Best Deer Hunting Knife Review With Buyer’s Guide

Are you planning to go deer hunting? If you are then this review of the best deer hunting knife is for you. The type of knife you use for hunting is different from the type of knife used in the kitchen. Having a knife disappoint you right in the field is dangerous and can leave you stranded. As such, when shopping for your hunting trip, it’s important to take a lot of precautions, especially for your tool. When it comes to buying a deer hunting knife, there are thousands of options to choose from, which can leave you confused. Our experts in knife functions have put together a list of top recommended deer hunting knives to help you get the best knife money can buy.

Top 10 Best Deer Hunting Knife Review

#1. Outdoor Edge RazorLite – Replaceable Blade Folding Hunting Knife – Editor Choice

Specification:

• Handle material: Rubberized TPR
• Blade material: Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
• Blade length: 3.5 inches
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces

Review:

Japanese 420J2 Stainless Steel Blades

One of the best features of this Outdoor hunting knife is the durable Japanese steel used in forging the blade. The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blade is one of the sought after materials as it is durable and can retain a sharp edge for extended use. The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel is vacuum heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 57.

Black Oxide Blade Holder

To support the blade of this hunting knife, Outdoor Edge designed it with a blade holder. The importance of this holder is to increase the strength of the knife. And to increase the durability of this knife, Outdoor Edge used a black oxide coating to finish the knife. This coating makes the holding rust-resistant.

Rubberized TPR Handle

In addition to all this, Outdoor Edge made use of a rubberized TPR handle. The rubberized handle comes with a stainless steel frame which is durable and rugged for heavy-duty tasks. The handle is designed with a non-slip pattern, which provides a solid grip even in a wet slippery situation. Moreover, the color of the handle is easy to spot on the ground, saving you time searching for a knife in the field. 

Quality Sheath

Importantly, this Outdoor Edge RazorLite EDC hunting knife comes with a high-quality sheath. This sheath is quite useful as it helps you store the knife safely. The sheath comes with separate compartments to store the spare blades and knife.

Benefits of this knife

Easy Blade Change

Buying this 3.5-inch Outdoor Edge RazorLIte EDC knife comes with a complete pack of 6 razor-sharp blades. As such, you never have to struggle with a blunt blade while hunting. And the best part is that you can easily and safely change the blade at the push of a button.

Fast Deployment

Another benefit of buying this knife is the fast deployment feature. The blade release button on the handle provides an easy way to open the blade while in the wild.

Final Verdict

In summary, we recommend this knife to any hunter who likes to pre-process their deer kills in the field. This knife is sharp, strong, foldable, and easy to use. Moreover, with the 3.5-inch long blade of this knife, hunters can easily de-skin deer, amongst other functions.

#2. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife – Best Value

Specification:

• Handle material: Rubberized handle
• Blade material: Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel
• Blade length: 4.1 inches
• Overall length: 8.75 inches
• Weight: 4.1 ounces

Review :

High Quality Steel Blade

Amongst a couple of interesting features that come with this outdoor hunting knife, its high-quality steel blade stands out. Morakniv Companion made use of the durable Sandvik 12C27 steel to forge the blade of this knife. This Swedish steel provides you with an excellent edge performance giving you that razor sharpness. More so, this high-quality steel is exceptionally tough with a high hardness rating of 56-58.

Corrosion-resistant

Apart from the exceptional hardness of the blade of this knife, Morakniv heat treated it such that it is also corrosion-resistant. As a stainless steel blade, it stays sharp much longer than carbon steel. To help improve the corrosion resistance of this blade, ensure to clean it with oil regularly.

High Friction Grip

Morakniv molded the handle of this 8.75-inch non-folding hunting knife with a rubberized material. The design of the handle is such that it sits well in the hand providing great control for easy maneuverability. Moreover, its handle is patterned with a high friction grip that allows it to perform well even in wet and slippery conditions.

