Hunting Knives

By Neal Elliott

Every hunting enthusiast should always have the most valuable tool of the trade within easy reach: a good hunting knife. It can be tough to make a choice about the knife that is right for you - particularly when you know little about the variety of knife styles and the designs of blades made for specific tasks on the hunting trail.

The bowie is considered a universal knife among hunters. Named for the long, aggressive knife used by frontiersman James Bowie during the state of Texas fight for independence in the 1800s. No respectable hunting knife collection is without a Bowie knife. As a tool, the blade of the knife is known for being able to slice through small bones and muscle without becoming dull enough to need immediate sharpening. One style of Bowie knife that has been trendy is one that has serrations close to the base, making it a cinch to get through game flesh in a flash. Skinning and gutting game are two hunting tasks that almost require the precision of a Bowie knife.

While the fixed blade Bowie knife is a nice knife to have, there are several folding hunting knives, which you can take with you. Since the Bowie knife is fixed blade, its best won on the hip in a sheath to protect it from damage. However, folding hunting knives can be invaluable on the field as they can be placed in the pocket of your jacket or vest for quick access. Gerber Hunting Knives are a prime example of a folding hunting knife, and they have been around since the early 1900s. Gerber knives generally follow the Bowie pattern, but since they can be folded, they are much more portable.

Another set of knives that are popular are the Buck Hunting Knives which are popular for being able to cut through thick stuff like wire and soft areas like meat. It sharpens itself thanks to its edges that make them perfect for any hunting trip. This comes in handy especially for those sudden hunting trips and you do not have enough time to sharpen your knives, simply pick up the Buck Hunting Knife and you are good to go.

For the hunter who wants a bit of customization with their equipment, it is possible to have a handmade hunting knife made from any number of materials, though the most popular material is buck antler. These blades are fixed blade knives, which are fitted into a handle of dear antler, which can be either from a kill you have made yourself, or from antler from another kill. Most hunters take pride in having a knife, which is made from the antlers of one of their deer, as it is a very powerful trophy.

If you have a family member who loves hunting, it would be a great idea to give them a set of Gerber Hunting Knives, Folding Hunting Knives, Fixed Blade Hunting Knives, and a lot more. If you have some idea as to what hunting activities your family loves to indulge with you may do some research as to which knife would be perfect for them. You may even give them Handmade Hunting Knives as a present with their names engraved on it. That would be cool.

For added customizations, you may even give them with decorative knives that are mainly just for display. Normally these hunting knives are handmade, filled with different stones on the handle or they could even have metal engraves that any knife collector would love.

If you have a hard time figuring out which kinds of knives to give your loved ones, perhaps the easiest one to get them is a basic set of hunting knives since most stores carry them. It would also give you an idea of the different kinds of knives and later on, you could have the better versions of these knives.

By understanding the different styles, you will purchase a knife, which fits in well with the collection of your gift recipient, and you will be remembered for providing a wonderful gift for a wonderful occasion. Choosing between knives, which can be used functionally out in the field, and one, which is made to be displayed in the home, is purely your decision. Will your husband or father prefer to see his knife daily, or would he prefer to have it in his pocket, ready to be used at a moment's notice?

In the end, any hunter or even a simple angler would love to receive a collection of hunting knives. After all, one could never have enough knives right. - 31499

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