TOP 15 best hunting knives: rating 2024-2025 and which Russian knives are better

The basic set of a hunter necessarily includes a knife. With it, you can prepare thin twigs for a fire, build a simple shelter, or butcher caught game.

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

In terms of design and material, such knives are very different from ordinary products that are used in everyday life. It will not be very convenient to use them at home, but in the forest or on a hike this thing will become indispensable.

To make it easier to find the right knife for hunting, we have compiled a ranking of the best models according to the 2024-2025 version and compiled a short list of criteria by which knives for hunting and survival in the wild are chosen.

Rating of the TOP 15 best hunting knives for 2024-2025

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

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best hunting knives by price/quality for 2024-2025
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 of the best Russian-made hunting knives
1	BARS 79202
2	ZUBR Expert (47791)
3	Pathfinder PF-PK-11
TOP 3 best multifunctional 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. With their help, you can pave the way in the forest thickets, get food, make a fire or build a shelter. But the main function is cutting the caught game.

When choosing a knife, pay attention to its convenience, functionality and reliability.

The basic selection criteria are:

• Blade shape. Despite the fact that there are many forms of blades, the spear-shaped one is considered the most reliable and versatile.
• Shank. All high-quality hunting knives 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 operation.
• Steel. Blades made of carbon or stainless steel last the longest. Experts recommend choosing products made of stainless steel, as this material is not subject 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 make sure it is comfortable.

TOP 3 best hunting knives by price/quality for 2024-2025

If forays into nature are carried out infrequently, you should not spend money on buying an expensive knife. In the lines of many well-known brands there are inexpensive, but high-quality models of knives that will make hunting comfortable.

GANZO G8012

This lightweight folding hunting knife will become an indispensable tool for every hiker, hunter or fisherman. Blade made of high quality steel, and the handle is covered with plastic, which has increased resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage.

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

The knife comes with a plastic sheath for safe and easy transport. The blade of the knife has been specially hardened and sharpened, so it will remain sharp even with constant cutting of hard objects and intensive use. When folded, the knife takes up very little space, so it can easily be carried in a backpack or pocket.

Specifications:

• total length 24.5 cm;
• weight 356 g;
• blade length 11.5 cm.

MORAKNIV Companion MG

An inexpensive but high-quality knife was specially created for hiking and hunting. This model is equipped with a blade of a traditional shape. and optimum length.Due to this, the tool can be used not only for cutting products, but also for cutting carcasses or building light shelters.

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

For the manufacture of the knife, a special cold-rolled stainless steel was used. Due to this, the blade has increased hardness and strength, and the factory sharpening is maintained for a long time. The handle has smooth shapes, so it lies very comfortably in the palm of your hand, and the hand does not get tired even after prolonged use. The product comes with a khaki plastic sheath with a special belt clip.

Specifications:

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

OPINEL №8 Trekking Hornbeam

Folding survival knife from a famous French brand has all the necessary features for full use in extreme conditions. Externally, the product looks as simple as possible, but this performance does not decrease.

The blade is made of steel with a high carbon content and a low level of chromium. This material does not have increased resistance to moisture, therefore, with constant contact with water, brown spots form on the blade.

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

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

Specifications:

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

TOP 3 best folding hunting knives

Folding knives are good because they take up very little space, but at the same time they have high cutting properties and often have additional functions. Three models were recognized as the best folding knives for hunting in 2024-2025.

OPINEL №10 Carbon Beech (113100)

Outwardly, this knife from a famous French brand looks very simple, but in fact every detail is carefully thought out. and aimed at maximum user convenience.

First of all, the wooden handle deserves attention, which allows you to comfortably use the knife in the cold season. To increase the service life, the wood is impregnated with a special composition, thanks to which the product does not become covered with cracks and does not change color even during long-term operation.

The blade is made of high strength stainless steel. It is not covered with rust spots, and due to the special hardening, it will not be necessary to sharpen the knife too often.