Sheath Included

With the color matching sheath included with this knife, you don’t have any reason not to want to buy this knife. The hard plastic sheath on this knife keeps the knife secure and safe. The sheath features a belt clip that makes it easy and convenient to carry. Also, included on the sheath is a drain hole, which drains water from the sheath, thus keeping it dry.

Benefits of This Knife

Food Preparation

The razor-sharp yet rock hard blade is perfect for food processing. It slices through delicate flesh with so much ease. And it is a great tool for filleting and skinning.

Carving

Another benefit of this knife is that the drop-point design of the blade makes it ideal for carving. As such, with this Morakniv knife, you can carve tools for use around the campsite.

Cutting Wood

Other use of this knife includes chopping small limbs of wood and preparing tinder for making fire.

Final Verdict

As an affordable versatile tool, this knife is the ideal choice to help you get so much done around the campsite. Lightweight and portable featuring a carrying sheath, this knife is a must-have for camping, hunting, fishing, and emergency preparedness.

#3. Uncle Henry 153UH Golden Spike Rat Tail Tang 9.25in S.S. Fixed Blade Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: Staglon
• Blade material: High carbon 7Cr17 stainless steel
• Blade length: 5 inches
• Overall length: 9.25 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces

Review :

High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade

When looking for a knife with an exceptional blade, look no further than this Uncle Henry knife. Featuring on this legendary knife is a high carbon stainless steel suitable for deboning and skinning. Uncle Henry forged the blade of this knife with the rugged 7Cr17 stainless steel which can retain a sharp edge for extended use.

Rattail Tang

On top of the extremely sharp, clip point blade used on this knife, Uncle Henry also designed this knife with a rat tail tang. As such, this knife is quite durable. The tail tang design of this knife contributes to the ability of this knife to be used for rugged tasks such as cutting wood, chopping through bones, and so much more.

Staglon Handle

In addition to the rat tail tang design, the staglon handle is another feature that makes this knife quite desirable. The staglon handle features finger divets that make this knife sit comfortably in the handle. As such, the staglon handle provides you with a solid grip of this knife for better maneuverability even in wet and slippery situations.

Leather Sheath

While with the leather sheath that comes with this knife storing this knife is only made easier. The durable belt leather sheath helps prevent accidental cuts. And at the same time, it provides you with easy and quick access to the knife when needed.

Benefits of This Knife

Nickel-silver Finger Guard

A benefit of this knife we found very useful is the nickel-silver finger guard. This guard protects your hand from accidentally slipping to the blade. As such, this safety measure put in place by Uncle Henry makes this knife safe to use. 

Sharpening stone included

Another stand out benefit of buying this knife is the included sharpening stone. Uncle Henry designed the sheath such that you can fit a sharpening stone in it. As such, you don’t have to struggle with a blunt knife whenever in the field.

Final Verdict

The summary of it all is that this Uncle Henry knife is lightweight, yet durable for the heavy-duty task. And despite its exceptional quality, it is quite affordable and reliable.

#4. Outdoor Edge 3.5″ RazorLite EDC – Replaceable Blade Folding Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: Grivory polymer handle with rubberized TPR insert
• Blade material: Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
• Blade length: 3.5 inches
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Weight: 2.8 ounces

Review :

Japanese Stainless Steel Interchangeable Blades

Outdoor Edge made use of the well sought-after Japanese 420J2 stainless steel in carving the blades of this knife. This steel was precisely heat-treated, such that it has excellent edge retention. And the best part is that this knife comes with a pack of six blades. As such, when one blade gets blunt while processing meat, (skinning, filleting, etc.) simply change the blade and get back to work.

Black-oxide Coated Blade Holder

While the razor-sharp blade of this knife makes it stand out, Outdoor Edge also included a black-oxide coated blade holder. The importance of this blade holder is to help increase the rigidity of the blade. As such, with the help of the blade holder this knife has the strength of a traditional knife but the sharpness of a surgical blade.

