A hunting knife is a blade made to skin and process game animals. But, it’s also a good tool for many other tasks and activities as well.
Most hunting knives have notches on them for a variety of reasons. These notches can be for sharpening, cutting rope, enhancing grip, or for aesthetics.
Thumb jimping
Thumb jimping is a series of grooves or notches on the spine of a hunting knife. These notches can be further down on the blade if they are intended to be decorative, or closer to the handle if they have a purpose.
The notches on the spine are a place for the hunter to rest their thumb when skinning or gutting an animal, which helps to prevent their hands from slipping and getting cut by the sharp edge of the knife. They also help to balance the knife in hand.
Jimping is not a necessity on every hunting knife, but it can be useful. It’s just a matter of knowing which notches are necessary for your specific tasks and which ones can be left off of your knife.
Gut hook
Gut hook knives are a great option for hunters who want to get the most out of their skinning knives. They are easy to use, and they are very practical and durable.
Hunters often use a gut hook to open deer and other large game in the field. This helps prevent meat from spoiling while you are processing it, and it is also an effective way to sever the windpipe and remove the intestines.
A hunter places the hook in a small cut on the underside of the animal and pulls it like a zipper to open the belly. This is done without cutting the muscle or affecting the quality of the meat.
The Elk Ridge Gut Hook Knife Series is an excellent choice for hunters who are looking for a high-quality skinning knife at a budget price. These knives are well-crafted and offer a variety of handle material choices and color options.
Fishing line grooves
Some hunting knives have a gut hook notch on the blade that can be used for cutting fishing line and cordage. The notch is hooked onto the strand of line, and when pulled on towards yourself, it cuts easily through the line or cordage.
If you are looking for a knife that has a gut hook, make sure to choose one that is rated for the task. You don’t want to waste your money on a knife that has a gut hook, only to find out it is not as useful as you thought.
Besides the gut hook, there are many other notches that have different uses on a hunting knife. Some of these notches are not for cutting, but rather for holding the edge of the knife in place. They are also called bolsters, and they can be found at the front or rear of the knife.
Marine wire grooves
A marine wire groove is a cool looking notch in a blade. Notches of this ilk are typically found on combat oriented tactical knives. They are usually not the most durable of items, but they are well suited to a number of tactical applications such as cutting and securing tether lines and fencing wire.
These are not a necessary part of a functional knife, but they do add to the fun. They are the best way to show off a blade and its accessories to the rest of the pack. The trick is to select the right one for the task at hand. This requires a good deal of thought and research, but it is well worth the effort. The right knife can be an invaluable part of your arsenal for years to come. The best hunting knives are those with the right balance of features, functions and price. The best way to do this is to ask questions, get advice and keep an open mind when buying a new knife.