Fixed blade knives are generally the more rugged and reliable. Fixed blade knives like the Coast Bowie Knife or the Puma Rolled Stag White Hunter are both good examples of high quality fixed blade hunting knives because of their superior stainless steel blades and sturdy handles. Fixed blades are also very easy to clean. Fixed blade knives, however, are generally bulkier, heavier, and potentially dangerous if not packed and handled properly. Hunters planning to do a lot of hiking or climbing might want to steer clear of a fixed blade or purchase a high-quality protective sheath.

Military knives

The military issues fixed blade knives because they are durable and practical for field operation more so than folding knives. Military personal tend to carry boot knives and tactical knives to carry out their jobs. The thing to look for in a tactical knife is first the brand and the uses you have in mind, you don't want a big bulky knife because you'll be stuck carrying it around and you don't want it getting in the way of you job at hand. Second you want it to be carried in a place that is easily accessible but you also want to carrying case to release the knife quietly. In and out of the case you want to depend on your knife to be there and ready for use your life could depend on it. A good tactical knife should be versatile and durable without sacrificing a secure convenient sheath.

Folding Knives

Folding blade knives

are strong and durable enough for every day task. Whether at work, on the road, or at home durability and convince is exactly what a folding pocket knife offers its user. Folding knives do exactly what the name implies - the blade folds into the handle, protecting and prolonging the blade while keeping the user from cutting themselves. Also by folding the blade into the handle it reduces the overall size of the knife. There are three main types of folding knives - lock-backs - pocketknives -and line lockers.

Lock-Back Folding Blades

Lock-back folding blades have nearly the same strength and durability as a fixed blade knife, but have the added benefit of being safer and easier to pack. Many lock-back blade knives allow for one hand operation making it easier to use when you are by yourself and juggling multiple pieces of equipment or material. Lock-back blades are also much safer because their blade locking mechanism ensures that the blade will not flip closed unexpectedly cutting the user.

Line Lock Blade Knives

Line lock blade knives are a lot like lock back blades the only difference is the location of the locking mechanism. Line lock blades have the locking mechanism in line with the blade and can be released by using the thumb of the hand that is holding the knife, allowing the user a true one handed operation. While the lock back blade has the locking mechanism located at the butt of the handle on the back side which requires the user to flip the knife over to close it. This action requires the use of both hands to close the blade and making it a little bit more unsafe than the line lock.

Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are usually more versatile than lock-back or fixed-blade knives. These knives are more compact and easier to carry if purchase a reputable brand that is. A pocket knife can and will provide all the strength needed to skin or gut game or do most chores around the house.