Grivory with TPR Insert Handle

The Grivory polymer handle with rubberized TPR inserts used on this knife is incredibly strong, yet lightweight. It is molded into a grip that fits into the hand comfortably for easy maneuverability.  The double molded Grivory handle with a mix of fiberglass and nylon polymer is contoured such that it provides a solid grip even in a wet or slippery environment.

Pocket Clip

In addition to all the exciting features that come with this knife, Outdoor Edge also designs this knife with a stainless steel pocket clip. This pocket clip is further coated with black oxide to make it corrosion resistant. Importantly, this pocket clip makes it easy for hunters to securely fasten this knife to their belt, and make the knife easily accessible anytime. 

Benefits of This Knife

Dual one-hand opening

One of the stands out benefits of this knife is that as a folding hunting knife, it features a dual-sided thumb stud. This thumb stud provides a reliable way to easily deploy the blade of this knife in the field.

Easy Blade Change

While this knife comes with a pack of six blades, changing the blade is pretty easy and straightforward. At the push of a button, you can easily change the blade of this knife safely and easily.

Final Verdict

If not for anything, the razor-sharp Japanese stainless steel blade used in making this knife should be a reason you want to buy this knife. And with the service for life guarantee that comes with this knife settles all your doubt about buying this knife.

#5. Outdoor Edge ButcherLite, 8 Piece Hunting & Game Processing Knife Set

Specification:

• Handle material: Rubberized TPR
• Blade material: Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
• Blade length: 3 inches caping knife, 4.4 inches gut hook skinner, 6 inches boning/fillet knife, 6 inches T-handle wood/bone saw 
• Weight: 2.3 pounds

Review :

8-piece Field Kit

Outdoor Edge designed the ButchherLite knife as a complete 8-piece kit. Included in this kit is a wood/bone saw, gut-hook skinner, caping knife, boning/fillet knife, cleaning gloves, ribcage spreader, carbide sharpener, and the roll pack to belt scabbard. Each piece comes with a special feature that makes field to freezer processing easy. 

Full-tang Stainless Steel Blades

Each piece in this kit comes with a full tang design that makes it durable to handle heavy-duty tasks. Also, the blade is forged from the popular Japanese 420J2 stainless steel. Although the saw steel is further processed with chrome coating 65Mn making it corrosion resistant. The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades are precisely heat treated, taper-ground then hand finished to a shaving sharp edge.

Rubberized TPR Handle

The ergonomic shape of the rubberized TPR handle reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to use this knife for a long period. Moreover, the handle is contoured in a way that provides a solid grip even in slippery conditions.

Roll Pack to a Belt Scabbard

Interestingly, this 8-piece hunting knife comes with a nylon roll pack that easily converts to a belt scabbard. This roll pack to a belt scabbard makes it easy to carry this set of hunting kit to the field in one simple solution. Featuring on this scabbard is the knife sheath that keeps the knife clean and safe.

Benefits of This Knife

Carbide Sharpener Included

The included carbide sharpener that comes with this kit is essential and it helps you keep the blade sharp while in the field. Prolong use of knives will reduce the sharpness. So, rather than struggle with a blunt knife in the field, use this tungsten carbide sharpener to keep your knife sharp and work advancing.

Ribcage Spreader Included

Roast your game, or clean it properly using the ribcage spreader tool that comes with this kit. This ribcage spreader helps you cool fresh game meat quickly.

Game Cleaning Gloves

Cleaning games can be quite messy. But in this hunting kit, cleaning gloves are included to help make the whole cleaning process less of a mess. 

Final Verdict

Buy this hunting kit as it contains all the tools you’d need to process games like a professional. It is a lightweight roll pack that converts to a belt scabbard for easy carrying of tools to the field.

