Of course, your hunting knife should have secondary characteristics that make it useful for survival, camping, and all-around utility. But the big job, the one it must conquer, is getting the meat field dressed quickly so it’s preserved and will taste great on your dinner plate.

What to look for? The knife should hold an edge or be easily field sharpened. It should fit well in the hand to protect the user from accidental injury. And a good hunting knife is usually stout enough to crack bone.

It doesn’t need to be big or bulky like some sort of weapon. Remember, the animal is already dead when the knife comes into play. Use the links below to quickly navigate to what piques your interests, and don’t miss our Buyer’s Guide, comparison chart, and frequently asked questions sections.

Editor’s note: This guide received an update on November 14, 2024, adding the Benchmade Flyway to the lineup.

The Best Hunting Knives of 2024

Regarding small game, hunters are best served by short, stout, sharp knives. In essence, these are aggressive pairing knives capable of fine detail work. The Benchmade Flyway ($200) is the epitome of this knife

Hunters can find two versions of the Flyway. First, we tested the CPM-154 stainless steel version. It’s a good value with very good steel and a nice, grippy handle. It works wonders in the kitchen for fine detail cutting on both wild game and store-bought fare and has become a go-to knife that our editors use every day.

The second version is identical, except for the steel. Just launched in 2024, it uses S90V super steel to hold an incredible edge. Nearly $100 more than the original, the S90V version is best fit for serious duck or small game hunting when the knife almost exclusively cuts meat and avoids time on cutting boards. That’s because it is also really difficult to resharpen, so is ideal in situations that won’t slowly dull the blade.

But whichever you choose, the Flyway is a fantastic knife for small game, with aggressive jimping and a sharp tip just dialed for small game processing. It makes fast work of ducks, pheasants, rabbits, or even fish in a pinch.

It’s worth noting another great knife for small game, the Montana Knife Company Sharptailed. While nearly identical to the Flyway, and better in some ways, it’s also really hard to get these in stock. But if you prefer it, it’s a dead heat between these knives, so don’t hesitate to grab either.

Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

fI and our team are avid hunters with decades of experience in the field. And we also happen to be total “knife knuts.” We put the knives listed here through rigorous testing in the field. Some of the knives listed here have gone through more than 10 years of testing.

We also travel to trade shows to meet with brands and learn about their newest products. We then put those through tests to decide if they’re worthy of this guide. Ultimately, we recommend the same knives here as we do to our best friends and hunting buddies.

Best Knives for Hunters: Personal Preference

I know I’m going out on a limb with this kind of “best of” column. Whenever you say “best,” someone will get left out. Someone’s going to get their feelings hurt.

But I’m OK with that. Suck it up, buttercup. And feel free to tell me why your knife deserves to be on this list. There are a ton of great blades in the world, and the GearJunkie staff wants to hear about your favorite.

You may have gleaned this from the above selections, but to be completely clear: I don’t like huge knives for hunting, as I feel they are more dangerous to the user when it’s dark, rainy, slippery, or God knows what else. They’re also heavier.

And I don’t like gut-hooks, as I feel a well-handled knife does the job of opening the body cavity just fine. If that’s your bag, all right. It’s just not mine.

Finally, I prefer fixed-blade knives in general for hunting. That’s because, if they need to shift into survival or bushcraft mode, you have a tool you can baton through firewood with less risk. That said, folding knives can serve you well and I do include some here.

We included retail prices with our selections, but many of the knives above can be had for big discounts during sales. When investing, keep in mind that a good hunting knife can last for a literal lifetime, so it’s not a place to scrimp. Buy one you’ll love, and you’ll love it forever. Buy one you hate, and well, you’ll be stuck hating it forever, or buying another soon. Happy hunting!

Price and Value

With hunting knives, you get what you pay for — to a degree. But just because a knife is affordable doesn’t mean it won’t do the job. Remember that old-school carbon steel and 420HC, which are considered cheap today, were top-shelf not that long ago. And they will still process a deer today just as well as in the 1970s.

My point is that any knife with decent steel and an appropriate design will do the job. So don’t let the lack of a premium blade stop you from getting in the field.

In the budget knife range, look for knives with 420HC steel. While it’s older and softer than modern super steels, it will absolutely do the job. You should be able to find these knives with wood or rubber handles for around $50.

As you increase the price range, expect higher quality steels like S30V in midrange knives. You’ll find Micarta and G10 handles with good steel for $100-200.

Over $250, you hit premium materials like MagnaCut, CruWear, and S90V steel. Carbon fiber and other premium handle materials are the norm — and the designs should be dialed.

$400 and above are the cream of the crop, with knives like the carbon fiber Benchmade Raghorn (our top choice) carrying these premium prices.

Frequently Asked Questions