4 Must-Own Knives for Outdoorsmen 2021

Knives are simply a tool for most of us to prepare food, open boxes, or even process animals with. For some of us veterans and LEOs, knives are so much more than a simple tool. Some of us like fixed-blade knives, while others prefer a folding knife to carry in their pocket. For me, I love knives that have some weight and feel heavy in the hand. I prefer a thick blade with no serrations. Whereas, many of my brothers prefer a lightweight knife with a serrated edge. This blog is dedicated to those of you who feel the same about knives as I do. I’ve included 4 knives that all knife lovers can enjoy. 

SOG Pillar Blackout

If there was ever a fixed blade that would change your mind about carrying a fixed blade over a folding blade, the SOG Pillar Blackout is it. The Pillar Blackout is a knife that I’d buy for a survival knife while I hunt, hike, or kayak in the wilderness. The reason I like the Pillar Blackout so much is the feel and sharpness of the blade. You can cut paper by dropping a sheet over the knife. The CPM-S35VN steel is one of the most durable and hardened steels that knife manufacturers make. SOG wanted to ensure the entire knife was made from this steel with vanadium and niobium carbides to further enhance the overall hardness and durability of the Pillar Blackout. 

A couple of things to consider when buying a fixed blade is how long the blade is and what your purpose is. The Pillar is a 5" blade with an overall length of 9.9" of solid steel with a micarta linen fabric for the grip. This grip allows for water and blood to slide across the grip without sticking or puddling in the ridges of the grip. You can skin a bird under running water with this knife and it will not loosen in your hand or force you to stop the water. A Kydex sheath is used to ensure that this incredibly sharp blade is protected and out of harm’s way. Most people prefer to use the belt loops to attach the sheath to a leg or belt. 

Super SOG Bowie 

A Bowie knife is one of the most publicized and nostalgic knives that we have in America. I know all of our Korean and Vietnam War vets get the appreciation and admiration of this iconic American knife. I chose the Super SOG Bowie knife because if you’re like me and want to feel the heavy steel in your hand and appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, there is no other knife like it. The Super Bowie is the heaviest knife on this list (1.1 lbs.) and is made from hard-cased Titanium Nitride (TiNi) for a blade that will last decades and keep its edge longer than most other steel blades.

Once you put this knife in your hand, you feel the weight and I can’t take my eyes off of the beautiful epoxied stacked leather handle that keeps the nostalgia flowing in like a never-ending rainstorm in the jungles of Vietnam. The blade is 7.5" long and 0.25" thick for the largest overall blade on the list. The epoxy grip provides enough friction with the ridges in the grip that encircle the entire handle. Even with water, blood, and guts, this knife will not loosen in your hand or need to be dried before you use it. The Super SOG Bowie also comes with a nylon sheath that has a snap to let you know the knife is seeded in the sheath for better security and protection. 

Bubba 7" Hunting Knife

I’ve mentioned in previous articles that I own 2 Bubba Blade knives and I highly recommend buying one for yourself. The 7" Hunting Knife is meant to make quick work in skinning deer, turkey, boar, or another game animal. I love the knife because it’s heavy enough to stay in my hand while I cut through the tendon and skin, but not too heavy to make my hand tired. The made is made from carbon stainless steel and does a good job of staying sharp while processing the big ungulates like deer, elk, and moose. 

I sharpen my nice blades like the Bubba blades with my wet stone and normally sharpen each knife for about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the last time I sharpened it. I think I may be a little OCD, but it keeps my blade working through deer when I’m cutting around the joints and knick a bone. I always carry a handheld sharpener when processing an animal, but this knife will stay sharp enough to get you through a deer without having it go dull. I sharpen my knives after each use to keep the edge and ensure it’s ready for the next time. No matter what knife you use, if you process a whole deer with one knife, it will not be great for the next deer. 

Benchmade® 15002-1 Saddle Mountain Hunting Knife

Anytime I see a Benchmade® knife, I’m overwhelmed with nostalgia from my days in Iraq carrying a Benchmade®. The Saddle Mountain Hunter is such a great example of what Benchmade® brings to the table. The blade is a 4.2" CPM-S90V stainless steel drop-point design with a satin finish. I know a lot of people who prefer a small blade because it gives some hunters more control, especially when they’re making precise cuts like getting your tenderloins or backstraps out. The handle is made from Richlite and has the G10 grips for a comfortable, yet, aggressive grip while working in blood, guts, and water. 

One of my favorite features of a Benchmade® knife is the Lifesharp warranty. I don’t think there is any other company that offers a service like the Lifesharp program. If you have a Benchmade® knife, you can send it in and Benchmade® will oil, sharpen, clean, and adjust for free! I don’t know what they use to sharpen their knives, but it’s the sharpest I’ve ever had shipped to me from a manufacturer.