Top Hunting Knife Brands: Precision and Durability Essentials

Hunting is not only a sport but also an art that requires precision and the right tools to ensure success. One essential tool for any hunter is a reliable hunting knife, crucial for field dressing, skinning, and handling game. With a myriad of brands available, choosing the best hunting knife can be overwhelming, stemming from various factors such as durability, sharpness, and ergonomics. Below, we explore some of the top brands renowned for their craftsmanship, durability, and trusted performance in the realm of hunting knives.

Illustration of hunting knives

Best brands of hunting knives in 2025

Benchmade

Benchmade is a renowned brand in the knife industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality hunting knives. With a strong presence in the U.S., Benchmade benefits from its proximity to a sizable hunting and outdoor gear market, where over 49 million fishing and hunting license holders in the U.S. in 2020 drive steady demand. The company, founded by Les and Roberta de Asis, has grown significantly since its inception, now operating a 45,000-square-foot facility with close to 90 employees and annual revenue exceeding $30 million. Benchmade's commitment to local manufacturing in Oregon allows for tighter control over production, quicker response to market changes, and the ability to guard proprietary information, contributing to its success and triple-digit sales growth. The brand's products are highly regarded by hunters, police officers, and enthusiasts, with some knives selling for up to $2,000.

Buck Knives

Buck Knives is a renowned brand in the knife industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality hunting knives. Founded in 1902, the company has a rich history, including producing military knives during World War II and expanding its product line significantly from the 1950s to the 1970s. Buck Knives is expected to see a 20% increase in sales, projecting around $42 million in sales compared to $35 million the previous year, following the bankruptcy of a competitor. The company's iconic models, such as the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, have sold over 15 million units since its launch in the 1960s. Buck Knives continues to innovate, offering new lines of fixed blade and folding knives with enhanced quality steel and lightweight designs. For more information, visit the Buck Knives website.

ESEE Knives

ESEE Knives is renowned as one of the top producers of hunting knives, catering to a diverse clientele including special operations personnel, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The brand, launched after developing the RAT line for Ontario Knife Company, is known for its high-quality, durable knives that are tested in real-world conditions. ESEE Knives are favored for their reliability in tasks such as field dressing, skinning, and butchering, driven by the growing popularity of hunting shows and outdoor lifestyle branding. The global outdoor knife market, which includes hunting knives, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030, with the hunting segment holding around 28% of the market share in 2023. ESEE Knives' commitment to quality and customer service has established them as a trusted name in the industry. For more information about their offerings, visit their official website.

Gerber

Gerber, a renowned brand in the outdoor knife market, is highly regarded for its high-quality hunting knives. The company benefits from its proximity to a sizable hunting and outdoor gear market in the U.S., where over 49 million fishing and hunting license holders were recorded in 2020. Gerber's products contribute significantly to the North American market, which held a dominant position with a 44% share in the knife market. The global outdoor knife market, in which Gerber is a key player, was estimated at USD 2.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030. Gerber's innovative designs and durable materials enhance functionality and user experience, driving market growth.

Ka-Bar

Ka-Bar is renowned as one of the best producers of hunting knives, known for their high-quality and durable products. The company has been a staple in the outdoor knife market, with a significant presence in the global knife market that is projected to reach USD 7.1 billion by 2032. Ka-Bar's knives, often made from steel which accounts for 60% of the knife market share, are favored for their reliability and performance. The global survival knives market, which includes Ka-Bar products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2031, reaching USD 3538.15 million by 2031. Ka-Bar's commitment to excellence has made it a preferred choice among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kershaw

Kershaw is a renowned brand in the knife industry, particularly celebrated for its innovative and high-quality hunting knives. Since its inception in 1974, Kershaw has been a leader in producing reliable and durable knives, with significant contributions from designers like Ken Onion, who introduced the SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism in 1998. This innovation has been a cornerstone of Kershaw's success, earning the brand multiple awards, including Blade Magazine's American Made Knife of the Year in 1998. Kershaw's collaboration with notable designers like Rick Hinderer has also led to best-selling models such as the Cryo, which won the Best Buy of the Year Award in 2012. The brand's commitment to excellence has made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. For more detailed information, visit their page dedicated to Kershaw Knives' history and innovations.

Morakniv

Morakniv, a renowned brand from Sweden, has been a staple in the hunting knife market since 1891, leveraging traditional craftsmanship and innovative designs to produce durable and affordable knives. The Mora 2000, introduced in 1991, remains one of their most popular models, known for its versatility in hunting, camping, and outdoor activities. Morakniv knives, such as the Mora 2000 and Garberg Blackblade, are praised for their razor-sharp blades made from recycled Swedish stainless steel and carbon steel, respectively. These knives are highly regarded for their ergonomic handles, ambidextrous design, and multi-functional capabilities. With a strong global presence, Morakniv continues to innovate, catering to the needs of hunters, campers, and survivalists. For more detailed information, explore their products here.

Ontario Knife Company

Ontario Knife Company, with over 120 years of history, was renowned for producing high-quality, budget-friendly hunting knives in the USA. Their fixed blades were particularly popular for hunting, camping, and outdoor use. Despite its long-standing reputation, the company faced significant challenges, leading to its sale to Blue Ridge Knives and the closure of the Franklinville factory, resulting in the loss of over 50 jobs. The brand's legacy includes the well-regarded RAT and Old Hickory lines, which may continue under new ownership. The global outdoor knife market, where Ontario Knife Company played a significant role, was estimated at USD 2.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030. For more on the history and fate of Ontario Knife Company, visit this comprehensive blog post.

Spyderco

Spyderco is renowned as one of the best producers of hunting knives, known for its innovative designs, superior quality, and extensive range of products. Founded in 1978 by Sal Glesser, Spyderco introduced the first pocket knife with a clip and the distinctive round hole in the blade for easy one-handed opening. The company leads in introducing new blade steels and collaborates with custom knife makers to offer a wide range of knives. Spyderco enjoys high brand recall, with 98.3% of surveyed knife enthusiasts able to recall the brand, and it is manufactured in several countries including the US, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, and China.

SOG Specialty Knives

SOG Specialty Knives is renowned as one of the best producers of hunting knives, known for their high-quality and durable designs. Founded in 1986 by Spencer and Gloria Frazer, SOG has a rich history inspired by the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). Their knives, such as the SEAL 2000, have been used by the US Navy SEALs and are highly regarded for their performance in outdoor and survival scenarios. SOG's products are manufactured in various locations, including the United States, Japan, and Taiwan, ensuring a wide range of tools for both military personnel and casual outdoor users. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position in the global market, particularly in regions like North America where outdoor activities are prevalent. Explore their extensive range of knives to find the perfect tool for your needs.