TOP 15 best hunting knives: rating for 2021-2022 and what Russian knives are better

The basic set of the hunter necessarily includes a knife. With its help, you can prepare thin twigs for the fire, build a simple shelter or cut up the caught game.

Since knives for hunting are used in extreme conditions, they must be of the highest quality and durable.

In design and material, such knives are very different from the usual products used in the home. It will not be very convenient to use them at home, but in the woods or in a hike this thing will be indispensable.

To make the selection of a suitable knife for hunting easier, we have compiled a rating of the best models according to 2021-2022 and made a short list of criteria for choosing knives for hunting and survival in wilderness conditions.

Top 15 Best Hunting Knives for 2021-2022 Rating

This ranking includes the best hunting knives according to user and expert reviews.

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best hunting knives by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	GANZO G8012
2	MORAKNIV Companion MG
3	OPINEL #8 Trekking Hornbeam
Top 3 best folding hunting knives
1	OPINEL #10 Carbon Beech (113100)
2	GANZO G707
3	Cold Steel Luzon Medium
TOP 3 best hunting knives made in Russia
1	BARS 79202
2	ZUBR Expert (47791)
3	PATHFINDER PF-PK-11
TOP 3 best multi-purpose hunting knives
1	VICTORINOX Huntsman
2	OPINEL #10 Corkscrew (001410)
3	kershaw Shuffle II tan
Top 3 best inexpensive hunting knives
1	matrix 17624
2	MORAKNIV Basic 546
3	STAYER 47613_z01

How to choose a hunting knife and what to look for?

The main feature of hunting knives is that they are suitable for several types of tasks. They can be used to make a path in the woods, get something to eat, make a fire or build a shelter. But the main function is the cutting of the caught game.

Choosing a knife, people pay attention to its convenience, functionality and reliability.

The basic selection criteria include:

• The shape of the blade. Despite the fact that there are many forms of blades, but the most reliable and versatile is considered a spear-shaped.
• Shank. All quality knives for hunting are equipped with a reliable shank. This part of the knife, hiding in the handle. The thicker it is, the more reliable the tool will be, and the user can be sure that it will not break during use.
• Steel. Knives made of carbon or stainless steel last the longest. Experts recommend choosing products made of stainless steel, as this material is not susceptible to corrosion and oxidation.
• Handle Material. The handle of a hunting knife can be made of wood, plastic, steel or rubber. Models with a steel handle are recognized as the best, but in practice you should try to hold the knife in your hand to be sure of its convenience.

Top 3 Best Hunting Knives by Price/Quality for 2021-2022

If you don't go out into the wilderness very often, you shouldn't splurge on buying an expensive knife. Many well-known brands have inexpensive, but sufficiently high-quality models of knives that will make hunting comfortable.

GANZO G8012.

This lightweight folding hunting knife will be an indispensable tool for every tourist, hunter or fisherman. Blade is made of high-quality steel, and the handle is coated with plastic, which is highly resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage.

The blade has a convenient notch that allows you to remove the blade with one movement of the hand. Additionally, the product is equipped with a clip that will prevent the knife from closing automatically.

The knife is provided with a plastic sheath for safe and convenient transportation. The blade of the knife was specially hardened and ground, so it will stay sharp even during constant cutting of hard objects and intensive use. When folded, the knife takes up very little space, so it can be easily carried in a backpack or in a pocket.

Technical specifications:

• overall length 24,5 cm;
• weight 356 g
• blade length 11,5 cm.

MORAKNIV Companion MG

Inexpensive but quality knife was specially created for hiking and hunting. This model has a traditionally shaped blade and optimum length. This makes it possible to use the tool not only for cutting food, but also for cutting carcasses or building light shelters.

High cutting and stabbing characteristics are provided by a simple straight edge, which is very easy to sharpen at home or even in camping conditions.

