A tree stand not only provides you an incredible vantage point over your surroundings, but camouflage into the environment as well. When in buck country, you want to have the higher ground to have a full field of view when tracking game. But, you also want to have the peace of mind knowing that your tree stand will support you.

In our buyer’s guide we will be looking at climbers, ladder, and hang-on style tree and deer stands! If you are hunting white tail deer, your tree stand is one of the most important tools you will invest in for your hunts.

I will look to help break down not only what are the best tree stands for sale today, but what makes a quality treestand, and what you should look for.

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Ranking	Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
Best Value Treestand		Summit 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand	$$
Best Overall Treestand		Summit SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand	$$$
Best Premium Treestand		Millennium M100U Ultralite Tree Stand	$$$
Best Hang-On Treestand		Millennium M150 Monster Hang-on Treestand	$$
The Most Versatile Treestand		Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Treestand	$$

Top 6 Best Deer Treestands for Sale in 2020

Best Value Treestand

Summit 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, then look no further than the Summit 81120 Viper SD Climber. This is hands down one of the top all around treestands available, and manufactured from one of my favorite treestand brands, Summit. Without breaking the bank, this treestand offers it all.

Unlike some of the other tree stands on this list, the 81120 Viper SD is a climbing tree stand. Constructed with closed-front aluminium and suspended foam-padded seats, backrest and mossy oak camo, the Viper is designed for both camouflage, stealth and comfort. The aluminum tubing is designed to help reduce the metal to metal sounds. Utilizing what they coined “DeadMetal Sound Deadening Technology” it helps to minimize noise made by the tree stand by using expanding foam in the stand’s construction. This absolutely helps with minimizing noise.

The Viper is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry with you during your hunt. You can carry it over a long distance, weighing in about 20 pounds, as opposed to some treestands which can be extremely bulky and hefty.

The fall arrest harness is simple, but it does its job which is to ensure your safety and that you are locked in to the stand to avoid any slips. You really don’t need a harness to have tons of bells and whistles and frills – at the end of the day, the most important feature is its functionality, which this is.

This is one of the easier treestands to set-up, and whether you have a chain on, or ladder stand, you may find that this climber becomes your new favorite. It’s extremely easy to use, and has minimal wobble, giving you peace of mind as you’re climbing and using this stand.

Verdict

If you’re looking to increase the productivity of your hunts and possibly even have deer walking underneath you, make the investment, and purchase a quality treestand like the Summit Viper!

Pros:

• Excellent value for the price
• Extremely comfortable
• Lightweight & functional

Cons:

• Shoulder straps could be improved

Best Overall Treestand

Summit SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand

Summit is widely respected and regarded as one of the premium treestand manufacturers in this space. The SU81119 Goliath is one of their flagship products, and it’s ultimately everything that you want in a quality treestand. From its comfortable foam-padded seat and backrest, to its inclusion of a full body fall arrest harness system for safety, to its mossy oak camo finish for camouflage design, and its premium weight capacity of 350 pounds.

How It’s Different

If you’ve used other treestands before, you’ll quickly see the differences with the Goliath. It provides peace of mind when climbing, a factor that can’t be overlooked, as you’ll know the difference if you’ve ever climbed a shaky treestand before. The Goliath utilizes foot clamps to lock into, and prioritizes your comfort with backrests, foot rests and arm cushions for the long hunts.

If you’re anything like me, you may not be a ‘major’ fan of heights, but understand the tactical advantage of height that it provides in the field. To me, ease of climbing, setting up, and sitting in are all at the top of my considerations. This is one of the easiest stands to set up, and all around feels safe while using. While in actuality it is sturdy and durable, it is quiet and light to both use and set-up.

Designed For Hunters of All Shapes & Sizes

Summit also understands that some of us hunters are ‘bigger guys’, and with gear, the weight can quickly add up. If you’re a 6-foot + plus hunter, and whether you weight 150 or 300 pounds, the design of this treestand is perfect. It provides a weight capacity of 350 pounds, which is important when you have an extra 20 or 30 pounds of gear with you. Summit even coins it the “Original Big Man Stand”.

Premium Craftsmanship

What’s very unique about this tree stand is the stealth and quietness that it offers. By utilizing aluminum tubing and expanding foam, the Goliath has minimal metal-to-metal sound. A noisy, slip shoddy treestand can scare off all deer and game for a 5 mile radius around your set-up. The stand uses “RapidClimb Stirrups” to ensure that your ascent on the stand is smooth and painless – adjusting to any boot size.

Verdict

Overall, this is hands-down one of the best treestands on the market, and worthy of your consideration. It is not the cheapest treestand available, but it packs the best value combined with functionality, performance, design and safety to get our top recommendation. In my opinion, it is worth the investment for your hunt. It packs the best value and quality for the money.

Pros:

• Extremely good value for the money
• One of the most comfortable stands available
• Easy to set-up
• Minimal metal-to-metal sound
• Quiet & stealthy
• Hold up to 350 pounds

Cons:

• Some don’t feel the instructions on set-up could be improved
• One of the more expensive stands available

Best Premium Treestand

Millennium M100U Ultralite Tree Stand

Millennium is another premium brand when it comes to quality, dependable treestands. While this is admittedly one of the most expensive treestands for sale, it is the ‘premium’ option. It pairs everything together that you want from a deer stand. The M100U is marketed as being a lightweight option, not only light, but designed for portability and easy transport while backpacking to your spot. This is evident from the moment that you lift it, it is one of the lightest treestands bar-none, as light as a cast aluminum treestand.

Safety

Millennium has a unique feature called the SafeLink. Hunting from an elevated distance has tactical advantages, but also has safety drawbacks from hunting at ground level. SafeLink is a 35-foot rope with a Prusi knot and carabiner that is designed in a manner to provide safe ascending and descension from the the treestand.

Ergonomics

When utilizing a treestand for hours on end, you want not only practical use, but ergonomics and comfort. This stand delivers with flying colors, with an emphasis on its ergonomic build. The stand is built with a sling seat that helps to provide elevation and comfort to your back while reclined. If you’re standing or only sitting for a short period, this is less important, but if you are a hunter that may be sitting for 6 or 9 hours, the comfort of this stand alone is worth the investment price.

Set-Up & Mounting

Some treestands come with a strap option, while the M100U comes with a chain receiver, that provides for a very safe and secure lock, and also provides the option of hanging multiple receivers around your property. It is one of the easiest stands available when it comes to putting up, and is extremely stable. For added precaution, you may want to add an additional ratchet to the base.

Weight Capacity

The M100U can hold up to 300-pounds. The platform itself measures 38 inches deep, 20 inches wide, and has a seat size of 22-inches. The stand itself weighs 13.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest available, and why I not only rave about it, but why so many other hunters do as well!

Verdict

Millennium has over-delivered with the M100U, and personifies why they have named it “ultralite”. If you are searching for one of the most lightweight, comfortable, safest treestands for your deer hunts, you won’t be disappointed in this investment!

Pros:

• EXTREMELY lightweight
• Very comfortable & ergonomic that allows for prolonged use
• Easy to set up
• Large platform
• Priority on safety
• So comfortable you may doze off in the seat

Cons:

• One of the more expensive stands on the market
• Could use an additional strap around the base or side to avoid any wobble

Best Hang-On Treestand

Millennium M150 Monster Hang-on Treestand

Millennium is one of the top teeestand manufacturers and brands, so it should be no surprise that the Monster Hang-On treestand made our list (actually, 2 Millennium treestands made our top 6 list). If you are looking for a hang-on treestand, this is one you will want to give heavy consideration too.

Hang-on treestands are one of the more iconic deer stands that hunters use, and are extremely popular for treestands because of their lightweight and versatility. The Millennium Monster treestand offers all that and more.

First and foremost, Millennium puts an emphasis on comfort, designed with a “comfortMAX” height adjustable seat and full backrest. The importance of this can’t be understated as you could be in the treestand for hours before seeing a deer, or any wild life. A treestand with poor support, or comfort can cause pain in any of your pressure points, such as your back, neck, arms, etc.

When it comes to safety, the M150 Monster features Millennium’s iconic SafeLink system, which is a 35-foot rope with a Prusik knot and carabiner. SafeLink makes ascending and descending from the hang-on tree stand that much more convenient, but safer as well. The M150 comes with a ratchet strap to help secure the platform in place and prevent the stand from wiggling.

When it comes to roominess and space, the M150 offers more room than many other stands. Platform space is important, and Millennium understands that. When you’re hunting or preparing for a shot, you need to have room to move, and space to move your bow or rifle. The Monster has fold-able seats to position them out of your way. The platform itself is 37 inches deep, 24 inches wide, has a seat size of 24 inches wide, and is adjustable from 16 to 20 inches above the platform. The stand itself can support up to 300 pounds, which makes it one of the sturdier stands on the market. If you are looking for a stand that can support 350 pounds, there are other stands on this list that may suit your needs better.

Lastly, weight is an important consideration for any hunter. The M150 excels in this capacity with a weight of about 19 pounds. If you are carrying a treestand with you, a 19 pound stand can feel a lot different than carrying a 30 pound or heavier stand in addition to your other gear.

Verdict

Millennium stands tend to be more expensive than some other competitors, but it is a name brand that you can trust and depend on for quality, safe products. And for that reason, it is absolutely worth the investment if you are looking for a hang-on tree stand!

Pros:

• Quality of the stand
• Lightweight
• Very large platform
• Ergonomic design and comfort

Cons:

• Price
• Seat straps

The Most Versatile Treestand

Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Treestand

The Lone Wolf Assault II Hang-On Treestand is one of the most unique treestands on the market, and what I would consider one of the most versatile stands. First, and foremost, what makes this such a versatile treestand is its lightweight. It one of the lightest treestands that you will find anywhere, weighing in at a mere 11 pounds! At only 11 pounds, this is a fraction of other stands on the market that can be 20 or 30 pounds – which can truly add up as you are hauling other gear with you as well.

Secondly, the Lone Wolf Assault II is flexible in that it can squeeze into many tight environments, and terrains. If you have used other stands in the past, you’ll likely have experienced some of the frustrations that you have to find the perfect tree because if it is leaning too far, or is not thick enough, the treestand will not work. The biggest drawback for most treestands is that you are limited with the number of trees that the stand will work with. This stand is the opposite, and solves that problem. It can work on many trees, and offers an extremely quick and painless setup process. It can fit trees from 4″ to 22″ in diameter, providing extreme flexibility.

In addition to its lightweight, easy set-up, and flexibility, it is extremely silent. If your goal is to stay hidden in the backdrop of the forest, then this is the right treestand for you.

Third, the Cast Bow Holder can accommodate the majority parallel limb bows, providing more versatility with this stand to support both rifle and bow hunting.

Pros:

• High quality stand
• Extremely versatile
• Can be used on many trees
• Silent
• One of the most lightweight stands on the market

Cons:

• Seat could be improved

Best Tree Stand For Bow Hunting

OL’MAN Multi-Vision Climbing Treestand

Are you looking for a treestand to use for your bow hunts? OL’MAN has created what we believe to be one of the best bow hunting treestands available. What’s unique about this stand is that it can be utilized by both rifle & bow hunters, but ideal for those with bows. The Multi-Vision can be set up with either the straight bar or with the gun and foot rest.

I can be a bit of a stickler when it comes to treestand design, comfort and ergonomics, and I think this is an area where the Ol’Man really excels, especially compared to other stands that are twice or triple its price! The design is built for comfort, but practicality as well. It is constructed with a steel frame, which is different than most which utilize aluminium. The metal frame has more durability and strength, but the trade-off is that it is heavier than comparative stands. This stand is not as lightweight as some others on this list, as the Multi-Vision weighs about 29 pounds. If you are not walking far distances, than it may not be a big problem for you.

This tree stand can support up to 300 pounds, which means that it can be used by many hunters without worrying whether it can hold all of your gear. The unit is overall extremely sturdy and heavy duty, and is dead silent when you are sitting in it. The ergonomics, deign, and comfort of this treestand are all top-notch.

Overall, this is an excellent treestand for bow hunters.

Pros:

• Built for longevity
• Extremely reasonable pricing
• Comfortable for prolonged usage
• Durable construction
• Perfect for bow hunting

Cons:

• Safety hardware could be more intuitive
• On the heavier side

Best Treestands Buyer’s Guide

The 3 Types of Deer Treestands

There are three main types of tree stands that you can choose from for your deer hunting expeditions. These are: ladder, climbing, and hang-on styles. In this section we are going to review aspects, pros and cons to each type of treestand.

Climbing Tree Stands

When using a hand climber or sit-down climbing tree stand, it is quite simple. You can simply identify your ideal hunting spot, locate a large tree with a straight trunk, and limbs that will not impede your ability to scope the area (you want a 180 degree field of view). Climber tree stands will have 2 parts to them: an area to sit on, and a platform to rest your feet. While you will tend to carry the stand with you on your hunt, they will tend to be about 20 to 40 pounds, so keep that in mind as they do have some heft to them.

Many hunters prefer cable to chain climbing tree stands as the means to attach the stand to the tree. Whichever type of climbing tree stand you have, you’ll want to ensure that it camouflages naturally into the backdrop of the environment that you are in. Deer can be quite weary and cautionary game, and if they see or smell something that does not belong, they will not bat an eye to flee. Deer are also keen observers of their environment, and if they notice a new object, they may be scared off.

Climbing treestands are most popular for deer bow-hunting. To set this stand up, you will attach the platform to the tree with a strap, cable and piece of metal. The seat will lock onto the tree, and allow for the hunter to move on up to the desired height.

Pros:

• Relatively portable.
• It is also lightweight to be able to easily carry to your hunting spot without the need for ladders or steps.

Cons:

• You may not find them to be as comfortable (or stable) as a permanent stand, or trees big enough to support them.
• These are somewhat limited to straight trees.

Ladder Treestands

Ladder treestands are one of the most common types of deer stands that you will see out in the field. These types of treestands are accessible by ladder, and will be around 10 or 15 feet. The stand sits against the tree. The advantage to use the ladder treestand is that it can work with almost any tree, and generally has a wider compatibility than the climbing tree stand. While this type of treestand can be heavy, and less portable than the climber stand, it offers its own unique benefits as well.

Most hunters will leave their ladder tree stand in the same place for the entirety of deer season – as as these can require a little more time to set-up and install. These types of stands are heavier, offer more safety and offer the ability to have two-people on the same stand.

Pros:

• Availability of trees that this treestand can work with
• Easy to climb, and conceals the hunter well.
• These are very stable, and provide easy access.

Cons:

• Can be heavy & least portable of the three types

Hang-On Treestands

The hang-on treestand is one of the most iconic deer stands on the marketplace, and is likely what comes to your mind when you think of a tree stand. These are one of the most popular choices for treestands, not only for their lightweight, but that they are versatile for usage in many environments and hunting areas. These are the most portable option you have to choose from.

To install these fixed position tree stands, some hunters use a strap, or chain to connect them. Some will use a drill in order to drill in steps, others use screw win steps, while others use a small ladder section which is the easiest of the 3 techniques. The hang-on can take time to install, which means that you will likely want to keep it in a “fixed” place.

These will generally have adjustment capabilities and sturdily attach to the tree with a chain.

Pros:

• Very popular style of treestand for lightweight, and versatile usage.
• Offers flexibility when looking for a tree to set up in.
• You can also set these up at almost any height.

Cons:

• Can be difficult to move once set up, so most will leave them in a “fixed” position.
• The platforms tend to be smaller than on a climbing or ladder treestand.

Tripod Treestands

While slightly less common, another treestand type is the tripod or quadpod tree stand. These provide a unique experience in that you have a 360 degree of the area you are targeting. These do not rely on being attached to trees, but rather are freestanding, and can even be set up in an open field.

Considerations

When looking for the right treestand for your hunting needs, you’ll want to factor not only price and your budget, but weight capacity of the stand, height of the stand, the platform size, seat size, what kind of cushion it has, and any other features such as armrests, rails, beams, and so forth.

Cheap should not be the only consideration as your comfort, and safety in the treestand should be a high priority as well. The platform should provide for maximum comfort, and size. The platform should be sturdy, and able to fully support your weight and any other hunters with you.

If your goal is to use your treestand for hunting deer and having maximum viewing capacity, you may want to consider using a ladder stand over a climbing deer stand.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Tree Stand

Weight Capacity

For a safe hunting trip, ensure that you utilize a tree stand that offers at least 250 lbs of weight capacity. The higher the better, as it is a reflection of the sturdiness and integrity of the materials used on the treestand’s construction. This is a question we often get from hunters who ask about treestands for “bigger guys”. In this case, be diligent in your research to ensure that your stands can meet your needs.

Remember, the tree stand does not have to hold only you. Your tree stand will need to support whatever gear or equipment you have on your persons as well, and its cumulative weight.

Durability

Your treestand is going to endure Mother Nature through thick and thin. It should be built to sustain the elements and inclement weather without suffering any wear and tear. You will be many feet up in the air, with your life in the hands of the integrity and strength of the treestand. After a long season, following rain or wind or snow storms, you want to make sure that it will be just as sturdy as the first time that you set it up.

Portability

If it is not a fixed treestand, that may mean that you will need to carry it with you each time to set up. You want to utilize a treestand that is not excessively heavy.

Pricing & Budget

Naturally price and cost will be a big factor in to the tree stand that you purchase. It is important not to necessarily just choose the cheapest option, as this is something that can directly influence your safety. Just like a cheap knife can cause you to cut yourself, or serve ineffectively in the field, the same is true with a cheap treestand. You get what you pay for. While you may not need all the fanciest bells and whistles, you want to get a reliable stand from a quality brand that you can trust your safety on.

Comfort

Are you going to mostly be standing, or sitting during your hunts? If you are sitting, you will want a stand that has better cushioning and padding to ensure a comfortable hunt. If you are standing, you may prefer sacrificing that comfort and going for more bare-bones to help minimize the weight of the stand. You’ll want to weigh mesh-style chairs versus padded chairs.

Design

The purpose of your treestand should also be to camouflage you with the environment. Your goal is to remain stealth and avoid detection by traveling wild game. Thus, you want to select a treestand that has a camo design, and helps to minimize sound.

Convenience

Setting up a treestand should not be rocket science. You want a treestand that can do what you need, without requiring aggravation in order to set it up. It should be convenient to set up, easy to climb, and should work well with the trees in your terrain.

How To Properly Use a Tree Stand

In this section, I will help outline how to properly use a treestand for your hunts. It’s likely that you are using a deer stand as a way to get closer to the game you are hunting, while staying out of their scope of vision on the ground.

Placing Your Stand High & Out of Sight

The goal of using a treestand is to stay out of plain sight and avoiding detection from deer, or any game that you are hunting. Having your treestand too low means that you can be easily spotted, and avoided by wildlife. Ideally, you will hang your treestand as high as you are comfortable with. Your comfort-level with heights will be the biggest factor as to what is a reasonable height.

You’ll also want to set your stand to properly blend in to your environment. Your stand should not stick out like a sore thumb, and mesh with the terrain and trees that are surrounding you. For some, that may mean setting you treestand 12 feet in the air. For others, you may be comfortable with setting up at 25 feet, or even higher! Naturally, the higher you are, the more you may cloak into the environment.

Safely Setting Up & Using Your Treestand

First and foremost, if you are going to use a treestand for your hunting expedition, you need to prioritize your safety before anything else. Comfort is important, but the priority is ensuring that the stand is properly attached, and you are positioned properly in the stand. You need to use a harness for your protection and safety.

Being up 15 or 25 feet in the air means that precautions need to be taken for your safety. A fall would not only ruin your hunt for the day, but could cause serious health implications. An article from the New York Times can detail the importance of safety when in a treestand. Treestands offer a unique vantage point, and tactical advantage when out in the field when properly placed and utilized. If you feel that you need more information about proper usage of your treestand, you should visit the Treestand Mnufacturer’s Association (TMA) which is a nonprofit trade association about treestand safety.

Selecting The Right Tree

When looking for the right tree to set up your treestand with, look for a tree that shows signs of being straight, healthy and of course, alive. If you select a leaning tree, it could potentially collapse. You want to avoid using any tree that may show signs of damage, rot, or other concerning symptoms of bad health. You want a sturdy tree that can fully support the weight of the stand, and you (or your hunting partner if there are two of you in the tree).

Use Professional, Certified Equipment

Are you a handy craftsman? Want to make your own treestand? While your craftsmanship may be useful in many other areas of hunting, avoid the temptation to make your own deerstand. It is highly recommended to use manufacturer made treestands that meet all industry standards from the TMA. Avoid making any changes or modifications to your treestand.

Using a Harness

According to the TMA, you should always wear a full body fall arrest harness system when utilizing a treestand, whether you are ascending or descending on your stand. The advantage of using a harness is ensuring a safe hunt; the disadvantage is serious injury or death by not taking the proper precautions. Read and understand the instructions from the manufacturer for whichever treestand that you end up using.

Practice Before You Go Hunting

You should have familiarity with setting up your treestand, and how to properly use your harness before using it in a live environment. You may want to even experience what it feels like to hang suspended in the harness (at ground level). Practice until you feel like an expert. This is important if you have not used a treestand before. They can make your hunts exponentially more productive, but we can’t emphasize the importance of your safety enough!

Read the instruction guide, and manual thoroughly before setting up your stand. Be familiar with all guidelines, and thoroughly inspect your stand before using it to make sure none of the parts are worn out, missing a screw or have any signs of damage. Overtime, you may need to repair certain parts that look close to wearing out or damaged.

Plan For Emergencies

When hunting and utilizing a treestand, ensure that you have a cell phone (or emergency signal device like a two-way radio or whistle or flare) with you that can be used to contact family or friends or emergency responders, should you need any help. Ensure that you phone is safely fastened on you in case you were to be suspended in air. If you can not contact for help in a dire situation, have an escape plan in place. Ensure that your family knows the location or area that you will be hunting in. Under best scenarios, this is all a moot point, but it is important to be prepared as emergencies and accidents can and DO happen.

How High Should You Go?

Don’t go higher than you are comfortable with, or than is reasonably necessary for your hunting terrain. The lower you are, the higher your chance of detection is by deer. In general, you may want to set up between 15 to 20 feet.

Advantages of Using a Treestand

It’s no great revelation that utilizing a treestand proper offers numerous tactical advantages while hunting deer. Height provides vantage benefits among other advantages. Treestands are actually a relatively more recent invention, up until the 70’s, treestands were not often commercially made or sold to the public. Over the years they have significantly improved to reach their current status.

Utilizing treestands in your hunts provide advantages such as:

• Mobility to move in the stand, while remaining in shooting position.
• The more elevated you are in a stand and away from deer, the better ability you have to minimize your scent being detected by wildlife.
• Camouflage into your environment
• Larger field of view to hunt from

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using a treestand dangerous?

The answer largely depends on how you will be using your treestand, and if you are taking all necessary precautions to minimize any chance of accidents or falls. It is indisputable that treestands can help improve the productivity of your hunts. But, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. Just like how using a sharp knife or electrical equipment can be dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. Many hunting accidents do occur because of treestands – and from hunters who have experienced those falls, admit that its many times been from impatience, carelessness or simply inattentiveness.

Can deer detect you from a treestand?

It is fact that deers have pristine olfactory senses. Their sense of smell is considered elite, and is a major mode of survival and protection for them. They have a better sense of smell than they do of sight, which means they can detect threats from a large distance. This means that it is important to help mask your body’s odor to help minimize chance of detection. By eliminating your scent, deer will be less likely to detect your presence. By being higher out of sight, it reduces their chance of seeing you at ground level.

Hunt at ground level or in a stand?

There are certainly two schools of thought to which is better, and can largely depend on your technique, style and preferences. If your goal is to stay hidden, and concealed, a treestand will camouflage you better than ground blinds (generally). Both forms offer mobility, as you can set up in different locations. When your hunting in a treestand, you also have better flexibility to move around and a large window to shoot from, as opposed to a smaller window with a blind. It also depends on how you will be hunting. If you are a bow hunter, then using a treestand to hunt your deer by bow will be smoother.

Are there any other types of deer stands?

There are additional deerstands for sale, these can also include tripod, box tower and permanent tree stands. A tripod stand is a stand built on three legs, and ideal for tree-less areas. A box tower will tend to be an enclosed platform, that has windows and shooting ports. Some even use these like hunted blinds!

What are the measurements for a tree stand?

Most tree stands will be roughly from 18″ to 24″ in diameter.

Can a tree stand hold two hunters?

If your goal is to use your deerstand with a hunting partner, you may want to look into a two-person stand. By researching both, you can see if the two-person tree stand helps accomplish what you are looking for, if you are better off purchasing two single person deer stands.

Should I use a bow or rifle while hunting from a tree stand?

Deerstands are very popular among bow hunters, but you’ll want to find a stand that has folding armrests and a folding shooting rail to not impede with your mobility. Similarly, if you are using a rifle, ensure that the rail is stable to support your firearm when shooting. You can use either option, however, bow hunting is a great option with a deer stand.

Should I opt for an aluminum or metal treestand?

In many cases, you should opt for an aluminum material for your treestand. As opposed to steel, aluminum will not rust, and is lightweight which makes it easier to transport and carry. Steel works well depending on your needs, but if you will be carrying your deer stand to and fro with you from the forest, you should consider a lighter weight aluminum hunting stand.

Best Treestand Brands & Manufacturers

Rivers Edge

River’s Edge is one of the top brands in making comfortable ladder tree stands through their emphasis on the hunter’s experience. It’s a culmination of engineers and experts that are actual hunters as well, emphasizing their focus on comfort.

Summit Stands

Summit Stands is one of the premium manufactures of quality deer stands. They are relied on by thousands of hunters who turn to Summit Stands for their dependable ladder and climbing tree stands. Summit stands are engineered by hunters, and built on the concept of concealment, comfort, security and stealth.

Millennium

Millennium is another one of the upper-echelon manufacturers of tree stands. They take pride in designing some of the most quietest and comfortable stands on the market. With a meticulous attention to detail, Millennium provides one of the best treestands you can find. Some features of their treestands are their SafeLink, “comfortMAX” seat, camLOCK Receiver, interlocking leveling system and golite design.

I hope that our guide on the best deer treestands for sale has helped in your quest for finding the right stand for your needs and your hunt!

For Other Helpful Resources:

https://www.huntsharp.com/best-bear-spray/

https://www.huntsharp.com/best-machetes/

https://www.huntsharp.com/best-throwing-knives/

https://www.huntsharp.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/

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Certain gear can help make your hunting experience smoother, and easier. Using technology, such as a modern pair of binoculars can help in the field. If you’re looking for a pair of binoculars for hunting, your needs may be different than just for bird watching or stargazing. For hunting, you’re looking for binoculars that are designed for long range stealth observation.

Binoculars are worth their weight in gold when doing long-range hunting, and tracking large game. It’s no understatement when hunting for sport, that it’s important to be completely confident of knowing what you’re looking at, whether that dot across the mountain is a hiker, bear, or deer. A quality pair of binoculars will make your hunt easier, safer, and doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank to get them.

In short: you’ll want to look for either an 8×42 or 10×42 magnified binocular if your intended usage is for hunting. The rationale is they are more lightweight, making them more portable for you as you move around, and are more stable. As I will explain below, there are different nuances to consider, such as if you are using them at dusk or minimal visibility/light hours, or prime day time.

There are many different brands, features and types of hunting binoculars on the market that it can make your head spin.

I will look to help break down not only what are the best hunting binoculars available today, but what makes a quality binocular, and what you should look for.