#6. Havalon Piranta Folding Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: ABS plastic
• Blade material: 60XT stainless steel
• Blade length: 2.75 inches
• Overall length: 7.25 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces

Review Features:

Durable Stainless Steel

The Havalon Piranta is a perfect go-to knife when you search for an ideal skinning knife. It features a 2.75-inch long stainless steel blade forged from 60XT stainless steel. Additionally, this stainless steel blade is hand shaven, giving it that razor sharpness that makes it the perfect skinning knife.

Replaceable Blades

What is even more interesting about this exceptional Havalon Piranta folding knife is the ability to easily change its blade when needed. However, due to heavy usage, all knives are bound to get blunt with time. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t limit you as this knife features 12 additional quick-change easy-on, easy-off stainless steel replaceable blades.

ABS Handle

Another stand out feature of this skinning knife from Havalon is the ABS handle. This plastic handle provides you with a solid grip of this knife thereby ensuring easy maneuverability even in slippery conditions. Included on the handle is the dual thumb studs. These studs provide you with a way to deploy the blade when needed.

Nylon Belt Sheath Included

In addition to all the exciting features that come with this knife, it also comes with a nylon belt sheath. This sheath helps you safely store the knife away, thereby preventing an accident. While the nylon belt allows you to wear this knife like a belt around your waist for hunting. In case you don’t want to use the nylon belt to carry this knife, the pocket clip is always an alternative to using.

Benefits of This Knife

Lanyard Hole

Included on the handle of this knife is the lanyard hole. One of the importance of this hole is that it allows you to attach a rope through the hold to make carrying this foldable knife easy. So, in case you don’t feel comfortable using the nylon belt or pocket clip, using the lanyard hole with a rope is always an alternative option.

Removable Pocket Clip

Havalon included a pocket clip in the design of this knife. The pocket clip comes in handy in attaching this knife to your belt when hunting, making the knife easily accessible when needed. However, if you find yourself not needing the pocket clip, Havalon also included the option to remove the pocket clip.

Final Verdict

The summary of it all is that this Havalon knife is portable, compact, and easy to carry. And since it comes with an easy blade change option, you have nothing to worry about as your knife will always stay sharp.

#7. Outdoor Edge 3.5″ Onyx EDC – Replaceable Blade Folding Pocket Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: Grivory polymer
• Blade material: Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
• Blade length: 3.5 inches
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Weight: 1.9 ounces

Review Features:

Japanese Stainless Steel Blades

Outdoor Edge made use of the rigid Japanese 420J2 stainless steel to forge the blade of this pocket knife. Since the blade is stainless steel you wouldn’t have to struggle with rust as it is corrosion-resistant. Additionally, the 3.5 inches stainless steel is precisely heat-treated to ensure this blade can maintain a sharp edge for an extended time.

Easily Replaceable Blade

Another interesting feature of this knife is that its blade can easily be changed. Outdoor Edge designed this knife such that you can easily change the blade at a push of a button. To change the blade, simply push the lock release button in the handle to remove the old blade, and insert a sharp new one. Included with this knife is a pack of three replacement blades with this knife.

Black-oxide Coated Steel Blade Holder

While the Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blade is rigid on its own, its application is limited. But to give this knife the strength of a traditional blade, Outdoor Edge included a blade holder to support the blade. This blade holder is made of 420J2 stainless steel and coated with black oxide to make it corrosion resistant.

Grivory Polymer Handle

The stainless steel blade of this knife is securely fastened on a Grivory polymer handle. This handle is a composite of glass and nylon. Featuring on the handle is a Trimond texture pattern, which provides a non slip grip even in slippery conditions. And the replaceable pocket clip on the handle also contours with the handle makes it feel like an integral part of the grip.

Benefits of This Knife

Dual Thumb Opener

The double-sided thumb stud on this knife makes blade deployment easy. Apart from being convenient, the dual thumb stud allows easy one-hand opening.

Drop Point Blade Design

Besides, Outdoor Edge designed this knife with a drop point blade. As such, its design makes it ideal for so many tasks from skinning to filleting, and so on.

