Knives & Multi-Tools

The best knife for hunting depends on how and where you plan to use it. For field dressing, a fixed-blade knife with a drop point or clip point offers strength and control when making precise cuts. Replaceable blade knives, like those from Havalon or Tyto, are popular for their razor-sharp edges and convenience in the field. You can just swap the blade when it dulls. If you’re breaking down game or caping animals, a dedicated skinning knife or boning blade offers better geometry for those tasks. Many hunters carry both a replaceable and a fixed blade to cover all bases.

Replaceable blade knives are ultra-sharp, lightweight, and eliminate the need for field sharpening. They’re ideal for precision cuts like caping, skinning, and quartering, especially when time and cleanliness matter. Brands like Tyto and Havalon let you quickly swap blades when one gets dull or gummed up, which is especially handy during multiple animal processing or extended hunts. However, they aren’t as robust as traditional knives and should be used alongside a sturdier option for heavier work like joint separation.

Multi-tools offer exceptional utility, especially for backcountry hunts where space is limited. With functions like pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and small blades, they’re great for quick gear repairs, cutting paracord, adjusting sights, or fixing stoves. While not a replacement for a primary hunting knife, a multi-tool is a smart addition to your pack, particularly for solo hunts or gear-heavy trips. Leatherman models are especially popular among western hunters for their strength and versatility.

In the field, keep your blades clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion. After processing game, wipe down the blade with a cloth or rinse it with clean water if available. A compact sharpening tool or strop can help touch up a traditional edge mid-hunt. For replaceable blade knives, carry a few backup blades in your kill kit to avoid being caught with a dull edge. When you return home, do a deep clean with warm water and a mild soap, oil any pivot points, and store your tools in a dry environment.

High-quality blade steel determines how well a knife holds an edge, resists corrosion, and sharpens in the field. Premium steels like S30V and CPM-S35VN are known for edge retention and toughness, making them ideal for backcountry use. Stainless steels offer good corrosion resistance, especially in wet or bloody conditions. For replaceable blades, focus on the sharpness and quality of the individual blade system, since sharpening isn’t a concern. Match your steel choice to your typical hunting conditions and how much maintenance you want to perform in the field.

Many experienced hunters carry a two-knife system: a replaceable blade for precision cutting and a sturdier fixed blade or multi-tool for heavier work. This approach ensures you’re covered if one tool fails, and lets you work more efficiently during game processing or gear breakdowns. It also helps maintain hygiene, as you can dedicate one knife to clean work like food or first aid and the other to game.