The vast majority of hunting trips will succeed or fail due depending on the advance preparation time invested. Choosing the right region and spot, having the gear to wait out your quarry, and more than anything, having the right tool for the job when a game does come into view.
There are so many details to be considered before one makes a kill that it is not uncommon for hunters to forget what is needed to have on hand in the hunting moment. This will mean a failed outing even if you’ve managed to bag something. Failure to have what you need to properly dress the kill can spoil the meat and, in some areas, actually constitutes an infraction of the law.
When in the field, there is little dispute as to what tool is needed to gut deer correctly. While a real butcher shop might have all manner of specialized implements for this purpose, it is the shared opinion of hobbyists and professionals the world over that all that is truly needed to gut deer in the bush is a knife of the finest quality.
Good hunting knives are sought after by every level of the hunter and can mean the difference between bringing home your prize and leaving a spoiled carcass out in the woods.
The ideal hunting knife will be light and easy to carry. The size and shape of the handle must be easy to use in any weather or conditions, and hold an edge through many seasons with little need for maintenance.
Related Article: Best Knife for Field Dressing Deer in [year] [Our Reviews & Comparisons
Here are five of the best choices if you’re looking for a new best friend on your hunting trips.
Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
  1. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate |
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  2. KA BAR Becker BK2 Companion |
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  3. Buck Knives 119 |
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  4. ProductName |
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  5. ESEE ESLSP-BRK Laser Strike |
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Check Price |
Our Best Product Reviews and Comparisons
1. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate
Product Highlights
Endorsed by survival specialist Bear Grylls, this knife saves space in your kit by filling in for a number of useful items.
Features
- 10 inches long
- Slightly more than 11 ounces
- Molded rubber grip
What We Like About Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate
This knife makes short work of gutting deer and several other tasks with its many additional functions.
What We Don’t Like About Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate
More features mean more things that can go wrong, especially when so many parts of the knife are removable.
PROS
- Serrated and smooth edges
- Fire starter
- Emergency whistle
- Sharpener
- Large, textured grip
CONS
- Larger and heavier than many hunters prefer
- Removable accessories can easily get lost or broken
2. KA BAR Becker BK2 Companion
Product Highlights
KBAR is a longtime leader in knives of all kinds. This hunting knife is another entry in a long list of exceptional products.
Features
- Full tang blade
- Hardened nylon sheath
- Triple screw blade fixture
- 20 degree drop point
What We Like About KA BAR Becker BK2 Companion
This knife has a solid and heavy blade fixed for zero movements, making it sturdy enough to hold up under any task in the bush.
What We Don’t Like About KA BAR Becker BK2 Companion
The knife is somewhat chunkier than usual and can be too large for delicate entrail removal.
PROS
- Drop point
- Firm blade fixture
- Holds its edge well
- Large grip
- Hardened sheath
CONS
- Sheath does not attach well to belt or pack
- Blade is not as fine as most gutting knives
3. Buck Knives 119
Product Highlights
This knife offers the performance of other quality knives combined with the aesthetic appeal of an artistic piece.
Features
- 6-inch blade with clip point
- 7.5 ounces
- Aluminum finish gives the blade its distinctive appearance
What We Like About Buck Knives 119
This knife has a narrower blade than most, allowing to perform gross and fine operations easily.
What We Don’t Like About Buck Knives 119
Narrow point wears quickly and can break with relative ease.
PROS
- Buck Forever warranty
- Full leather sheath
- Fine blade for precise cuts
- Sturdy enough for woodcraft
- Lighter than most similar knives
CONS
- Fragile point
- Poor grip traction
4. Hidden Canyon Hunter
Product Highlights
With this knife, you get the rustic visual appeal of a wooden handle and the service of a full-tang metal blade.
Features
- Resin handle is more durable than natural wood
- Drop point blade with serrated and smooth portions
- Sheath is built for use on either side
- Stabilized full tang
What We Like About Hidden Canyon Hunter
This knife brings a considerable amount of versatility to your hunt, with both serrated and smooth edges and a fully reversible leather sheath.
What We Don’t Like About Hidden Canyon Huntere
The blade is somewhat shorter than similar knives, making it harder to properly dress large animals.
PROS
- Serrated and smooth edges
- Extremely durable resin grip
- Broad blade pushes easily through flesh
- Handle is shaped to prevent slip
- Ambidextrous sheath
CONS
- Short blade
- Sheath can be damaged by the knife
5. ESEE ESLSP-BRK Laser Strike
Product Highlights
Inside a deceptively plain finish, this knife hides a considerable measure of durability and several handy accessories for the discerning woodsman.
Features
- 9.5 ounces
- 10 inches long
- Micarta handle with woven finish
- Carbon steel blade comes pre-sharpened
What We Like About ESEE ESLSP-BRK Laser Strike
This knife is shaped and textured to help you keep hold of it in any conditions, including in heavy winds or when covered in entrails.
What We Don’t Like About ESEE ESLSP-BRK Laser Strike
LAt 9.5 ounces, this is not the lightest knife on the market, especially not for less than 5 inches of blade.
PROS
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- Ergonomic grip
- Comes with a ‘survival card’ multitool
- Handle can assist with bow and drill fire starting
- Knife breaks down for easy cleaning
CONS
- Heavier than similar knives
- Carbon steel is harder to maintain
Final Verdict
Any of these knives make an excellent choice on your next outing. Always read up on local regulations before buying, and make sure your final choice feels comfortable to carry and use.