Special cold-rolled stainless steel was used for the production of the knife. Due to this, the blade has increased hardness and durability, and the factory sharpening is preserved for a long time. The handle has a smooth shape, so it is very comfortable in the palm, and the hand does not get tired even after prolonged use. Included with the product are khaki colored plastic sheaths with a special clip for carrying on the belt.

Specifications:

• overall length 21.8 cm;
• weight 110 g;
• blade length 10.4 cm.

OPINEL #8 Trekking Hornbeam

Survival folding knife from the famous French brand has all the necessary characteristics for full use in extreme conditions. Outwardly the product looks as simple as possible, but the performance characteristics do not decrease from this.

The blade is made of steel with high carbon content and low chromium. This material is not highly resistant to moisture, so brown stains will form on the blade if it is in constant contact with water.

Taking these features into account, the blade should be wiped dry after being in a humid environment. At the same time, this material has an important feature: it can be sharpened with any pocket sharpener or stone.

The handle is made of natural wood. It is covered with a special composition that prevents the wood from cracking and drying out after prolonged use.

Technical specifications:

• total length 19 cm;
• weight 46 g;
• Blade length 8.5 cm.

Top 3 best folding hunting knives

The good thing about folding knives is that they take up very little space, but they have great cutting performance and often have additional features. Three models were voted the best folding knives for hunting in 2021-2022.

OPINEL #10 Carbon Beech (113100)

On the surface, this knife from the famous French brand looks very simple, but in fact, every detail of it is carefully thought out and is aimed at maximum comfort of the user.

First of all, the wooden handle deserves attention, which allows using the knife comfortably during the cold season. To increase the service life, wood is impregnated with a special compound, thanks to which the product does not get cracked and does not change color even with prolonged use.

The blade is made of high-strength stainless steel. It is not covered with rust spots, and due to the special hardening the knife does not have to be sharpened too often.

Despite the fact that this model is a folding knife, the blade is securely connected to the handle, and the wide shank prevents damage to the blade even when working with hard material. For reliable fixation, the product has a Viroblock lock, so the owner can be sure that the tool will not open accidentally in a pocket or backpack.

Specifications:

• total length 23 cm;
• weight 68 g;
• blade length 10 cm.

GANZO G707.

This folding knife is made entirely of metal, so it is not afraid of bumps, falls and mechanical damage. In addition, its can be used for almost anything, from cutting wood chips for a campfire to building a simple shelter out of branches.

The blade is made of special steel with enhanced anti-corrosion properties. The metal has a balanced composition, so the blade not only does not rust, but also has increased durability.

The manufacturer also ensured that the blade is hardened properly. It not only increases the strength of the product, but also allows you to maintain its sharpness for a long time, so you do not have to sharpen the blade often.

The handle of the knife is also metal, but for its manufacture another type of steel was used. It also has enhanced anti-corrosion properties, while the surface of the handle is matte due to multiple grinding. For safe use the knife is equipped with a reliable lock, which does not open randomly, and for a comfortable grip - a small plastic pad on the handle.

Specifications:

• overall length 20.8 cm;
• weight 115 g;
• blade length 9 cm.

Cold Steel Luzon Medium

This folding knife is a truly versatile tool that will be indispensable for campingWhether you are hunting, fishing or hiking. The standard blade is made of high quality stainless steel, which does not get rusted even after frequent exposure to damp conditions. At the same time, the size of the blade is optimal, which allows using it not only for cutting the carcasses, but also for making chips for the fire.

Additionally, the blade has been specially hardened, thanks to which the knife does not need frequent sharpening even during intensive use. The handle is made of smooth plastic. Thanks to this, it is convenient to use the knife even in severe frost without feeling discomfort in your hands. The blade can be easily pulled out of the body, but at the same time it is quickly and reliably hidden in the body, so the owner can be sure that the blade will not be pulled out accidentally.

Specifications:

• overall length 22.8 cm;
• weight 99,2 g;
• blade length 10.1 cm.

Top 3 best hunting knives made in Russia

Many users prefer Russian knives. They are good because the companies-manufacturers take into account the peculiarities of using the tool in Russian conditions and think through their design.