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Ranking	Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
Best Deer Hunting Binoculars		Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Binoculars	$
Best Overall Hunting Binoculars		Vortex Optics Viper HD 10x42	$$$
Best Elk Hunting Binoculars		Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 Binoculars	$$
Best Premium 8x42 Binoculars For Hunting		Nikon 7548 Monarch 7 8x42	$$$
Best 'Bang For Your Buck' Hunting Binoculars		Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars	$$

Best Deer Hunting Binoculars

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Binoculars

Features

• Magnesium Chassis
• RainGuard HD
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Lead Free Glass
• Phase 3 Prism Coating
• Ultra Wide Band Coating
• ED Prime Glass
• Locking Eyepiece Diopter

For those of you who are also hunting knives collectors and wild game hunters, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is like the Buck 110 of hunting knives (bang-for-buck). The Bushnell Legend is one of the most popular and iconic hunting binoculars on the market. Not just taking our review here into consideration, but if you peruse other review websites, or Amazon, you’ll see the 100’s of 5-star reviews the Legend has, and it’s widely regarded popularity and acclaim.

Why do so many hunters turn to the Bushnell Legend?

The Bushnell Legend is a great pair of binoculars for hunting because of its overall design and construction. It’s built for durability, and to hold up to the elements in the field, whether it’s rainy, windy, snowy, or whatever Mother Nature has in store for your trip. Quality binoculars are not cheap, that’s why it’s so important to find a pair that is both waterproof and fog proof, which the Bushnell Legend is.

Rainguard Technology With Premium Materials

When you’re in the field hunting, having a clear shot before you pull the trigger is important. You want to be able to carefully stalk your pray from afar, and have a clear track on their movements. Weather can be unpredictable while hunting, and if you’re exposed to rainy conditions, you don’t want that to end your hunt prematurely because your binoculars are not waterproof. The Legend has premium, state-of-the-art hydrophobic and oleophobic lens. This means that your lenses are protected from blurring or fogging up from fingerprints, rain, snow, sleet or water.

The Legend is constructed with non-slip rubber armor, and an ergonomic design to maximize comfort and grip while you’re out in the field.

Pros

• Excellent design
• Rubberized grip
• Premium optics
• Good value for the $$
• Focuses fast

Cons

• Some issues with rubber eye piece cover

Verdict

The Legend has tremendous optics, wide field of view to carefully stalk your prey, exceptional magnification, a roof prism, and overall top-grade construction, to make it one of the top pair of hunting binoculars available on the marketplace!

Best Overall Hunting Binoculars

Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42

Vortex is another major, popular brand when it comes to hunting binoculars. The Vortex Viper is considered to be one of the top hunting binoculars available, because of its durability, design and ergonomics. The Viper offers crystal clear images and field of view because of its extra-low dispersion which helps to avoid chromatic aberration. These binoculars are built to hold up to the elements, and withstand any type of inclement weather. As discussed in the buyer’s guide below, you want your hunting binoculars to be both waterproof and fogproof, both of which the Viper offers. One of the best in the marketplace – relegated in the upper echelon of hunting binoculars.

Crystal Clarity Optics

The Vortex Optics Viper features 10x magnification, and 42mm objective lenses, with a high density optical system and anti-reflective lens coatings that helps provide a stunning image. Utilizing a multi-layer prism, when you’re looking through the Viper, you’ll notice crystal-clear and accurate images of your focal point. The image clarity that the Viper offers can compete with binoculars that are double its cost.

Design & Construction

Ergonomics and practicality are two important centerpieces for the Viper. The Viper HD is built to be waterproof, and fogproof, so that no matter the conditions, you will have clear images. The Viper is constructed with a rubber, compact chassis and armortek coating, ensuring that it is durable for any hunt. I personally prefer rubberized handles on hunting binoculars as it provides for the best ‘grippy’ feel (as opposed to binoculars that feel like they will slip out of your hand in the rain). This is more important than ever in rainy conditions.

Magnification: 10x
Objective Lens: 42 mm
Eye relief (mm): 16.5
Exit pupil (mm): 4.2
Linear Field of View: 319 ft / 1000 yd
Height: 5.8 in
Width: 5.3 in
Weight: 24.6 oz

Pros

• Excellent out of the box
• Crystal clear optics
• Quality lens caps
• Great ergonomic design

Cons

• The focal length could be improved

Best Premium 8×42 Binoculars For Hunting

Nikon 7548 Monarch 7 8×42

The Specs

Magnification: 8x
Objective Lens: 42 mm
Prism: Roof
Coating: Reflective multi-layer prism coatings
Chassis: Rubber armored coating

Our Thoughts

When it comes to premium binoculars for rifle hunting, the Monarch 7 is considered one of the best, and comparable to the Vortex Viper. The Monarch offers crystal clear and crisp images, durable rubber coating to ensure you can maintain grip during rainy conditions, and a reasonable price tag. Nikon is one of the best, and most trusted brands in optics, and the Monarch is a quality product from a reliable brand.

The Monarch 7 is all terrain, waterproof, and fog-proof. Utilizing dielectric highly reflective multi-layered prism coatings, the Monarch 7 provides for high-contrast, razor-sharp images, and accurate colors. These are the same binoculars many professional guides and hunters turn to because of their pristine image quality, extreme durability, and value for the money. In this case we recommend the 8×42 Monarch 7 because in my opinion it offers better attention to detail and clarity than the 10×42.

Comparative to Binoculars Double The Price!

These are one of the best mid-price binoculars on the market. You can find binoculars for $1,000 and $1,500 that the Monarch 7 can compete with neck and neck. They do everything that you would want hunting binoculars to do, from clear images, to being easily adjustable, to having a non-slip feel, large eye relief that can be used with glasses, and perform exceedingly well in low-light situations. Some of the features you’ll find in the Monarch 7 rival binoculars that can run into the $2,000 range!

Both the Monarch 5 and Monarch 7 are on our list because both are excellent binoculars worthy of your consideration. However, the reason the Monarch 7 is going to be an upgrade is with the overall improved quality and performance. You will notice a difference in their weight/feel, angular field of view, and of course, its reflected in the price. The Monarch 7 will offer one of the largest fields of view available on a modern binocular, and offer clarity for both medium and short-distance work with plenty of eye relief.

If you’re a serious hunter that is looking for one of the best hunting binoculars available, you’ll want to give the the Monarch 7 serious consideration!

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Practical ergonomics for good grip
• Large field of view

Cons

• One of the pricier binoculars on our list

Best Elk Hunting Binoculars

Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 Binoculars

The Specs

Magnification: 10
Objective distance (mm): 42
Angular field of view: 5.5
Exit pupil (mm): 4.2
Field of view (1,000m): 96
Eye relief (mm): 18.4
Close focusing distance (m): 2.5
Length (mm): 145
Width (mm): 129
Depth (mm): 55
Weight (g): 600
Prism Type: Roof

The Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 comes in two different magnifications, 10×42 and 8×42. Nikon is a highly trusted brand when it comes to optics, and the Monarch 5 is nothing short of what we would expect from Nikon.

Truly spectacular binoculars with excellent optics, unlike larger porro prism binocular. They offer a close minimum viewing distance, but adjust for long distance viewing just as easily, making it easy to track long-distance game. They’re portable and light enough that you can easily carry them around with you during your hunt where they aren’t a burden to you. The rubber coating is one of the most important features of the binoculars since they’re easily gripp-able in any inclement weather or rain.

Not all binoculars offer the same quality or practicality in the field for hunting. When you’re in dusk, or low-light situations, you need a binocular that can still provide a clear, crisp image. That’s exactly what you will get with the Nikon 7577. While I personally did not test using them with glasses, I’ve heard from others that there are no issues with using glasses with the Monarch 7 and having a seamless experience.

Verdict

All in all, these are a great pair of binoculars at a reasonable price. They are light, have excellent edge-to-edge clarity, great depth and perspective of the field, and offer great focus and magnification. You really can’t go wrong buying the Monarch 5!

Pros

• Very reasonable price
• Edge to edge clarity
• Crisp image
• Rubberized coating for good grip
• Clear optics

Cons

• The only main con you may notice are the lens caps for the Monarch 5

Best ‘Bang For Your Buck’ Hunting Binoculars

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars

The Specs

Magnification: 10
Objective distance: 42
Eye relief (mm): 15
Close Focus: 5.0′
Interpupillary Distance (mm): 55-73
Weight: 21.3 oz
Height: 5.7”
Width: 5.1”

Pros

• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Bright, clear, crisp images
• Easily adjustable center focus wheel
• Rubberized grip makes it easy to hold under rainy conditions
• Water & fog proof
• Constructed with roof prism
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• May not offer as much field of view as top-end binoculars

The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD comes in several magnification and objective lenses options. In this review, we are focusing on the 10×42 as it is one of the best options & values for hunting binoculars. The other variations are worth considering if you have alternative needs for your binoculars. Vortex is an extremely high-quality, and trusted optics brand, and the Diamondback does not disappoint. Vortex is not known as the ‘Gucci’ of binoculars and gear, but rather is a brand known for the value of their products (quality meeting reasonable pricing). Keep in mind that these binoculars are only a few hundred dollars, these are not $500, or even $1,000 binoculars. It is important to keep costs in perspective when comparing a $200 binocular to a $1,000 binocular. For the money, the Optics Diamondback offers from of the best performance to dollars spent as any binocular on the market offers.

With 10×42, it offers clear vision for long-range game monitoring, while still providing crystal-clear resolution and picture sharpness. They offer great clarity, work well in low-light dusk situations, and have a large field of view. They are lightweight which makes it easy to transport and carry on your hunts. The o-rings provide water and fog proofing of the binoculars to ensure that when you’re out in the field, your lenses are still usable. The rubberized armor on the grip not only gives it protection from falling, but allows you to maintain a grip, even during rainy conditions.

The Diamondback HD can typically be found for less than $300. For the money the quality of these binoculars are hard to beat, and even comparable to hunting binoculars in the $750 to $1,000 range. It is high praise for a truly outstanding pair of binoculars. These come with a harness, lens cover, strap and case.

I highly recommend the Vortex Diamondback HD for any serious hunter.

Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide Based on Field Testing

1) Magnification

The most obvious goal of a pair of binoculars is for magnifying an object in the distance.

Ideal magnification for hunting is 7x to 10x. The higher magnification that your binoculars are set to, the image steadiness will lower. If you need more magnification than this, you may want to consider a spotting scope.

Zoom binoculars tend to not be waterproof or for hard use in the field. The best hunting binoculars will have a lower magnification of 8x or 10x. For instance, if you have a 10x magnification, it will make the deer or elk that you’re looking at in the distance appear 10 times larger than if you were viewing it without the binoculars.

2) Objective size

The objective size is identified with the second number you see such as 7×40. A 40mm or 42mm can work with hunting and help you to see any large object from distance.

The smaller the lens is, the more portable the pair of binoculars will be. But, the trade-off will be the less distance you will be able to see with clarity. Less mm equates to being able to see less detail at distance. Anything above 40, such as 50 can provide much better zoom, but will be heavier to carry during your hunt. You have to factor whether you want precision, lightweight, maximum zoom or affordability. When it comes to hunting, 42 mm is the most common objective size.

Furthermore, the lens furthest from your eye is known as an objective lens. The one closest to your eye is the optic lens. Center focusing wheel. Right eye adjuster. Everyone has different eyes. The adjuster will fine tune your right eye. The easiest way to focus your binocular is to focus your left eye, and then cover up the left lens, and adjust your right eye.

3) Field of view

The field of view in your binoculars is the area in feet that you can see. This is typically in distance of 1000 yards. A larger field of view means that a binocular offers more visibility over a wider area, while a smaller field of view offers less visibility and more concentrated on one specific area.

Your targeted field of view is dependent on the hunter. If you are tracking large game, you may need larger field of view to track them. Smaller game not in a wide open area may need a smaller field of view.

How far can you see from a 1000 yards. The larger the field of view, the more you can see. A binocular on a tripod will tend to give you the best field of view.

When you’re tracking a moving target, naturally you want a wider field of view to carefully watch its movements. The lower the magnification is, the greater the FOV you will have.

4) Exit pupil

In order to have a properly functioning pair of binoculars, you will need to have an exit pupil. This is what allows light through the binoculars, so that you can see. The exit pupil is determined by the objective lens and the magnification. The more you want to be able to visualize, the higher the exit pupil you will want.

It is the small beam of light that you will see on the back end of a pair of binoculars. The larger the exit pupil, the more light that can enter to your eye. If you are going to be in low light hunting situations, you want larger exit pupil. 10X42mm will work for most hunters. For real low light conditions, 5mm exit pupil may be more ideal.

5) Prism

There are two types of prisms in hunting binoculars, roof and porro prisms.

What does a prism do?

Well, a prism reflects the light.

How does a porro prism differ from a roof prism? 

A porro prism differs from a roof prism in that a porro reflects light four times versus a roof prism that reflects light five times. You will typically find a porro prism in a larger binocular. If you look at the way the binocular is built with a porro prism, the light is redirected inside the binocular while a roof prism offers more of a direct line with the eyepiece.

Which type of prism is more popular?

Roof prism is the most popular. Porro prism are more traditional look and an older style. Porro generally offers better optical quality for less money and 3D image. Objective lens are offset, and a little more bulky. Tend to be less durable than roof prism. Objective lens and ocular lens are straight in line and easier to make waterproof.

The roof prism will produce a higher quality image for you in the field, but there are certainly two schools of thought on which one is better. Porro was more popular prior to the release of roof prisms in the 60’s. You may find the porro prism binoculars are cheaper, and on budget binoculars, while most of the premium and higher-end binoculars on the market today will have a roof prism.

6) Focus

The focus type is important when factoring the distance you will be from your targeted game, and the clarity you are looking for. You can choose between binoculars that have center focus or individual eyepiece focus. Individual eyepiece focus tends to be the most popular, as most hunters need their binocular for distance and that is where they shine.

You will generally see a number on the center focus, such as 10x42mm. The first number, 10, means how many times the object is magnified. So, this object will appear 10x larger. The 42mm means how large the objective lens is. The larger the window, the more light that optic will allow through it.

The three types of focus are: individual focus, center focus and focus-free binoculars. Individual focus means the telescope is focused independently. You likely have seen center focus before with the ring in the center that can focus both at the same time.

7) Eye Relief

Eye relief is te distance that someone can hold a pair of binoculars from their eye, and still be able to see the image clearly. Eye relief is particularly important for those with glasses. A pair of binoculars that offers inadequate eye relief will cause a reduced field of view for you.

The closer you can get your eye to the ocular lens, the larger field of view you will have. Eye relief is important if you wear glasses.

Eye relief allows you to hold your binoculars from your eye while still being able to see the full picture. Lack of eye relief will restrict your field of view as you try to view from your binoculars. If you wear glasses, you’ll want eye relief of 15 or more.

8) Optical coatings

When you are hunting, whether in the open fields or woods, sunlight and glare can play a very large factor into your ability to see clearly through binoculars. Coatings are applied to the actual surface of the binoculars to help eliminate light reflection. Better coated binoculars will offer clearer images for the user. It is highly advisable to consider a pair of binoculars that have some type of anti-reflective coatings. While you can choose between single-layer and multilayer coating, it is a great idea to have some coating as opposed to binoculars with no coating.

Every time light hits a lens, it is reflected. Thus, an anti-reflective coating can help get more light through while a fully multicoated lens is the best. You’ll notice that more expensive binoculars will have HD glass, which means better colors and image, and offers the best performance. It is absolutely worth the money. Why? A multi-coated binocular will tend to be your best option in the field allowing you to see your hunts more clearly with anti-reflective coatings. Anti-reflective coatings are transparent films overtop of the glass on the binoculars, in an attempt to prevent light from reflecting.

9) Picture quality

When using binoculars for hunting, the purpose is to be able to clearly see your target. Whether that object in the distance is a deer, or a branch. As such, image quality is of the upmost importance. Choose binoculars that have dependable, clear image quality.

As you move into different price tiers of binoculars, one of the biggest differences you will notice is image quality of sharpness and clarity. If you are on a budget, this is the area you need to consider. If you are a regular hunter, image quality is something you may not want to skimp on.

If you’re bird watching, you want binoculars that offer color accuracy to see the wings of the birds. When you’re hunting, you want to focus more on contrast, and identifying camouflaged game more so than you necessarily care about the color of the animal.

10) Weight

The more advanced binoculars you look into, the more hefty they tend to be in weight. This can happen for a few reasons, including the amount of glass used in it’s construction. If you are going to be carrying around these binoculars for hours at a time, either holding them up by hand to view through, or simply hold, it is an extra few pounds added to your trip. Factor the weight into your consideration

The alternative to a hefty binocular is considering a compact binocular.

11) Waterproof

Do you only hunt under sunny and dry conditions? Or, do you hunt during rainy days as well? Waterproofing of your binoculars is important to consider – this is often in the handle construction with rubber coating. We strongly recommend waterproof binoculars because they are not only easier to grip when they are wet, but are more resistant to dirt and grime.

Roof prism binoculars will tend to be waterproof, while porro prisms tend to not be. If you’re spending time in the field while it’s raining, you need a pair of waterproofed binoculars. Nitrogen or argon will typically be used to waterproof the binoculars and keep them sealed.

Fog proof is equally as important. Since you can’t see through a foggy lens, you will want a pair of binoculars that are fog proof.

12) Accessories

Some binoculars offer different accessories, such as a strap or case. A strap can be very useful to hang around your neck without having to carry it around all day. A quality case will keep your binoculars in pristine condition when not in use. Binocular lens cloths are also extremely useful to keep your lens clean, just like you would clean your eyeglasses or sunglasses.

13) Price

At the end of the day, of course price should be a consideration for you. It is important to figure out your allotted budget for purchasing a quality pair of binoculars for your hunting expeditions. However, a quality pair of binoculars can range from $100 to $200 or more. If you are going to stalk your game from afar, it is worth spending a little more for a quality pair of binoculars that will not only last longer, but offer a clearer image, ergonomically designed for prolonged usage and designed to avoid eye fatigue.

14) Dependability & Durability

Your hunting binoculars should provide dependable performance, so that whether you use it 1 year or 5 years from now, it should still be in functioning order. A quality pair of binoculars should last for years, and not fall apart after using them only a few times. This is often dependent on the construction of the binoculars themselves. You may want a rubberized armored body which can provide protection whether your binoculars are dropped or it rains.

15) ED Glass

ED glass is known as extra-low dispersion glass. These are lenses are used in hunting binoculars to help reduce chromatic aberration. What does this mean? If you’re looking for a clear image while hunting deer or wild game, you’ll want to avoid any binoculars that have fuzzy images or chromatic aberration.

16) Chassis

First and foremost, you want a pair of hunting binoculars that have high quality lenses, optics and interior technology. However, just like you want a high-quality band to go with a Rolex or expensive watch, or a nice chain to go with a diamond necklace, the same is true with your binocular. You want a binocular that has a quality chassis, that can hold up to the elements and isn’t flimsy or cheap.

17) Warranty

Binoculars can be an expensive investment into your hunting adventure. As such, you want to be sure that you are investing in a quality manufacturer and brand that will stand behind their binoculars and optics. You may find rangers of warranties anywhere of 2-5 years, to lifetime warranties. Be sure to factor warranty length into your purchasing decision.

Quick Tips

Don’t Forget To Clean Your Lenses

Most binoculars will come with cleaning cloths. I recommend regularly cleaning the lens to keep them sparkling. This is especially important when you’re in low light conditions.

Tracking in view

Binoculars are excellent tools, but they are only as good as the operator using them. To get the most out of your binoculars while hunting, be sure to properly set the focus to get the best picture.

Magnify

You have binoculars in order to keep distance from the game you are tracking. While you lose width as you magnify, use your binoculars 10x magnification to hone in your target before they ever even hear or smell you.

Clear Picture

Most binoculars are equipped with optical coatings because too much light can cause a glare or difficulty seeing. I’d recommend trying to keep the sun behind you to your advantage, so that you will have a clearer image than the sun’s rays reflecting into your binoculars slightly blurring your field of view and perception.

What Are The Best Binoculars For Hunting Specific Types of Game?

Best Binoculars For Deer Hunting

When you’re out deer hunting, it likely means that you’re either in a field, or a forest with dense woods, shrubbery and trees. With that being the case, you’ll need binoculars that offer clear, long-range vision so that you can easily identify and discern what is in your field of view. When hunting in woody terrain, you want to consider a pair of binoculars that are atleast 8x to 10x magnification.

Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting

Elk hunting, which is one of my favorite hunts, tends to be a different terrain than deer hunting. Elk hunting is similar to deer hunting in that its long range, but it will tend to be more mountainous than hunting deer. Since you’re likely going to be mobile, you want a pair of binoculars that are both durable, and lightweight, but offer long-range magnification and clear imagery.

Best Binoculars for Bear Hunting

If you’re hunting black or brown bears, you’re likely going to be in similar terrain as to hunting deer, which is in woody terrain. You want a pair of binoculars that offer long-range magnification and clarity, as it is extremely important to keep your distance from a bear for your own protection, safety and as to not startle it. It can be easy to overlook your game while in the woods, so a high-quality pair of binoculars are important. Hunting large, dangerous animals requires exact precision, and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are binoculars?

Binoculars are useful to give you a magnified, zoomed-in image of an object in the horizon. There are 100’s of different kinds of binoculars on the market. Some are sold generically, some are sold for specific functions such as hunting, or stargazing or bird watching. Typically, hunting binoculars are better suited for universal use, as compared to the alternative. Binoculars in a sense are like two telescopes connected together providing a zoomed in image. If you are one of the 20 million Americans who enjoy hunting (according to the NRAILA), you’ll likely want a quality pair of binoculars.

What is the science behind it?

Light travels from a distant object causing a refraction. Those rays of light enter through the binoculars, to your pupil, providing a magnified and enlarged image of the object you are looking at. The ability to focus and zoom in can be done right on the binoculars with the center focus or magnification.

What purpose are your binoculars for?

The type of binoculars that you buy should be oriented for how you will be using them. This guide is designed for hunting binoculars, but for stargazing or bird watching, there are other considerations. You may want different magnification options for casual bird watching.

What if I have glasses?

If you wear any type of glasswear; whether it is eye glasses or sunglasses, you will need binoculars that have sufficient eye relief. The closer that you can hold the binoculars to your eye, the better field of view you will have.

Can I just use my rifle scope?

Relying on your rifle’s scope as your means of scoping out a new area is an inefficient way to recon an area. A riflescope offers an extremely small field of view compared to a binocular. Moreover, using your riflescope requires you to aim your firearm across the entire area, which is dangerous. It is much easier to scan and pass over a large area with a pair of binoculars than a riflescope, which is designed for precision shooting.

Why should I avoid cheap binoculars?

While you don’t have to buy $1,000 or even $500 binoculars, it is a good idea to invest in a quality pair of hunting binoculars that can last. While you’re hunting in the wilderness, temperatures can change swiftly, plummeting or rising. If your optics fog up, you won’t be able to clearly see. If you’re using cheap technology with dull optics, you may not be able to clearly identify your game. Lastly, if it starts raining, and your binoculars are not waterproof, it could potentially destroy your binoculars before you find your prey, and turn into (cheap) dead weight. Quality binoculars can make or break your hunt, just like your rifle.

How important is waterproof and fog proof coatings?

For a hunter, who may be exposed to numerous conditions across each hunt, you can’t take for granted waterproofing. It is critical for any avid hunter, as foggy lenses can render your binoculars completely useless for that hunt. Similarly, if your binoculars are not reflection-proof, and shine into the eye of the animal you’re hunting, that could scare them away. For a few more dollars, it is important to find a pair of quality binoculars that offer waterproof and fog proof coatings!

What do the numbers on binoculars mean?

The numbers on the binoculars will tell you both their magnification power and objective lens diameter. With a pair of 10×42 binoculars, “10” is the magnification strength, and “42” is the diameter in millimeters of the objective lenses.

Top Hunting Binocular Brands

Bushnell

Bushnell is a well-known brand when it comes to optics & hunting. Bushnell is based out of Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by prime hunting areas. Bushnell is recognized a trustworthy brand for not only their binoculars, but their game cameras as well. Founded in 1948 by David Bushnell, Bushnell sells excellent optics including microscopes and telescopes which is great for hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts in general. Bushnell tends to put out some of the ‘higher-end’ products in their category. Bushnell’s binoculars in particular are award winning for design, quality and value.

Vortex

As a hunter, you’re likely familiar with Vortex because of their rifle scopes. They are based out of Wisconsin. Vortex is an excellent optics manufacturer, and widely used because of their high-quality products at very reasonable prices. I became most familiar with Vortex because of their lines of products in spotting scopes, rifle-scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars. Vortex differs from some of the other binocular manufacturer’s with their quality customer service and warranties. They have what they term is an “unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty” where they will cover any damage to the binoculars!

Conclusion

I hope that our buyer’s guide on finding the best hunting binoculars for the money has helped you in your quest! There are no shortage of options, from brands to features, that I have attempted to simplify your search to a handful of the best binoculars on the market. Just like you want a clear image from your binoculars, I too hope that this post has brought you some clarity. I am happy to answer any questions in the comments or via the contact us page, if you have any particular questions about a certain pair of binoculars for your unique needs!

Other Resources:

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-machetes/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-throwing-knives/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-bowie-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-skinning-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-bear-spray/

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Knives of Alaska may not have as much history as Buck Knives, but they are quickly carving out their own legacy. Founded in 1993 by Charles All, the company is about 25 years old now, Knives of Alaska has become a popular hunting company for those of us who live and breathe hunting, fishing, bushcraft and outdoor survivalism. One of the things that I love about this company’s knives is their sheer ruggedness and strength.

Knives of Alaska doesn’t make cheap or chintzy knives. This was a newer brand for me to discover, but I have become a huge fan. For a hunting or outdoor knife, I want something that can stand up to the harshest of conditions, and as they say, these really are “quality outdoorsmen’s knives” designed for Alaska.  I’ll preface my reviews by saying these are American-manufactured knives, which like many, I also have a soft spot for American-made products, but these are truly quality, and at the end of the day, American-junk in the field would do no one any good. These are truly well crafted hunting knives.

In a rush? Check out our picks for the top 6 Knives of Alaska

Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
	Knives of Alaska Black Suregrip Cub Bear Caping Knife	$$
	Knives of Alaska Cub Bear Caping Knife – Orange Suregrip	$$
	Knives of Alaska Elk Hunter Knife	$$
	Knives of Alaska Whitetail Hunter Knife	$$
	Knives of Alaska Alpha Wolf S30V	$$
	Knives of Alaska Bush Camp Knife	$$

Top 6 Knives Of Alaska Reviews

Knives of Alaska Black Suregrip Cub Bear Caping Knife

The Specs:

• Rockwell Hardness: 57-59
• Bevel: 18-20″
• Knife Length: 6.5 Inches
• Blade Length: 2.75 Inches
• Weight 2.2 Ounces
• Metal: D2 Steel
• Tang: Full Tang
• Handle: Black Suregrip
• Sheath: Includes Leather Sheath

The Low Down On This Knife

The Cub Bear is one of Knives of Alaska’s most popular and iconic hunting knives. And likely the one you are most familiar with, if not the Alpha Wolf. It’s the first one that I used. This razor sharp hunting knife is ideal for those of you who are looking for a trusted knife for skinning and caping (particularly for taxidermy). The Cub Bear has a razor sharp tip and blade, I find ideal for meticulous detail work.