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

Specifications:

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

GANZO G707

This folding knife is completely made of metal, so it is not afraid of bumps, falls and mechanical damage. In addition, his can be used for almost any purpose, from cutting wood chips for a fire to building a simple shelter from branches.

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

Also, the manufacturer made sure that the blade has passed high-quality hardening. It not only increases the strength of the product, but also allows you to keep its sharpness for a long time, so you often do not have to sharpen the blade.

The handle of the knife is also metal, but a different type of steel was used for its manufacture. It also has increased anti-corrosion properties, and the surface of the handle is matte due to repeated grinding.For safe use, the knife is equipped with a reliable lock that does not open arbitrarily, and for a comfortable grip - a small plastic overlay on the handle.

Specifications:

• total 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 become an indispensable assistant on a hike., fishing or hunting. The standard blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, which will not rust even when frequently exposed to damp environments. At the same time, the size of the blade is optimal, which allows it to be used not only for cutting carcasses, but also for harvesting wood chips for a fire.

Additionally, the blade has undergone a special hardening, thanks to which the knife does not need frequent sharpening even with 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 the hands. The blade slides out easily from the body, but quickly and securely hides in the body, so the owner can be sure that the blade will not come out accidentally.

Specifications:

• total length 22.8 cm;
• weight 99.2 g;
• blade length 10.1 cm.

TOP-3 of the best Russian-made hunting knives

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

BARS 79202

A 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.

Due to the blade made of high-quality stainless steel, which has undergone special hardening, the knife is ideal for working with wood, butchering carcasses or repairing fishing tackle. There is a small lever on the body that will help you to easily open the knife with one hand.

The handle of the product is made of metal and has an ergonomic shape, so the knife can be safely used for a long time without feeling tired in the hands. Also, the design provides a reliable latch that prevents the knife from spontaneously folding during operation.

The blade has a direct sharpening and, although the knife remains sharp for a long time, you can sharpen it at home using standard tools or even improvised tools on 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 become an indispensable tool while hunting, fishing or camping.

The folding design provides convenient and compact carrying, and a special clip allows you to securely fix the blade when folded and hang the knife from your belt for easy transportation. The handle, like the blade of the knife, is made of metal and has an ergonomic shape, so the knife is comfortable to hold in your hand.

The blade is made of special steel, which has undergone special hardening. Thanks to this, the blade does not scratch or rust even when constantly in a humid environment.

In addition, the knife does not need frequent sharpening, and if such a need arises, then you can restore the sharpness of the blade using a pocket sharpener or an ordinary hard stone.

Specifications:

• folded length 11 cm;
• weight 190 g;
• number of functions 8.

Pathfinder PF-PK-11

Stylish, inexpensive and very high-quality folding knife that will help you cut food, prepare chips for a fire or build a shelter in extreme conditions. The knife is produced 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, it has a special small recess. To fix the blade in the unfolded state, a reliable mechanism is provided, 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 at the same time perfectly balanced, and the user will not feel tired in his hands even after prolonged use. In addition, this combination of materials allows you to comfortably use the knife in the cold season.

Specifications:

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

TOP 3 best multifunctional hunting knives

Many experienced hunters prefer multifunctional knives, which, in addition to the traditional blade, have other functions, such as a screwdriver, opener or corkscrew. Three models were recognized as the best multifunctional knives according to the 2024-2025 version.

VICTORINOX Huntsman

This compact folding knife features a stainless steel blade. This material is highly durable and wear resistance, and will not rust even when frequently exposed to damp environments. You can use the knife even in the cold season, because the 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 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. In the open state, the knife is fixed with a branded lock in the form of a ring. The lock is very reliable and simple, so the blade will not close spontaneously during operation.

Specifications:

• total length 15.8 cm;
• weight 97 g;
• blade length 7 cm.

OPINEL №10 Corkscrew (001410)

Outwardly, this folding knife is practically no different from other models of the brand, but at the same time its operational characteristics are very high.

