Fixed-blade knives are must-haves for small game hunters. They offer strength, control, and the ability to dress game and perform survival tasks. Choosing the right knife makes it easier to work with precision and speed in the field. This guide covers the top fixed-blade knives for small game hunters.
1. Buck Knives 113 Ranger Skinner
The Buck 113 Ranger Skinner features a compact build with a sharp 420HC stainless steel blade. Its curved design allows for accurate skinning, and the handle fits comfortably in the hand for long use. This knife is great for hunters looking for clean cuts and a solid grip in all conditions.
2. Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner
Made with CPM-S30V steel, the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner holds its edge through repeated use. The contoured handle sits well in the palm and reduces hand strain during use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing sharpness and versatility for tasks like skinning rabbits or field dressing squirrels.
3. Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty knife is high quality and affordable. Its carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, ideal for delicate work. A non-slip rubber handle makes it dependable in wet or cold conditions. It’s lightweight, strong, and a smart choice for any weather.
4. Helle Eggen
Handcrafted in Norway, the Helle Eggen knife has a triple-layer laminated steel blade for lasting sharpness and strength. The birchwood handle offers good control and a comfortable grip for long periods. If wondering what gear you need for iguana hunting, consider getting this knife because it’s dependable in various settings.
5. ESEE Izula-II
Compact but powerful, the ESEE Izula-II features a 1095 carbon steel full-tang blade. It’s lightweight and easy to carry while offering strong cutting ability for cleaning game. Its sturdy build makes it great for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Upgrade Your Hunting Gear
Your knife can make small game hunting safer, faster, and more efficient. These top fixed-blade knives for small game hunters offer a mix of quality, balance, and control. Whether you’re field dressing a rabbit or cleaning your catch, you’ll want a quality knife. Take time to find the one that suits your needs, and make your next hunt even better than the last!
- Knife Dimensions: Overall Length: 14 inch (355 mm); Blade Length: 8-1/2 inch (215 mm); Wood Handle Length: 5-1/2 inch (140 mm); Blade thickness: 3.7 mm; Handle Thickness: 53/64 inch (21 mm); Weight: 14 oz
- Razor Sharp Clip Point Blade: The 3CR13 blade has excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance for lasting durability; good for piercing, detail work, and cutting in tight places
- Full-Tang Wood Handle: Classic design handle made of rosewood, provides comfortable grip and balance with brass pommel/guard, non-slip grip to use
- Genuine Leather Sheath With Snap Fastener: High-quality protective sheath with integrated belt loop for safe and secure carry with easy access
- Applicable Occasions: This full-tang hunting knife is suitable for various military, hunting, survival, tactical, industrial, and outdoor situations. We don't suggest it be used for chopping or batoning
- High-Quality Sharp Blade: The 3-3/4" 420HC stainless steel clip blade is put through a rigorous heat treat process and performance test to ensure excellent hunting knife strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance
- Revolutionary Strength: The 110 Folding Hunter changed the hunting knife industry with its iconic lockback design. Easy to open with a nail notch, the blade locks firmly in place for trusted strength, safety, and performance in the field
- Multi-Use Pocket Knife: Our folding knife is made to withstand tough conditions and stay sharp longer. Perfect for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, bushcraft, overlanding, or as an everyday carry knife
- Convenient Carry: Includes an imported genuine leather sheath with a snap fastener and belt loop for secure, easy field carry. The knife folds to a closed length of 4-7/8" and weighs 7.2 oz for portable, reliable use
- Forever Warranty: Since 1902, Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity and quality of our products. This classic hunting knife is proudly handcrafted in the USA
- Premium CPM‑MagnaCut Steel — Long‑Lasting Edge Retention: 7.125″ trailing‑point blade forged from CPM‑MagnaCut stainless steel, cryogenically heat-treated to 62–64 HRC for exceptional toughness, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting sharpness.
- Ultra-Thin, Flexible Blade — Precision Butchering & Boning: The thin, upswept blade with a high-flat grind and hand-honed edge glides effortlessly through fat, gristle, and joints — ideal for processing game, poultry, or trimming meat with minimal waste.
- Stone-Tumbled Finish & Ergonomic Handle — Durable and Comfortable: Stone-tumbled finish reduces glare and reduces visibility of wear over time; Black Diamond Richlite handle scales provide a secure, water-resistant, non-slip grip for confident handling even during extended use.
- Lightweight & Balanced — Easy Control in Hand: At ~3.8 oz (without sheath), the knife offers excellent balance and reduces hand fatigue — ideal for long field-dressing sessions or kitchen prep.
- Complete Field-to-Table Kit — Ready for Hunting & Butchering: Includes a glass-fiber-reinforced nylon blade guard (with integrated belt loops) and a padded canvas zipper pouch — enabling safe transport, storage, and convenience on the go or in the kitchen.