If you’re wondering whether the Cub Bear can hold up to the elements – well, that’s where it gets its name from. The “Suregrip” handle is made from Santoprene, which gives it a soft suction feel, so that it sticks to your hand as your hand glides as you cape. The Cub Bear has double finger choils which makes for easy finger placement while skinning, and a lanyard opening if you choose to wrap it around your wrist. Ergonomics are well-done on the Cub Bear, it has easy and safe gripping … and honestly, control is one of the most important elements while caping. Nothing more frustrating than mangling your cape.

I like a knife that will remain grippy, even if you are wrist deep skinning a deer or elk and your hand is soaked with blood.

I find that the Cub Bear holds its edge very well, even after rough usage. Any knife connoisseur will appreciate this classic “Made in the USA” knife.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced detail knife, I think you’ll be happy with this. A dull knife doesn’t do a hunter any good, and this small knife packs a punch. You can likely get through several deer before even having to sharpen it. And, it passes the shave test out of the box (shave your hair right off your arm). You’ll keep this for years to come for all of your hunting trips.

Knives of Alaska Cub Bear Caping Knife – Orange Suregrip

The Specs:

• Metal: D2 Steel
• Rockwell Hardness: 57 – 59
• Bevel of 18-20 degrees.
• Knife Length: 6.5 Inches
• Blade Length: 2.75”
• Weight: 2.2oz

The Verdict:

This is essentially the same knife as above, however the only difference is the grip color. However, because I think this is such a great skinner and caping knife, I’m going to give this its own credit.

This really is the perfect knife for detailed work. At 2.2 ounces, it’s a very lightweight knife. As a small, razor sharp knife, it feels almost like a surgical scalpel as you are caping.

The D2 steel is some of the highest quality metal available, especially for the price. D2 is one of my preferences over most of the cheap steels. Why? D2 steel holds a very sharp edge. Pairing that with this knife’s small size and weight, makes this ideal for precision caping and skinning deer or elk. This can handle both small and large game (deer, elk, bear).

The Cub Bear is a sharp knife with a perfect size blade for field dressing game. You don’t want an overly long blade when caping or skinning. A large blade, like a butcher’s knife will prevent precision and accuracy in your motion. Overall, it’s a high quality “made in the USA” knife – and will slice through any hide you put in its way like butter.

Knives of Alaska Elk Hunter Knife

The Specs:

• Metal: D2
• Rockwell Hardness: 59-61
• Bevel: 18-20 Degrees
• Knife Length: 8.25″
• Blade Length: 3.25″
• Weight: 4.5 oz

The Skinny:

Knives of Alaska Elk Hunter is a part of the Trekker Series. This is your classic hunting and skinning knife. With a drop-point blade for field dressing big game, it lives up to its self-proclaimed name the “elk hunter”. With a total knife length of 8.25 inches, and a blade length of 3.25 inches, it has the perfect sized belly for making long precise cuts on large game … but it’s definitely not what you would want for squirrel or something small.

This is the type of knife I would recommend for field dressing, skinning and gutting. Heck, some even use this bad boy for boning out their kill. It is full tang, which means that it is one continuous blade. Even though you probably won’t be batoning with this knife, it gives it extra strength.

The bevel is well grounded, and the blade holds up to abuse … it won’t be dulling out on you while in the field. It has a nice guard on the knife for heavy cutting, and choil for finger placement for finer cutting. It won’t slip in your hand either with its suregrip handle. There are people who testify to this knife that it has skinned countless wild hogs for them, breezing through that challenge!

I also really like the leather vegetable tanned cowhide sheath that it comes with. I think it gives the knife character. . For less than $100, I think this is a pretty reasonably priced big game skinning knife. A very nice gift for a hunter, or yourself. In my opinion, the Elk Hunter is the type of knife that you can pass down to your next kin. One year of using this in the field and you may just find that you have a new favorite knife for deer season. All around, a well-crafted knife by Knives of Alaska.

Knives of Alaska Whitetail Hunter Knife

The Specs:                                   

• Metal: D2
• Rockwell Hardness: 59-61
• Bevel: 18-20°
• Knife Length: 8.25″
• Blade Length: 3.25″
• Weight: 4.3 oz

The Skinny on This Knife:

The Knives of Alaska Trekker Whitetail Hunter Knife also comes in 2 colors, orange and black. While the black I think is more stylish, the orange is more visible when in the bush or in snowy conditions.

Just like the name suggests, this hunting knife is ideal for medium sized game, about deer size. The 3″ blade length is perfect for skinning and gutting your buck – with a guthook if you so choose to use it. Like most Knives of Alaska knives, it is full tang which allows this knife to pack a punch, and features KOA’s suregrip so it remains sticky in your hands. The Whitetail hunter has the same drop-point tip as the Elk Hunter (on this list), but the difference is the Whitetail Hunter has a guthook, which I personally enjoy for skinning deer. The leather tan cowhide sheath is nice – although some people do prefer kydex.

I think The Whitetail Hunter is constructed with pretty good balance. It has forward-weight on the tip, versus being back-heavy. Out of the box, this knife is razor razor sharp and can take a beating. I’ve even heard of some people using this monster for intensive work such as a full bear. However rigorous you plan to use it, one suggestion is to make sure you keep this blade oiled to avoid rusting.

For its size, this knife handles well. And like most Knives of Alaska products, it is ergonomically sound. At 4.3 ounces, it is lightweight, and the 3.25” blade allows for quick cutting motions, and cuts through deer skin easily. This is an extremely well American made deer knife.

Knives of Alaska Alpha Wolf S30V

The Knife Specs:                        

• Metal: S30V
• Rockwell Hardness: 59-61
• Bevel: 18-20°
• Knife Length: 7-7/8″
• Blade Length: 3-3/4″
• Weight: 2.9 oz

The Low Down On This Monster:

The Alpha Wolf by Knives of Alaska is one of KOA’s most iconic knives. And for good reason, it is a tremendous knife. The Alpha Wolf is a classic drop-point hunting style blade. This knife features as a skinning knife, but with its slender .100” thick blade, it allows for you to use it as a general hunting knife for anything that requires quick and clean cuts.

There are a few things that impress me about this knife. Knives of Alaska hand sharpens the Alpha Wolf in order to create a razor sharp convex edge. This is a powerful knife with a great cutting edge. It’s also a very strong knife with full-tang.

But, let’s talk about the steel on this knife. Most of the knives on this list are made from D2 steel. The Alpha Wolf is made from S30V steel, which is a premium grade metal (and created thin using their Double Drawn Heat Tempered process). The S30V is stainless and easier to maintain its beautiful blade and finish as compared to D2.

Knives of Alaska really understands ergonomics. The handle is designed to stick to your hand, while being easy to manipulate. The finger groves allow for gripping when your fingers are drenched with blood.

The Alpha Wolf is perfect for the alpha hunter in you, and ultimately, it’s a high-end hunting and skinning knife. It truly lives up to its reputation for being Knives of Alaska’s flagship hunting knife.

Knives of Alaska Bush Camp Knife

The Knife Specs:                         

• Metal: D2
• Rockwell Hardness: 59-61
• Bevel: 18 – 20°
• Knife Length: 10.5”
• Blade Length: 6″
• Weight: 8.3 oz
• Tang: Full Tang
• Thickness: .14”
• Blade Type: Drop-point
• Handle: Black rubberized suregrip
• Sheath: Leather

The Skinny on This Knife:

The Knives of Alaska Bush Camp Knife is their most popular knife, and hands down the largest knife on this list, measuring in with a total knife length of about 10.5 inches, and a blade length of 6 inches! This is a large but well-rounded knife. Truly a rugged knife designed for anything from bushcraft to field dressing large game.

It is also the heaviest knife on this list as well at 8.3 ounces, but you wouldn’t know it considering how well balanced it is, as it rests perfectly in the palm of your hand. It is constructed with KOA’s iconic D2 steel, but it is the same steel that they have built their reputation on building razor sharp knives that maintain their edge through wear, tear, and abuse. The blade steel is constructed with Knives of Alaska’s non-glare matte finish.

I like the double finger choils for nice hand placement, and the option to use the lanyard for safety to prevent the knife from slipping out while in use. While I think it’s a little large for caping work, it can work as an all around hunting and brushcraft knife. The soft rubber grip sticks to your hand as you dive in to your work.

It isn’t just a one-trick pony stuck for skinning. It is an all-around hunting knife. And for the money (less than $100), really is unrivaled. Because of its thickness, it allows you to do wood work without worrying about it breaking, but then turn around and skin out a buck. It will work for you in camping settings, or cutting out meat in the woods. Between the knife’s balance, its sharp edge, durability, tough D2 steel, even the leather sheath, it’s a gem of a hunter’s knife.

If You Enjoyed This Review of Knives of Alaska, You Should Also Check Out:

Cold Steel Trail Master Review

Buck 119 Review

Top 10 Best Throwing Knives

Best Gut Hook Knife

Best Skinning Knife

5 Best Caping Knives

The post The Top 6 Knives of Alaska Reviews – How Do These Knives Truly Hold Up? appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

In a rush for time? Click here to find out what our #1 pick is for the BEST bear spray!

Rank on List	Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
#5		UDAP 12HP Bear Spray (7.9 oz)	$
#4		Frontiersman Bear Spray 7.9 oz	$
#3		Counter Assault Bear Deterrent (10.2 oz)	$
#2		UDAP 18HP Super Magnum Bear Spray (13.4 Ounces)	$$
#1 **EDITOR'S CHOICE**		Frontiersman Bear Spray (9.2 oz)	$$

In this buyer guide, I will look to help break down not only what are the best bear sprays available today, but what makes a quality bear spray, what you should look for and really, why it could help save your life.

#5

UDAP 12HP Bear Spray (7.9 oz)

For our full review of the UDAP Bear Spray, please continue down the list.

Features

• Equipped with 2% CRC (max legally allowed in any bear spray)
• Reaches a 30 foot range
• Constructed with a glow-in-the-dark safety clip (night-time visibility)
• Canister is filled with 7.9 ounces of spray
• Includes a 32 page booklet on bear safety tips

Although the UDAP 12HP bear spray clocks in at #5 on our list, it does not mean that this is not an effective bear deterrent. On the contrary, it is one of the best available.

Everyone will have different needs, and so your usage of bear spray might be different than our own. The prime difference between this model, and our higher ranked UDAP bear spray is that this comes in a smaller concentration (7.9 ounces). The sheer effectiveness is the same with ingredients of 2% CRC (ordinary pepper spray will feel like a small nuisance in comparison).

This bear spray will help to deter any wild animal from charging at you and entering this fog of spray. It is only #5 on our list because this model only offers a range of 30 feet. While that still is a serviceable range (and larger than most sprays provide), with the tenseness of a bear encounter, every foot counts (adding precious seconds).

In a vacuum, this is a bear spray that can save your life. In comparison to UDAP’s larger canister, and several alternative brands, there are options that offer more bang for your buck.

Pros

• Economical price
• Lightweight
• Night time visibility with the glow in the dark safety
• Strong spray with 2% CRC

Cons

• One of the smaller sized cans on this list at only 7.9 ounces

#4

Frontiersman Bear Spray 7.9 oz

Sabre is one of the most trusted brands of bear spray. So for good reason, you will notice they are on our list twice.

Features

• Range of 30 feet / 9 meters
• Disperses at a rate of 45 grams per second
• Made with 2% capsaicinoids
• Contains 7.9 ounces of spray
• Includes chest or belt holster

For our full review, please continue down the list. But, we are including this model on our top 5 list because not everyone will need the larger-sized canister (which also offers a wider reach) from Sabre.

The Frontiersman is one powerful bear spray. It is made with the max-allowed 2% capsaicinoids which will help to halt any bear in its tracks, and has a good radius of 30 feet to help you keep your distance.

This bear spray is not only effective, but inexpensive as well. The one thing to keep in consideration is the size of the spray that you are looking for. Are you hiking solo? Or, are you with a group of hunters/hikers who all have their own spray?

Pros

• Very effective
• Good Range
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Canister size is on the smaller end

Verdict

If you’re faced with an angry bear, Frontiersman bear spray is one of the best options available.

#3

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent (10.2 oz)

When you mention bear deterrent to any experienced hikers, hunters, or even park rangers and guides, the first brand most will think of is Counter Assault.

Features

• Range of 32 feet
• Duration of about 9.2 seconds of spray
• Includes 10.2 ounces of spray
• Constructed with 2% capsaicin, max strength allowed
• Equipped with a glow in the dark safety to ensure visibility at night
• Paired with a nylon holster and belt loop

There is good reason why Counter Assault is one of the most respected brands when it comes to bear spray. Their product is a mix between being extremely reliable, incredibly effective, and an economical option.

Those are three very important characteristics when it comes to something such as bear spray. (1) Reliability is of the upmost importance. If the canister does not work as intended, the person using the spray can be put into a very dire circumstance. Bear spray is not a weapon that cannot malfunction as it can have grave consequences. So, reliability is of the upmost importance for this type of product.

(2) Effective. Counter Assault has concocted a bear spray that is more reliable for most people than a firearm will be. The spray can cover a long range of 32 feet in distance, and issues about 9.2 seconds of spray with 10.2 ounces of bear spray. Counter Assault has constructed it with 2% capsaicin, which is the max concentration allowed by the EPA. Not only is it powerful stuff, but it is easy to use, and wins points with us because of its easy access on your belt and glow in the dark safety.

(3) Economical option. You won’t have to break the bank to buy a reliable spray.

Pros

• Very powerful
• Extremely reasonable pricing
• Sufficient content size
• Glow-in-the-dark safety

Cons

• Large canister

Verdict

Even if you’ll never have to use it (hopefully), it is always best to be prepared. Carrying this spray will give you peace of mind and a sense of security knowing that if you do ever need it, it will deter just about any large mammal from attacking. This is a very potent and strong spray. Use with caution and careful aim.

#2

UDAP 18HP Super Magnum Bear Spray (13.4 Ounces)

UDAP is a well trusted and respected brand when it comes to bear spray.

Features

• Constructed with long-distance range of 35 feet
• Industrial strength bear spray with 2% CRC perfect for bears or mountain lions
• Large container of 13.4 ounces of spray
• Provides 7 seconds of spray length
• Packaged with a basic holster
• Includes 32 page UDAP bear safety tips booklet

This bear repellent is made with the maximum, 2% CRC composition that is legally allowed for max-strength. This is the largest canister on this list with 13.4 ounces, just under a pound of spray. The UDAP Super Mangum Bear Spray shoots in a concentrated dense fog as opposed to just a fog of spray. As a result, it has the ability to not only go further in distance, but it deploys in a way to cover broader areas quicker, where seconds are precious between life and death.

Ultimately, this spray is a great extra-line of defense to protect you in the outdoors. It simply does what it is supposed to do: deter bears, and vicious wild animals. It is so strong that it will even work on wild hostile dogs if you want to carry it with you while hiking or taking walks. This spray comes with a holster for convenient access.

Verdict

With only a second’s notice, I would trust this bear spray more than a firearm as it would be much quicker to grab, shot and spray, without any worry of being pin-point precise. This spray goes not only everywhere, but extended range as well.

The one downside is that it is a large canister. SO, if you only want a small bottle to equip yourself with, alternative options are available.

Pros

• Reaches 35 feet for long-distance spray range
• Constructed with 2% CRC
• Includes a very nice bear safety booklet
• Largest content-size on this list (13.9 ounces)

Cons

• Large bottle

#1

Frontiersman Bear Spray (9.2 oz)

Without a doubt, this Frontiersman Bear Spray (9.2 oz) by Sabre tops our list as one of the best, most effective bear sprays that you can buy. And, considering how effective and strong it is, the price truly is a steal for the type of value and safety it can bring you while on the trails, or while hunting.

Features

• Includes bear spray canister
• Equipped with belt or chest holster depending on your preference
• Tested and guaranteed performance by their in-house lab
• Created with incredible strength
• Reaches 35 feet in distance
• Filled with 9.2 ounces of spray
• Constructed with a glow-in-the-dark safety so it is always visible
• Field-tested by Elmendorf Air Base and Brown Bear Resources
• High emission system releases at 1.84 ounces per second 

If you were to come face-to-face with a bear, self-preservation is a quick thought. To increase your own chance of survival and minimizing chance for any harm, the further distance that you can keep from the bear, the better. What I really like about this model of the Frontiersman Bear Spray is its extended range. It can reach up to 35 feet and shoots in bursts of about 5 seconds. In terms of bear spray, that is some of the longest distance available of any brand.

Even 35 feet might not sound like a lot as a bear is charging at you at 40MPH, but that only helps to put into perspective the strength of this spray. The further away the spray can reach, the quicker it can deter a bear from advancing onwards into your immediate vicinity.

Not only did Frontiersman equip this spray with a great radius, but, it’s incredibly powerful as well. Its ingredients include 2% capsaicinoids, which means that this bear spray is one of the strongest sprays on the market. This is the type of spray that will not only stop almost any type of bear, but serve effectively against other wildlife such as a coyote or mountain lion racing at you.

Now, bear spray is only effective if it’s readily available if you are ever in a sudden situation that you encounter a charging bear. It can easily holster on your belt or chest, depending on your preference so it’s always within arm’s reach.

This is not a product that you want to ever use, but if the time ever arises, you want the best available, and Sabre has built a strong brand for being very reliable.

Pros

• Large radius to reach up to 35 feet away
• Includes 2% capsaicinoids for max strength
• Economically priced
• Factory tested before shipped
• Decent size canister (9.2 ounces)
• Less expensive than buying in-store or at a camp-site.

Cons

• While 9.2 ounces is enough for a few sprays, it may not be enough for you for multiple trips and expeditions. The alternative is a bear spray that has a larger content size (such as 13 ounces).

Verdict

While not the cheapest bear spray on this list, I would say that there is little argument that is isn’t one of the best. If you have ran out of bear spray, or not sure which brand to go with, this would be our editor’s recommendation because of its range, strength, price point and accessibility.

Buyer’s Guide – Bear Spray Could Just Save Your Life

First and foremost. IF you can avoid an encounter with ol’ Smokey the Bear, the better off you will be. Of course, that is not always possible considering how unpredictable wild life and Mother Nature can be. So, if you can’t help that situation from unfolding, then you need to at least respect nature and be prepared for all situations.

Whether that is preparing for bears, mountain lions, elk, coyotes or any other large animal that could potentially be a threat to your own well-being.

What’s You Best Self-Defense Tool in Bear County?

What’s your most effective option? It’s indisputably bear spray. It’s your last line of defense. Bear spray is essentially industrial strength mace, which is a quick self-defense tool when you have a split-second should you startle a bear and want to stop a defensive charge.

Look, we are hunters and can be the first to admit that a rifle is not the only that you need while hunting or hiking in the outdoors. If you miss your shot or aren’t able to react swiftly enough, a rifle is not always the best tool in a bear encounter. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bear spray offers humans the best protection.

Nothing is perfect, but it gives you the best chance for survival as compared to having nothing but a knife or a horn.

What the Experts Say

You’ll often hear experts advise that in bear country, you need to warn bears of your presence. This is not always possible. Sometimes you can’t help but have to be quiet and stealthy if you are hunting game. Warning bears of your presence also alerts every deer near-by of your existence as well, defeating the entire purpose of hunting game.

This creates a dilemma because now you have the opportunity of not only sneaking up on a buck, but also a grizzly.

Obviously, you should try to not plan encounters with bears. In situations when you can make yourself heard, the better. Avoid having scented food on you.

I Wasn’t Always a Believer

I can admit that I was not always a believer of bear spray. But it works. And as experts claim, it is significantly more effective than almost any other tool for fending off bears as self-defense (including a gun). But. Bear spray is by no means expensive, and after hearing horror stories that others have endured, I have decided to always carry bear spray. It surprises me how many would rather find the cheapest cans possible, or forgo spray all together, when it is a nominal price to ‘bear’.

When I first was recommended bear spray, and started diving in, I was surprised to find how effective it is in deterring aggressive bear attacks. When you think of a spray, you might think of bug spray to repel pesky insects, or even pepper spray which causes temporary burning in humans. Bear spray is that but massively amplified.

How Does It Work Exactly?

Bear spray is similar to pepper spray, but stronger. When pressing the clip, the canister sprays atomized capsaicin from the aerosol can. In doing so, it radiates a strong cloud of chemicals (similar to ingredients of spicy peppers), which completely disorients a bear’s senses (ability to smell, breathe, and hear) from pursuing you. Depending on the bear spray that you have, they can reach different distances.

What does it do to a bear?

“Completely disorients a bear’s senses”. What does that mean?

• It cases a bear’s nose, eyes and lungs to experience temporary blindness, while also inhibiting the bear’s ability to breathe easily.
• Similar to the effects that pepper spray has on humans. Disrupts the bear’s path, allowing you to escape and de-escalate the situation.
• This type of spray has the most immediate effect on a bear as it disturbs their visibility. If they can’t see or smell you, they can’t give chase.

I’m a Hunter. Why Can’t I Just Use My Rifle?

The common “gun vs bear spray” argument.

If you have ever seen the movie The Revenant, then you have visually witnessed why a rifle isn’t always effective against a bear, even from an experienced hunter. You have to not only be a ‘good shot’, but able to do so under even the tensest of situations. If a bear is charging at you, and you are wielding your rifle, you would need to not only remain calm, but ensure that each bullet is not wasted or misfired.

Bears can be extremely aggressive, particularly if protecting their cubs. Even if a bear is shot, it doesn’t mean it will stop in its tracks and retreat. If it’s a non-fatal shot, you might only enrage the bear more.

• Unlike with a rifle, bear spray is a self-defense weapon that anyone can use, not just skilled hunters with nerves of steel
• Rifles can injure bears, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the bullet will be fatal. To stop a bear in its tracks, the shot should be fatal. Bear spray completely impairs the bear’s visibility.
• Gun usage results in permanent damage and possibly fatal results for bears. Bear spray is a non-lethal alternative, and also proven to be more effective.
• Lower caliber guns are not guaranteed to fend off a raging bear like bear mace

Ingredients – What’s In It?

Bear spray is very similar pepper spray. However, it differs in its potency and strength. The reason for this difference: bear spray uses capsaicin as one of its primary ingredients. Bear spray is created with a higher concentration of capsaicin based agents. This is important since it magnifies the spray’s effect on a bear’s senses compared to that of a humans’.

What Makes The Best Bear Spray?

There are several important things that you need to look for in bear spray: its ingredients, its range, spray duration, container size, and its expiration date.

• To be effective in the wilderness, bear spray needs to pack a punch. It should have a concentration of about 2% capsaicin.
• Range: About 30 feet. You want to be able to spray with enough distance before the bear is in your immediate vicinity and with-in arms reach. This will allow you more time to escape. The longer the range, the better with something like bear spray. The largest cloud of capsaicin you can create, the larger range you will be able to reach, and the safer you will be.
• Duration: Some aerosol cans have different burst speeds and interval. Ideally, you want one that offers a longer continuous spray – such as five – seven seconds.
• Container Size: You want at least 7.9 ounces (225 gram) to ensure that it has enough contents to make an effective spray. This ensures you have enough with-in the canister to be effective, and not just become a slight nuisance to the attacking bear. You also need to have enough in case of a second charge.
• Back-up: In case one doesn’t work, or runs out, it can be life-saving to have two, or have multiple people in your hiking or hunting group to each have one.
• Expiration: Bear spray will have an expiration date of 3 to 4 years after purchasing. Ensure that your bear spray is not expired, or expiring too soon.

Three Biggest Mistakes People Make with Bear Spray

• (1) Their spray is not easily accessible on their person
• (2) Misfire outside of the bear’s facial region
• (3) Freezing in the moment and waiting too long to spray the bear

How Do You Use Bear Spray?

Having the proper gear is only half the battle. If you don’t know how to properly use your bear spray, it’s the equivalent of not having it.

The first thing that you will want to do is familiarize yourself with how to use the bear spray. Some companies even sell practice bear spray for this reason. You will want to practice removing the safety to make sure you know how to properly wield it.

If you do come face-to-face with a bear, you want to spray it when the bear is about 25 – 30 feet away or closer. The wider distance, the better. The spray can take a few seconds to take effect and register in the bear’s respiratory system.

Be mindful of any wind, and adjust as needed. If it is a heavily windy day and being blown away, aim at the bear’s head and nose so it makes a more immediate impact. Some will recommend aiming low just so that you don’t spray over the bear’s head.

When spraying, the goal is to create a wall around you to deter the bear from attacking. To do so, you may need to spray for at least 5 or 6 seconds to create a large enough cloud. If there are multiple bears, you will need more spray.

The one thing to keep in mind. Try to be conscious of how much you are using. If you need more in case there is a second charge, you don’t want to empty your only can. After spraying, leave the area as quickly as possible, and be alert for second charges.

Factor in Accessibility

Bear spray is only going to be useful for you IF it is accessible to you in the heat of the moment. If it is off of your person and sitting in your bag when a bear suddenly approaches, you shave off critical seconds that you have to react.

It is recommended to have your bear mace attached to your backpack strap or even holstered on your belt or chest. Something as small as clipping your bear spray to you can be life-saving.

Until you are in the moment, it is hard to understand the stakes and tenseness of the situation. Not only having bear spray, but having it readily near-by and within arm’s reach could save your life.

Price

Bear spray isn’t cheap, but at the same time, it’s also not expensive. My recommendation is to find a spray that is about 9 – 13 ounces, and to even arm yourself with two.

Of all the type of hiking and hunting gear that is out there, few are as essential as bear spray. While most are nice-to-have, and add to convenience, this is a ‘bear’ essential.

Is your life worth 40 or 50 dollars? I personally wouldn’t venture into bear country without it. Especially not in 2020.

Other Resources:

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-machetes/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-throwing-knives/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-bowie-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-skinning-knife/

The post Top 5 Best Bear Spray 2020 Reviews – Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

Cold Steel Trail Master Review

Now this … THIS is a knife my friends (cue Crocodile Dundee). Had Jim Bowie seen this hulk of a knife, Cold Steel would have surely made him proud.

For generations knives have been necessary for clearing brush, hunting, fishing, and all around survival. It’s nothing new. All that has changed is newer and more sophisticated technology. The function of a knife still serves for many of the same purposes.

What You Get Out of The Box:

• Razor sharp 9.5 inch blade
• Constructed with O-1 OR San Mai III high carbon steel and full tang
• Ergonomic and grippy kray-ex handle
• Weighing 16.7 ounces – although feels lighter than you would think
• Equipped with a Secure-Ex sheath

So, the question that I will look to answer in this review today is quite simple: does the Cold Steel Trail Master live up to its self-appointed name?

Overview Impressions and Thoughts

The Cold Steel Trail Master is not a new knife or design by any means. The Trail Master has been around since the late 80’s, serving as one of Cold Steel’s flagship and primary knives in their arsenal, quite similar to Buck’s flagship 110. Since its inception, it actually still has many of the same features and characteristics of its first generation, although some updated modifications such as its new steel (0-1).

So, diving in and talking turkey, this is one BIG fixed-blade bowie. Big as in, out of the box you can’t help but marvel at this intimidatingly big 9.5 inch blade reflecting back at you. First impressions give off a pretty and shiny image, but it’s far from just being a display knife. The Trail Master after rigorous testing and certainly unanimous agreement amongst all those who have used this bowie knife, can hold up and endure just about any type of environment and or situation.

What makes this a wicked bowie? Well, what impressed me early on is that it not only has a monstrous blade, but both the blade and tip are razor sharp as well. It has incredible sharpness and strength rounding it out as a very compact bowie.