Final Verdict

Apart from the easy blade replacement feature that comes with this knife, Outdoor Edge also offers you a service for life guarantee if you ever have a problem. The handle also features a lanyard hole, giving you more ways to carry this knife.

#8. RED DEER 8 in Hunting Knife Real Bone Handle

Specification:

• Handle material: Pakka wood
• Blade material: 440 stainless steel 
• Blade length: 3 inches
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Weight:

Review Features:

440 Stainless Steel Blade

Red Deer made use of the durable 440 stainless steel to forge the blade of this knife. Forged through heat treatment and quenching, and then annealed and hardened to make this steel easily machined into an exceptional blade. Plus the high carbon content in this steel makes it increasingly hard making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Moreover, the 440 stainless steel is corrosion resistant.

Full Tang Design

Another stand out feature of this hunting knife is the full tang design. As a full tang knife, this knife can be used for so many heavy-duty tasks. Because the steel extends into the handle, with four studs holding the blade to the handle, you have nothing to worry about as the blade is less likely to bend or break. 

Well-balanced Handle

Red Deer designed this knife with an imported Pakka wood. The handle is 5 inches long giving you enough room to hold. Moreover, the weight and design of this knife make it fit well in the hand. Although the handle is not textured but smooth, nevertheless the Pakka wood gives you a solid grip even in a wet or slippery environment.

Leather Sheath Included

Additionally, this knife also comes with a durable leather sheath. This 100% leather safely stores this sharp blade thereby preventing an accident. Also, this sheath comes with a belt loop allowing you to easily carry this blade with you when in the field.

Benefits of This Knife

Compact Size

Red Deer designed the RD-169 as a compact knife, making it ideal for hunting trips. When kept in its sheath, it can be easily carried. It even features a lanyard hole on its handle.

Suitable for Heavy-duty Tasks

Another benefit you stand to gain from buying this knife is the durable design that makes it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Red Deer design this knife such that it is ideal for various tasks in the wild.

Final Verdict

A full tang knife is highly recommended for hunting as it is more reliable. And apart from this knife being a full tang knife, it is also compact and easy to carry on you while in the field.

#9. Rada Cutlery Hunting Sportsman Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: Rubberized handle
• Blade material: T42o high carbon stainless steel
• Blade length: 5.25 inches
• Overall length: 10.25 inches
• Weight: 6 ounces

Review Features:

High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade

What makes the Rada Cutlery hunting knife the perfect tool for hunting is the design of the blade. Rada Cutlery forged the blade of this knife with a T420 high carbon stainless steel. The high carbon content in the steel helps the blade retain a sharp edge even after prolonged use. 

Surgical-sharp Blade 

While this knife is forged with a high-quality steel blade, it is also extremely sharp and can be likened to a surgical blade. Rada Cutlery honed this hollow ground blade to ensure a precision concave surface for optimal edge retention. And because of its flexible nature, you can easily use this knife for cutting meat away from the bone.

Soft Rubber Grip

Additionally, a soft rubber grip was used for the handle. This provides a solid and comfortable grip of the knife even in slippery conditions. The rubber handle is also molded with contours that let it sit well in your hand, giving you that ergonomic feel for better control and ease of use.

Leather Knife Scabbard Included

Safely store this razor-sharp knife in its pure leather scabbard included with this knife. Furthermore, the scabbard knife sheath features other compartments to store other essential accessories like a knife sharpener. 

Benefits of This Knife

Hand Sharpened Blade

Featuring on this Rada Cutlery knife is a 5.25-inch stainless steel blade honed by hand. This makes the blade distinctively razor-sharp and offers you superior leverage when cutting. 

Dishwasher Safe

Another benefit you will enjoy from this knife is that it is dishwasher safe. As such, cleaning up after processing food shouldn’t be such a strain.