The blade is made of special stainless steel. It not only has high strength and resistance to mechanical damage, but is also not subject to corrosion. Thanks to this, the knife can be safely taken with you for fishing or hunting. The blade itself is very easy to pull out of the body and is securely fixed, so the risk of injury is minimized.

Also in the handle there is a corkscrew for convenient opening of bottles in field conditions.

Despite the fact that the handle is made of wood, the owner does not have to worry about the duration of the product. The wood is impregnated with a special composition that prevents the wood from drying out or changing color during long-term use. For reliable fixation of the blade with a handle, a long shank is provided.Despite the high cutting properties and advanced performance, the knife has a very affordable cost.

Specifications:

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

kershaw Shuffle II tan

The manufacturing company has been manufacturing knives for more than 20 years, and this particular model is carefully thought out 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, has an ergonomic shape, so the knife is very comfortable to hold in your hand without feeling tired. To securely lock the blade in the open state, a high-quality lock of a well-thought-out design is provided, so the risk of accidental injury during operation is minimized.

When folded, the knife takes up very little space, so it can be easily carried in a jacket pocket or backpack. Also on the body there is a special clip that allows you to always keep the knife at hand and wear it on your belt.

Specifications:

• total length 16 cm;
• weight 86 g;
• blade length 6.6 cm.

TOP 3 best inexpensive hunting knives

If forays into nature are carried out infrequently, you can not buy an expensive knife for hunting. For rare use, a budget model will be enough, especially since such knives are 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 notches even during prolonged use in extreme conditions.

The handle is covered with a unique plastic that is resistant to abrasion and does not get scratched during prolonged use.

There is a small notch on the blade of the knife, which helps to quickly and with minimal physical effort to remove the knife from the body. Also, the model has a special lock of the liners, which will prevent the blade from spontaneously closing during operation. Additionally, a durable steel clip is provided with the knife, which helps to securely fix the tool on the belt for easy transportation.

Specifications:

• folded length 10.7 cm;
• weight 180 g;
• number of functions 7.

MORAKNIV Basic 546

A high-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 ambiguously evaluate this material, because with constant contact with water it becomes covered with rust, but at the same time it is easily cleaned of it. But the main advantage of such a blade is that it can be easily sharpened not only with a special sharpener, but also with a leather belt or an ordinary stone, which is especially important in the field.

As in many other models of hunting knives, the handle is made of high quality plastic. To securely fix the blade in the open state, the knife is equipped with a high-quality lock, and the blade fits snugly into the body, so the knife will never open spontaneously during carrying.

Specifications:

• total length 20.6 cm;
• weight 117 g;
• blade length 9.1 cm.

STAYER 47613_z01

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

The product is completely made of metal, so using a knife in the cold season will not be very comfortable, but at the same time, every detail is carefully thought out for maximum ease of use. In particular, there are special recesses for the fingers at the bottom of the steel handle, so the user's hand will not get tired even after prolonged use.

The blade of the knife is made of high quality steel. It has been specially hardened and has a straight sharpening.Due to this, the knife remains sharp for a long time, but even if it becomes dull, you can easily restore the sharpness of the blade with improvised tools. A reliable mechanism is provided for fixing the blade in the open state, and a small recess on the blade for removing the blade from the body.

Specifications:

• total length 19 cm;
• folded length 11 cm;
• blade length 8 cm.

Which firm to choose?

Experienced hunters, fishermen and hikers know which brands of knives should be preferred. For those who do not yet have experience in the selection of edged weapons, a list of brands that have proven themselves in the market will come in handy.

The following brands are recognized as the most reliable manufacturers of hunting knives:

• GANZO;
• OPINEL;
• MORAKNIV;
• cold steel;
• VICTORINOX;
• STAYER;
• LEOPARD;
• BISON;
• TRACKER.

The best models of these manufacturers are included in the ranking of the best hunting knives according to the 2024-2025 version.

Useful video

How to choose a knife for hunting: