethical and in concordance with the principles of fair chase, but it also calls into question your hunting skills. 

Of course, it can be argued that you have an unfair advantage because some of these hog hunting knives are amazing. However, the mere fact that you will have to brace yourself, face your fears and stare down what could very well be a 500-pound hog charging at you with its tasks means that you have to earn every kill regardless of the kind of knife you own.

What Size Hog Hunting Knife Do I Need? 

A hog is several hundreds of pounds with uncontrolled fury and can measure up to 6 feet or even more. A wild boar will thrash, charge, and even bite you. It has four sharp tusks that it sharpens by rubbing them on trees just as you sharpen your knife. 

To be on the safe side, you will need a knife that has a 6-10-inch blade. While some argue that you don't need such a big knife, remember that you need something that is not only strong enough to piece through the hog's skin but long enough to reach its heart. This will not only ensure that you kill it quickly and humanely, but it will also ensure that you protect yourself and your dogs while at it.

Can You Hunt Hogs With Only a Knife? 

Yes, you can go hog hunting with only a knife. But as already mentioned, this is a tough endeavor that calls for courage and stellar hunting skills. Remember that you have to come into close contact with the boar if you decide to go hunting with just a knife. 

However, you are advised to use what you have in your arsenal to increase your chances of success when hunting hogs. Some of the best weapons to include in your arsenal are hunting dogs that will not only flush the hog out of hiding but also help you to subdue it when the time comes before you can stick it.

Hog hunting with a knife is full of adrenalin rush and the possibility of taking dinner home if done right. Hunting hogs with a knife call for courage, physical strength, precision, fast reflexes, and an excellent knife.

Review of the Best Hog Hunting Knives 

The knife you choose is the first step to a successful hog hunt. Here are some of the best hog hunting knives in the market today:

Best Overall:
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B

9' H.R.T Double Edged Boot Knife,Black

PROS

  • 9-inch blade
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Comes with a boot or belt sheath for easy access
  • Features a black rubber wrapped handle that offers you excellent grip
  • Highly durable blade made of 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel

CONS

  • Doesn't come sharpened
  • Some people aren't comfortable with the length of the blade

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a sturdy hog hunting knife with a 9-inch blade that is strong and long enough to pierce through the hog's skin and reach the heart. It's a highly dependable tool to take on the hunt with you. Thanks to the convenient sheath you can either have on your belt or boot, this knife is always easily accessible when you are out on the hunt. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The highly reliable and dependable blade is made out of 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel, making it extremely hard to break. While the blade doesn't come sharpened, once you get it sharp enough, it doesn't go dull easily. This is a fixed blade hog hunting knife, which is quite handy as far as reliability and ease of use are concerned.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a long, fixed blade hog hunting knife that is both tough and reliable, then you have found it. 

Runner-up:
Buck Knives 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife with Finger Grooves and Leather Sheath

PROS

  • Easy to open
  • Strong and quite safe
  • Has a Lifetime Warranty
  • Razor-sharp clip point blade
  • Reliable and trustworthy brand

CONS

  • A little pricey
  • Some hunters don't like that it's a folding blade hunting knife

What Recent Buyers Report

This is an excellent hunting knife for the price. It's an excellent hunting knife for any price. The fact that it comes with a sturdy and reliably sharp folding blade that is easy to open and close.

While it might be slightly bigger than most pocket knives, it can act as one. Furthermore, the knife comes sharp straight out of the box and has an exquisitely designed and manufactured sheath. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hunting knife is all about quality, something that you will feel and see immediately you take it out of the box. It's heavy enough to give you the confidence that such a knife should give and well-crafted enough to be shown off to your friends.

You will find that the wood and brass finish on this knife is smooth. The blade is very well polished and sharp, and the lock and rotation very solid. It's the kind of knife you could leave to your grandchildren someday.

Bottom Line

This is the kind of knife that you could buy even if you don't intend to use it for hunting hogs. It's well-built, the blade is sturdy and reliable, and the finishing is superb. 

Best for the Money:
Mossy Oak 15-inch Hunting Bowie Knife

Mossy Oak Survival Hunting Knife with Sheath, 15-inch Fixed Blade Tactical Bowie Knife with Sharpener & Fire Starter for Camping, Outdoor, Bushcraft

PROS

  • 10-inch blade
  • Serrated edge
  • Razor-sharp clip point blade
  • Comfortable rubber handles for excellent grip
  • Comes with a nylon sheath and sharpener as well as a fire starter

CONS

  • Doesn't come sharpened
  • The sheath is made out of nylon

What Recent Buyers Report

This is an excellent blade by all accounts. Not only is the actual blade long enough (10 inches) to make it perfect for hog hunting, but it also comes with a comfortable rubber handle that ensures you have a solid grip when using the blade. The razor-sharp clip point blade is sturdy, reliable, and almost indestructible when used correctly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

One of the main reasons this knife stands out to us is simply how well it's built. Apart from the blade being razor-sharp (it comes dull, unfortunately), it also has a serrated side, perfect for those who go into the underbrush when hunting. It also comes with a nylon sheath, which is still strong enough to hold this long knife despite being made of nylon.

