For years, hunting has been a favourite pastime among outdoorsmen, with the thrill of the chase being a source of joy for many. Not only is it incredibly rewarding and exhilarating, but it also takes skill and knowledge to tack down your quarry. Once your prey has been spotted and the chase is on, you’ll need to be fully prepared with the essential hunting gear.

Among those basic tools is a good ol’ fixed hunting knife to help you out in the field. After all, you can’t use just any random blade you have lying around in your pockets or backpack – you’ll need something specifically designed for this type of activity.

What Knife Do Hunters Use?

Regardless of what you’re trying to accomplish out in the bush, finding a fixed hunting knife Australia-wide is mainly based on the way the blade is designed. This directly affects the way you use it and how effective the knife will be.

Straight Edge

Starting off with a rather classic design, the straight edge gives you a crisp cut with minimal effort. It’s exactly what the name suggests – a sharp yet sturdy blade with no frills or fancy designs. Its linear shape is perfect for slicing and carving, with the edges gliding through materials with ease.

As for the specific use, it’s a common choice for skinning and cleaning game due to its slight curve and lack of protrusions. It doesn’t perform as well for whittling and precision cuts, but it does the job quite nicely.

Serrated Edge

Moving on to a more rugged design, the serrated edge is ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as sawing through tough materials like wood or animal hide. Its jagged structure gives it a superior grip that allows you to break through various layers and thicknesses with ease.

It feels a bit bulkier in the hand and makes more noise but it’s definitely worth it for tough jobs. If you normally go after something bigger than a rabbit, this is the blade for you. Not only will it have your back during the hunt, but you can also turn to this type of knife for things like field dressing or gutting.

Scalloped Edge

Finally, the scalloped variety is the best of both worlds. Combining the serrated tips with a wave-like structure provides you with an all-in-one blade that can tackle virtually any job. It’s a fantastic option for general use, allowing you to switch between tasks quickly and efficiently.

The curved shape gives you better control over your cuts and gives more stability in the hand, which is particularly useful during big hunts. As a bonus, its unique design produces less noise and can cut through tougher materials in a jiffy.

What to Look for in a Fixed Hunting Knife

When you’re shopping for a fixed hunting knife Australia-wide you’ll need to look into other factors that go hand in hand with the shape of the blade. By doing this, you can ensure that your money is well invested and that you have a reliable tool to bring on all your hunting trips.

Blade Material

First and foremost, you’ll want to pay attention to the material your knife is made of. You don’t want something too soft like stainless steel, as it can chip away after prolonged use and frequent sharpening.

Instead, look for blades made from harder materials such as carbon or titanium. These are more expensive, but they’ll last much longer and require less maintenance over time.

Another aspect to consider is the material’s resistance to corrosion. If you’re planning on using your blade near water, make sure that it comes with some form of rust prevention or surface finish to protect it.

Handle Geometry

The handle is often overlooked or taken for granted and it shouldn’t be this way because it’s a crucial part of the tool. Don’t let a pretty model fool you – they don’t always have the best ergonomics for a firm grip or easy manoeuvring.

With that said, you should look for a fixed hunting knife with a curved and slightly rounded handle. This will allow your hand to rest comfortably and let you move the blade with more precision when needed. Don’t go for something too bulky, as it can feel awkward to use and make your hand cramp up in the long run.

As for the materials, rubber or synthetic polymer are both solid options. They’re more robust and can absorb shocks better, with minimal abrasion to your skin. Plus, they’re waterproof and easy to clean – a great feature if you plan on hunting near water or pursuing aquatic game.

Sharpening and Maintenance

There’s no denying that sharpening is a part of any hunter’s kit, with a dull blade quickly becoming a hindrance during any expedition. Not only can it make your job more difficult and time-consuming, but it can also turn out to be dangerous if you’re not careful.

To keep your blade in mint condition, look for dedicated sharpening stones or steel rods. The former will allow you to hone your blade right down to a razor-sharp edge, while the latter can be used to maintain its sharpness over time. Your choice mainly depends on the material your blade is made of, with more exotic ones often requiring specialised tools.