For some, bowie knives don’t have a true niche or function, and rather operate as a utility knife. The Trail Master has a different purpose, or function if you will, than a machete, hatchet or an axe. As I will detail in this Trail Master review, it is super multi-functional where it can be your work-horse as a survivalist knife in the outdoors, but still operate as a camping or hunting knife as well … far from a one trick pony.

What Stood Out To You?

Weighing at 16.7 ounces, I would have thought it would have been heavier. However, there’s a pretty general agreement that the Trail Master is not as heavy as the weight would suggest. Weighing about a pound, it still feels really comfortable, and solid in hand, particularly when chopping and brush clearing. As opposed to the weight detracting from the effectiveness of the Trail Master, it actually helps with performance. For instance, it chops well because it is blade heavy (weight is heavier towards the blade).

“Chops well”. That’s definitely one of the strengths of the Cold Steel Trailmaster. As an outdoor survival knife, it has serious chopping power and driving force sinking right in to almost any target you need it to. With sharp downward strokes with the full flat grind, it chops through logs almost like an ax. I’m not sure how much abuse Cold Steel designed it to withstand, but there’s no question that it takes a good punishment.

The weight and strength of the Trail Master allow it to function as a camp knife, trim hedges, bowie knife, bushcraft, overall any type of outdoor work.

Most Importantly: The Blade

First and foremost, to me, the most important part of a knife is the blade. If it can’t perform, then I don’t care how pretty or sparkly it is. The handle can be made out of stag, but if I’m not buying it to sit on display, then it better be functional! And, the blade largely determines that.

A bowie knife is all about functionality, which means that the blade can either make or break it. The Trail Master has quite a blade attached to it. As I mentioned earlier, with a 9.5 inch blade, this thing is intimidating in size. Not just long though. It has a thickness of 5/16”. In other words, that is one thick blade!

The clip point blade is razor sharp, and the thickness of the blade helps to protect it against bending or breaking while in use. I’ve never heard of any positive stories that started with someone stranded with a broken bowie knife in a survival situation.

The Trail Master is certainly blade heavy, which suits it well for chopping and slashing with its rolled edge. The Trail Master’s swedge is a false edge, which actually is a bit sharper than maybe it was designed to be, has a thick full flat grind, and a thick, strong blade.  

The 9.5 inch blade gives you freedom for a lot of different tasks. For instance, the length gives you the ability to baton carefully through the center of a log. It has a razor edge, which is easy to resharpen, and tears right through thick rope, bone, brush, and logs. In a pinch, I don’t see why this bowie can’t serve as a tactical or combat knife. It’s incredibly sharp, and a sharp tip for stabbing.

If you are going to use the Cold Steel Trail Master to baton, you want to be careful. While it certainly can hold up to the task, Cold Steel does not publicly admit it can do that (because of the abuse it can endure). The false edge on the Trail Master is ‘almost’ sharp, which can affect your batoning. I also like the way Cold Steel designed the belly of the bowie since it has a natural slicing and slashing.

Overall the blade is no slouch. It holds an excellent edge, is razor sharp, and for real survival and self-defense situations, you’re in good hands. Building shelter, chopping, splitting logs, the blade just holds up well to being an overall wilderness survival knife.

The Steel!

For those of you steel connoisseurs, the Cold Steel Trail Master has O-1 high carbon steel. This is actually a change from the previous models, which were constructed with SK-5 steel. On the more expensive option, you can also opt for the Trail Master with San Mai III steel (and that is NO joke – more for serious users and collectors).

O-1 is a hard and high-quality steel. It gives the Trail Master its thickness, and toughness. O-1 is a thick steel, although not overly bulky or heavy. However, such a thick and powerful steel has some down sides as well.

You will NEED to maintain the Trail Master blade, or it will rust and get splotchy. Unlike stainless steel, O-1 can and will rust if exposed to humid or wet conditions. It needs to be kept dry and taken care of. To protect the integrity of the blade, you simply need to oil it for long term storage. Oiling it after use will help to preserve the Trail Master for years. And honestly, for the price and quality of this knife, there is no reason not to take exceptional care for it.

Tell Me about The Handle

In my opinion, you’ll either love it, or hate it. The Cold Steel Trail Master has a 5” long Kray-Ex checkered handle. The kraton handle is a squishy, grippy polymer … a sturdy grip even if it feels a bit tacky. Overall, it has relatively good traction on the handle.

Compared to other bowie knives on the market, I wouldn’t say that the Trail Master has a conventional handle design. Based off of the texture, design and materials used, Cold Steel specifically intended for it to not slip out while in use. The issue is that it can have hot spots and burn after prolonged use (if you’re doing extremely intensive work such as batoning). If anything, the Trail Master, and the handle, feels like it is designed more for quick chops as a cutting tool and combat, than batoning. And to that note, batoning logs is more abusive than the purpose that most knives are manufactured, and marketed to be able to do.

The handle has a nice old school double hand guard to help keep your fingers safe, and from sliding on to the blade. It is a brass guard, so you will want to be careful not to scratch it. If you want alternative hand placements, you can choke up over the guard to use it as a choil for whittling sticks and feathering. There is no jimping on the spine, so you will have to use the handle, or the make-shift choil.

Honestly, it’s a pretty good handle. It’s a good length for most average size hands (I have larger hands), and has a really good solid feel in hand. One suggestion would be using the lanyard holes to make sure that it doesn’t fly off for extra insurance. It sits firm in your grasp, but for serious chopping it’s a nice extra precaution. But, even in bloody and muddy conditions, it does a great job maintaining a strong grip.

Trail Master Full Tang Construction

The Trail Master is in fact full tang, but is covered with the rubber handle. This means that the steel extends all the way down from the tip to the bottom of the handle, which is important because it gives it extra strength to take abuse and protect itself from breaking in half when you’re using it on harder surfaces or tasks. Important in a survivalist, outdoor bowie knife because what good can it serve for you if it is in 2 pieces? I would highly recommend looking for a bowie knife that has full tang.

The Sheath Quality

If there’s one complaint that most people have with this monster, this is it. The sheath quality.

The Trail Master comes with a Secure-Ex sheath which features plenty of slits for lashing points, and removable nylon attachments and Velcro so that it can sit on your belt. It has button snap closure and retention around the guard which is SUPPOSED to help keep it in place. The plastic has slots for drainage to help prevent water absorbing and rusting the steel.

The build and feel of the sheath feel good upon first impression. The issue, and something quite a few people can attest to, is unfortunately the strap does a mediocre job at holding the Trail Master in place, allowing for a lot of wiggle room. So, the biggest complaint that I have is with its ability to hold this beast in place.

It’s not all bad. The sheath is easily adjustable for your height on your belt loop and deploys the Trail Master out of the sheath (deploys easily is the benefit to it sitting so loosely). Sits pretty comfortably on your side when going backpacking and hiking (and you can also use the slits for para cord to tie it to your backpack).

Overall, if there’s a weak point about the Trail Master that brings it back to planet Earth, it’s definitely the sheath.

The Price

The Cold Steel Trail Master is definitely not the cheapest bowie knife on the market. I’ve always wanted one, but when you start to cross the $100 mark, you want to make sure that a knife really warrants it (custom quality). And you start to really consider … do I need it? Will it have a purpose in my collection?

After reviewing all parts of the Trail Master, my personal opinion is that it is priced pretty reasonable for what it is. Of course, there are some things that I wish Cold Steel would improve upon, such as the quality of the sheath, and ways to reduce hot spots on the handle. However, taking a step back and looking at the Trail Master, I have to admit … it’s a pretty dang good knife.

Cold Steel has obviously put a lot of time, care and love into the Trail Master, and it shows. It’s a multi-functional tool that means business. No, it is not a $50 knife, but if you’re serious about bushcraft, hiking or outdoor survival, it’s always important to have a knife that you can depend on if you were ever in dire need. This is the type of knife that you can take with you and know that it could handle its own.

 As opposed to something like a hunting knife that has a dedicated purpose, this isn’t one of many that you would need, but often, the only knife you would need with you as a trusty companion … as you master the trail.

Looking at the price tag, I realize it’s also important to factor in the quality of the materials and steel that construct the Trail Master, and for that, I think at its current price at the time of this review, it is a very good buy. Not cheap, not incredibly expensive, somewhere right in the middle.

All Right Great! So, What Is The Verdict?

I think I largely summed up my feelings above in the Price section.

The Cold Steel Trail Master is a very strong, and thick bowie knife for the money. I found it to be a super knife for outdoor work, bushcraft and hiking. With a razor sharp blade, and tough steel, it is the type of knife that can do many things well. This makes it valuable so that you will not necessarily need to bring 10 other knives when going to the woods. Although, let’s face it, we can’t help it. It’s a fun knife for sure, and if you’re looking for a serious bowie, you won’t be disappointed with the Trail Master.

Cold Steel’s iconic Trail Master still holds its own, even with so many new knives and manufacturers flooding the market. I must give credit where credit is due, and so I would be amiss to not recommend this monster. The Trail Master lives up to its lofty name, and I would say is certainly a master of the trail.

I hope that my Trail Master review has helped to provide clarity by looking at all aspects of this knife! I’d love to know your thoughts as well, if you agree, or disagree!

Editor’s Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

What’s Great:

• Good quality and reasonable value for its current price
• Excellent tool for most outdoor situations. Perfect as a survivalist knife, or for camping and hiking
• Razor sharp thick blade can penetrate and cleave through most objects that you throw in its way. Almost as powerful as a machete without all of the bulk.
• Classic bowie design
• Extremely durable steel and strong blade

What Could Be Improved:

• A bowie knife of this quality would be better served paired with a higher-end sheath.
• The sheath while ‘OK’ leaves a lot to be desired by allowing the Trail Master wiggle room to rattle around.

If You Enjoyed This Review, You Might Enjoy These Too:

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-throwing-knives/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-field-dressing-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-skinning-knife/

The post Cold Steel Trail Master Review: Is It Truly a Master of the Trail? appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

Buck Knives 119 Review

What Do You Get?

• A razor sharp 6” clip blade
• Weighs a solid 7.5 oz
• Excellent length: 10.5”
• Constructed with 420HC steel and full tang
• Strong, compact fixed blade knife
• Designed with a beautiful Cocobolo Dymondwood handle OR black phenolic handle
• Comfortable brass pommel and guard which features a 75^th Anniversary Medallion
• Paired with a genuine leather sheath
• Made in the USA

Overview

Well, it’s only fair to get this out of the way first. I have to start by acknowledging that I am a pretty big Buck fan, and it’s not just for any old reason. Buck has earned my respect and trust in their brand from their constant top-notch craftsmanship and quality, especially for the prices that they charge. My first ever knife was a Buck 110, so when I had the opportunity to grab a Buck 119, I knew it was time to try out an iconic flagship of Buck. This is my Buck 119 review after all of these years!

Unboxing the Buck 119

After you unbox this monster, it almost looks too good to use as you lose yourself in its blinding reflection. Out of the box, the Buck 119 is 10.5” in length, has a razor sharp 6” clip blade, and weighs a solid 7.5 ounces.

And, let me call this thing what it is. It’s a large, traditional American-style hunting knife. AKA the classic, old-school look and feel which SCREAMS Americana.

The Buck 119 is constructed with 420HC Steel, and while it’s not exposed, it is in fact full tang. You’ll notice one of two handles: either the classic black phenolic handle, or my personal preference, the Cocobolo Dymondwood handle. And of course, it comes with a genuine leather sheath.

Honestly, What Do You Think?

Honestly? Well, I’m impressed. You don’t have to be a knife critic to be able to appreciate the amount of time and detail that undoubtedly went into crafting this knife (dating back over 40 years ago). You’ll also be hard pressed to find anyone who has something negative to say about this knife, for good reason. In review is the Buck 119 for Buck’s 75^th Anniversary. And, if Buck says that this is one of their best-selling knives, who am I to disagree with that? It certainly has the legacy to back that statement up.

This is an impeccable, timeless masterpiece by Buck that isn’t just lip service … but you can tell that it’s super multi-functional for anything from skinning, field dressing, filleting fish, light camp work, fishing, trapping, hiking, quartering to I would even say carving. I would leave batoning and bushcraft off of that list because while it’s an incredibly well-rounded and versatile knife for hunting and skinning, it would not be my go-to for bushcraft or survivalist knife. It is not designed to baton, or chop wood in half, or other super intensive tasks. For that, you want something like a bowie knife, a machete, an axe or a saw. This is a general purpose hunting knife that can get you out of a jam, but it will exceed all of your expectations for hunting and field dressing.

In this review, I will be focusing on the Buck 119 with the Dymondwood handle. It is a personal preference, but I have found it to be the better balanced knife between the two, and in terms of design and aesthetics, I think it is hands down the superior choice. For that reason, that is the model that I am focusing on, but everything else about the knives are identical except for the handles.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Tell Me About the Steel

The Buck 119 is constructed with Buck’s standard 420HC steel. And while it’s their “standard”, it’s better than the industry standard. Buck heat treats their 420HC steel so that it is corrosion resistant and has a strong edge retention. With a RC 58 hardness, it means that the steel is tough, but not overly hard that it cannot be easily sharpened. For less experienced knife users who may not be sharpening masters, 420HC steel is a good fit.

On the Buck 119, they certainly do not skimp on the steel by creating this knife with a nice thick slab … a thickness of about 3/16”, plenty thick for a skinning and hunting knife. This thick sturdy steel extends all the way down into the pommel, in other words the Buck 119 is full tang without being exposed. The wood handle covers the steel, even though it runs through it.

Depending on your needs, not having full tang can be a deal breaker, so it’s generally one of the first things that I look for. Particularly in a strong hunting knife, you want it to be full tang. That’s great to see in the Buck 119.

What About the Blade?

Arguably most importantly of any feature of a knife is the blade. The design and handle are both important, but if a knife can’t hold its own with a crappy blade, then it is not worth my money.

Buck 119, straight out of the box, comes with a razor sharp clip point blade and a great cutting edge. The Buck 119 can cut clean through any hide, skin, fur, and meat on any deer or elk like a hot knife through butter. One of the reasons that I have become such a big Buck fan is that they never disappoint with a dull or shoddy blade – making this the real deal for hunting and skinning.

If you’re a hunter, or looking for a knife that can help you with field dressing, one of the best things about the Buck 119 is that it will make your life easier. As opposed to using a dull knife that could not only destroy the meat you are trying to preserve while field dressing, but also cut you, the Buck 119 is a long and sharp knife offering extreme maneuverability.

The Buck 119 has a hollow ground blade that looks as good as it performs. It has a nice stabbing clip point tip, which I find great for puncturing and stabbing wood or game. This type of knife is not designed for chopping log after log, but it is designed to be lean to do detail work. I’m also impressed by its thick sharp blade which helps it to slice through most things unquestioned. I found it strong enough to tear through a rib cage. Why? Its thick spine and full tang really give it that extra strength, yet still preserves the nimbleness required for delicate cuts and skin removal and gutting.

I really like the swedge on the tip of the blade of the Buck 119 and small grooves in its mid-section because it helps with penetration, and the sweeping belly allow for easier skinning and slicing. All of this combined allows for one tough blade. And, it will take you a lot of work, and abuse before dulling it.

One down side? Some complain about the choil and lack of jimping on the 119. To me, it’s far from a deal breaker as it does so much else right.

Design: A Thing of Beauty

Out of the box, this is my favorite thing about the Buck 119. The design has changed very minimally over the past 40 years since it was first incepted, and it still sticks true to the design that helped build Buck into the house hold name it is today.

In my opinion, the Buck 119 has a beautiful design and overall aesthetics: with its excellent fit and finish on the knife. The wood handle accentuates the elegance of the knife. Heck, it has the look of a knife that you just want to hang on your wall and keep on display. From a design perspective, it’s crafted as well as custom handmade knives 3 times its price.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

How About the Handle?

The Buck 119 is constructed with a beautiful Cocobolo Dymondwood handle (that looks more like a dark walnut type of wood) with brass pommel and guard. For 7.5 ounces, it feels awfully light weight and nimble in the hand. To me it fits like a glove.

7.5 ounces is not normally light for a knife. While it doesn’t feel heavy, I would say it feels more compact in weight … a feeling of strength and sturdiness. It’s excellent execution by Buck to identify a weight-balance distribution that is a pure joy to hold.

Overall, it’s a beautiful handle. It looks great. And is practical as well with wonderful ergonomics and grip. When wet, it maintains a decent grip, which is important for any hunting or skinning knife when you’re operating in muddy, bloody or wet conditions.

Don’t Hold Back Now, What About the Sheath?

If you’ve read my other knife reviews, you may have noticed that I’m hard to please with sheaths. When companies include nylon sheaths, I generally am not a fan. For a sheath knife, I like kydex and leather sheaths.

Buck deserves credit. The Buck 119 is now paired with a quality leather sheath. Not only does it look beautiful holstering this gem, but it is practical as well. It’s not over-the-top fancy or designed with crazy emblems, it just has a simple look and feel to it that gives off the vibe its ready for business.

One of the biggest mistakes I see with sheaths is with their safety. Plenty of times a sheath will allow a sharp knife to pierce through. Buck helps to prevent that common issue by including a thin plastic insert, which is a key difference.

Overall, this leather sheath does its job, and does it well retaining the Buck 119 nicely in place. It quickly deploys, and when not in use, sits nice and tight on the belt loop without wiggling while resting on your side. All in all, a durable, yet impressive sheath.

Buck Brand

One of my favorite things about the Buck brand is their commitment to standing behind their knives. Buck has a Forever Warranty which means that the Buck 119 has a lifetime warranty, which is nice to know how committed Buck is, especially when that type of service seems to be fleeting, but I digress. 

Also another great thing to note is that it is Made in the USA.

Verdict of the Buck 119

There’s a reason why the Buck 119 has been such a popular knife over the years – it’s a tremendous hunting and outdoorsmans knife. And, in typical Buck fashion, has phenomenal craftsmanship and quality.

Similar to the Buck 110, this is a true Buck classic, and the type of knife that you can pass down with your own legacy to your kids. The great thing about the Buck 119 is it isn’t just a beautiful knife, but a collector’s knife with decades of history. I’d say it is the perfect, luxurious working man’s hunting knife. Anyone would have a hard time trying to find American quality knives at this price point.

The length of time this knife has been around shows me the type of durability it offers. The clip blade makes it an ideal knife for hunting and skinning with great maneuverability for splitting hide, and even bone. It’s a sturdy knife that can make incisions and slices while skinning deer, and then serve you on a camp site. Maybe not my first choice, but it is certainly a wonderful tool that I will keep in my bag in the future while hunting or in a camp situation.

All of that to say this. This is one damn classy Americana knife. I have seen plenty of knives that cost many times more than this and don’t hold up as well, or look as good. HOWEVER, this isn’t a hunting knife with super modern sophistication or technology. There’s no super advanced materials or steel on the Buck 119. It’s simple an old-school, rugged hunting knife that your father, or even grandfather used. Even without cutting edge technology, it holds its own against modern knives in sheer ruggedness, durability and performance. Hopefully my Buck 119 review has shown you both the good and the bad!

 Editor’s Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

What We Love:

1. Excellent craftsmanship and design
2. Beautiful fit and finish on the blade. Gorgeous knife
3. Balance to weight distribution gives it a very comfortable yet substantial grip in your hand
4. Excellent value for the money as it’s a very versatile knife.
5. Bang for your buck

What Could Be Improved:

1. Rivets on the leather belt loop can cause the knife to get caught up if you draw it out too quick

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What type of sheath does this knife come with?

Answer: There’s confusion over this because it has been changed several times. The Buck 119 now comes paired with a leather sheath.

Question: Is this a heavy knife?

Answer: At 7.5 ounces, it is compact, but not heavy by any means. It is plenty nimble for field dressing and hunting.

Question: What type of work is this knife best served to do?

Answer: Anything for hunting, skinning, field dressing and even for camping and hiking. I would go easy on hard-core bushcraft and batoning.

The post Buck Knives 119 Review: Is This Buck’s Best Hunting Knife? appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

In a rush? Check out our picks for the top 5 Best Machetes below OR click here to see our top choice!

Rank on List	Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
#5		Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri	$$
#4		Condor Tools & Knives 60217 Kukri Knife	$$
#3		Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife	$$
#2		Condor Tool & Knife Engineer Bolo Machete	$$
#1 **EDITOR'S CHOICE**		Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete	$$

Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete

What You Get:

• Constructed with full tang for extra strength
• Ergonomic design
• Built with high carbon steel
• Long blade length: 19.5 inches
• Designed to be compact at 19.4 ounces
• Includes nylon sheath

Love the outdoors? The Bear Grylls Parang Machete is a quality choice, and worthy of mention on this list. Designed with a unique, angled blade, the purpose for this machete is clear … “clearing” brush. This model is known as the Parang style, which is a modern version of traditional tribesmen’s machetes.

One of the best things going for the Parang Machete is its sharp, and unique looking blade. Once it starts to dull, the steel is easy to resharpen. However, the edge holds for quite a bit of time when used within reason – which is nice to not have to constantly do touch-ups.

The blade is 1/8 inch thick. Depending on your needs, and why you are purchasing a machete, it may or may not be thick enough for you. For more serious work, it’s relatively thin. It will work great for clearing brush, but batoning may result in a broken machete.

The Parang Machete is a long one. 19.5 inches in length, and a 13.5 inch blade, this is a bit of a monster. With the sheath, its about 25.4 ounces and without the sheath, its 19.4 ounces, which means that it is pretty lightweight for its size.

Who is the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete for? Well … I would not recommend this machete for tactical use or self-defense. It’s more for survival or clearing brush strictly. As mentioned earlier, the blade is sharp and cuts clean through thin objects, so it will be more ideal for weed removal, chopping through bamboo stalks, vines, branches, and saplings, shrubs, clearing through the jungle or woods. It’s a highly useable and practical machete, as long as its used within its designed functions.

Incredibly important for any machete is the ergonomics of the handle. A machete that flies out of your hand is a huge liability to your safety, and anyone around you. The Parang Machete has a non-slip, rubber texture which allows for a strong grasp. The handle has a good length to it where you won’t feel the need to choke up, or double-fist. Many agree that the handle also comfortably absorbs shocks when striking thicker objects.

Attached to the handle is a lanyard cord which helps for maintaining a strong and secure grip, all without worrying about the machete flying off. The handle is also designed in a way that your fingers will never be near the cutting edge.

For its size, the Parang Machete has excellent weight and size distribution. A 19.5 inch machete with a centered feel and balance is not all too common. The Parang includes a decent, durable nylon sheath, but its long-term durability is remain to be seen.

Verdict

Overall, the Parang Machete is a very reasonable price for what you get. There’s no doubt that you’ll get your money’s worth with this machete.

The Good:

• Excellent weight and size distribution
• Sharp and easy to resharpen blade
• Lightweight
• Reasonable price
• Ergonomic handle and grip

The Not So Good:

• Not a super thick blade, so it should not be used for batoning
• Nylon sheath is thin, so you need to be careful that the blade does not pierce through

Gerber Gator Machete

What You Get:

• Built with high carbon steel
• Designed with both a full performance saw and a fine-edge blade
• Constructed with a Gator Grip handle for strong gripping
• Includes a black nylon sheath

On a budget? Then the Gerber Gator Machete is hands-down one of your best available options. For good reason, it is one of the top selling machetes online in many stores and marketplaces.

The Gerber Gator has a very interesting design, with two sides to it. One side is a 15-inch fine edge blade, while the other is an 18-inch serrated saw blade. The Gator is constructed out of high-carbon stainless steel, features a rubberized Gator Grip, and includes a nylon sheath.

This is a big machete. Big as in 25.7 inches in total length, while lightweight at only 18 ounces. The Gator is an ideal machete for clearing tall grass, branches, lanes and trails. It’s fastened with a sharp blade designed to tear through branches, grass, saplings, and shrubs for trail work. Out of the box, it is pretty sharp with one heck-of-a-long blade.

The Gerber Gator’s long handle offers its advantages, such as the ability to have more range of motion for hacking different objects and branches. This steel of terror can cut through most things, but I would recommend being smart about how you use it. This is not a $100, or even $50 machete, and at the end of the day, it shows. If you’re preparing for a zombie apocalypse, then you’re going to want to opt for a tougher machete – this is not a tactical machete!

The Gerber Gator is certainly a very cool looking machete that can be put on “show”. However, I would not recommend this as your primary machete for serious work, but rather as a spare”. The issue is that it is not full tang and is made of 2 parts. Since it’s not one full piece, if you hit something too hard, it can snap in half. The other problem. It is made of soft steel, so it is only going to be useful for clearing softer vines and branches than hard surfaces.

Even with that being said, the price is so low that it can be a fun back-up. I view it as a cheap enough back-up option that you can leave as a display machete. Included in the box is a nylon sheath to holster the machete, which has a sturdy belt loop to it and can attach to your backpack.

Verdict

Overall for the money, it is a great value for the size and decent quality of the machete! Perfect for all weekend warriors!

The Good:

• Top seller online in many stores, including Amazon
• Priced very reasonably
• Very popular machete because of the value you get for its price and decent quality

The Not So Good:

• Some complain that the Gator Machete has soft steel, and if it strikes an object too hard, it may break or bend
• Not full tang, so it has less strength

SOG SOGfari Kukri Machete MC11-N

What You Get:

• Designed with ergonomic Kraton handles
• 18-inch machete, with a 12-inch blade and saw back, weight of 15 ounces
• Packaged with a synthetic nylon sheath
• Constructed with 3Cr13 high carbon steel

There are a lot of mixed feelings and reviews around the SOG SOGfari Kukri Machete. The SOGfari Kukri Machete is a big, intimidating machete. The SOGfari is 18 inches in total length, and weighs about 15 ounces – making it a large machete. After using it, though, you may find that it has more bark than bite.

The SOGfari has a 12-inch blade, saw back, and spiked tang on the end of the knife for scraping. A foot long blade is large, but in this model, it features a thin blade. Why is that a problem? Well, a thinner machete is not going to hold up well to prolonged heavy duty chopping. For lighter work, it will do the job efficiently.

The resilient tanto blade comes sharp, and is relatively easy to resharpen. I’d recommend this machete more for outdoor warriors, occasional hikers and campers as opposed to hardcore hunters, or those survivalists looking to take it out to the jungle.

SOG has built the SOGfari with 3Cr13 high carbon steel, which is far from the best steel on the market, albeit it is still serviceable. The black finish is a nice layer on the blade.

The SOGfari has a functional (read: not exceptional) saw on its back, which could help if you are in a pinch in the wilderness. The straight edge can cut cleanly through tree limbs and brush, but again, I’d recommend being realistic with yourself for why you’re buying this machete.

The SOGfari machete has comfortable Kraton rubberized handles and a lanyard hole for an extra layer of security when in use. Included in the box is a nicely stitched sheath, which very efficiently does its designed job of holding the machete in place. Actually, it’s one of the better sheaths on this list.

Verdict

Overall, while not a super expensive machete, it’s a good value buy. If you’re looking to test out a new machete, or to have a spare, this is a worthy option.

