The decision when choosing a hunting knife can be a daunting one; especially if it's your first time purchasing a quality knife that you intend to carry long term. There's an overwhelming selection out there. One of the first things you can do to narrow down your choices is to decide whether you want a folding or fixed-blade knife. Here are some things to consider when deciding between a folding and fixed blade knife. You can then weigh this against your personal preferences and expected use.
Folding Knives
The main advantage of a folding, or pocket knife, is that the blade can be folded into the handle and be safely and easily carried in a pocket or pack. There are countless styles of folding knives which offer different specialty features, such as multiple blade styles or even integrated LED lights. If you think a folding knife is right for you, you may consider getting one in the form of a multi-tool. Multi-tools generally feature a folding knife blade, along with items like pliers, files, saws and other useful tools tucked into the handle.
If you want a knife to carry for more things than just hunting and the deep outdoors, folding sporting knives are generally more convenient and versatile when traveling or running around town. If you don't mind a little more bulk for the bonus of a lot more utility, multi-tools feature all kinds of tools you may find useful.
A disadvantage of a folding knife is that, as a general rule, anything with moving parts will not be as strong as a similar item without them. The main weak point of a folding knife is the point where the blade attaches to the handle, because it has to pivot. Also, since the handle needs to accommodate a folding blade, it can't be as solid as the handle of a fixed-blade knife.
Fixed-Blade Knives
When people think of hunting knives, they generally think of a fixed-blade knife. Fixed-blade knives do not include an integrated means of covering the blade; they require a separate sheath and have no moving parts. This simplicity generally makes them stronger than comparable folding sporting knives. The average fixed-bladed knives also feature longer blades than folding knives. For these reasons, a fixed-blade knife is often the better choice for a dedicated hunting knife.
A disadvantage of fixed-blade hunting knives is that they are often larger and bulkier than a folding knife. They are also not as convenient to store and carry; while you can tuck a folding knife into a pocket or clip one onto a belt, a fixed-blade knife requires a separate sheath, usually attached to your belt.
Fixed blade hunting knives are generally preferred by serious hunters and outdoorsmen who spend a lot of time in the remote wilderness. Their strength and blade length is ideal for field dressing large game. In survival situations, where you may need to depend on your knife for things like cutting wood or making other tools, strength and reliability are paramount. This often makes them the tool of choice for more serious outdoor situations.
It all comes down to how you plan to use it. For a casual carry knife, with the occasional hunting or camping trip, a folding blade is often preferred for its convenience. For serious hunters and outdoorsmen, a fixed blade's strength, reliability and size often make it the knife of choice.
If you decide to go with a one, pay extra attention to the area where the blade meets the handle. The fit and finish here is often a good indicator of the knife's overall construction quality. For a folding knife, try a few to compare their function. The blade should lock up tight when open without wiggling, and feel like a single solid piece. It should also easily fold back into the handle without being forced. For either type, examine the handle to ensure that it's solid and made of a strong material, like high-quality steel.
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