31-Oct-2025
If you spend time in the outdoors—stalking game, bushcrafting, camping, or simply traversing rugged terrain—a good knife is one of the most valuable tools you’ll carry. For gun dealers, shooters and outdoor outfitters, knowing which hunting and survival knives perform best in British conditions is essential. Whether you’re buying for yourself or choosing stock for resale, the right blade can mean safety, efficiency and peace of mind.
This guide will cover what to look for in hunting/survival knives, current market trends, a selection of top blades, legal considerations in the UK, and tips on maintenance.
According to Cognitive Market Research, the UK outdoor knife market (for hunting, survival and general outdoor use) was valued at USD 23.75 million in 2021, projected to reach about USD 30.87 million by 2025, with a strong CAGR ~6.87%.
Europe’s outdoor knife market share is growing steadily, driven by increasing interest in bushcraft, survivalism, hiking and adventure sports. More consumers are looking for quality fixed-blade knives rather than cheap, disposable blades.
In the UK knife, scissors and blades segment (which includes non-kitchen/outdoor knives), data shows consumption rising (especially post-2022), with value increasing by ~8.2% year over year.
These figures suggest there’s healthy demand—not just in volume, but for better quality, well-made knives.
Here are the key features you should check before buying or stocking a hunting or survival knife. These help in real-field performance, durability and legal compliance.
Blade material & steel type
High carbon steels (e.g. 1095, 5160) offer excellent edge retention and are easier to sharpen, but may need more care to prevent rust.
Stainless steels resist corrosion better—useful in damp UK conditions—but may compromise a little on ease of sharpening or edge hardness.
Look for blades with good heat treatment; full tang construction adds strength.
Blade design & shape
Fixed blade vs folding blade: fixed blades are stronger for heavy use (batoning, chopping). Folding blades are more convenient for lighter tasks.
Drop point, clip point, tanto, spear point etc: shape affects penetration, skinning, slicing etc.
Blade length: for hunting and field dressing, 3-6 inches (≈7.5-15cm) tends to be the sweet spot.
Tang & handle construction
Full tang (where the blade steel extends through the handle) adds strength and reliability.
Handle materials: Micarta, G-10, wood, rubber, or composites—all have trade-offs in grip, weight, and maintenance.
Grip shape: check comfort, no sharp edges; good handle ergonomics help with wet or gloved hands.
Sheath & carry method
Leather, Kydex, or synthetic: sheath material affects durability, weight, and safety.
How the knife is carried: belt sheath, drop-leg, pack mount, or neck carry. Ease of access and safety matter.
If the knife is used in survival or tactical applications, sheath should be robust, retain well, protect user from blade, possibly allow for field kit attachment.
Weight, balance & durability
Too heavy and it becomes a burden; too light and it may flex or break when used hard.
Balance point close to the guard or handle helps control.
Durability: resistance to corrosion, impact, flexing; edge stability under repeated use.
Multi-use features
Some survival knives include tools or features like fire strikers, saw spines, secondary edges, holes for paracord etc.
Spare tools increase utility but sometimes add complexity or weight.
Legal compliance in the UK
Blades over certain lengths or locking mechanisms have legal restrictions. Make sure any blade you stock or buy complies with UK law if carried in public.
Fixed-blade knives for legitimate hunting / outdoor use are generally legal under licence/hunting context, but always check current legislation.
After-sales support & brand reputation
Brands known for good warranty, spare parts (replacement sheaths, scales, etc.), and reliable customer service tend to give better long-term value.
If buying used knives, inspect blade condition, sheath condition, and handle integrity.
Carrying knives in public without “good reason” is an offence; good reason can include hunting, angling, work, etc. Always know what your reason is.
Fixed blade knives or locking knives usually have stricter regulations. Folding non-locking knives with short blades are generally less restricted.
Owners must consider local bylaws, transport rules, and importing restrictions. Some survival items (machetes, certain blade shapes) may attract additional regulation.
Ensure knives are safely stored and transported. Dealers must ensure that any sale/distribution meets legal age, purpose, and documentation.
Here are some excellent examples of hunting/survival knives that are well-suited to UK field conditions. Some of these are frequently in stock among specialist dealers; others are good reference points for what quality looks like. Prices are indicative and may vary.
Boker Magnum Elk Hunter Gut Hook Knife: This fixed blade has a gut hook, which is extremely useful for skinning game. The build quality tends to be solid, with grip suited for wet conditions. For hunters, a gut hook greatly speeds up field dressing.
TB Outdoor Survival Fixed Blade Knife: A heavier duty survival knife, robust blade, good thickness, with sheath. Ideal for chopping, batoning and tougher outdoor tasks.
Besides these, here are a few more blades UK shooters talk about or that regularly show up in reviews:
ESEE Model 5 – known for toughness, full tang, reliable for survival or bushcraft.
Mora Garberg – a staple in bushcraft circles; Scandinavian grind, very solid performance.
Gerber StrongArm – tactical build, good sheath, often praised in survival knife roundups.
Different situations call for different blade characteristics. Choose what fits your typical use rather than extremes. Here’s how to match knife to scenario:
Field dressing/skinning game
Choose a knife with a moderate blade length (≈ 4-6 inches), fairly thin behind the edge to give clean, controlled cuts.
A drop-point or slightly hooked point helps with skin separation.
Sheath should allow safe access and allow you to carry it securely while moving through terrain (belt or thigh carry helps).
Bushcraft/survival situations
Look for full tang, durable steel, thicker spine, ability to baton wood.
Handle needs to be grippy when wet; sheath must protect from weather.
Some survival blades include saw backs or multipurpose features (fire-starter, etc).
Camp tasks and general outdoor use
Balanced blade—not overly thick, to do light chopping, food prep, carving.
Folding knife may suffice, but fixed blade with moderate size gives more capability.
Focus also on handle comfort, weight, and ease of sharpening.
Tactical/defensive/emergency backup
Blade strength, speed of draw, reliable locking or retention in sheath.
Simple, robust design rather than ornate or fragile.
Might favour shorter fixed blades or high-quality folding knives.
Long hikes / minimal pack weight
Lightweight blades, possibly smaller fixed blades or premium folding knives with good steel.
Minimal sheath, multifunction features save you carrying extra tools.
Clean after use—especially if used with game, salty air, mud or sap. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Regular sharpening—keeping a good edge means safer, easier cuts. Use appropriate stones, strops.
Oil or rust protection on blades, especially carbon steel.
Check sheath condition—if sheath traps moisture, it can damage the blade.
Inspect handle, rivets, and screws for looseness or damage.
Customers who are serious about outdoor work or hunting look for durability, reliability, and performance—not just sharpness or looks.
Good knives often command higher margins and generate repeat business (accessories, spares, etc.).
Reputation counts: if you stock knives that fail, reviews and word of mouth will reflect that.
Offering good legal advice, matching knives to likely use (e.g. bushcraft vs game dressing) helps reduce returns and legal risk.
A great knife is more than just steel and sharpness—it’s about how well it suits your terrain, your expected tasks, and your level of use. For UK shooters and outdoor enthusiasts, a knife must resist damp, stay sharp, and be trustable in worst-case situations.
When you buy—or stock—a knife, think long term: build, handle, blade material, sheath, and legal compliance. That way, every hike, hunt or field task is done safely, efficiently and with confidence.
Check the latest listed Knives at Rightgun.uk.
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