The Good:

• Very inexpensive
• Nicely stitched sheath
• Lightweight machete
• Sharp blade

The Not So Good:

• Some complain that it is easy to bend the blade because of soft steel

Schrade SCHKM1

What You Get:

• Equipped with T-Grip handles
• 7 overall inches in length, weighing 1.44 pounds
• Constructed with 3Cr13 stainless steel
• Includes storage pouch and shoulder belt sheath
• Extra accessories are included: fire starter and stone sharpener

The Schrade SCHKM1 is a top contender for the title of best budget machete. The SCHKM1 is not the best machete that you’ll ever use, but it’s a darn good one. Why? Well, it’s incredibly sturdy, well-designed, well-built, and awfully versatile.

The SCHKM1 is a great machete for both practical use, as well as those of you who are collectors. It’s a machete that can serve you well for hiking, camping, bushcraft and most type of backwoods work.

The Schrade SCHKM1 is a big machete, measuring at 19.7 inches and 1.44 pounds. It is constructed with 3Cr13 stainless steel and equipped with T-Grip handles. While you may not have heard of 3Cr13 stainless steel before, it’s a common steel on machetes. Unfortunately, it’s a softer steel, which means that it can bend and dent, but it’s often used on survival knives because of its ease of sharpening and overall durability. 3Cr13 can endure pretty high impact.

The blade on this machete is what makes it such a good value. Its curved belly allows for leverage when chopping and swinging. The blade is sharp enough that it slices right through wood logs, and the full tang construction gives the machete support for batoning. Ideally, you’ll mostly use this knife for light to medium work, using it for tasks like clearing vegetation, vines, saplings and wood. It’s not a super thick knife, but a tough-enough blade to handle abuse.

Schrade built the SCHKM1 with their T-Grips, which are incredibly ergonomic and comfortable. Arguably, the handle on the SCHKM1 is one of the most comfortable handles on any machete.

The SCHKM1 includes a double stitched nylon. A bit of a flimsy sheath, but will serve you as a holdover sheath until you are ready for a better one. The additional accessories make this from a good buy to great value, considering that it’s in the same price range as many others on this list. The accessories included are: fire starter with strike and diamond stone sharpener. For the money, that makes it a phenomenal value for its price class.

Verdict

Overall, I would rate the SCHKM1 as an excellent budget buy, and the perfect starter machete if you’re looking to get into bushcraft and backwoods.

The Good:

• Strong chopping power
• Excellent value for the money. Includes: quality machete, sheath, fire starter and sharpener
• Comfortable T-Grip handles
• Full tang gives it strength to baton through wood

The Not So Good:

• 3Cr13 stainless steel, which is a softer steel
• Nylon sheath is more of a holdover sheath until you are ready to replace it

Ontario 8335 SP8 Machete

What You Get:

• Constructed from 1095 Carbon Steel and full tang
• Designed with Saw-back blade
• Blade length of 10 inches and weight of 22.8 ounces
• Includes cordura and leather sheath

Looks are deceiving for the Ontario 8335 SP8 Machete. The SP8 may only be a 10-inch blade, but this is one of the heaviest duty machetes on this entire list.

The 10-inches of steel on the SP8 was designed to process wood in its sleep. That is its primary role, and it delivers on it big time. An incredibly versatile camping and bushcraft knife, the SP8 tears through saplings, brush and branches. It is the SP8’s honor to serve as a general camping knife for prepping firewood, clearing trails, and clearing hanging branches. It splits and chops logs in one swift swing, you’ll think you have a hatchet or ax it chops so smooth.

Many people who use the SP8 fall in love with it, and swear that its indestructible, a far cry from some of the more inexpensive ones in the marketplace that are not full tang. It’s so powerful because it has about a .25 inch thickness, contributing to its heft.

For a machete, this knife definitely has “heft”. Weighing about 2 pounds, it is one of the heavier machetes on this list (even though it’s shorter in length), so the alternative is going to a lighter one pound machete if you want something light.

The SP8 comes with a cordura leather sheath. While just “OK”, as opposed to a nylon sheath, the included sheath contorts with your motion while walking around, which makes it very portable and mobile. Most machetes are going to be too monstrous to easily carry around, but the SP8 is very practical for hiking, camping and hunting – and can fit within a backpack or bug out bag.

The SP8 really is inexpensive for the money, particularly for the amount of abuse that it can take. It’s also hard to match its quality at this price range considering that it is also Made in the USA. Overall, an excellent outdoorsmen tool that you’ll want 2 of … an extra one “just in case”.

The Good:

• Heavy-duty machete
• Sharp blade and edge
• Easy to transport
• Excellent value for the money
• Made in the USA

The Not So Good:

• Sheath
• Limited use for saw back

Kershaw Machete

What You Get:

• Constructed with 65Mn steel and full tang
• Includes a plastic sheath
• Equipped with rubberized handles
• Huge machete: 24 inches in length, and 2 lb and 14 oz in weight

The Kershaw Machete isn’t quite like the other machetes on this list. This is a “big-boy” machete. With an 18 inch blade, and 24 inches in total length, it’s a true machete … arguably even a mini-sword. It weighs in at 2 pounds and 14 OZ, and for a machete, that is some nice heft.

Beyond its large frame, it is constructed with 65Mn steel with powdercoat and full tang. The handles are crafted with rubber textured grips, and includes a plastic sheath.

What is the Kershaw machete good for? Heavy duty work. Clearing brush, outdoor survival, building shelter, kindling, processing wood and any other outdoor task. The Kershaw has a certain “oomph” that you can really only understand through experience and wielding it.

I really like the Kershaw blade design, and it pairs well with its razor sharp blade. When the blade starts to wear down, the 65Mn steel is easy to resharpen. Most people complain that a lot of machetes are too thin to handle the work they want. Well, that is not a problem with the Kershaw as its super thick and ideal for chopping. Sure, it adds a lot to the weight and is not going to be as nimble as several other machetes on this list. However, the thickness helps to handle more heavy duty work and adds to its sturdiness.

The handles are rubberized, and doesn’t make your hand feel like it’s either too big or small. The rubber has outstanding grip and traction to help minimize shocks from hard objects.

The Kershaw machete also includes a plastic sheath, and this is the Kershaw’s most polarizing feature. You’ll either love or hate the sheath. It’s a plastic sheath that you need to strap in to place, and if you’re not a fan of plastic, you’ll certainly want to find a better one.

Verdict

Overall, an excellent machete for the price. The Kershaw is durable, tough, and just looks down right intimidating. Zombies beware.

The Good:

• Excellent quality for the low price
• Comfortable handle that balances its heavier size out well

The Not So Good:

• On the heavier side if you only need it as an occasional camping or hiking knife

Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri

What You Get:

• Constructed with 1085 carbon-steel
• Equipped with Kragon G handles
• Includes black leather/cordura sheath
• Blade of the machete: 11.5 inches and weighs 1.7 lbs

If you’ve used a Ka-Bar knife before, you know what to expect. This beast does not disappoint.

The Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri is a large machete, with an 11.5 inch blade, and weighs about 1.7 pounds. It is equipped with Kragon G handles for gripping, and includes a leather/cordura sheath.

This is a field-ready, multi-functional “tool”. Forget the word ‘machete’. With full tang, it can take serious abuse as you’re chopping weeds, clearing a campsite out, clearing brush, trailblazing, skinning, digging, or whatever else you want to throw at the Ka-Bar Kukri. And, you’ll be amazed at just how cleanly it cuts through most things with its razor sharp blade. Heck, it’s almost as effective as an ax to chop through wood.

Yes, this machete is made in Taiwan. However, that doesn’t take away from the exceptional craftsmanship put into this machete. From excellent weight/size balance and distribution, to its construction, Ka-Bar clearly has put a lot of thought into this model.

The Kragon G handles are solid to help prevent wiggle and for shock absorption. The machete is front-heavy, which is a large reason that it is so sturdy and strong.

The one con worth pointing out is that the sheath is nothing more than decent. With such an exceptional machete, you would have hoped that Ka-Bar would have paired it with a better sheath. One side of the sheath is leather, the other is cordura, but it just doesn’t fit the machete. Although, I do like it better than most of the nylon sheaths on this list.

Verdict

For the money, it is still is worth more than the asking price, and will likely outperform any other type of heavy duty chopping tools that you have, including something like a tomahawk or axe. If you abuse it to the point that it were to break, even in that scenario, it’s still relatively inexpensive to replace it, and at that level of abuse, you’d have to smile thinking “I know I shouldn’t do this…but”

You’ll have a hard time trying to find someone, who has used this machete correctly, whose not in love with it!

The Good:

• Excellent craftsmanship
• Sharp and sturdy blade
• Fantastic value for the money

The Not So Good:

• Not many cons for this “tool”. However, the sheath could be of higher-quality to be more fitting for the machete.

Condor Tools & Knives 60217 Kukri Knife

What You Get:

• Constructed with 8mm – 1075 high carbon steel and full tang
• 10-inch blade
• Designed with hardwood handle
• Includes a leather sheath

The Condor 60217 Kukri Knife is one bad ass machete. Constructed with a 10-inch blade, 1075 high carbon steel and full tang, the Kukri is designed for heavy duty work. In typical Condor fashion, the Kukri has an elegant hardwood handle, beautiful fit and finish, and includes a remarkable leather sheath.

This is an incredible, multi-functional tool that chops like an axe or hatchet, and can slice and chop down medium sized-trees. With a monstrously thick blade, it can seamlessly sever off branches, but you need to be careful about your own safety because of the curved blade.

While not overtly heavy at under 2 pounds, it is extremely compact. The thickness of the blade adds to the bulk of the weight, which makes it harder to use for nimble tasks, such as chopping twigs or weeds. It feels more suited for backcountry work.

Out of the box, a common complaint is that the Kukri does not come extremely sharp. This could very well be by design so that until you are experienced with the style of the blade, you won’t hurt yourself. With the 1075 high carbon steel, it can maintain a razor sharp edge and sharpens easily, but you will most likely need to refine the edge when you first get it. It’s an excellent steel, but you will need to oil it after use, or it will rust.

This model also includes a beautiful leather sheath. High-grade materials and craftsmanship make it a nice complementary sheath for an excellent machete. It features retention straps to keep the knife in place and belt loop swivel that make it a highly functional sheath.  

Verdict

Overall, this is an excellent machete by Condor. For the money, this knife features superior craftsmanship than most machetes on the market. The shape may require some time to get used to, but when you do get comfortable with it, this machete is a beast for chopping. In the wilderness, you’ll be able to take on anything.

The Good:

• Beautiful fit and finish on the blade
• Super thick steel
• High-grade leather sheath
• Reasonable price

The Not So Good:

• Hefty
• Not for lighter work like cutting weeds

Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife

What You Get:

• Constructed with 440 stainless steel
• 5 inches in total length and a 12 inch stainless steel blade
• Features a hardwood handle and stainless steel guard
• Includes a leather sheath

The Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife is typical of the Gil Hibben product line. Gil Hibben knives are known to be excellent in design, durable, rugged, sharp, solid and affordable. The IV Combat Machete is no exception.

17.5 inches in total length, a 12 inch stainless steel blade, and constructed with 440 stainless steel, the IV Combat Machete doesn’t pop out as an incredibly long or monstrous machete. Instead, its value comes from the thickness of its blade, which is what makes it such a quality machete. The blade is extremely thick, and heavy. It gives this machete the ability to hack through anything. The weight of the machete also helps give it that driving force to plow through anything.

Going hiking or through the great outdoors? This machete, with ease, chops like an ax through brush, trees, thick tree stumps, branches, firewood, and just about anything in your way. It’s pretty much like you are carrying a heavy duty meat cleaver with you.

The (1/8”) thick 440 stainless steel is what gives this machete its toughness. 440 stainless steel holds a nice edge, but when it starts to wear, with minimal edge touching you can get it back to razor sharp levels.  It is constructed with a solid hardwood handle and strong stainless steel guard. The guards give your hand a reassuring feeling that it won’t slip out and let your fingers rub on to the blade.

This machete is also paired with a classy leather sheath that fits like a glove. There’s no wiggle with this sheath, and a belt strap to retain it in place. Most people love the look and feel of the leather sheath.

Verdict

The Gil Hibben IV is a heavy-duty, compact machete. Overall, it’s as beautiful as it is efficient. It chops like an ax, and will tear through any hard objects through its way. Truthfully, it is not designed for quick swings or light bushcraft – it’s too heavy for that and would be too tiring. It also is more along the lines of a “combat” machete. If you want a machete that is so sharp it can cut through a tree stomp or bone and then ask “what’s next” … you know this machete is the one for you.

The Good:

• Super thick blade
• Chop through tree stumps or branches like an axe
• Paired with an elegant leather sheath
• Solid and strong handle for gripping
• Serious weight to the knife

The Not So Good:

• Not true full tang
• Not carbon steel

Condor Tool & Knife Engineer Bolo Machete

What You Get:

• Created with a 15-inch blade
• Constructed with 5mm-1075 carbon steel
• Designed with blade finish
• Equipped with hardwood handle
• Includes a leather brown sheath
• Weighs 3.1 Pounds

Condor has hit a homerun with the Condor Tool & Knife Engineer Bolo Machete. This is far from your average machete, and I would recommend it specifically for those of you who need a heavy-duty machete to clear seriously thick branches, firewood, tree limbs, and other thick objects.

Am I joking? The Bolo Machete can take down a small tree or thick brush. It’s far from your average lightweight machete. It has a 15-inch blade, 1075 carbon steel, and weighs about 3.1 pounds. It might not be a 20-inch machete, but it doesn’t need to. What it doesn’t have in length, it has in thickness of the blade, and super refined steel.

The beast is made for ultra-heavy-duty work. It has a convex edge, true full tang, wood handle scales, and a sharp edge. Instead of a machete, the Engineer Bolo’s unique design looks more like a scimitar than anything else. And, it’s super impressive.

It’s forward-weighted, meaning that its top heavy for powerful chops and slices. With its heavy weight, you can let the machete do the work for you, all you need to do is give it the energy. The 15-inch blade is perfect for bushcraft and camping. However, considering that its heavier than some axes you might use in your lifetime, it’s not ideal for lighter work like working on brushes and twigs … for that you should probably use another machete as the Bolo might be a bit overkill. If you were to be stuck in a bamboo forest, this is the type of machete you want to chop your way out of it.

The handle is comfortable, but some complain that it needs to be broken in for it to start to loosen up. As in, some find the handle to be overly smooth. The balance of the handle is excellent and rests comfortably.

Condor includes this machete with a super thick and durable leather sheath. With 2 button snap closures and a swivel belt loop, it’s a well-crafted sheath that is both sturdy and functional. Most importantly, it quickly deploys from the sheath and seamlessly slides out, so you won’t have to fight it just to get it out.

Verdict

Overall, this is an excellent machete by Condor. Made from El Salvador, it has an authentic look and feel to it, and will serve you proudly on all of your toughest tasks. If you need something for cutting twigs, I’d recommend looking for something else. If you need a machete that can take serious abuse, not wear down easily, and cleave through wood, branches, and brush, then you won’t be disappointed.

The Good:

• Beautiful fit and finish – like it’s out of a movie
• Very reasonable price for quality of the machete
• Full tang with super strength
• Cleaving sharp
• Tears through wood and thick branches
• Excellent leather sheath

The Not So Good:

• You need to care for the blade with oil, or it will rust
• A very heavy-duty knife, if you’re not able to use a heavy machete, look onwards

Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete

What You Get:

• 14 inch blade machete
• Constructed with 1075 high carbon steel and full tang
• Designed with epoxy black powder coating on the blade
• Equipped with hardwood handles
• Includes a leather sheath

Wow! Without a doubt the Condor Golok Machete is arguable the best machete available on the market today. It’s part art, part machete.

This is a true beauty. The Golok is a 14 inch blade, and in total, a 21 inch machete. Constructed with 1075 high carbon steel, this is a machete that not only looks the part, but acts the part too.

Taking it out of the box, you’ll see it has an old-school traditional machete design with a convex edge, wood handle scales, and full tang. It’s truly a gorgeous machete, with beautiful fit and finish on the blade. But, it doesn’t only look cool, but is also extremely useful.

It says that it is a “machete”, but if you didn’t know better, you might mistake it for a hatchet or an axe. It slices and chops through anything in its way with strong power and force. Taking it into the outdoors for bushcraft and camping? It chops through any size branch or hardwood with minimal effort. It has a razor sharp blade, and if you know how to touch it up, it’ll hold its edge for a long time.

This is one heavy duty machete, crafted with outstanding quality and craftsmanship. Holding it in your hands feels like a real piece of wood. It has a thick handle for gripping, and Condor has put concerted focus on the weight, feel and balance of it in your hands. The other reason that it has such a hefty feeling is due to the thickness of the steel used. While it is a super high quality steel, if you don’t take care of it, it will rust when wet.

Lastly, this machete comes with a leather hip sheath and has a riveted belt loop. Just like the high-quality of the machete, the thick leather sheath is equally as impressive, if not one of the best sheaths on this list. The sheath protects the blade well.

Verdict

The Golok is pricier than most, but you’re paying for quality with this machete. Even as a “pricier” option, it’s still often found for under $100, which is a steal. As you start hitting this price range, the quality starts to drastically increase across the board, as can be expected because of the higher quality materials that create the Golok.

Ultimately, you won’t be disappointed if decide to go with the Golok. It is dependable, durable, up for heavy-duty work, and of course, looks great doing it.

The Good:

• Impeccable craftsmanship
• Reasonable price for the high-quality and materials of this machete
• Powerful blade
• Beautiful design and feel

The Not So Good:

• Will rust if not properly cared for

Buyer’s Guide for How to Pick the Best Machete for You

Keep This In Mind: How Will You Be Using Your Machete?

As you continue reading this buyer’s guide, keep in mind your own purpose for how you will be using a machete. This can help you to identify the right one for your needs. Are you clearing brush while hiking and camping, or are you looking for something with power that can chop through wood like butter?

First Question: What The Heck Even Is a Machete?

Depending on who you ask, it seems like many people have different definitions and classifications of what they consider a machete.

A machete is a large fixed blade knife that typically has a monster cleaver blade. This will normally be a long, thin blade that is built with strength in mind, in order to endure hard abuse, while also easy to maintain. A machete is designed to cut through underbrush, grass, and brush which makes it useful for many outdoor activities. Machetes were originally made and used in jungle-like environments for clearing shrubs, chopping vegetation. A good machete can chop through and clear brush in dense forests and jungles as a remarkable chopping, cutting and slicing tool.

Ultimately, the machete is one of the most widespread tools worldwide, but also has many forms and shapes depending on where in the world you are.

What Size Should A Machete Be?

A quality machete is going to take abuse. It will be clearing brush, vegetation and even serve as self-defense in a pinch. A machete is not a hatchet or ax, and accordingly, you want different measurements from a machete than either of those two tools.

• Typically, the best machetes will have a very long and sharp blade, around 12 to 20 inches in length, and a total length of the machete of no more than about 25 inches.
• Thickness of about: .1 – .25 inches
• Thick spine
• Thick steel

More than for most outdoorsmen tools, thickness is crucial in finding the best machete as toughness and durability cannot be overstated. A machete with thinner steel creates a thinner, lightweight machete. While a thinner machete will have more control, it will be limited to cutting soft objects like grass and branches, as the thinner it is, the easier it can break.

A machete with thicker steel is more ideal as it can hold up to not only cutting grass and branches, but tough wood and cutting limbs (i.e. heavy duty work). The trade-off is thicker steel will be heavier and harder to use.

Lastly, while looking at size, you’ll want to consider a machete with a thick spine. A thick spine will provide more “punch” for your machete, which is important for powerful chopping and cutting through thicker objects, such as wood.

How About a Machete’s Handle?

How you plan to use your machete largely determines what type of handle will be right for you. So, it largely comes down to personal preference.

At the end of the day, you want a handle that will be comfortable for prolonged use that won’t have hot-spots, or fail to absorb shocks. A quality handle should fit well, and snug in your hand, while also protecting your hand and fingers from the blade while in use. It should also be grippy enough that you can use one hand to clear vines, vegetation or whatever is in your path. One hand grips versus two.

There are several types of handles:

• Plastic: Which is typically inexpensive, and slippery
• Wood: I typically find wood to be the most aesthetically pleasing, good traction and grip, but if not coated or treated, can warp
• Micarta: Good strong traction, rest comfortably, and are typically the most expensive (along with wood).
• Also lanyard holes can be ideal when doing heavy wood processing work. Protect yourself, and those around you from the machete accidentally slipping out of your hands.

One recommendation: Don’t overlook the importance of a machete that has a lanyard hole built-in. Lanyard holes can be EXTREMELY ideal when doing heavy wood processing work. The lanyard around your wrist will not only protect yourself, but can also protect those around you should the machete accidentally slip. The lanyard helps to maintain more control over the machete without fear of it flying off.

Functionality – Why a Machete and not an Axe or Hatchet or even a Bowie knife?

Depending on your need and situation, a machete has significantly different functions than tools, such as an ax, hatchet, or even a hunting knife or bowie knife. A machete through and through is a survival tool.

The best machetes will help you with:

• Survival
• Building Shelter
• Hunting / Skinning game
• Combat / tactical / Self-defense
• Hiking / backpacking
• Agricultural

               For Survival Situations: It can operate very similar to a camp/hunting/bowie knife to help slice through anything in its way. In survivalist situations, it can chop through and clear weeds, grass, branches to help you on your path.

                Building Shelter: In addition to helping you chop wood and branches, a machete can help to obtain all necessary materials that you might need for building a camp site or shelter. It can be used for tactical and combat against animals in the wild (either in self-defense, or for hunting), and then for skinning that game.

                Agriculture: You can use a machete to help clear vegetation in your path, sugar cane, for food processing.

Compared to an ax or hatchet, a machete is arguably much more versatile. A machete typically will be lighter than axes, are more agile and swift, and can help you cover more ground quicker than by using an ax (cutting through objects at a faster rate). That is not to say that an ax and hatchet do not have a place in your tool kit!

What about The Different Styles of Machetes?

There are many different styles of machetes, and each of them will have their own spin, and functionality based off of where in the world they were created by. It truly is a fact – the machete is one of the most widespread and used tool around the world.

• Kukri: This is a Nepalese knife, from Nepal. It is quickly identifiable with its curved edge, pointed tip and wide midsection. Use? Military functionality (stabbing with its pointed tip) and chopping
• South East Asian Bolo: Originating from South East Asia, the Bolo is an ideal machete for chopping, clearing brush and food processing. Its design is for compact chopping power.
• East African Panga: Stemming from East Africa, the Panga is recognizable for its very deep belly. Its curved belly makes it ideal for chopping and slicing.
• Malaysian Parang: These normally have very thick blades, and are tough machetes. They can endure hard work, ideal for clearing vegetation.
• Indonesian Golok: This is primarily an agricultural tool with their thick blades, and curved spines. One of my personal favorites, they are very useful for chopping wood and clearing vegetation.

The Steel Needs To Be the Real Deal

There are two primary types of steel used for machetes. Carbon, and stainless steel.

• Carbon: This is one of the more iconic materials in classic knives and machetes, and has been used for generations. It’s much stronger/harder and more durable than stainless steels, and helps to maintain the sharpness of the machete’s blade. This allows it to withstand abuse. Additionally, it is often easier to sharpen, and holds a better edge than stainless steels. Downsides: it WILL rust. So, carbon requires higher maintenance and care than stainless. It will corrode, unless you maintain and oil the blade after use.

• Stainless Steel: If authenticity is important to you, then you need not purchase a machete with stainless steel. Classic machetes are known for their tough carbon blades. The nice thing is the stainless steels require less maintenance than carbon since they are rust resistant. The trade-off is that they are not as strong as carbon (as a softer metal), require more sharpening and will lose their edge quicker. Although, if you are on a budget, these are cheaper budget options, and why you’ll typically see them on entry-level machetes.

Construction

You’re in the wilderness. You pull out your trusty machete. You go to chop a thick log. *CRACK*. Uh-oh. It’s in half. Its real useful now … isn’t it?

For a machete, you STRONGLY should consider one that has full-tang construction.

What is full tang? Full tang is a full piece of steel that runs all the way down from the tip of the machete, to the handle as one continuous piece. Full tang provides strength for the machete to help it endure more abuse in the field, otherwise when it hits a hard object, it can snap in half. Hence, the usefulness of one thick slab of steel.

Weight

The weight will also depend on your personal preference and needs. You really have two main choices.

Heavy or light.

• Heavy: heavier machetes will cut through thicker and tougher objects like saplings, thick brush, tree limbs and wood much easier. Downside, you have more bulk, but you can use science in your favor to have that heavier machete take down bigger and heavier objects.
• Lighter: easier to carry, ideal for lighter grass work and vegetation. The main benefit of a lighter machete is its ease of portability.

Sharpness

You’ll want a machete that can not only stay sharp, but is also easy to resharpen. It’s no good having a dull machete and being stranded in a jungle, or the woods. So, you’ll want to look for one that has a razor sharp blade that maintains its edge and sharpness.

Blade Length

The ideal blade length for a machete will be about 12 to 24 inches.

Longer Machetes:

• Are harder to carry, oft weigh more, longer the blade – less portable it is to carry around. Longer blades will connect more deeply into a target than shorter blades (in a further radius).
• Opposite side is that the longer it is, the more that you can do with your machete, and the further it can reach. For instance, you can clear more brush in one swift motion to clear more area than with a short machete that will take multiple “hacks”.

Short Machetes:

• Offer more control, have lower momentum and inertia when in use so that you maintain more control over each swing.

Sheath

More than anything, you want a sturdy sheath that will probably holster your machete. You can choose from synthetic sheaths, kydex, plastic, nylon and leather.

The main consideration here will be on that keeps the machete in place tightly, and helps to resist moisture from seeping in (particularly if it is a carbon steel blade that can rust).

If You Enjoyed This Article, Also Check Out These Related Buyer’s Guides:

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-throwing-knives/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-bowie-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-skinning-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/deer-skinning-knife-set/

http://www.huntsharp.com/tasco-trail-camera-reviews/

The post Top 11 Best Machetes for Any Situation 2019 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

In a rush? Check out our picks for the top 5 best throwing knives, or click here to see our TOP choice!

Rank on List	Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
#5		Perfect Point PAK-712-12 Throwing Knife Set	$
#4		GI Tanto Knife by Cold Steel	$
#3		United Cutlery UC2772 Expendables Kunai Thrower Set	$
#2		Magnum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife Ziel Set	$$
**Editor's Choice** #1		United Cutlery GH5029 Gil Hibben GenX Pro Thrower	$$

Perfect Point RC-179 Series Throwing Knife Set

Features:

• Set includes 3 pieces
• Knives are designed with stainless steel handles
• Designed to be well balanced and easy to throw at 8 inches
• Equipped with a cut-out to tie ribbons through the end of the knife
• Includes black nylon sheath

Beginner friendly. That is the best way to describe the Perfect Point RC-179 throwing knife set. Perfect Point, subsidiary of Master Cutlery, is known for making quality throwing knives and stars. I will say this set is decent.

Look, if you are searching for knives in order to learn to throw, or to pound the crap out of in order to get your money’s worth out of, you’ve found the right set. When starting out, you typically won’t be ready for a $100 pair of throwing knives. Instead, these are very inexpensive. At this price point, they’re not for professionals, but more for refining your technique and beginner. I also like that they come in a set, as opposed to only getting one. Heck, you might even want 2 sets of these to have more “ammo” with 6, than 3 for more target practice.

The set is offered in two options, black or steel handles – both of which have a nice and sleek design to them. They are well balanced, durable, high-quality throwing knives that certainly have some character to them. Even though they have good weight distribution, you might find that the handle still feels heavy and stocky for a throwing knife.