There is also a sharpener and a fire-starter, making this knife the ideal tool for survival situations. It has a comfortable rubber grip, which is quite ideal, and it's thick and heavy enough to make it through a great many hunts without giving in. 

Bottom Line

This kind of knife is perfect for almost every outdoor adventure, including camping and hunting. It's strong and versatile enough for almost anything knife-related that you want to do.

Best Wood Handle Knife:
Mossy Oak 14-inch Bowie Knife

Mossy Oak 14-inch Bowie Knife, Full-tang Fixed Blade, Wood Handle Hunting Knife with Leather Sheath for Camping, Hiking, Survival

PROS

  • 8.5-inch blade
  • Full-tang wood handle
  • Razor-sharp clip point blade
  • High-quality genuine leather sheath
  • Blade offers excellent edge retention

CONS

  • The balance could be better
  • Isn't designed to last longer than 5 years

What Recent Buyers Report

Yes, more expensive knives are designed to last longer than this one, but if you aren't in the market for something that will last forever, you want to consider this knife.

At the current price point, you not only get a knife that offers you excellent edge retention but one that has an 8.5-inch long blade that is thick, sharp, and strong enough to hunt and kill hogs.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The first thing you will notice is that this is a rather big knife. The metal on the blade is rather thick and quite sturdy. Thankfully, it's very easy to sharpen and offers amazing edge retention.

It also comes with a beautifully crafted wood handle that, despite not being the most slip-proof material, is excellent to the touch and does offer you amazing grip. Additionally, the fact that it features full tang construction makes it more reliable than most folding knives

Bottom Line

This is the kind of hunting knife you buy for two reasons: how it looks and how effective it is in a hunting situation. It's beautifully constructed, and the blade is both sharp and strong enough to make it perfect for hunting scenarios.

Best Tactical Knife:
Tactical Bowie Hunting Knife by Defender Extreme

12' Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife w/Sheath Military Combat Fixed Blade

PROS

  • Fixed blade
  • 7-inch blade
  • Nice solid weight
  • 5" knurled grip handle
  • Heavy-duty tactical knife

CONS

  • The handle easily cracks
  • The handle isn't very comfortable to hold

What Recent Buyers Report

There are a lot of good things to say about this knife. You will notice the kind of sturdy construction that gives it the desirable "best tactical" knife tag on this list. It comes with a sharp, rather strong 7-inch blade made out of steel. The blade also has a serrated side that comes in handy when you have to cut your way through undergrowth or tough hog hide. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This knife was designed for survival enthusiasts who are not shy about going out to the roughest of conditions. It has a full tang blade, which makes it stronger than most folding blades.

It also comes with a knurled grip handle, which despite not being the most comfortable to hold, is still the most ideal because it fits well into your hands and gives you an excellent grip on the knife. 

Furthermore, it has a hard composite sheath that has an easy open and fastening system. The sheath easily hooks to your belt, leaving the knife in an easy to access hanging position.

Bottom Line

If you are in the market for a tough tactical knife reminiscent of what the military uses, you need to give this knife a second look. It's hardy, well-constructed, and looks really rugged.

Types of Knives for Hog Hunting

Typically, hunting knives fall into four main categories:

Fixed Blade Knives

These happen to be the most popular because they are very sturdy.

Folding Knives

These can easily be folded away and act just as pocket knives do. While folding knives are often very sharp and have excellent edge retention, they aren't as sturdy as fixed blade knives.

Your Typical Pocket Knife

These are rather similar to folding blade knives, but they tend to move slightly away from the usual hunt-related applications. As such, pocket knives tend to come with additional accessories such as scissors and even files.

Lockback Folding Knife

This is a type of folding knife. It's rather small, and the blade locks when open to minimize the number of accidental closures, which could be dangerous for your fingers. 

The kind of hunting knife you choose will often depend on your preference. Still, most professional and experienced hog hunters tend to go for the fixed blade knives simply because they are more traditional, tend to be longer than most other types of knives, making them ideal for reaching the heart when you stab the hog as well as the fact that they are sturdier than most other types of knives. 

