5 New Knives for Hunters

You’ll never find us without a sharp blade on our hip, or stashed in our pack. Next to an accurate rifle, a good knife is the tool we covet the most. The problem is, manufacturers keep making great new knives making it hard to pick just one to carry. Which is why we’re always on the hunt for the next great knife. Here are five recent introductions that make the cut.

Outdoor Edge RazorWork

This new replaceable blade knife (pictured above) takes you from work to the woods simply by swapping between two different blades with an easy, safe quick-change system. The knife comes with two utility-style blades made from 420J2 steel that’s sharp, rugged and able to take some pressure without bending or breaking. Outdoor Edge also includes a 3-inch drop point blade that’s razor sharp to make quick work of field-dressing and processing tasks. Secure lockbakc design is bolstered by a stainless blade holder for added durability. Tough, one-piece handle is made from Grivory polymer that ensures a sure grip, even when wet or bloody, and features a pocket clip for handy, everyday carry. $32 | outdooredge.com

Gerber Downwind

The classics never go out of style, the Downwind delivers on that old saw with a traditional drop point blade that’s perfect for every step of the field-dressing process. The fine edge easily slips open the biggest of big game, while the deep, sweeping belly makes quick work of skinning. With a stout blade and heavy spine, it even busts through ribs and breaks down joints to get that animal in pieces and out of the backcountry quicker. Crafted from 7Cr17Mov steel, with G10 scales with machined contours for comfortable, steady use. Includes a traditional, waxed canvas sheath. $42 | gerbergear.com

Benchmade Steep Country

As popular as the original design was, Benchmade isn’t a company that’s good with good enough. For 2021, they’ve redesigned the Steep Country, with improved CPM-S30V steel and a sure-grip Santoprene handle finished in blaze orange so you’ll never lose it in the gut pile or leave it behind. Grooved jimping in the center and rear of the spine improves handling for both heavy and fine jobs alike. Blade length is 3 ½ inches, with an overall length of 7 ¾ inches. Includes a thermoformed Bolteron sheath. $130 | benchmade.com

Old Timer Hunting Kits

Don’t let the name fool you, Old Timer is offering a modern line of knife kits that make field-dressing and game-cleaning jobs easier. The all-inclusive Outdoor Kit features a blade for every job, including a 4-inch caping knife, 6-inch bone saw and boning knife, 7-inch fillet knife and a 6-inch gut-hook equipped blade. The kit also includes shears, a sharpener and disposable gloves. Backcountry hunters should take a close look at the Lightweight Camp Kit, which packs boning and caping knives, a gut hook, knife sharpener and three pairs of latex gloves into one sleek, lightweight case. $27-$55 | oldtimerknives.com

Buck Folding Pursuit

As much as we love a fixed-blade knife for field duties, admittedly, a folder is pretty versatile too. Lucky for us, Buck is offering their new Pursuit series in both designs. The large Pursuit Folding Knife features 420HC steel that offers a good blend of durability and sharpness. The high-carbon steel, with Buck’s Edge2x finish also takes a keen edge with most sharpeners, making in-the-field honing quick and easy. The drop point blade is versatile, and secures into position with a sturdy rocker bar locking design. Glass-filled nylon handle is comfortable and secure. $65 | buckknives.com

Ontario Knife Company Small Game Knife

A good hunting knife doesn’t need to be big, or expensive. It just needs to be reliable, and there when you need it most. That’s why we often pack a classic fixed blade such as this Small Game Knife. It’s built of high-carbon steel with a 4-inch blade length and overall length of 8 inches. A proven bushcraft blade, it’s built on the Kephart profile that works for everything you could need a knife for. Perfect for fire-making, shelter building and skinning a bunny or, despite the Small Game name, a nice whitetail buck. $33 | ontarioknife.com