Every deer hunter has an opinion on the best choice of gear, the choice between a fixed and folding knife is no different. Each of these types of knives has a number of advantages and disadvantages for a hunter to consider. Here is a look at some of these advantages and disadvantages that I have learned over the years.
A fixed hunting knife, also referred to as a sheath knife, is a knife made from one solid piece of metal. The knife is called a sheath as the knife is kept in a cover made of leather or some other sturdy and durable material. The sheath is needed when storing the knife to cover the cutting edge of the blade. A sheath will generally have a loop to attach the knife to a belt. A folding knife, also referred to as a pocket knife, is a knife that has a blade which folds into the handle of the knife. Most folding knives used by deer hunters have one blade, but multiple blades knives are also used by hunters. Most folding knives designed for deer hunting also come with a sheath. However, the use of a sheath is not mandatory with a folding knife as the cutting edge of the blade is covered when the blade is closed.
The primary advantage of a fixed blade knife is strength. As the knife is made of one piece of metal, the knife is much stronger than a folding knife. Though most manufacturers do not recommend this practice, many hunters hammer the back of the blade of a knife to break through the pelvic bone of a deer and other big game. For this use, the added strength of a fixed knife is important. As there are no moving parts with a fixed blade knife, the knife will last for generations with even minimal care. Fixed blade knives are also easy to clean after use.
The primary advantage of a folding knife is size. As the knife folds into half, it is easy to store and carry. The knife can be slipped into a pocket, or the sheath can be attached to a belt. Though a fixed blade can also be worn on the belt, its length can be cumbersome when sitting in a tree stand or moving through the woods. As many folding knives use a synthetic material for the handle, folding knives can be lighter than a fixed blade knife. Folding knives are more difficult to clean due to the moving parts and the opening in the handle where the knife folds. Due to the movement of a folding knife, these knives are more likely to break.
Though there are differences, the fact is that virtually any knife will work for field dressing, skinning and even butchering. I have seen deer gutted and skinned with fixed blades knives that were almost machetes and folding knives that looked more like a toy than a tool. However, both of these knives got the job done. In my personal hunting bag, I carry one of each. I use a fixed blade knife to hammer through bone and a smaller folder for doing the rest of the job.