Mossy Oak 15-inch Hunting Bowie Knife

Safety Considerations for Hog Hunting Knives 

When dealing with knives as sharp as hog hunting knives need to be, several safety considerations need to come into play. Here are some safety measures that you need to pay close attention to when using hog hunting knives:

Blade Length

The length of the blade matters when hunting and skinning different game sizes. For small game, a smaller blade can do the job efficiently without injuring yourself. For a larger game with a thick hide like feral hogs, you’ll need a larger blade that can cut through the flesh effortlessly.

A 6-10 inch blade is ideal but also more dangerous. These larger blades are not as easy to handle and maneuver as smaller blades; therefore, blade handling experience is necessary. 

Clip and Sheath

Another safety consideration when buying a hunting knife is the kind of accessories the knife comes with. Does it come with a sheath or clip? This provides quick access to your knife. Some have belt loops and attachments to attach it to your belt on either side and are also removable.

While you can definitely do without these accessories, the transportation and storage of your knife could prove rather cumbersome and dangerous. Sharp knives need sheaths to keep them from cutting through your clothes and even skin when you do not use them. 

Mossy Oak 14-inch Bowie Knife comes with a sheath

Sharpness and Edge Retention

Hog hunting requires an extremely sharp tip and edge to puncture and penetrate through the hog’s thick hide. A dull edge can be dangerous for one good reason: you will not have the edge to pierce through the hog at the right time, which means that you will only anger it further.

The tip should be strong and sharp to puncture and kill the hog quickly. Carbon steel, which is used to make most hunting knives, has excellent edge retention. It’s easy to sharpen the knife, and they do not dull easily. However, you should maintain the knife properly as corrosion will make it dull and reduce its durability.

You should also make sure your knife is sharp before going out to hunt and sharpen it if it feels dull. When buying, the tip and blade should be razor-sharp and tough for obvious reasons.

Ultimately, you will need to train yourself on how to safely handle and maintain your hunting knife at all times. 

Best States for Hog Hunting With a Knife

The thing about hog hunting in the U.S is that you are almost always very likely within driving distance to good hog hunting grounds regardless of where you live. However, not all states are created equal when it comes to hog hunting. As such, the best hunting locations are those states that tend to be a bit warmer, meaning the southern states and places that get a lot of rainfall. Here are some of the best states to go hog hunting with a knife:

Hawaii

This state is perfect for hog hunting, warm and gets plenty of rain. There is also a large wild hog population. The only problem is that Hawaii has some of the strictest hunting regulations, including a bag limit of one hog per day, and every single one of the islands has its own hunting season. 

South Carolina

This state has well over 200,000 wild hogs, with a big number residing near the coast. The state has rather a friendly hog hunting regulations, and you can even hunt without a license on private land. 

Louisiana

This state has well over half a million wild hogs, and to curb that number, the state has loosened its hog hunting regulations, making it easier for hunters to try and bag as many as they can. One of the most notable regulations is that there is no closed hog hunting season in Louisiana. There is also no bag limit. 

These are some of the most hog hunting friendly states in the U.S. Apart from Hawaii on this list, you can pretty much run as wild as the hogs as far as hunting is concerned.

Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B

Conclusion

Hog hunting calls for the toughest and strongest knives you can find, and as you can see, this list of hog hunting knives contain very tough blades. Toughness should be your first consideration when picking a hunting knife. Other factors, like material and edge retention, are also important. 

People Also Ask

Whether you are an experienced hog hunter or just getting started, you need to know some tips and bits of information. Here are some of the most common questions asked by most hunters:

Where to Stab a Hog to Ensure it is Fatal

The most humane way to kill a hog is to stab it in the stomach or chest area to get to the heart and the lungs. This kills them almost instantly, letting them bleed out without much suffering. 

How Do You Hunt Wild Boar?

There are two main approaches: You can either hunt from a weather-protected blind just next to a timer-controlled corn feeder that attracts the hogs (perfect for hunting on private land), or you can try as much as you can to sneak up on the pig as he sleeps through the day if you are hunting on public land. This kind of hunting calls for dogs that can startle the hog, sending them running, hopefully in your direction. 

Can You Hunt With a Throwing Knife?

Yes, if you are good at it, you can hunt with a throwing knife.

How Long Should a Hog Hunting Knife Be?

Ideally, anything between 6 to 10 inches should give you a blade that's long enough to get through the hog's thick hide and into the lungs or heart. 

What Are Hog Hunting Knives Called?

Hog Hunting knives are usually called Pig Stickers or Pig Strikers.

Do You Need a License to Hunt Hogs With a Knife?

This depends on the state in which you are hunting. For the most part, you will need a hunting license in most states regardless of your hunting gear.



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.