While it is the shotgun or the bow that is seen as the quintessential tool of the hunter, it is probably the knife that he or she turns to most often. Whether skinning game, cutting rope, slicing up dinner or any number of other important tasks that pop up in the woods or back at camp, blades are one of the most versatile tools known to mankind. So, with so much importance bestowed upon the knife, shouldn’t you, at the very least, own a great one that will serve you well.  

Following are a few blades worth considering:

Argali Carbon Knife 

Ultralight and razor-sharp, the Argali Carbon Knife is built for the backcountry hunter who needs a blade that performs from start to finish and keeps its finish. Made in the USA, it features premium S35VN stainless steel for long-lasting edge retention and corrosion resistance.

It tips the scales at a mere 1.8 ounces making it incredibly lightweight. The textured G10 removable handles give it the feel of a full-handled knife. Argali designed this blade to process an entire elk without sharpening, making it an ideal choice for extended hunts. If you’re heading deep into the wilderness and need a dependable, no-compromise tool, this is the knife to pack. $194; argalioutdoors.com. 

L.T. Wright Handcrafted Blades: Large Northern Hunter 

Inspired by the classic Canadian Belt Knife, the Large Northern Hunter is a versatile blade designed for skinning game and handling a variety of camp chores. Its 8.875-inch overall length and 3.87-inch sharpened blade, along with a grippy micarta handle offer excellent control, while the AEB-L stainless steel ensures a sharp, long-lasting edge. I carried this knife in my pack this past deer season and it was used to skin, gut and bone out a half dozen deer before I really needed to run it back across a sharpening stone.

The high-saber grind is ideal for heavy-duty work such as cutting through tough tendons and joints, while the handle offers a secure, comfortable grip even in wet conditions. The Large Northern Hunter comes complete with a durable and attractive leather dangler sheath making this knife as functional as it is stylish. $171; ltwrightknives.com. 

Outdoor Edge RazorPro G Blades 

Outdoor Edge has made a name for themselves with their replaceable-blade knives and their RazorPro G is probably one of their best. It may well be the ultimate two-in-one hunting knife, featuring a razor-sharp, replaceable blade system on one side and a gutting blade on the other. The replaceable 3.5-inch Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades are supported by a black-oxide-coated holder for durability and precision. These blades are tough.

The gutting blade allows you to cleanly open game without puncturing internal organs, ensuring your meat stays pristine. The knife offers one-handed opening and operation with a rubberized TPR handle available in blaze-orange or black. I personally like the blaze. Drop the knife on the ground and it is easy to see. The RazorPro comes with a nylon sheath and six replacement blades. $60; outdooredge.com. 

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Bear OPS Blades

For those outdoorsman who want a versatile knife as suitable for Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is on the hunt, consider the KATAKTŴ II, a new offering from Bear OPS for 2025. The knife, which I have no idea how it is pronounced, offers lightweight versatility in two different configurations: a straight-edge version (pictured) or a serrated blade.

Both are housed in a sleek black aluminum handle. Its drop-point design is complemented by orange accents, including a lanyard hole for easy access. This knife is built for tactical and everyday tasks, making it a great crossover option for hunters who need a reliable tool for multiple applications. $TBD: bearandsoncutlery.com. 

Remington 2025 Bullet Knife “Ole Granddad” 

For collectors and knife traditionalists, the 2025 Remington Bullet Knife, dubbed “Ole Granddad,” is a tribute to America’s hunting heritage and a continuation of the brand’s annual collective bullet knife rollout. Its 440-C stainless steel blade offers durability and sharpness, while the natural stag bone handle evokes a classic look. The nickel-silver bullet shield—a hallmark of Remington’s Bullet Knives—adds an iconic touch to this highly collectible piece.

The overall length open is 8.7 inches, while folded it’s 4.95 inches. The 3-73-inch clip design, small enough to make this a true pocketknife, makes it still up to the task for skinning game if you want to use it for that. Whether you’re passing it down to the next generation or keeping it as a personal memento or carry blade, this knife blends functionality with classic design, for an appeal that celebrates the spirit of hunting and craftsmanship. $160; remington.com. 

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter 

This is certainly not a “new” knife. In fact, the Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter is older than I am, which is getting harder to do. The design revolutionized the hunting knife industry when it was introduced in 1964 by Al Buck, son of company founder, Hoyt, who made the first Buck knife in 1902. It was the first hunting knife I ever received as a boy from my father and remains one of my most valued and still used possessions today.

The 110 folding hunter boasts a 420HC stainless steel, 3.75-inch clip point locking blade hidden inside a Crelicam ebony handle with brass bolsters when not in use. The blade locks open with a lock-back design but folds up to a near compact 4.875 inches when not in use. The knife comes in the same black genuine leather sheath that buttons closed and can be worn on your belt. It remains one of the best values in quality hunting knives. $65; bucknives.com. 

 Find more of the best hunting blades on iSportsmanUSA.