Out of the box the RC-179 knives come sharpened and sturdy. However, they are not the sharpest knives I have ever felt, and for beginners, that is more preferable anyway. When starting out, you do not want a razor sharp blade because it could pose a danger to your fingers and hand, however, they are still sharp enough to pierce through a target, and stick in most things.

The knives are 8 inches in length, which is a good size for a throwing knife. It is worth mentioning that while these are resilient knives, and can take some abuse by hitting hard surfaces and bouncing around, they’re not perfect. A problem with stainless steel throwing knives, but under duress and enough abuse, these blades can start to chip, or you could even see the tip break off. Stainless steel is prone to bending and even breaking.

The set includes a decent nylon sheath, and are designed with a spider decal on each knife – which some have reported wears off after usage. Ultimately, you have to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. This set is not going to include the best professional-grade throwing knives on the market, but they are still an excellent inexpensive option. If you’re looking to train or for hobby, you’ll certainly have some fun with these awesome looking knives.

For the price, the quality is great. So most importantly, for a beginner, or someone on a budget looking for a new set, you really won’t be disappointed in these.

Pros:

• Very inexpensive
• Set of 3
• Good length
• Easy to train with and learn to use

Cons:

• You get what you pay for in terms of quality
• Average nylon sheath
• Blades can chip, and tip can break off under prolonged abuse.

Szco Supplies Ninja Sword with Throwing Knives

Features:

• Includes both a ninja sword and throwing knives
• The ninja sword is 28 inches in length
• Bundled with a set of two 6 inch throwing knives
• The sword and throwing knives are constructed with a rainbow finish and stainless steel
• Constructed with black cord wrapped handles
• Includes a decent nylon sheath

This is an interesting set by Szco considering that it includes a ninja sword, along with the throwing knives. Since this list is for throwing knives, I will focus more on them.

This can make for a very cool gift or novelty item. These included throwing knives are small, about 5 inches in length. I certainly would not recommend this set for actual combat, hunting, but if you are looking for target practice or a novelty, then that is what role it would serve you excellently. The set is packaged together well with the knives and sword each having their own slots in the included case.

As more of a novelty knife, you should not expect this to have the highest grade of materials. The throwing knives are not balanced extremely well, but still have a good heft to them. The knives come constructed with black cord wrapped handles, which is not going to be ideal if you’re planning to use these professionally or for hours of use.

The sword can easily cut through something like fruit, and the throwing knives come with sharp tips, but dull sides. Whether you are a beginner looking for a sword and throwing knives, it is a “ninja set”, but again I would recommend this more as a collectors or novelty set for a gift, than for a serious user.

Pros:

• Great value for the money
• The sword and throwing knives are constructed well

Cons:

• Decent nylon sheath
• Not designed for actual combat or abuse
• Black cord wrapped handles, material that I have never really liked

SOG Throwing Knives F041TN

Features:

• Out of the box the set includes: (3) throwing knives
• Constructed with 420 stainless steel
• Equipped with Paracord wrapped handle for firm grip
• Paired with nylon sheath

SOG makes excellent specialty knives and tools that are typically performance driven. This F041TN set by SOG is no different, and combines style with quality.

The F041TN comes in a set of 3 knives, paired with a nylon sheath that fits all three knives in individual slots. These knives are designed for throwing with excellent balance and aerodynamics. Even at 10 inches in total length, they maintain a critical element of lightweight, yet are still heavy duty to endure abuse.

SOG has constructed these knives with 420 stainless steel, providing them with a hard black coating and tough finish that helps make them both scratch, and dent resistant. This is ideal for a throwing knife because of the way that it is used – constantly being thrown around, it needs to be tough to avoid chipping, or even worse, breaking.

As you can see from these reviews, I am not personally a fan of paracord wrapped handles, however, with this set SOG has designed them so that they help make the knives very grippy. They are better than most that I have seen, but as with other throwing knives, the paracord can tend to unwrap as you throw them, so you may just want to remove the cord entirely and throw them bare. If anything, that might even help to make the knives more balanced. Regardless, they are still comfortable to hold, with paracord or not.

Also, given their length, these knives are versatile in that they are not limited to just throwing, but can be used as fixed blade knives as well. I would say that this is an easy set to learn the art of knife throwing with, and excellent for both beginners and more intermediate throwers. Overall, a very affordable and practical set by SOG!

Pros:

• Very stylish design
• Inexpensive for the set
• Strong 420 stainless steel gives them strength

Cons:

• Paracord wrapped handles can unravel

Cold Steel True Flight Thrower

Features:

• Out of the box is: (1) high quality throwing knife (1) Cor-Ex sheath
• Constructed with 1055 carbon steel for strength
• Designed with a Paracord handle wrap for strong traction and grip
• 12-inch overall length making it a long throwing knife
• 5 mm thickness giving it extra strength

The Cold Steel True Flight Thrower is one beefy, well-constructed throwing knife! There are hundreds of throwing knives available on the market, but the True Flight Thrower makes our list because of its craftsmanship and quality.

The knife is 12 inches in length and 5 mm in thickness, which gives it serious heft. It is constructed with 1055 carbon steel and has paracord handle wrap which offers strong traction while holding the knife.

What makes this such a high quality knife, particularly for the price, is its steel construction. Many cheaper steels will cause throwing knives to either warp or bend, or even allow the tip of the knife to break off. Unlike those cheaper options, the True Flight Thrower has a sturdy tip and protective coating that helps to avoid those issues. In Cold Steel’s words, they say that it gives it a “bounce-back” blade as a result, allowing it to take abuse in different elements and hitting different surfaces. Yes, since it is not stainless steel, this knife needs to be oiled to be taken care of to prevent rust, however, the positive is that it can hold up to abuse without breaking in half.

The blade is very sharp, and easy to sharpen. For that reason, you need to be very careful when throwing this knife. With such sharpness and sturdy tip, this knife sticks deep inside of the target that you will be throwing it at. And, in a pinch, it can even serve you in survivalist or tactical situations, albeit not being designed for that. It simply makes it a versatile knife.

Ergonomically, it feels natural in the hand, which helps to boost accuracy when using a throwing knife. So, what kind of throwing can it be used for? It is ideal for no spin or full spin, particularly because of the way the tip and balance of the knife are crafted. You can throw it either by the blade or the grip which makes it perfect for practicing different types of throws and styles.

Ultimately, it is not a bad starting blade, but since this is not a set, you might want to get at least 2, 3 or even 4 of these so that you can get consistent throws in without having to constantly walk to collect the knife each time. Overall, an excellent option for the money.

Pros:

• Strong steel to help prevent the blade from chipping or the tip breaking
• Excellent value for the money

Cons:

• If you hit the paracord wrap at an angle with another knife, it can unwrap
• Super sharp, so you need to be careful when throwing, particularly for a beginner

SOG FX41N-CP Fling Throwing Knife

Features:

• Includes a set of (3) throwing knives
• Constructed with full tang
• Designed with a traditional look
• Made from 3Cr13MoV steel
• Black ballistic nylon sheath to hold the set together

The SOG FX41N-CP Fling Throwing Knife Set includes 3 throwing knives, and is typical SOG quality. Just by looking at them you’ll have a decision to make of whether to use them, or leave them on display because of their extreme stylish design.

The Fling throwing knives have 2.8-inch fixed blades, spear point, and are constructed full tang with 3Cr13MoV steel with satin polish finish to give them a tough edge. While the 3Cr13MoV steel is not the same steel as the other knives on this list, it is still a quality steel, and shows more in the workmanship of SOG of how they craft the knives.

The Fling throwing knives are very well balanced at only 5.4 ounces, and have enough weight and force to help drive the through any target to stick deep. These rugged and durable knives feel great to hold, and that’s largely because of the handle material. They have 7 feet of tight paracord wrapped around them for grip and comfort. Unlike other throwing knives, the paracord is wrapped tight so that it can help prevent it from unraveling after several throws.

This set includes a standard black ballistic nylon sheath with velcro closure and belt loop. It’s a decent sheath, but you are buying this set for the throwing knives, not the sheath. Unless you are a ninja, I would recommend this as a perfect set for a beginner as it is easy to learn with, and you might eventually opt to get a second set.

Pros:

• Excellent craftsmanship
• 3 high-quality throwing knives is good bang for your money
• Tightly wrapped paracord handle

Cons:

• Basic nylon sheath

Perfect Point PAK-712-12 Throwing Knife Set

Features:

• Includes 12 throwing knives
• 6 silver and 6 black stainless steel throwers
• Packaged with a black nylon sheath
• Measures 8.5 inches overall

This set by Perfect Point is tremendous value for the money with an inclusive bundle of 12 throwing knives. What makes it a good set for the price?

First, it is incredible value coming with 12 high-quality throwing knives. 6 of which are silver and the other 6 are black stainless steel throwing knives. They have about 2mm of thickness, giving them a good weight and nice center of gravity – the problem with some throwing knives is they are either too heavy, and others are too lightweight they go flying. While these are on the lighter end, they have a good weight to them, and if you put force in to throwing, they can certainly take off. The knives come sharp, and widespread appeal for these knives is because they stick deep into targets – and won’t bounce off either.

The steel is soft, which is one major drawback. Because of this, it is easy to break the tips, hence why so many are included, so you have to still be somewhat careful when throwing them. Looking at the big picture, these are so inexpensive that if you break a few, it really doesn’t even cost you much.   

Surprisingly with this set, there is not paracord on the handles. While I personally prefer that, if you like that for gripping the knives, it is an easy fix to order cord online and wrap them yourself. Even without it, you should find it to still be comfortable.

If you’re looking for a gift, or a set for a beginner, this is a top option because of how many throwing knives are included. For those less experienced throwers, these knives are sharp and throw well, and ultimately will give you plenty of opportunity to refine your technique without worrying about losing/breaking your only knife.

Pros:

• Excellent learning set
• A steal for the price
• Comes with 12 knives

Cons:

• On the lighter side of the weight spectrum if you want a heavy knife
• There is no paracord on the handles, which can be a drawback for some

GI Tanto Knife by Cold Steel

Features:

• Constructed with 1055 carbon steel blade
• Designed with quillion guard
• A 7-inch point blade, and 12 inches in total length
• Includes a Secure-Ex sheath

The GI Tanto Knife is not solely a throwing knife, but rather an extremely versatile utility knife that can do it all. Whether you’re camping, hunting or in fact looking for a throwing knife, the GI Tanto is not a bad option.

For the price, I’m impressed with the amount of craftsmanship and high-quality materials that have gone into the knife. However, this is typical of the Cold Steel brand, and to be transparent, a brand that always impresses me.

The GI Tanto is a 12 inch knife, with a 7 inch Tanto point blade, and constructed with a 1055 carbon steel blade with hard spring temper. Its quillion guard and hand scales give this knife a sturdy, but comfortable and safe feel.

The blade has a black-rust resistant finish, certainly a nice touch. The hard steel is meant for toughness and can take a beating without breaking, however, it can still chip if you throw it and it bounces and hits something like concrete. Even with that being said, this is a heavy duty throwing knife – a tank if you will – and can even turn into a spear!

While it comes out of the box with a pretty sharp edge, it can be thrown by either the handle or the blade. If you throw it from the handle, you’ll notice its thick spine and full tang, which is what gives its sturdy feeling. Lastly, it also comes with a Secure-Ex sheath, which securely locks up the Tanto nice, and mounts comfortably.

Overall, this is a very solid throwing knife with an excellent handle, good weight and strong steel. For a very inexpensive throwing or camping knife, you’ll get a lot of use out of this knife for sure (and, a lot of fun).

Pros:

• Inexpensive for the quality of the knife
• Multi-functional with numerous utility

Cons:

• If you hit it hard enough, the blade can chip

United Cutlery UC2772 Expendables Kunai Thrower Set

Features:

• Comes in a 3 piece set
• Constructed with AUS-6 stainless steel
• Designed with cord wrapped handles
• Created 12-inches in overall length
• Includes nylon sheath

United Cutlery has released a very interesting throwing knife set with the UC2772. These throwing knives are modeled after the movie The Expendables, pretty cool. The set includes 3 knives 12-inches in length, with strong AUS-6 stainless steel blades and cord wrapped handles.

Out of the package the trio come very sharp. Because they are so long in length, they are incredibly versatile and can also be used as a dagger, such as how they were featured in the movie. Since they are super sharp, you’ll need to be careful if you throw it from the blade as it can be very easy to nick yourself.

The sharp tip can penetrate deep into wood targets, and its thick, tough AUS-6 stainless steel makes it hard to bend or chip. With all things considered, this set is inexpensive for the quality and functionality of 3 easy-to-throw throwing knives. A throwable knife should be both balanced in weight and be easy to grip, both of which make the UC2772 Expendables Kunai a great set.

The one downside of these knives worth mentioning is the problem with the paracord falling off the handle. One of the reasons that I dislike paracord is it can feel gimmicky at times, as well as this problem of slipping off. Since the cord seems lightly glued to the handle, it makes sense as to why the cord is so loose, and falls off.

Lastly, this knife comes with a decent, standard nylon sheath. While nothing special, it holds the knife which is really all it needs to do. It has a belt loop and a leg drop, but nothing too exceptional.

Overall, I really like this set for the money, and would rate them highly because of their quality materials, and since they are easy (and fun) to throw around.

Pros:

• Sharp out of the box
• Tough steel to hold up to abuse
• 3 knives + sheath at inexpensive price

Cons:

• Paracord around the handles easily unwraps
• Nylon sheath is nothing special

Magnum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife Ziel Set

Features:

• Set includes 3 throwing knives
• Equipped with 420J2 stainless steel
• Includes leather sheath

You’ve probably heard this expression a million times, “you get what you pay for”. That statement could not ring more true for the Mangum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife Ziel set.

This set includes three throwing knives all with 420J2 stainless steel. Included in this set is also a leather sheath to holster all three knives. These are truly a piece of work, and a hefty set at that. The knives are 14 oz, and 13.25 inches in length.

These knives are no joke – long and heavy. If you’re not looking for large knives, then it would be a shock out of the box. However, even though they are on the bigger side of the spectrum, they are crafted excellently so that they still feel natural in your hand, and as you throw them. With good weight distribution from its length to weight ratio, they still balance comfortably in your hand.

I would recommend this set for more experienced and advanced throwers. Once you have practiced your technique with more inexpensive sets and are ready to fine tune your craft with more expensive blades, this is the best set. If you are looking for something at the top, this set is tremendous value considering that is just as good, if not better, than many custom knives without the exorbitant price tag to go along with it. For a little bit extra, these are some of the best throwing knives available.

The one drawback worth mentioning is that you do need to be careful with the tips, or they can break. The blades are not super sharp out of the box which is actually preferably for throwing so that you won’t cut yourself, or risk the tip breaking immediately. An experienced user will understand how to handle these knives. That is not to say that the tips cannot take abuse and wear and tear, but they might need regrinding and touch-ups.

This set also comes with a beautiful leather sheath that secures the knives firmly, arguably one of the best included sheaths on this list. Should you need a top grade pair for any type of throwing competition, or if you are simply looking for a top grade set, this is a great option for the money.

Pros:

• Tremendous craftsmanship and quality
• Beautiful leather sheath
• Excellent balance of the knife
• Great ergonomics

Cons:

• Thrown at the wrong angle, the tips can break

United Cutlery GH5029 Gil Hibben GenX Pro Thrower

Features:

• 3 Piece Set with 3 knives
• Constructed with AUS-6 stainless steel
• Total knife length of 11 inches
• Includes a black nylon sheath

When it comes to the best throwing knives, you don’t have to look very far after finding Gil Hibben. Gil Hibben is an expert knife maker, and highly respected in the industry for his superior craftsmanship and functional knives. For good reason, people that use Gil Hibben knives swear by them.

The Gil Hibben GenX Pro Thrower is no exception. It is one beefy knife – and easily one of the most balanced throwing knives on this list. It can look deceptive in pictures, but you’ll quickly see why it is “beefy”, and that it has serious heft to the knife. This is not a 5 inch small knife, but a lengthy 11 inch knife.

In terms of quality, these knives can also take a beating with strong AUS-6 stainless steel. They are a set of solid knives that won’t bend easily, unlike some (which is fair – depending on the price and quality of what you are getting). With tough heat treatment on this steel, they can get knocked around quite a bit.

They have good weight to them which helps them glide through the air with superb aerodynamics. Ergonomically, they rest comfortably and flow with a smooth release. Control is important with a throwing knife, and that is an advantage of such a well-designed set. When throwing at a target, they strike incredibly hard and penetrate deep.

This set comes with a black nylon sheath which is standard quality, and can rests comfortably on your belt if you want to take it outdoors. As expected of a Gil Hibben knife, the GenX Pro Thrower is the real deal, and while it will require practice to perfect, it is an excellent set for both beginners and experienced throwers. 

Pros:

• One of the best throwing knives available
• Excellent value for the money
• Hard steel that can take some abuse

Cons:

• Large, hefty knives which could be too big for some
• Standard nylon sheath

Best Throwing Knives Buyer’s Guide

Throwing knives are multi-functional, in addition to just looking awesome! A throwing knife can be used for sport, out hunting, recreation, self-defense and even bushcraft. These tips are combination of testing, expert opinion and reviews.

Blade Sharpness

When you’re looking for the best throwing knives, first and foremost, you’re going to want to keep your own safety in mind. Because you are going to be throwing a knife, you don’t want something that is going to put yourself in danger.

You will want a throwing knife that has a dull blade, as opposed to a razor sharp blade, for your own safety. Why don’t you want a razor sharp blade? Well, a sharp throwing knife can puncture your hand, and fingers while tossing from the blade, and also decreases its throwing ability.

While you do not need a knife with a razor sharp blade, you DO want a throwing knife with a sturdy tip that can penetrate through any target that you throw at. It is much more important to have a sharp than a sharp edge.

Knife Weight

Yes, different people prefer different weights. The weight of the knife is an important decision that you need to make, and it will largely depend on your throwing style. Some prefer heavy knives, others like the nimbleness of sleek and lean knives. Either way, the fact still remains that weight is a critical component of a throwing knife.

I have found that you want a knife that some weight to it that will allow momentum to help carry it towards your target. There is no sense in trying to fight science. The heavier the knife is, the easier it will stick in to a target, regardless of distance. Lighter knives on the other hand will float through the air, are harder to control, and typically bounce off of a target if you do not have a good grasp on technique.

I recommend choosing a heftier throwing knife.

Knife Length

Length is another incredibly important component for a throwing knife.

You typically will see throwing knives in the range of 5 to 13 inches in length, and the best throwing knives for beginners will be on the longer side of that range.

Longer Length: easier for beginners, easier to learn technique, more room to make mistakes, easier to throw.

Shorter Length: knives will spin fast, need to be more precise and confident in throws, more for experienced users and can be thrown quicker and further.

Again, length comes down to personal preference, however if you are just starting out, I would recommend leaning towards the longer side as it is easier for your fingers and hand to get adjusted to throwing the knife, and then exploring shorter knives.

Steel Quality

Your throwing knife will only be as good as the material that makes it up. Choosing a crappy steel and metal will be like building your home on sand.

For this reason, stainless steel is one of the most preferable steel types for throwing knives because of their durability and toughness. When your knife hits another knife, concrete, the floor, or any other hard object, you don’t want to have to stress that each time could be the last throw that knife ever sees!

You’ll see that cheaper knives will normally include more in a set, but have cheaper steel, or not be full tang (one full piece). As a result, you’ll need to keep buying more and more because they will have a shorter life span. The problem with crappy (soft) steel and metal is that it can result in dents, chips and even broken knives.

More expensive knives, on the other hand, will generally have higher quality steel, which won’t break after a few throws. Stainless steel is also ideal in that it is not only durable, but rust and corrosion resistant.

Throwing Knife Handle

The handles are an incredibly important part of your throwing knife. Unless you strictly throw it by the blade, the handle is going to determine your success, or frustration when throwing. Unless you are buying a knife for it to sit on your wall, try to refrain from just buying because it might be aesthetically pleasing and beautiful.

The handle also will largely come down to user preference. The handle will help determine how the knife spins, how fast it will spin when thrown, and how the knife will release from your hand. Most throwing knives on the market today have some type of cord, or rubber grip.

The handle is the most delicate part of the knife. You don’t want a weak handle that could break or damage if it hits a hard object when thrown. I personally prefer straight handles for easy grip and release. I also find that anything too eccentric will just cause friction as you throw the knife, and add weight to the knife to distort its balance and equilibrium.

Some love paracord handles, and others feel that it makes it harder to throw for accuracy and throws of the balance of the knife. You will have to feel different handle types to know which best suits you.

• Paracord: while it generally has a nice aesthetic and design to it, if it’s not wrapped tightly it will unravel very quickly. There are really two polar schools of thought on paracord, and will have to come down to after you try it. You can always remove a cord grip.
• Wood: A more natural look and feel than paracord handles. One of the most popular and widely used materials for throwing knives. Higher likelihood of breaking since it is connected to the metal as opposed to being one piece.
• Rubber: Better grip, but cheap.
• Hollow Handles: They tend to be brittle and break easily.

Balance & Weight of the Throwing Knife

More important than for most types of knives, since these are designed for throwing, a quality throwing knife needs to be well-centered and balanced, so that it can throw from either the handle or the blade. It should not be overly blade, or handle heavy so that it is not naturally tipping one way or the other.

A blade heavy knife, which is unbalanced, will only be throwable from the blade. So, you will want to find a throwing knife where the center of gravity is centered. As a result, centered knives will spin in round, circular motions.

The goal of a throwing knife is to pierce a target head-on. The balance and weight distribution of the knife is critical to result in a smooth, end-over-end motion.

Construction

The construction of a throwing knife is very important. I recommend looking for throwing knives that are full tang – this point goes hand-in-hand with the steel type of the knife. Full tang is when the knife is one full piece of steel that goes along the entire knife. When a knife is full tang, the blade and handle are all one continuous piece of material, as opposed to partial tang or rat tail.

Full tang will help to give the knife additional strength and toughness.

Sheath

While not directly pertaining to a throwing knife, another important consideration is the type of sheath used to holster the knife. A quality sheath will protect the integrity of the knife. A good comparison is that you want a nice garage for your Ferrari, so you don’t leave it parked out on the street. Just like that garage, a quality sheath protects your throwing knife, and is a good idea to get a quality leather or kydex sheath.

Technique

I will include this in the guide because while all of these are important characteristics that make-up a quality throwing knife, you still need to master the art of throwing. Technique is a major component to this art, so it is important to invest your time in researching and practicing. For example, we all have our own comfortable way of holding a pencil. You’ll need to practice to figure out which throwing style best fits your hand.

Caring For Your Throwing Knife

Lastly, if you want your throwing knives to last for a long time, then you will need to clean them after usage.

• You can do this by wiping them down with a soft dampened cloth. This will help keep your knife looking “sharp” for the long term.
• Holster it in a sheath. Not only because it will help with portability, but by using a sheath, it will also protect your throwing knives from dirt and dust.

If You Enjoyed This Buyer’s Guide, You Should Also Check Out:

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http://www.huntsharp.com/best-bowie-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/best-field-dressing-knife/

http://www.huntsharp.com/tasco-trail-camera-reviews/

The post Top 10 Best Throwing Knives – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

Buck 110 Knife Review

Call me old school, but when I think of a folding hunting knife, the first thing that immediately comes to my mind is the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. Growing up, my father gave me very first knife (a Buck 110). This is not only a classic in my family, but also one of my favorite knives, and so I admittedly might be a bit biased as I’ve used one since being a boy. And, I know that’s not something unique to just me, but similar to many others as well. However, in this in-depth Buck 110 review, I will look to break down all facets and characteristics of this knife to explain what’s great about it, and what I wish Buck would improve on.

Specifications:

• Blade Type: Folding
• Tip: Crescent
• Steel: 420HC
• Blade Length: 3.75”
• Blade Thickness: .12”
• Knife Overall Length (Closed): 4.875”
• Handle: Dymondwood
• Knife Weight: 7.2 Ounces
• Sheath: Leather

Overview

Without a doubt, the Buck 110 Folding Hunter is one of the most famous Buck knives on the market and has some real history behind it. It is their most iconic model, and true piece of Americana. Created in 1963 by Al Buck, the 110 truly helped to put Buck knives on the map and to create such a lasting brand. What made this knife so unique was its innovative design. Typically, folders did not, and still do not have the strength to rival that of fixed blade knives. That’s what made the 110 so innovative and disruptive.

Features:

1. Lockback design, ideal for its strength and safety when in use
2. Strong stainless steel crescent blade, perfect for detail oriented work such as field dressing, skinning and when camping
3. Forged with 420HC stainless steel which is a sturdy and easy to sharpen steel
4. Includes Buck’s Forever Warranty which is reassuring how much Buck stands behind their knives

Buck was able to pair the portable and nimbleness of folder, with the strength of a fixed blade. And in doing so, has turned this bad boy into a timeless classic, and one of the most influential folders – or knives in general – in modern times. Heck, most people already have it in their collection as this knife has sold millions of times. Of all the knives on the market, if you don’t personally own one, you probably know someone that does, and for good reason.

The 110 has aged well because even in a time where technology is ruling all industries and advancing faster than we can keep up with it, the Buck 110 goes back to the roots of simpler times. It is a classic, old timer knife … a classic made in the USA. It is Buck’s flagship folder model, and for that reason alone, whether you’re a collector or not, you’ll probably want to consider hanging it on display just because of its looks and heritage. When you see it in person, you can appreciate its work of art.

Quick Thoughts

As I’ve alluded to already, the Buck 110 is an old school knife, and hasn’t changed much from the way it was created back in 1963 (some real history). It was one of the first commercial folding hunting knives made available, so you have to keep in mind that as a pioneer, it paved the way for many of the folders out today. It has some rawness as the first mover.

With that being said, the 110 is not suited for every single task, but I’ve found it to be incredibly well-rounded as an outdoor folder. It’s a robust knife with numerous uses and functionality, perfect for field dressing, hunting and skinning, fishing, and tactical in a pinch. Although it wasn’t designed to be a box cutter, or pocket knife, or even for cutting onions, some people use it for everything (and can’t say that I haven’t as well). If you’re looking for a skinner, this can slice through dozens of deer or elk, and many faithful users have relied on it to do so.

The Buck 110 is a lockback folder, and a quality alternative to the big fixed-blade knives, which is what many hunters (including myself) use in the field. Typically, you can’t rival the strength and reliability of a fixed knife, so there are naturally going to be trade-offs.

In my opinion, I believe the 110 has had such incredible success because of its appeal to our primordial instincts. There is something about its raw, yet polished look that is simply alluring. You just have to hold it to understand.

I am now going to review specific aspects of the Buck 110 that I consider important in a knife.

How’s The Blade Quality?

Whew, is this blade sharp! And, I’m glad to see that even to this day, out of the box the Buck 110 is hair shaving sharp (hey – we all do it to test our new blades).

This knife comes with a 3.75 inch clip point blade with a crescent tip, shaving sharp out of the box. While a smaller blade size, I prefer that for more finer and detailed work such as whittling sticks. As opposed to a 14 inch blade on a bowie knife, a 3 – 4 inch blade allows for more precision to make delicate cuts. This knife has been used to field dress many whitetail deer, the fine and sharp point allow for that. It will be small for batoning, but understand that is not its design, it’s primarily a hunting knife.

The blade is beautiful and has an excellent fit and finish to it. The belly is fastened at angle, making it the perfection option to slice through most material and objects – super sharp for slicing right through food (for camping) or game. The blade appears to be hollow ground, and has an acute tip.

