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Hunting knives have long been the faithful companions of hunters and are considered by many as important survival tools. The knife has of course progressed through time, changes being made to its form, shape, size, and function to adapt to the shifting needs of individuals.
In this day and age, every hunting knife that is available on the market is the outcome of centuries of customization to fulfill users’ needs and requirements.
You will now see a wider variety of hunting knives in terms of blade material, length, and shapes. This is beneficial, since there are some types of hunting knives that are perfect for certain kinds of tasks.
There are three standard shapes of blades available: the drop point, the clip point, and the trailing point. Every shape has its pros and cons. There is also a difference between hunting knives and survival knives.
They differ when it comes to the purposes in which they are used and differ as well in terms of blade shape and size. Here are some of the things you have to remember if you are looking for a fixed blade knife, the best folding hunting knife, or any kind in between.
Handles
The handle is one of the most crucial parts of the hunting knife. Keep in mind that the materials from traditional knife handles might not be good for multi-purpose hunting knives.
There are handles, like bone, wood, leather, and molded plastic, that are smooth and comfortable to the touch;however, they tend to get slippery once they come in contact with sweat, water, or blood.
This can make gripping the handle of the knife bothersome due to the constant slippage, which can lead to injuries.
For better grip strength, especially if you plan on using them during wet conditions, you might want to opt for newer materials for the manufacture of top-quality knives.
Composite and rubber materials are capable of giving safer grip and they are hardwearing as well. There is also better variety in terms of colors and textures for current knife handle materials.
Kinds of Knives
As mentioned earlier, there are two kinds of knives for hunting – the fixed bladed knife and the folding knife. Both kinds provide their own distinctive advantages and disadvantages.
Selecting among the two will depend on the kind of hunting you want to do. It will also be based on your personal preference in terms of carrying the knife and if you prefer to carry it with both hands.
The fixed blade type does not have a hinge, unlike the folding kind. Thus they are typically stronger and recommended for use in high-stress situations. The blade is crafted from solid metal that reaches into the handle. This kind can be carried in the belt, the boot, or strapped to the leg.
It can also be carried by means of a lower arm sheath. The fixed blade kind is recommended for hunting bigger game and camping in the deep woods.
The folding type includes a one-handed opening mechanism, which is activated by using a tiny thumb lever or an opening in the blade to position the thumb into. This makes it usable with either hand of the user and it also boosts mobility.
They are typically smaller than the fixed blade kind and can be kept inside the pocket or a smaller belt sheath. The folding kind is recommended for use every day as well, due to its smaller size; however, they are not ideal for big game or survival use.
Blades
The clip point blade is most common. Its blade curves only near the blade’s end. The drop point,meanwhile, has a gradual blade curve that reduces the tip for better strength and control.
Both blades are curved to make the task of skinning game easier. The clip point is suggested for versatile work by many experts.
Other options include the gut hook, which is employed to open game with lesser risks of damaging the meat. A small part of its blade features serrations, which are beneficial when it comes splitting the rib cage or cutting artificial materials.
Thus before purchasing one, it is best that you do some research on hunting knives first. Hopefully, this article has contributed to your knowledge of the equipment.