Final Verdict

Rada Cutlery R210 is a must-have knife for every hunter who loves to process their games right in the wild. And the slightly longer handle than traditional knives gives you better control of the knife.

#10. Elk Ridge ER-059 Series Fixed Blade Hunting Knife

Specification:

• Handle material: Pakka wood 
• Blade material: 3Cr13 stainless steel
• Blade length: 2.75 inches
• Overall length: 7 inches
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

Review Features:

High-quality Steel

Made from high-quality steel, Elk Ridge forged the blade of this knife with 3Cr13 stainless steel. The 440-grade stainless steel offers an excellent balance between corrosion resistance and hardness. High carbon content in the steel contributes to the hardness of the blade, while the mirror-polished surface makes the blade corrosion resistant. Moreover, the fine edge drop point design of the blade provides consistent razor-sharp cutting performance.

Full Tang Construction

Elk Ridge designed this knife as a full tang. The blade runs the full length of the knife with two studs holding the blade to the handle. As such, the tang does not only give you more leverage but better balance since the knife’s balance point will typically fall toward the middle.

Pakka Wood Handle

Elk Ridge made use of Pakka wood for the handle of this knife. The Pakka wood is then coated with camo which contributes to the ease of holding the grip of this knife. The Pakka wood is carved with ergonomic contours that provide the ultimate in-hand comfort. Also, the handle features a lanyard hold on the end, giving you an alternative means of carrying this knife.

Leather Sheath

Also, this knife comes complete with a genuine leather sheath. The stunning leather sheath and Pakka wood handle make a beautiful combination.

Benefits of This Knife

Wide Variety Use

One of the benefits of this knife that makes it quite desirable is its wide versatility. The straight-edge blade razor-sharp edge makes it ideal for so many hunting tasks.

Easy to Maintain

Buying this Elk Ridge knife is convenient as it can easily be sharpened on a sharpening stone. Moreover, you can easily wash it with soap and water without worrying about it rusting.

Final Verdict

In summary, this Elk Ridge knife is a knife you can count on for fishing, hunting, backpacking, hiking, camping, and general outdoor activities.

Best Deer Hunting Knife Buyer’s Guide

1. Size

The size of the knife you want to buy is vital as it determines most of the tasks you can do with it. The best size of hunting knife to get is based on your preference. When considering the size of a knife, the weight of the knife should also come to play. Buying a large or small knife both have their pros and cons. Some knives are foldable and compact, while others are straight and more durable for heavy-duty tasks.

2. Blade Construction

Blade construction is another important aspect to consider if you want to get a perfect knife for yourself. Importantly, a full tang knife is highly recommended for hunting as it is more durable and reliable. Put into consideration the shape of the blade if you want a drop point blade, clip point blade, tanto blade, or others. Consider the type of material used for the blade as well.

3. Handle

Amongst other features you put under consideration, the handle needs to be right as well. The right handle provides a good grip of the knife for better control. The knife has to be molded or carved with texture or contours that lets it sit comfortably in hand. Some manufacturers make the handle of their knives with rubber or plastic, while others make use of steel or wood. In either case, go for an option that feels comfortable in your hands and is within your budget.

4. Blade Size

Apart from considering the overall size of the knife, also take note of the size of the blade. It is important to have the right size of the blade for the right hunting task. While a large knife may offer you a larger blade, they are often heavy. Similarly, a small knife may be lightweight, and compact, their blades might be too small to do many tasks. 

5. Easy Sharp

Some hunting knives are known to be troublesome when it comes to sharpening them. Buy a knife that can easily be sharpened with a sharpening stone. Such knives are perfect for hunting as they can easily be sharpened while in the field in case the knife ever gets blunt.

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong picking any of these best deer hunting knives in this review. When going deer hunting, ensure you go fully kitted, because you never know when an emergency or crisis will hit. No excuse is worth not getting the best hunting knife for the money. All the knives in this review are affordable and durable. If you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below.