There is one common complaint about the knife. You need to be careful with the tip as it is brittle and can break. Many users and hunters that I have heard from have mentioned that excessive and rigorous use on the delicate tip results in a broken tip. So keep that in mind, depending on the work that you will need it for. Another point worth mentioning is that there is no jimping or choil on the blade if you like to choke up on the blade (as you can with a fixed blade).

Lockback Design

All things considered, the Buck 110 has excellent lockback design and deployment. The lockback is designed for strength and safety, and ensures that that knife locks tight so that it won’t close when in use.

The blade safely locks up nice and tight when extended with the lockback design. There is minimal wiggle or concern that it might close on your hand while in use. When you pull it out of its sheath for deployment, it opens nice and smooth, and visibly locks so that you know it is engaged.

One drawback, for some, is that you realistically need to use two hands to open the 110. The nail nick on the knife allows you to easily open the knife, but with two hands. If you would prefer the quickness and dexterity of being able to use one hand, you would need a thumb stud in order to seamlessly do so. However, this has never been much of an issue for me, and I prefer that the spring is reinforced so vigorously so that when it is open, or closed, I know that it is locked.

How About The 110’s Steel?

The Buck 110 is constructed with Buck’s standard 420HC steel. While 420HC is an average steel, the heat treatment by Buck makes this an exceptional and much higher grade steel than it typically would be. It is regarded highly for its ability to replicate the wear resistance of high carbon allows, but the advantages of chromium stainless steels for its corrosion resistance properties. For the money, this steel has phenomenal strength, not only for wear resistance, but long-term durability as well (a reason why Buck knives last so long).

The 420HC takes a wicked edge, and even after beating the knife, it easily sharpens back to razor sharp levels. The Rockwell hardness of this steel is 58. Overall, it is an excellent steel that holds a great edge, but the one caveat that I will include is that this is not a “2017 knife”, nor is it a $200 – $300 knife. For what it is, the steel is superb. If you want top of the line steel, look for S30V from Buck.

What Do You Think of the Buck 110’s Handle?

The Buck 110 is constructed with one of my favorite handles, a Dymondwood handle with brass bolsters. It isn’t necessarily the most ergonomic handle that I have ever used (and widespread agreement on that), but there’s something about it that simply feels right in your hands.

I’ve said this a few times in the review, but you need to hold it in your hands to truly feel the elegance of the craftsmanship, it is much more than just a chunk of wood and brass. The handle rests naturally in your hand, and has a nice wholesome feel. It is hefty with good weight because of the brass bolsters, and gives it a solid, thick feeling almost like a rock.

You’ll notice it has beautiful wooden scales. Just all around a truly gorgeous knife, and beautiful handle. It might look familiar because many companies have attempted to replicate this design. The difference is the 110 is a no frills knife. There is minimal finger grooves for your hand, but no jimping, which is another example of how it goes back to the old school ways of just being a simple, no bs knife.

I find that a quality knife, particularly for intense work like hunting or skinning should have good weight distribution, and feel balanced in your hands. With a folder, the joint or pivot should be centered, which offers you more control as you use the blade. The balance is perfect in the 110, directly in the middle, and I find it to be comfortable for delicate work.

Thoughts On the Design

Considering the age of this knife, it’s no stretch to call the design of this knife to be a timeless masterpiece, or in other words, a serious homerun by Buck. Why is it such an iconic folder? I would argue largely because of the impeccable craftsmanship, and gorgeous design of this knife. It balances between being contemporary and traditional.

The brass liner on the handle and brash holsters is classy, the finish is exceptionally polished, and all around, it makes up a sleek, classic design.

While this is a knife designed to operate as a hunter’s companion for field dressing and finessing murky situations, I think it holds just as much value in the elegance of its design and appearance. If you think I’m too goo over the 110’s design, you can take solace in the fact that very rarely will you hear negative remarks on the 110’s appearance.

Opinion on the Sheath

The Buck 110 includes a big genuine leather sheath out of the box, with a nice snap closure. Fitting for the 110, it is a classic belt sheath, portable for your belt, and it fits tight and snug when not drawn. I have not had issues with it wiggling or rattling in my pocket.  

The craftsmanship on the sheath is superb. It has excellent stitching and is well-sown together. While it is made in Mexico, Mexico is known to have great leather, and this is a nice example of a thick and sturdy sheath.

One recommendation that I would have, if you decide to purchase and use the 110, is that it is ideal to use this high-quality sheath because of the weight of the knife. It feel significantly more natural, and balanced on the sheath on your belt or bag then to carry it direct. The knife is rather hefty and will weigh down your pocket. When you hold it, you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Overall, for the money, I have no complaints with the sheath, and find it to be fitting and classy for this knife.

Hefty Weight

The Buck 110 weighs 7.2 ounces. For a folder of this size, that means it has some heft to it. Of knives in this class, it is far from lightweight. This also puts it on the heavier end of being an EDC. While in use, the weight feels great, as I discussed above in the review of the Buck 110’s handle. However, the only time the weight can be a hindrance is when carrying it around. For that reason, I recommend using the sheath as it becomes significantly more portable.

The Buck Brand

As customary of the Buck brand, the 110 is made in the USA, and includes Buck’s famous Forever Warranty. Buck has built up a superb brand and image for not only using top quality materials, but their incredible craftsmanship. While I mentioned Buck’s great heat treatment in the Steel section, it is largely because of Paul Bos. Paul Bos’ progressive heat treatment and technology to forge classic knives such as the 110 is a large reason that it is as historical and iconic that it is.

My Verdict

Ultimately, you really can’t go wrong with this classic. If you’re like the millions of others who have owned and used the 110, then it’s likely you’ll not only fall in love with it, but also turn it into a legacy knife, and pass it on to the next hunter in line. To me, that makes it a truly nostalgic knife worth owning. For the price it is hard to beat as it is inexpensive, and a well-rounded, functional knife.

“Is it the most effective knife on the market”? “Is it the most cutting-edge knife on the market”? “How about, is it even the best hunting knife on the market”? Unfortunately no. But, for what it is (with legacy in tact), it is excellent.

It’s Buck’s flagship model that has inspired so many other great hunting knives. Holding it in your hand is like holding a piece of history, and for that, I recommend it if you’re looking to see the piece that influenced so many other knives.

And, hey, its gorgeous design doesn’t hurt either.

Editor’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0

Pros:

• Timeless design
• Impeccable craftsmanship
• Razor sharp blade out of the box
• Easy to resharpen the 420HC blade
• Classy genuine leather sheath
• Fair price for the value and quality of this knife
• Buck’s Forever Lifetime Warranty

Cons:

• Weight makes it impractical to serve as an everyday carry.
• Brittle tip that can break under rough conditions
• As a classic, it is not going to be the most modern or advanced knife on the market

What type of blade is it constructed with?

As the name suggests, it is constructed as a sturdy folding blade.

What type of sheath does the Buck 110 knife come with?

This depends on where you buy your knife from, and from which company. Typically, the Buck 110 comes with a leather sheath, however some merchants still include a nylon sheath with the 110. At the time of this writing, the Amazon listing included in this review features the leather sheath.

How is the 110 opened?

Due to the design of the lockback on the 110, it has to be opened with two hands. This is a common question, and drawback of the 110. While there are alternatives such as getting a thumb stud, the fingernail notch on the blade is not ideal for one hand.

Where is the Buck 110 made?

Customary of most Buck products, the 110 is an American classic, and manufactured in the USA. However, the sheath is made in Mexico. While a stigma for some, Mexico has actually built a reputation for excellent leather manufacturing and craftsmanship, and a large reason that Buck has it done outside the USA.

What can this knife “do”?

Don’t simply want to leave it on display? While it’s a beauty sitting on your wall or shelf when not in use, this is a super multi-functional and robust knife. I’ve found it to excel in many hunting roles, such as for gutting and skinning deer and game, as well as for camping, fishing, and even tasks around the house.

Would you recommend it?

Depends on what you are looking for in a knife, what you need it for, and your budget. If you read the review, you’ll see that I am  a very big fan of this knife, however, no it is not for everyone!

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The post Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife Review: A Timeless Masterpiece appeared first on Hunt Sharp.

When it comes to Bowie knives, they’re certainly not all made the same. Maybe more-so than with any other type of knife, it’s incredibly easy to get drawn into just the coolest, the biggest, or the ‘baddest’ looking knife. So in this list, we are going to help you wade through your options to help you find the best Bowie knife for your own needs! Whether you’re looking for a Bowie for camping and hunting, or a knife that will bring out your inner-Rambo, we’ve found the best of the best for any price range.

In a rush? Check out our picks for the top 6 Best Bowie Knives below!

Image	Name	Price	Check Price and Reviews
	Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife	$
	Buck Knives 120 Bowie Knife	$$
	Case Bowie Fixed Knife	$$$
	ESEE Junglas Bowie	$$$$
	TOPS Knives ATRD01 Armageddon Bowie Knife	$$$$$
	Cold Steel San Mai Trail Master	$$$$$$

Best Bowie Knives Under $

Elite 12” Survival Bowie Knife

Features:

• 12 Inch Bowie Knife, a perfect size
• 7.5 Inch black stainless steel blade
• Equipped with an ABS sheath

For those of you survivalists, or outdoorsmen, whom are on a tight budget, this 12” survival bowie knife from Elite is a great option. As we mention in our buyer’s guide, you want a quality Bowie knife to be above at least 6 inches, as the most manageable type of Bowie will be in that range. While this is a 12 Inch Bowie knife, the blade is 7.5 Inches and stainless steel. On blade size, it passes our size requirements. However, not only does it perform as a good Bowie knife, but it is also one of the highest rated and purchased tactical knives on the market (largely because of its value as such a cheap knife).

While it has good measurements, it is important to keep in perspective the very low price tag that it sports. It seems to be a strong plastic, but since it is partial tang, it is possible to break this knife if you are chopping wood and abusing the knife, versus the majority on this list that have full tang. However, even with that said, it can handle rigorous use, it is just important to include that disclaimer, if you intend to make this your primary SHTF knife.

The Elite 12” Bowie knife makes our list because it is a decent knife at this price point, and an option to consider as a back-up knife. It feels heavy in your hands (good weight), the blade seems heavy, and the ABS sheath is workable.

Who is this for? If you’re looking for a back-up survival knife, it’s not a bad option. In many cases, you can find it for under 20 and 15 dollars (obviously pricing varies). However, this should not be your primary survival or tactical knife, but you can still have a lot of fun (and get a lot of work done) with this knife.

Pros:

• Very in-expensive
• Blade sharpens well
• Good blade length and size

Cons:

• Partial Tang which means that if it is your primary survival / tactical knife, you could be in trouble if it breaks while in use.
• The sheath is OK

Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife

Features:

• Fastened with a 11 3/8” stainless steel blade (great size)
• A superb brass-plated guard for your fingers
• An elegant gray hardwood handle
• Equipped with a genuine leather sheath
• Constructed with a full tang blade

The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife is a beauty. Not just my opinion, but of the opinion of many, The Timber Rattler is one of the best bowie knives available – and is one of the bestselling hunting knives on many stores (including Amazon). Hunters love it. And it is very inexpensive to boot.

First, this is a massive bowie knife, with an 11 3/8” stainless steel blade. If you were looking for a knife that you can conceal, and walk around with, then this very much is not the knife for you. The size is great. Heck, even knowing it is a big knife, when you take it out of the sheath, you can’t help but be a bit surprised at how massive the blade is. Just gargantuan in size.

It has a little over 3” in thickness, and weighs approximately 2 pounds, so it certainly has some nice weight to it. Constructed with full tang, it seems like it was pretty much designed for batoning. It can perform most of the tasks that you’ll need while outdoors or hunting.

The gray hardwood handle is comfortable, and out of the box it comes in a genuine leather sheath (although I would think this is something that could be improved for the future). Out of the box (and sheath), it comes relatively sharp, but if you know how to sharpen a knife, it doesn’t take long to help it to get to a solid edge that can do work in the field.

Ultimately, this is another knife that you could keep as a “back-up” for extra fun, perhaps for tasks that you wouldn’t have your primary Bowie knife doing. It’s solid in weight and thickness all the way down to the handle … just tremendous in terms of weight and sheer size. If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive Bowie knife, this is it (one of the best cheap Bowie knives on the market). If you’re looking for a primary Bowie knife and something that packs a bigger punch, then read-on.

Pros:

• Gargantuan in size, weight and thickness
• Blade size
• Very inexpensive
• Full tang

Cons:

• Doesn’t come out of the box hair-shaving sharp
• Can take some work to give it an edge because of its thickness
• While it is a genuine leather sheath, it still feels cheap. You can always purchase a different sheath to house this knife.

Uncle Henry 181UH Bowie

Features:

• Constructed with full tang
• Equipped with 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel
• Designed with a staglon handle and silver finger guard
• Comes with a polyester belt sheath

The Uncle Henry 181UH Bowie is a top selling fixed blade hunting and bowie knife for good reason. It’s a very nice, inexpensive, all-purpose hunting knife by Schrade. Out of the box it comes with a sharp 10 inch blade. For a Bowie knife, that is a great size. Even though it is huge, it is not to the point where it is not usable (maybe a 25-30 inch blade starts to get more into that territory), or feels unwieldy.

The large blade makes it the perfect size as a big game hunting type of knife, or for chopping, carving or even throwing. The massive blade slices right through thick tree branches, splitting wood, really making it the perfect tool if you were in a situation where you needed fire wood. Constructed with full tang, it allows it to take a beating.

The Uncle Henry is made in China, which is reflected in its price. It wouldn’t be reasonable to expect this knife to come with top-end steel such as S30V. Instead, it is paired with a 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel. This is most equivocal to 440A stainless steel. It is a medium-to-high carbon steel. It is a stainless steel because of its chrome content (17%). The molybdenum (Mo) is useful to improve the strength of the knife, and critical in reducing brittleness for a bowie knife because of the wear and tear that it will receive. And the Vanadium (V) helps the knife to maintain a sharp edge.

The Uncle Henry feels to make for a nice camping and hunting knife, and is generally comfortable to use as it has good balance and weight. The other downside worth noting, in addition to the lower-grade steel, is the polyester belt sheath.

Uncle Henry will make you proud. Especially, in a last resort situation if you needed to wield it to defend against an aggressive mammal charging at you, like a bear or wolf!

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 10 Inches
• Handle Length: 5.37 Inches
• Overall Length: 15.37 Inches
• Weight: 1.06 Pounds

Pros:

• Fit and finish of the blade
• Sharpness out of the box
• Full tang – can take abuse
• Big knife and blade
• Inexpensive price tag

Cons:

• Polyester sheath
• Plastic grips

Gerber Winchester Bowie Knife

Features:

• Designed with an 8.75 inch fixed blade
• Equipped with a rat tail tang
• Smooth finger grooved wood and brass cross guard make for a nice handle

The Gerber Winchester Bowie Knife is certainly an interesting Bowie knife, and has mixed reviews and feedback from hunters and outdoorsmen alike. And, even with that being said, it is still a top seller online.

Winchester’s focus for this Bowie knife was to design a large fixed blade that provided sheer rugged power, and strength. It certainly has some power and cutting strength. The Winchester Bowie Knife comes with a sharp 8.75 inch curved, clip-point tip, fixed blade, which obviously is not a pocket knife length, but it also isn’t one of the largest knives on our list either. It’s a perfect size for a bowie knife – it’s a large knife that can withstand heavy use, while still sporting a blade under 10 inches. The weight of the knife “feels” right. Its durability is proven in its ability to fly through chopping tests, particularly if you need to chop logs or branches.

The blade comes out of the box very sharp. While it may re-sharpen easily, and in prime conditions sport a very sharp edge, it doesn’t hold its edge long-term all that great. The clip-point tip is located lower than the spine which provides additional control. While the clip-point is very handy, it might be harder for novice’s to sharpen.

Obviously, reasonable expectations are a must in this price category, but it is largely because of its steel and blade materials. The Gerber Winchester Bowie Knife is made from stainless steel, which is a more durable alloy as compared to high carbon steel. Stainless steel is tough, and corrosion resistant.

The handle is made of a nice wood, and many feel that the wood and brass handle offer a comfortable and strong grip even in bloody and wet conditions. It has a nice hefty feel to the blade, which encourages prolonged use. Looking at this bowie, the finger grooves are also a nice add. You’ll also notice that the brass plated cross guard separates the blade from the handle (nice aesthetics to it) and it is reinforced with two rivets.

One complaint is that this knife is advertised as full tang, but actually is a rat tail tang. For me, the best bowie knife will have full tang, and is important if you are going to be chopping wood, branches or batoning. Another complaint is in regard to the sheath – which could be better. It is a durable ballistic nylon sheath that comes with a hard planer liner inside to keep the blade in place, and retention straps to keep it safe while on you. While it’s a solid plastic, and decent for what it is, I generally prefer kydex or genuine leather sheaths.

The Winchester is Made in China, which should not be a surprise at this price point (generally under $50 – but also can often be found for $30 – $40ish online), but all in all does what it was designed to do well.

If you need to skin an animal while hunting, this Bowie knife has a curved edge near the point, and can handle that. Should you go camping, this knife will shine not only for bushcraft and chopping wood, but it guts fish easily, cutting right through bone. Overall, a superb Bowie knife for the outdoors at this price.

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 8.75 Inches
• Knife Length: 14.25 Inches
• Weight: 9 Ounces
• Material: Stainless Steel (420J2)
• Sheath: Ballistic Nylon

Pros:

• Inexpensive price
• Sharp blade
• Easy to re-sharpen
• Large knife

Cons:

• Rat tail tang instead of full tang
• Cheaper quality
  

Schrade SCHF45 Bowie Knife

Features:

• Constructed with full tang for strength
• Comes with a nylon fiber belt sheath
• Equipped with 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel
• Finger guard and choil for hand protection
• Finger grooves for additional hand placements and grip

The Schrade SCHF45 Bowie Knife is a beast of a Bowie knife. It is surprising how seamless the SCHF45 mounts and wields. With a total length of 16.5 inches, a clip point blade of 10.35 inches, and a thickness of a quarter inch, this truly is a rugged and sizable bowie.

I like that Schrade SCHF45 is full tang, which makes it ideal for hacking and splitting logs, or field dressing game. Chopping, bushcraft, batoning, and even finer tasks such as feathering sticks are all roles this knife was designed for.

The blade material of this knife is titanium 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel, which is fine for what it is. Schrade heat treats this model in a way that makes the steel very resilient, and helps it to achieve, and hold a sharp edge.

The handle is comfortable to hold and has TPE handle slabs with finger grooves which allows for additional gripping. On the spine side, there is jimping for extra grip … which some may find to be excessive (depending on whether you like alternative hand placements and grips – I personally do). It has the feel of a great camping knife that has some “oomph” to it at 1.3 pounds.

The main complaint for this knife is in regard to the scabbard – which is ballistic plastic. While it has velco straps to secure the blade in, you may end up wanting to replace the sheath.

All in all, at an inexpensive price point, Schrade has created a very good bowie knife that will be of service whether you’re camping, hunting or in a survivalist situation.

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 10.35 Inches
• Handle Length: 6.14 Inches
• Knife Length: 16.49 Inches

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty
• Inexpensive price
• Great value for your money
• Maintains a quality edge
• Will be more than enough for most users

Cons:

• Plastic scabbard
• Potentially too much jimping for some people

Best Bowie Knives Under $$

Ontario Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie

Features:

• Constructed with full tang
• Blade material of 1095 carbon steel
• Kraton handle that offers a firm grip
• Made in the USA
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Ontario Marine Raider Bowie. For the price, I’ll just start by saying, its exceptional quality and value.

I really like the company. For those who don’t know Ontario Knife Company, it’s a USA company that designs cutlery and gear for military, outdoor sporting and survival conditions. They also supply products for the U.S. Government itself – so to say they have high expectations to meet is an understatement, but a testament to the brand they are building. Excellent craftsmanship and materials in many of their knives, and they’re designed for heavy tactical and survival situations.

The Marine Raider Bowie is true to form, and is a great knife. It sports a 9.75 inch monster blade, and is 15.25 inches in length. Depending on your needs, this knife puts in work, and was designed to do so. Full tang, even though it may not look it. Often times you’ll see the steel running through the handle exposed by the spine, but the Marine Raider Bowie is hidden in the handle.

The knife comes sharp, and with a super sharp clip-point tip. When it starts to dull, it sharpens easily and holds a razor edge. You’ll notice it has a deep belly that can handle slicing and heavy duty cuts. Generally all around it is perfect for the woods (chopping through wood and smaller trees – it hacks right through). It can baton, but you can find better options on this list if that is your primary need. The blades are 57 – 59 HRC, so they come sharp and tough. Part of the reason the blade is as solid as it is, it’s American made 1095 steel, and also has a great heat treatment (with epoxy power coating). The blade and steel give it a nice and hefty feel.

The Kraton handle has a unique feel to it. I can tell that it will be particularly helpful in the outdoors and when you’re enduring harsh climate. It isn’t wood, but instead rubber and stiff which gives it nice traction. The rubber helps to absorb impacts so that the shocks don’t ripple through your hand. Additionally, it has a lanyard hole so you don’t drop the knife – either while you are using it or walking around.  The steel guard between the handle and the blade provides nice protection for your hands, and doesn’t obstructively stick out. The guard gives it that real Bowie feel.

Lastly, it comes with a leather/cordura sheath, which carries very, very easily. With the drop down it is extremely comfortable, to the point that you can have it on your side for hours without it getting in your way (which is excellent, considering the size of this knife). It easily draws out of the sheath, and locks right into place securely.

For the money, it is top notch quality. An intimidatingly large knife, and superb USA quality. All in all, not only a very good budget option, but a very good bowie knife in general!

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 9.75 inches
• Overall Knife Length: 15.125 inches
• Blade Thickness: .25 inches
• Sheath: Leather

Pros:

• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Good value for the money
• Great camping knife
• Super sharp blade
• Excellent blade thickness
• Great looking design, look, weight and feel

Cons:

• Design of clip point isn’t great for batoning
• Reports that some people have uneven grinds on the blade

Poshland REG-215 Handmade Damascus Steel Bowie Knife

Features:

• Excellent Damascus Steel
• Equipped with Marandi Wood Handles and Brass Spacers
• Damascus Steel Pommel
• Includes a handmade leather sheath
• 14 Inch Bowie Knife

Poshland, may not be one of the most well-known brands in cutlery, has produced an excellent handmade Bowie with this model. Reasonably priced for what you are getting, it’s an option to consider as you explore which bowie knife is the right fit for you.

It is a 14 inch bowie knife, with a 9-inch blade and 5-inch handle. It has a super sharp full tang blade, and maintains a very good edge. The blade comes sharp and with a hollow-ground edge. Aesthetically looks impeccable, and even the spine has custom filing done. Since this is Damascus steel, you will need to care for the knife, or risk it rusting. As we discuss in the buyer’s guide, it is important to oil a knife, such as this one, in order to keep it in pristine condition.

This quality of a steel has a hardness of HRC 58 – 60, which means it is a very hard steel. As a hard steel it will maintain its edge and sharpness.

If you are a collector, or are looking for a bowie knife that is a bit different than the rest, this is a quality, well-put-together knife.

Pros:

• A beautiful display knife
• Outstanding craftsmanship
• Great size blade

Cons:

• Minimalist sheath
• Need to care for the knife, or it will rust

Buck Knives 120 Bowie Knife

Features:

• A huge 7 3/8” clip blade
• Equipped with 420HC Steel
• Features either a black phenolic handle or Dymondwood handle with pommel and guard
• Includes a genuine leather sheath
• Made in the USA
• Buck Forever Warranty

If you have read our other reviews before, it is not surprise that we are big fans of Buck. I personally love the quality of Buck Knives and the value you get.

The Buck 120 is an excellent bowie knife. While smaller in length than many other knives included on the list, I like the control and precision that the Buck 120 offers in your movements. In terms of bowie knives, length is purely relative, as it is still a huge and solid knife.

Out of the box it comes very sharp with a beautiful finish. Going camping? Hunting? This blade will slice right through wood and any type of game that you throw in its path. Bushcraft, tactical situations, the Buck 120 can do it all utility wise.

In terms of steel quality, Buck uses their conventional 420HC stainless steel for this bowie knife. Buck’s 420HC, which is their average steel, is still an exceptional steel compared to most, as it holds a fine edge, and is corrosion resistant.

This knife can absolutely take some punishment and abuse out in the field and woods. The Buck 120 has an ergonomic handle with aluminum pommel and phenolic plastic, or Dymondwood, which is ideal for messy conditions (depending which version you select). Both handles offer good grip, and an excellent balance to their weight. Ultimately, the 120 was more than worthy of making this list, and if you’re looking for a super well-constructed bowie knife at a more than fair price, this is your pick. Excellent company, and in Buck fashion, this is a knife that is ready for work out of the box.

Pros:

• Great bank for your buck
• Razor sharp out of the box
• Superb craftsmanship and quality
• Excellent size for a bowie
• “Made in the USA”

Cons:

• Sheath

KA-BAR 1217 USMC Fighting Knife

Features:

• Constructed with a sharp 7 inch blade
• Very tough 1095 Cro-van steel
• Designed with a leather handle
• Equipped with a leather sheath
• Comes rugged and ready for tactical use, or display

The KA-BAR 1217. You’ve most likely heard of this beast before. One of the most iconic tactical fixed-blade knives on the market, and for good reason, one of the best-selling combat knives online. The KA-Bar 1217 is of the most used knives in the United States Marine Corps – particularly during World War II. And of course, K-Bar knives are made in the USA.

This list largely reflects a knife’s capabilities for hunting, camping and survival situations, and thus, this knife deserves to be mentioned. Out of the box, this gorgeous knife comes with a 7” blade, a high-quality leather handle, tough 1095 cro-van steel, and a leather sheath. It comes ready to serve you as a fighting or tactical knife (USMC stamp is embroidered onto the knife).

This blade is the ultimate utility and combat knife. If you’re going camping, this beauty will handle many survivalist or backpacking tasks that you throw its way. However, the one caveat is that it doesn’t hold up as well to heavy duty tasks, and the reason is that it is rat tail tang as opposed to full tang (most on this list are full tang). For batoning and chopping wood, you want to stick to a bowie that has full tang. Even with that being said, it still is razor sharp and maintains a wicked edge – so sharp that it could tear through a rock (you would be surprised by some videos), and yes, easily sharp enough to shave the hair off of your arm. Understand that this is primarily a tactical and combat knife first and foremost and you won’t be disappointed.

It is constructed with 1059 CroVan steel, which is not stainless, so it can in fact rust. For this knife in particular, you will need to take care of it if you want it to look and perform as great as it does from day one. The best way to do that is to constantly oil it. The sheath that comes out of the box is both durable, rugged and looks and feels great. However, you need to keep up maintenance on both the knife and sheath – and if you do – you’ll love it.

All in all, a high-quality and crafted knife. The KA-BAR 1217 is a true American classic with a lot of history. And, in my opinion, is the perfect gift for anyone who has served in the Corps, or is joining the military.