BARS 79202

Convenient folding knife of domestic production has all the necessary characteristics for use at home and in nature. The size of the knife is quite compact, but at the same time it has high cutting properties.

High-quality stainless steel blade, specially hardened, makes the knife perfect for work with wood, cutting up carcasses or repairing fishing tackle. There is a small lever on the body that will help you easily open the knife with one hand.

Product handle is made of metal and has an ergonomic shape, so you can safely use the knife for a long time without feeling fatigue in your hands. The design also includes a reliable latch, which prevents the knife from spontaneously folding while working.

The blade is straight sharpened and, although the knife stays sharp for a long time, it can be sharpened at home, using standard tools or even improvised means in a hike.

Specifications:

• total length 22 cm;
• blade width 26 mm;
• blade length 9 cm.

ZUBR Expert (47791)

Lightweight and compact folding knife, which will be an indispensable assistant during hunting, fishing or camping trips.

Folded design provides convenient and compact carrying, while the special clip allows to fix reliably the blade in folded state and hang the knife at the belt for convenient transportation. The handle, as well as the blade of the knife, is made of metal and has an ergonomic shape, so the knife is easy to hold in your hand.

The blade is made of special hardened steel. This prevents the blade from scratching and rusting, even if it is constantly in a wet environment.

In addition, the knife does not need frequent sharpening, and if such a need arises, the sharpness of the blade can be restored with a pocket sharpener or an ordinary hard stone.

Technical specifications:

• length in the folded state 11 cm;
• weight 190 g;
• Number of functions 8.

PATHFINDER PF-PK-11

Stylish, inexpensive and very high quality folding knife, which will help to cut food, prepare wood chips for the fire or build a shelter in extreme conditions. The knife is manufactured by a proven domestic manufacturer, so the product is fully adapted for use by tourists, hunters or fishermen.

To make it easier to remove the blade from the body, there is a special small recess in the body. There is a reliable mechanism for locking the blade in the unfolded state, so the user can be sure that the knife will not close during operation.

The handle is made of rubberized plastic, so the finished product is very light, but perfectly balanced, and the user will not feel fatigue in the hands even during prolonged use. In addition, this combination of materials allows you to comfortably use the knife in the cold season.

Technical characteristics:

• total length 22.5 cm;
• weight 200 g;
• blade length 10 cm.

Top 3 best multifunction hunting knives

Many experienced hunters prefer multifunction knives, which, in addition to the traditional blade, have other functions, such as a screwdriver, can opener or corkscrew. Three models were voted the best multifunctional knives according to the version 2021-2022.

VICTORINOX Huntsman

This compact folding knife is equipped with a stainless steel blade. This material is extremely durable and wear-resistant, and will not rust, even if frequently exposed to moisture. You can use the knife even in the cold season, because your hands will not feel discomfort due to the wooden handle.

The body of the tool has additional accessories: a corkscrew, two types of openers, a large and a small screwdriver, an awl, a small wood file and even tweezers.

The future owner will not have to worry about the comfort of use in the cold season, because the handle is covered with plastic. This material is durable, and the knife does not slip even in wet hands. When opened, the knife is secured with a proprietary ring-shaped lock. The lock is very reliable and simple, so the blade will not close spontaneously during operation.

Technical specifications:

• overall length 15.8 cm;
• Weight 97 g;
• Length of blade 7 cm.

OPINEL #10 Corkscrew (001410)

Externally, this folding knife is almost indistinguishable from other models of the brand, but its performance characteristics are very high.

The blade is made of special stainless steel. Not only is it highly durable and resistant to mechanical damage, but it is also not prone to corrosion. Because of this, you can safely take the knife with you on fishing or hunting trips. The blade itself is very easy to extend from the body and securely fixed, so the risk of injury is minimized.

There is also a corkscrew in the handle for easy opening of bottles in camping conditions.

