| There are many different kinds of hunting. Fowl, | | | | is important because it protects the user's fingers |
| small game, large game, etc. But there are some | | | | when performing delicate tasks. The guard is |
| common denominators that are needed no | | | | especially important when the hunter's hands are |
| matter the game of choice. | | | | cold or slippery from blood and other animal parts. |
| To begin with, the edge bevel of the knife is an | | | | A double guard is not appropriate because the top |
| important consideration. While a thick bevel will | | | | guard gets in the way of the hunter's thumb and |
| resist chipping and deformation, it will not cut as | | | | can be uncomfortable. |
| well as a thinner edge. Therefore, hunters are | | | | Lastly, let us consider the size of the knife. The |
| generally better off with a relatively thin edge | | | | author prefers a knife that is light enough to |
| bevel that will easily slice through skin. However, | | | | carry everywhere and forget that it is being worn |
| care must be taken to avoid damaging the edge | | | | until needed. While a large knife could be useful for |
| on hard bones. | | | | chopping through bones and joints, it is much less |
| Also of concern to the hunter is the knife's | | | | efficient when finesse is required. For that reason, |
| primary bevel, otherwise known as the grind. A | | | | a knife with a blade in the range of 3.5 to four |
| hunter wants to look for a knife that has a high | | | | inches is ideal. If the knife is smaller than that, it |
| primary bevel, ideally approaching or reaching the | | | | will lack cutting ability. Any larger and it becomes |
| knife's spine. The reason for desiring a high grind is | | | | too cumbersome. |
| that the knife cuts more efficiently when making | | | | A knife with a blade in that size range should be |
| deep cuts that sink the edge deep into the | | | | 7.5 to 8 inches long overall. Such a length insures |
| material being cut. For comparison, a knife with a | | | | that the handle will be big enough for control and |
| shallow primary bevel will meet a lot of resistance | | | | comfort during hours of use, even when wearing |
| right after the edge cuts into the material. The | | | | heavy gloves. |
| added resistance translates into more force being | | | | Thankfully, there are many such knives on the |
| required from the hunter to cut through the | | | | market today for hunters to choose from. Take |
| material. | | | | your time, look at the options, and choose wisely. |
| Another important consideration for a hunting | | | | The right knife can make your hunting season |
| knife is the guard. Some knives have them and | | | | much more enjoyable. |
| some do not. The author feels that a single guard | | | | |