Pros:

• Excellent for utility, combat, and tactical situations
• An extremely tough knife
• Holds a sharp edge
• Good value for the money
• Strong history to this knife as an American classic
• Makes for a great gift with a lot of sentimental value to anyone who has served in the military

Cons:

• Some are disappointed that an iconic American knife would have its sheath produced in any country other than the U.S. (in Mexico)
• Not every Ka-Bar comes out of the box razor sharp, and while it can hold a sharp edge, but require some initial sharpening. Not ideal if you are not familiar with how to sharpen a knife
• If you do not take proper care of the knife, it will rust
• Not full tang

Cold Steel 39LSWB Marauder Knife

Features:

• Constructed with full tang
• Created with a 9 inch blade
• Designed with a Long Kray-Ex (rubbery) handle
• Includes a Secure-Ex (hard plastic) sheath that safely clips to a belt.

Some call the Cold Steel 39LSWB Marauder Knife “beastly”, we prefer to call it one ferocious bowie knife. Just look at the specs: 9 inch blade, 14 inches in length and a blade thickness of 4.7 mm. The 39LSWB is named after Merill Marauder, and designed after combat knives, so the intention of the knife is to be mean and rugged. So, when we I say that this knife is no joke, I truly mean it … in other words, if you’re not careful, you could end up with stitches (it is that sharp – as some users can attest to).

Cold Steel is known for quality control on many of their products, and this is no exception. The Marauder bowie knife has fantastic heat treating on the blade, and comes impressively razor sharp. While Cold Steel used Japanese Aus 8A stainless steel for this knife, it’s a stronger steel than you might think (not a bad slab of steel), and holds a surprisingly sharp edge.  The tip is needle-like and will penetrate through any game that you throw it, or cut through any thick branches that you come across while camping or for bushcraft.

The handle and handle guard are grippy and rubbery. Comfortable in hand, they also offer good traction for any type of weather, which is certainly important. One of the most surprising aspects of this knife is its light weight … it really is thin for its size, which you may or may not find more ideal for your own needs.

The sheath is made of a hard type of plastic and has flaps that snap in place to lock the knife in. A decent sheath, but certainly nothing award-winning.

Need to cut through brush? Going camping? This is a worthy bowie knife for bushcraft, batoning, chopping and any other heavy duty work you might need to do. An excellent bowie knife, especially for the money.

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 9 Inches
• Handle Length: 5 1/8 Inches
• Knife Length: 14 1/8 Inches
• Blade Thickness: 4.7 mm
• Steel: Japanese Aus 8A Stainless

Pros:

• Great bang for the buck
• Super sharp with its 9” blade
• Lightweight for its size
• Strong steel with solid heat treatment
• Good all-around-utility for this bowie knife

Cons:

• Would prefer a leather sheath

Morakniv Bushcraft Pathfinder Knife

Features:

• Thick 6.75 inch blade with .125 inch thickness
• Includes a Nylon sheath
• Carbon Steel designed to be anti-corrosive
• Designed with an ergonomic handle
• Made in Sweden

The Pathfinder by Mora is one of the newer bowie knives on this list, and also one of the largest outdoor knives that Mora offers. This bowie is similar to another knife by Mora called the Mora Bushcraft Black. This bowie is a great option, considering what value you are looking to extract from the knife, and the purpose you want to use it for.

They call this a “bushcraft” knife because it certainly seems designed for bushcraft and survival situations. It’s a very rugged and durable knife. The 6.75” blade with  is razor sharp, and looks like a slender blade. Mora has a wide array of cutlery products, but the Pathfinder seems to be their best option for heavy-duty work – for bushcraft. For instance, the knife is ground flat to the tip. That’s important outdoors if your intention is to use it as a hammer. Another interesting characteristic is its light weight (about 8.8 oz) – which I find to be more of a personal preference.

The blade is heat treated with a protective tungsten, which is a heavy stone … arguably one of the toughest things in nature, and that helps to give it its black look, corrosive resistant properties, and nice finish. With a tough high carbon steel steel, it is ideal for batoning and bushcraft, and will sharpen easily. If you’re in a fire making situation, the 90 degree spine of the blade is ideal.

The handle is made of rubber and double-molded for traction in all weather conditions. However, if there is one prime complaint with this knife, it is mostly with the nylon sheath. It is MOLLE-compatible, and has plastic and snap closures to retain the knife in place, but if you buy this knife, you may opt to go for a leather or kydex sheath instead.

Also worth mentioning, it is not full tang, but partial tang. Even still, it is durable for batoning, but for some, that might be a deal breaker.

Excellent option for the price.

Pros:

• Razor sharp blade
• Good length blade
• Maintains a sharp edge and profile
• Durable for batoning and outdoor work

Cons:

• Nylon sheath leaves something to be desired.
• Lack a large finger guard on the knife
• Not full tang (partial tang)

Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife

Features:

• Constructed with full tang and clip point blade
• Made from 1095 CroVan carbon steel
• Weighs a little over a pound (1.05 pounds)
• Created with a 9 inch blade
• Designed with ergonomic Grivory handles for max grip
• Made in the USA

The Ka-Bar BK9 is simply a beast. There’s good reason that it’s employed by so many branches of the military and veterans.

The BK9 comes razor sharp. Why is it a beast? Well, it hacks through wood and logs like they’re butter, and then refuses to apologize for its sheer strength and menacingly pierce tip. If you want size in a bowie knife, this is a monster at 14.75 inches, with a 9 inch blade. It has great size and length to it.

Different bowie knives will suit different users depending on their needs. This a masterpiece for batoning, chopping, hammering, prying … all of which are a breeze for the BK9, largely because of the design and materials of the blade. It has a 20 degree edge angle, flat grind, and a sweet spot in the sweeping curve belly which gives it the strength and angle to pierce through any type of log or wood. The steel is 1059 CroVan carbon steel which is a tough, but easy to sharpen steel.

The BK9 is also full tang with a solid piece of steel running all the way through. The full tang strength is another prime factor that makes it a superb bushcraft and tactical knife. It’s practically indestructible, which means that even if you need to chop log after log, it will take abuse and still remain strong and sharp. And when it starts to dull, it’s easy to resharpen. So hack away with the BK9.

It also has a beautiful coating and finish to it. The handle is designed for comfort with a thumb rest that offers a better grip. Surprisingly, it’s also pretty nimble for its size at a bit over a pound. The only complaint with the BK9 is the included nylon sheath (noticing a trend?). It does the job well with a plastic liner that protects the sheath from its terrorizing cutting edge, and ultimately secures the knife well by velcroing the knife in place, but many feel that it still leaves a bit to be desired.

Pros:

• Quality craftsmanship and construction
• Sharp blade and edge
• Big knife perfect for heavy duty tasks such as chopping, batoning, bushcraft and camping
• Has a very solid feel to it

Cons:

• Nylon sheath is simply ‘ok’

Best Bowie Knives Under $$$

Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Bowie Knife

Features:

• Straight-Back Blade
• Designed with a nice satin finish
• Constructed with full tang
• Sabre hollow ground profile
• Aluminum cross guard and pommel
• Made in the USA
• Equipped with a 6.25” razor sharp blade

The Buck Knives 124 Bowie comes with a sharp 6.25” straight-back blade, coated with a classy satin finish. A limited edition run, it features Buck’s conventional 420 high carbon steel with a great heat treatment. The blade is suitable for most work with a thickness of 4mm. The Buck 124 Frontiersman is full tang which gives it strength for heavy duty outdoor tasks.

The large aluminum guard adds comfort to your hand while using it, and the aluminum pommel adds nice strength to the knife. The meatiest part is certainly in the handle of the 124 with great weight balance distribution. The 124 has a razor sharp blade, with a tough 420HC steel powering it. Buck designed this to handle any type of hunting, survival or tactical situation.

The Buck 124 comes packaged with a decent leather sheath that some complain locks the 124 in too tight, so you may opt to go for an upscale kydex sheath for better portability and protection. Ultimately, a quality hunting and tactical knife, and the best way to test it out is by giving some branches or brush a nice hacking to experience its power for yourself.

Pros:

• Razor sharp blade
• Blade size is perfect for heavy-duty work
• Micarta handle offers a great grip
• Strong 420HC steel
• Buck Forever Warranty
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Would expect a higher grade sheath

Case Bowie Fixed Knife

Features:

• Constructed with a 9.5 inch blade
• Designed with a synthetic handle with beautiful brass guard
• Includes a leather sheath
• Hand-crafted
• Made in the USA

Case makes excellent knives, and their Bowie knife is no exception. A work of art, decoration, or field-ready? Pretty much all three. The Case Bowie is an exceptional knife, and comes out of its elegant box razor sharp. It is incredible how much attention to detail, and the level of craftsmanship that was put into this Bowie knife.

For many, this is more of a collectible knife, perfect for display or “presentation”. With its squint-inducing shininess (mirror polished), you’ll absolutely want to keep this knife polished. The fit and finish on the blade are stunning.

If you decide to use it in the field, it is sturdy and durable, with a sharp edge and taper ground blade. It’s uncertain whether this bowie knife has full tang or not, and has not been confirmed by Case themselves, but it appears to be more of a partial tang. Case has used Tru-Sharp 420HC surgical stainless steel for this knife. The size of this knife gives it excellent weight (20 ounces), which provides a great balance for whether you want to use it, or show it off on display.

For the handle, Case has gone with a black synthetic handle with brass guard. You also have the option to choose from three different colors: black, white, or black logo (with Case logo), all of which are stunning knives. Lastly, it comes with a hefty genuine leather sheath

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 9.5”
• Knife Length: 14.25”
• Weight: 20 oz
• Sheath: Leather
• Make: USA

Pros:

• Beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Sharp blade
• Excellent weight and feel to the knife
• Guaranteed to receive compliments sitting on your display

Cons:

• Arguably more of a display knife than a field knife

SOG Super Bowie SB1T-L

Features:

• Cut through anything with a 7.5 inch clip point blade
• Brown ergonomic leather washer handle
• Constructed with AUS-8 metal
• Includes leather sheath
• Limited lifetime warranty

The SOG Super Bowie is the new release, and follow-up to the original SOG Bowie. For outdoor, and particularly heavy duty work, this bowie is incredible for survivalist and bushcraft work. The solid SOG Super Bowie is developed with excellent craftsmanship, and has a 7.5 inch, clip-point AUS8 blade. AUS8 steel is known for its corrosive and rust resistant properties, as well as its ability to maintain an edge.

SOG has designed this bowie knife with black TiNi coating. The TiNi coating provides a layer of protection for the knife, and is a beautiful finish. The handle is fastened with leather washers, and is ideal for those with larger hands – as the handle alone is about 5 inches long. Ergonomically designed, it is perfect for the toughest conditions, and impervious to inclimate weather. The handle also has finger grooves in the center of the handle which offers a strong grip.

If you’re looking to abuse your bowie for bushcraft and hunting, it’s important that the knife has full tang, which the SOG Super bowie has. SOG pairs this knife with a leather sheath. Ultimately, this is a gorgeous knife, with excellent craftsmanship, and truly is a dependable knife for most hunting and survival situations that you might be in.

Pros:

• Thick blade
• Full tang
• Beautiful aesthetics

Cons:

• Heavier Bowie knife than most
• One of the pricier Bowies’ available

Puma 116396 Bowie Plain Stag

Features:

• Handle is made from real stag antlers
• Incredible hand craftsmanship
• Equipped with a leather sheath

The Puma 116396 Bowie just feels like a classic bowie knife. And, Puma is certainly not new to the art of cutlery and knife making, having been around since 1769, and regarded as one of the top companies for sporting knives. Puma is iconic for making incredibly high quality German knives, and the Plain Stag is no exception. With a 6” blade, D1.4 stainless steel and a Rockwell hardness of 57 – 60, this is as effective as it is handsome.

This high end bowie knife has a hollow ground drop blade, and fittingly is hand crafted. The great thing about the Plain Stag is that it does not emphasize appearance over performance. Its aesthetics are as sharp as its performance. One knife in particular on this list, we discussed its value more as a collector item and on display than in the field. This knife is handsome because of its ruggedness and functionality.

It isn’t conventional beauty with mirror polish that makes it shine, instead it’s a real deal bowie. When you take it out with you in the woods, it will be an all-day hack and slash warrior for you. It is extremely lightweight, and nimble, certainly lighter than many knives on this list.

Stylish and razor sharp, it’s a bowie that will serve you faithfully.

Pros:

• Excellent design and cosmetics
• Impeccable craftsmanship
• Razor sharp blade
• Perfect size

Cons:

• Hefty price tag, but it’s the real deal

Best Bowie Knives Under $$$$

ESEE Junglas Bowie

Features:

• Monster sharp 10.375” blade
• Constructed from high carbon 1095 steel
• Designed with a gray micarta handle
• Includes a Kydex sheath with MOLLE backing
• Junglas is Made in the USA

Hands down one of the best bowie knives on the market today is the ESEE Junglas. This beast has a razor sharp, over 10 inch fixed blade. It will slice through anything that you put in its path. Wood, logs, branches, bottles, there is no stopping the Junglas.

The big blade is most ideal for camping and backpacking, situations where you need a big blade to help with building shelter or firewood. It chops and hammers right through hard materials with its tough, tough blade. I liken the Junglas to practically being a mini ax that will serve you well in the woods, the jungle, some remote island, or even in your backyard and home.

ESEE has put tremendous attention to detail on the design of the knife. It has beautiful detail on the blade and handle – overall fantastic craftsmanship, heat treatment of the steel, and quality control.

ESEE also bundles the Junglas with one of the best sheaths that I have seen on such a big bowie knife. The sheath is kydex and MOLLE compatible for your pack. If you are in the service, it is jump compatible, and has holes for paracord and retention screws to keep the bowie locked in place without rattling around.

One point to note is that the steel is high carbon 1095 steel. While an excellent and tough steel, this type of steel requires some care and maintenance. So, as long as you oil it and take care of it, it will equally take care of you in the bush.

Yes, there is a lot of hype around this bowie, but it does in fact have quite a large bite to back it up. Beautiful Made in the USA bowie that is hands down one of the best bowies on this list.

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 10.38”
• Knife Length: 16.5”
• Knife Thickness: .188”
• Handle: Micarta
• Knife Weight: 23 oz

Pros:

• Super sharp and tough steel
• Excellent kydex sheath
• Great sturdy feel to the knife. However, that can be both good and bad depending on if you want a lightweight knife
• Ergonomic handle for chopping and batoning.
• Can cut and hammer through just about anything
• One of the best bowie knives and big fixed blade knives on the market

Cons:

• With the sheath, this is one hefty knife. Not ideal for long hunts if it will be on your side the entire time!

Cold Steel Natchez Bowie

Features:

• Designed with a massive 11.75” 0-1 carbon steel blade
• Equipped with a black Micarta handle
• Includes a Secure-Ex sheath

The Cold Steel Natchez Bowie is a monster 17.125” knife. Indisputably so, the Natchez Bowie is one of Cold Steel’s best knives, and absolutely one of the best bowie knives on the market, bar-none.

This is first, and foremost, designed as a tactical weapon or for martial arts. Wielding this is along the lines of a mini sword. Even though we aren’t quite sure what a “traditional” bowie is (still majorly debated), this looks and feels like something that would have made James Bowie proud, and would have delighted him for combat.

Cold Steel has designed the Natchez bowie with an incredible 11.75” blade that slices cleanly through anything. However, the gargantuan size might be a bit much for you, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for a bowie primarily for outdoor survival and hunting – whether it is bushcraft or camping, the size might be too big if you aren’t use to handling a blade of this magnitude. Cold Steel themselves also say this bowie is primarily for tactical use, but many say that it will hold its own even if you are camping and need it for bushcraft and light batoning.

What makes it an excellent fighting bowie? Well, it has a razor sharp long blade that can pierce through anything in its way. The thick blade offers strength to the knife, and has a full flat grind. Cold Steel designed it with a hefty but balanced handle that offers leverage in your slashes. This is no joke of a bowie. For a field test video, see below, however, popular opinion of many that you’ll need to hold this knife and test it to see how high-quality it is.

The Natchez bowie also has remarkable craftsmanship and high-quality materials behind it. With a nice thick brass finger guard, your hand won’t slip while you’re using the knife to annihilate through practically anything that should unfortunately be in the way of this knife (ever heard the expression “like a hot knife through butter?). It also comes with a Secure-EX sheath, ideal for inclement weather conditions, and has a belt loop to fit on your belt or pack. It sits snug, so it won’t wear down the edge, and when you are ready to use it, just push it and it releases.

While it has significant functionality, it is equally perfect for display on a mantle or wall. A beautifully designed bowie, and one of the best on this list. The down-side is its price, but if you are looking in this category because you want a bowie that is top of the line, then you’ve found your match.

Pros:

• Excellent sharp blade for all tactical and combat situations
• Cosmetically it is a gorgeous knife
• Great value in terms of the price considering its material quality, blade sharpness, and durability.

Cons:

• Partial cable tang as opposed to full tang
• Price

Best Bowie Knife Under $$$$$

TOPS Knives ATRD01 Armageddon Bowie Knife

Features:

• Strong 10.625 inch blade
• Durable 1095 high carbon steel
• Features a flat-ground blade
• Created with some heft at 24 oz
• Designed with a comfortable gray micarta handle
• Includes a MOLLE compatible nylon sheath
• Made in the USA

The TOPS Knives ATRD01 Armageddon Bowie is a pretty big bowie at 16 and a half inches, and razor sharp 10.625 inch flat ground blade. With such a sharp drop point blade out of the box, and tough 1095 steel, the Armageddon can essentially serve you as a mini-machete, ideal for camping, hiking, survival and bushcraft.

The ATRD01 Armageddon has a piercing tip that can puncture through hard surfaces and remain unscathed – that is what you want from a workhorse knife. With full tang on this beast, it is designed for abuse. The Armageddon offers alternative hand placements to allow for additional control of such a large knife. Finger grooves on the blade allow you to choke up, if you need a closer grip for finer tasks. Your fingers can rest easily at the base of the blade and choke up on the choil when necessary. The hand guard works to prevent your fingers from slipping when you do not want to choke up.

The Micarta handle feels great. Micarta is typically ideal for nasty weather and messy conditions when your hands are wet, and you need to maintain a grip. Many users report that it typically does not result in hand fatigue from prolonged usage, but to avoid hotspots, the alternative finger placements help.

The Armageddon includes a decent nylon sheath, so you will certainly want to upgrade the scabbard should you ever grab this bowie. Overall, a beautiful and hefty knife with excellent finish. As expected of TOPS, the craftsmanship is one of the best components of this knife, but you will still need to oil the blade it in order to maintain its integrity and great condition.

Pros:

• Huge razor sharp blade
• Ideal for camping, hiking and bushcraft
• Piercing tip
• Edge retention
• Chops like a cleaver
• Superb craftsmanship
• Alternative hand placements
• Eye candy

Cons:

• Nylon sheath

Best Bowie Knife Under $$$$$$

Cold Steel San Mai Trail Master

Features:

• Designed with a razor sharp 9.5” blade
• Blade thickness of 5/16”
• Impressive 3.5” false edge
• Created with a kraton handle ideal for bloody and wet weather
• Equipped with a Cor-Ex sheath

Cold Steel has promoted and marketed their San Mai Trail Master as one of the strongest and sharpest bowie knives of not only their extensive product line, but on the market. But, is it?

The San Mai Trail Master is another large bowie from Cold Steel. With a 9.5 inch San Mai steel blade, this knife can take serious abuse, just as it was designed to do. Heck, while not quite a machete, it’s the next best thing – large and sharp enough to be a knife, but not a sword or machete.

The Trail Master is designed with a tough needle sharp clip point tip with an incredibly thick blade. A blade thickness of 5/16” – I don’t see that type of blade thickness often. The San Mai steel blade has 3 layers, and that is what gives it so much strength, thickness, durability and power. It’s a serious chunk of steel, and will take some work to break it in. The blade is ground from the top to the edge, and is so sharp that it shreds cleanly right through wood, rope, bamboo, and realistically just about anything else with superb durability and bend.

It’s a heavy-duty bowie ideal for chopping and slicing when camping or bushcraft. When camping, if you need to chop wood to gather firewood and to build a shelter, I can see this bowie as being the perect companion.

The Trail Master also comes with a kraton handle which is designed to be ergonomic with its shock-absorbing grips. For such a large knife, it is remarkably light weight to use and carry for its size. Even still, while it isn’t heavy, most feel that it has substantial but comfortable weight, a bowie with some “oomph”. Good weight balance is important in preventing hand fatigue and hot spots with prolonged usage.

Overall, the Trail Master is one big, intimidating masterpiece from Cold Steel. With this knife, the age old adage of “you get what you pay for” lives on.

Pros:

• Premium-grade quality and performance
• Constructed with full tang
• Razor sharp – care and precaution is required
• Annihilates anything in its way
• Get what you pay for – high-end quality for the money

Cons:

• One of the most expensive Bowie’s on this list

Buyer’s Guide for How to Select a Bowie Knife

Top 7 Things to Consider When Buying a Bowie Knife

These are the top 7 things that we (and you should too) look for:

• Blade
• Steel
• Blade Length
• Construction
• Weight
• Sheath
• Handle

What is a Bowie Knife?

Before we dive in to the aforementioned list and how a Bowie knife can serve you, it’s equally important that we first address what it even is. If you’re a fan of Hollywood, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Bowie’s rise as an American icon in the form of a big, scary and intimidating knife. Most famously, you’ve probably seen it in Rambo and Crocodile Dundee.

The truth is that there is no simple answer as to what a bowie knife is, just a plethora of opinions. Ironically, you would think after all these years there would be a consensus, but the disagreement is because there’s no evidence of what the first Bowie knife even looked like!

Conventionally, a Bowie is a knife that is longer than about 6 inches (can range anywhere from 6 to 30 inches in length), and has a thick, sharp blade. It’s undergone many cosmetic changes since it was originally used by Col. James “Jim” Bowie in the 1800’s. Originally, a Bowie was primarily used for fighting and self-defense, but it has become more of a survival tool than a weapon. Because of its massive size, it is a perfect versatile knife for both campers and survivalists.

The stigma is that it’s a massive, clip point blade, practically a mini sword and dagger. So to be defined as a Bowie, size is one of the most important aspects. As a result of their large size, they are generally sturdier and sharper than conventional survival knives. Since it fits into a sheath, a Bowie is known as a sheath knife, and more often than not has a large cross guard.

Blade

When purchasing a Bowie knife, the blade material and quality is critically important. First, I would recommend a fixed blade. In this type of work, a fixed blade will be significantly more durable, and reliable. Folders have their place, especially for an EDC, but a folder generally has less strength than a fixed blade knife, and when batoning and hammering, you need all the force that a knife can offer.  

Second, the blade has to be razor sharp. A dull blade is not only ineffective, but arguably dangerous in survival, fighting and hunting situations. A knife is only as good as its blade, so it is important to be choosy about the steel used for the knife (discussed below). On your blade, you may opt for a clip-point tip for maximum control, and a sharpened false edge. A clip-point works great for a Bowie because the point of the tip is to be able to forcefully stab through an object or threat, and that is exactly what a clip-point offers.

A quality Bowie functions as a slashing and stabbing tool. So, for your knife to slice well, you’ll want a blade that has a straight edge that runs from the belly to the handle.

Steel

For steel selection, you’ll mostly be deciding between carbon steel and stainless steels. Traditionally, most Bowies were manufactured with carbon steel, however, stainless steel alloys have evolved and progressed so much that it now rivals carbon steel, and in many cases, is replacing carbon steel (creating a stronger blade). These stainless steel alloys can now almost match carbon steel in toughness.

Conventionally, carbon steels have been tougher than stainless steels, encouraging their widespread use because they are relatively easy to sharpen, and maintain a fine edge. However, the issue of carbon steel versus stainless steel is that carbon steel can corrode if not properly taken care of. Stainless steel alloys can match carbon steel. But it’s not like the classic bowie knives.

Blade steel will make or break a good Bowie. If the knife can’t hold up to heavy-duty tasks like batoning without breaking, its actual functionality for anyone will be severely limited.

Length

A good Bowie knife should be at the very least, 6 inches long. Shorter than this, and quite frankly it’s not a Bowie knife. A classic Bowie needs length, and should look threatening! For practicality sake, 7 – 11 inches is ideal. It can be hard to carry around a 25 inch Bowie while camping for an extended period of time. You also lose precision in your cuts the longer the knife is.

Anything smaller than 6 inches, and you might be better off looking for a hunting/skinning knife or a pocket knife. The point of a Bowie is to have a large knife that can handle intensive tasks that every day knives can’t handle.

The length that works best for YOU will depend on your own needs. Length and power is important for batoning and bushcraft work.

Smaller Knife = precision. This is going to be better for hunters that want their Bowie to be able to skin an animal. A large Bowie will make field dressing more difficult.

Larger Knife: longer, thick blades are going to help with intensive, and grueling outdoor tasks. Large blades will give you more power, and so they will work better for chopping wood, bushcraft and clearing brush and shrubs. However, the longer the Bowie is, the harder it will be to wield and use. With a 20 inch knife, your control rapidly decreases over the knife, which could make it a liability.

Weight

For a Bowie, light weight is less useful. To do hard tasks for camping and bushcraft, the knife needs to have substantial weight so that it doesn’t crack under its own weight. There is a fine line that it shouldn’t be too heavy that it isn’t portable, but still pack a punch when you need to equip it. In a combat situation, it turns into a weapon, and needs to serve its role.

It’s hard to assign a specific weight because everyone has different preferences. Some like the feel of a hefty knife that balances under its own weight, others prefer sleek and nimble knives.

Construction

Your Bowie will surely be taking abuse for outdoor tasks, so it has to be strong. As a result, you will want to seek out a Bowie that has full tang to ensure that the knife won’t snap in half during rigorous use. Tang is the steel that connects the handle to the blade as one long continuous piece of metal – it is not a display characteristic, but effects the entire integrity of the knife. Full tang gives the knife strength, and helps to prevent the knife from snapping. For some tasks, you might need to smack things hard, and the knife better hold up.

Full tang is useful because of its strength. Even with a massive brunt force, it is still hard to break a full-tang knife in half because it is reinforced by a huge chunk of metal. How do you know if your knife has full tang? You can see it by looking at the handle (with a non-exposed handle, the metal will run through the handle down to the pommel).

Sheath

The sheath houses your knife, and is almost as important as the knife (just like a garage that protects a Ferrari). The sheath houses the knife, and protects it from the elements and weather, so investing in a quality sheath is also like investing in your knife’s well-being.

Leather or synthetic is often the best quality materials and the longest lasting for a sheath. My recommendation is a nice leather or kydex sheath. A quality sheath will make the knife easier to carry, and conform to your movements as it is snug on your side. I also recommend a sheath that won’t wear the edge of your blade down because it is crammed too tight.

Handle

A good Bowie needs a form-fitting handle as ergonomics are important to maintaining your control over the knife. When you are out in the rain chopping wood, the last thing that you want is minimal retention on the handle that your knife flies out of your hands.

Handle preference, like weight, also tends to be more subjective and varies by person to person as to what they find comfortable. It also depends on what you are using it for. For prolonged usage …. does it cause hot spots? Is it too heavy in your hands? Too big?

The most popular type of handles right now are Micarta, G10, natural bone and synthetic handles. Knife makers prioritize handle design for cosmetic appearance, but it is important that you look past the aesthetic appeal. Unless it’s a display knife, it needs to be more functional than pretty. An attractive handle is ideal, but if you need stitches because it slipped in your hand, then the attractiveness loses its luster just a bit.

Natural Bone: feels great in the cold

Synthetic: Great for wet and messy conditions. Very durable handles.

If You Enjoyed This Buyer’s Guide, Click To Read The Following Articles:

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http://www.huntsharp.com/best-field-dressing-knife/

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