Despite the fact that the handle is made of wood, the owner does not have to worry about the longevity of the product. The wood is impregnated with a special compound that prevents the wood from drying out or changing color during prolonged use. There is a long shank to securely fasten the blade to the handle. Despite its high cutting qualities and advanced performance characteristics, the knife has a very democratic price.

Technical specifications:

• overall length 23 cm;
• weight 46 g;
• blade length 10 cm.

kershaw shuffle II tan

The manufacturing company has been making knives for over 20 years, and this particular model is carefully designed for maximum ease of use. The steel blade is highly resistant to corrosion, and a special coating prevents scratches or rust spots.

The handle is made of thermoplastic and has an ergonomic shape, so the knife is very comfortable to hold without feeling fatigue. The blade is securely locked in the open state with a smart design lock, so the risk of accidental injury during work is minimized.

When folded, the knife takes up very little space, so you can easily carry it in a jacket pocket or backpack. There is also a special clip on the body, which allows you to keep the knife always at hand and wear it on the belt.

Specifications:

• overall length 16 cm;
• weight 86 g;
• Blade length 6.6 cm.

Top 3 best inexpensive hunting knives

If you don't go out into the wilderness very often, you don't need to buy an expensive hunting knife. A budget model will be enough for infrequent use, especially since such knives are available in the lines of many well-known brands.

matrix 17624

Every detail of this folding knife is carefully thought out, so the tool is ideal for hunters, fishermen and tourists.

The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel. It is not covered with rust and jagged edges even with prolonged use in extreme conditions.

The handle is covered with a unique plastic that is resistant to abrasion and is not covered by scratches during long-term use.

There is a small notch on the knife blade, which helps to quickly and with minimal physical effort remove the knife from the body. Also, the model has a special liner lock that will not let the blade close spontaneously during operation. Additionally, the knife comes with a sturdy steel clip that helps secure the tool to your belt for easy transportation.

Technical characteristics:

• length in folded form 10.7 cm;
• weight 180 g;
• Number of functions 7.

MORAKNIV Basic 546

A quality and convenient folding knife from a well-known brand perfectly combines high quality and affordable price.

The blade is made of stainless steel. Users controversially evaluate this material, because in constant contact with water, it is covered with rust, but it is easily cleaned from it. But the main advantage of such a blade is that it can be easily sharpened not only with a special sharpener, but also against a leather belt or an ordinary stone, which is especially important in field conditions.

As in many other models of hunting knives, the handle is made of quality plastic. For reliable fixation of the blade in the open state, the knife is equipped with a quality lock, and the blade fits tightly into the body, so the knife will never open spontaneously while carrying.

Technical specifications:

• overall length 20.6 cm;
• weight 117 g;
• Length of the blade 9,1 cm.

STAYER 47613_z01

Another successful model of folding knife, which successfully combines high cutting properties and affordable price.

The product is made entirely of metal, so it will not be very comfortable to use the knife in the cold season, but every detail has been carefully thought out for maximum ease of use. In particular, the lower part of the steel handle has special indentations for the fingers, so the user's hand will not get tired even during prolonged use.

The blade of the knife is made of quality steel. It has been specially hardened and has a direct sharpening. Due to this, the knife stays sharp for a long time, but even if it gets blunt, it is easy to restore the sharpness of the blade with improvised tools. Safety mechanism is provided for fixation of blade in open state, and there is a small recess on the blade to extract it from the body.

Technical specifications:

• total length 19 cm;
• Length in folded state 11 cm;
• blade length 8 cm.

What company to choose?

Experienced hunters, fishermen and hikers know which brands of knives you should give preference to. Those who do not yet have experience in the selection of knives, a list of brands that have proven themselves in the market will come in handy.

The most reliable manufacturers of knives for hunting recognized brands:

• GANZO;
• OPINEL;
• MORAKNIV;
• Cold Steel;
• VICTORINOX;
• STAYER;
• BARS;
• ZUBR;
• STEADOPYT.

The best models of these manufacturers and entered the rating of the best hunting knives according to the version 2021-2022.

Useful Video

How to choose a knife for hunting: