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We take a look at some of the best general-purpose fixed blade knives on the market.
If you’re stalking big game in frigid temperatures or in the field for several days straight, the last thing you want to do is haul all of your kitchen cutlery into the field with you. Because humping around extra pounds might seem like a good idea at first, but it gets really old really fast.
That’s why, in this edition, we’re taking a stab at general-purpose fixed blades for hunting — and particularly those whose blades are only 3 to 5 inches long.
Why that size? Well, it means you’ll be carrying around a medium-ish knife.
And being in that Goldilocks zone also means that your edged tool will save you some weight and some room on your beltline or in your pack.
But it’ll still be big enough to take on most chores you’ll throw at it. This includes gutting, skinning … or possibly even defensive thrusting if, say, a buck comes charging in close quarters or you fear a Deliverance-like encounter. Plus, a versatile knife can also be used for other camp work, such as batoning firewood.
Read on to find out if there’s a model here that’ll fit your wide array of hunting needs.
Top Fixed-Blade Knives
Buck Knives 102 Woodsman Pro
OAL: 7.75 inches
Blade Length: 4 inches
Blade Material: S35VN stainless steel
Weight: 2.6 ounces
MSRP: $136
URL: buckknives.com
Since this is a fixed blade from Buck Knives, it should surprise no one that there’s a lot to love about this hunting knife. As the most premium offering of Buck’s 102 Woodsman lineup, this Pro edition has a blade made of S35VN (a premium stainless steel that’s strong, sharp, and highly rust resistant) and a handle crafted from canvas Micarta (a pricey composite that’s durable and slip resistant). It’s a top-quality knife that’s slim and reliable with an elegant, vintage aesthetic. Made in the USA.
PROS:
- Clip-point blade shape has plenty of belly for skinning small game, yet a sharp point for precise, detailed work.
- S35VN is hard to beat.
- Micarta handle is smooth and gorgeous yet provides good traction.
CONS:
- The included leather sheath has an awkwardly placed snap-button and allows for too much knife wiggling even when it’s closed.
Columbia River Knife & Tool Hunt’N Fisch
OAL: 7.25 inches
Blade Length: 3.01 inches
Blade Material: 9Cr18MoV stainless steel
Weight: 4 ounces
MSRP: $110
URL: crkt.com
Designed by Larry Fischer (hence the “punny” name), this model from Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is designed to be a compact fixed blade that’ll help you take home as much meat from the bone as possible. It can do this thanks to its comfortable G-10 handle and versatile drop-point blade, which can cut, slice, and stab with ease. Though it’s on the smaller end of medium-sized knives, it punches well above its weight. The Hunt’N Fisch comes with a leather sheath and two lanyard fobs made of cord.
PROS:
- Blade’s spine has grooves for increased control for those who use a thumb-assisted grip.
- Lanyard fob aids in gripping the knife and can be detached for use as impromptu cordage.
- G-10 scales are our favorite handle material.
- Blade shape is ideal for all sorts of tasks, whether skinning or whittling.
CONS:
- We expect a better blade steel than Chinese-made 9Cr18MoV on a $110 knife.
- Sheath is set up only for horizontal carry on a belt or a pack.
Helle Didi Galgalu
OAL: 9.75 inches
Blade Length: 5.125 inches
Blade Material: 12C27 stainless steel
Weight: 6.8 ounces
MSRP: $229
URL: helle.com
Full disclosure: The Didi Galgalu’s blade length is a fraction over our self-imposed 5-inch maximum for this buyer’s guide. But we’re still including it because it’s a quality knife worth recommending. The drop-point blade features a Scandi grind, which results in a razor-sharp edge that can be used for fine work, food prep, or field dressing large game. And while we’re not fond of wood handles, this one’s made of Kebony, which is infused with a bio-based liquid and heat-treated to strengthen it on a cellular level.
PROS:
- 12C27 blade cuts like a laser, is easy to sharpen, and fights off corrosion decently.
- Drop-point profile makes it a multipurpose knife.
- Leather sheath comes with a plastic insert — the best of both worlds.
- It’s well balanced for a bigger blade.
CONS:
- Sure, it’s imported from Norway, but its price tag is rather steep for a knife that features entry-level blade steel and wood scales.
- The handle is a little too bulbous for our medium-sized paws.
Morakniv Kansbol
OAL: 8.9 inches
Blade Length: 4.3 inches
Blade Material: 12C27 stainless steel
Weight: 3.3 ounces
MSRP: $70
URL: industrialrev.com
We’re stunned by how cheap Morakniv products are — in price, but not in quality. And the Kansbol with Survival Kit is no exception. It comes with extra tools to help you thrive in the wild: paracord and a sheath with integrated fire-starter and diamond sharpener. But the fixed blade is the true star of the show. It features a Scandi grind for smooth cutting, but the blade narrows toward the tip for increased precision. The Kansbol is a low-cost, high-quality companion for any hunter, hiker, or outdoor adventurer.
PROS:
- Blade is razor sharp and adaptable to any outdoor adventure.
- Kit comes with potentially life-saving tools.
- Rubberized handle is ergonomic and grippy.
- Provides the most bang for your buck among the blades we reviewed here
CONS:
- Considering it outperforms knives that cost two to three times more, what’s to hate about the Kansbol?
Ontario ADK High Peaks Hunter
OAL: 9.44 inches
Blade Length: 3.6 inches
Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel
Weight: 8.8 ounces
MSRP: $127
URL: ontarioknife.com
With a straight-back blade profile, this Ontario model has a generous belly for use in gutting yet has a narrow tip that allows it to double as a caper knife for fine, pencil-point work. Unfortunately, its blade is made of 420HC stainless steel. Though rust resistant and easy to sharpen, it’s a softer steel than other 400-series steels that dulls rather quickly. Overall, the ADK High Peaks Hunter is a reliable, if overpriced, general-purpose hunting knife. Made in the USA.
PROS:
- Generous finger guard to prevent slipping onto the blade
- Micarta scales are strong, durable, and textured for positive purchase of the handle.
- Well-made leather sheath with plastic liner and snap-button provides solid retention
CONS:
- 420HC blade steel offers “meh” performance.
- Handle is just a tad too thick for our medium-sized palms.
SOG Pillar LE
OAL: 9.9 inches
Blade Length: 5 inches
Blade Material: S35VN stainless steel
Weight: 7.3 ounces
MSRP: $200
URL: sogknives.com
The “LE” in the title refers to the limited-edition orange handle scales. This high-visibility version makes it easier to find your fixed blade in a crowded pack or if you accidentally drop it in a river or a forest. But the Pillar is much more than just its color. This big boy can deliver the goods as a skinner, fish filleter, survival tool, and self-defense knife, thanks in large part to its all-around clip-point shape and ergonomic handle. Made in the USA.
PROS:
- Superior S35VN blade offers strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
- G-10 scales provide positive traction and identification in various conditions.
- Low-pro Kydex sheath is slim, top notch, and adjustable.
- Full-tang pommel can break glass, smash heads, or hammer tent stakes.
CONS:
- Nitpicking here, but we absolutely hate the presentation-style box that it comes in. (Really, that’s all we could think of to dislike about this knife.)
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Carnivore Magazine Issue 7.
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