What Do You Actually Hunt With a Knife? (The Myth vs. Reality)

There is a romantic notion of the hunter stalking prey with nothing but a blade. In reality, unless you are hunting wild boar with dogs (which is its own specialized and dangerous world), your knife is a tool for after the hunt.

The Real Jobs of a Hunting Knife

1. Field Dressing (Gutting)

This is the primary job. You need to remove the internal organs to cool the meat.

• The Ideal Knife: A drop point with a belly. You need to slice through skin without piercing the stomach (which ruins the meat). A Gut Hook is a specialized tool for this exact “zipper” cut.

2. Skinning

Separating the hide from the meat. You want a blade with a lot of curve (belly) so you can sweep long strokes.

3. Caping

If you are mounting a trophy, you need to remove the skin from the head and neck. This requires a small, scalpel-like blade for precise work around the eyes and lips.

Can You Hunt With a Knife?

Technically, yes. Boar hunting often ends with a knife, but it’s dangerous work. For 99% of hunters, the knife is a processing tool, not a weapon.

---

Want to make your own?