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Posy:

…One of the most important tools for a hunter is their knife. Not their gun but their knife. You can kill game many ways; set up a trap, a hook or even shoot with an arrow or gun… But to set up everything right for example skin, gut and chop up you can only do that with a knife.

 

THE HUNTING KNIFE IS:

1. Simple in shape
2. Appropriate in size
3. Made from quality materials
4. Handy
5. Made with the right grind
6. Can be worn is a safe holster

  1. Shape is an extremely important feature. The spine should be flat or curved downwards. A knife with upward curves is not good. The blade itself also needs a nice curvature which is a must for skinning.
    A knife is used for 3 different jobs: skinning, gutting and chopping. For a good knife to do all of this you need to make a compromise. Or you can have one knife for each of them; like a short blade with a strongly curved edge for skinning.
  2. The size is equally important. Both the blade and the handle should be between 10 and 12 cm. Blade with at least 30-35mm is needed to allow for a nice curvature. The thickness should be maximum 4mm for a deep cut. Anything thicker will stick when cutting through the pelvic bone or the sternum.
  3. Today’s steels are really good in quality. Both carbon steel and shear-steel are suitable for knives, however most hunters are looking for stainless steel.
    Handles are good from anything natural; wood, bone, horn or especially antlers are the best.
  4. The shape of the handle and its cross section promotes a better grip. An oval shape provides an ergonomic grip and can be held various ways. However a polished surface, especially when it’s covered with slippery substance rolls easily in your hands and requires higher force.
    A square cross section facilitates a firm grip as the corners fit in the wrinkles of your palm. It is crucial to have a bolster which prevents your hands sliding forward onto the blade. An antler’s naturally rough surface provides a secure grip.
  5. The grind determines how easy and deep the blade can penetrate, how easily can it be sharpened or reground. Additionally it determines how long the blade will remain sharp. I believe a hollow grind is the best.
  6. A hunting knife is nothing without a strong holster, it fits best with a leather holster. I prefer the pouch type hooked on your belt as you can draw and stow your knife single handed.