The best gut knives—or gut-hook hunting knives—are specifically designed for field dressing game by allowing you to zip through the hide without puncturing internal organs. Top-tier options balance razor-sharp edge retention, comfortable grips, and reliable gut hooks.
Navy SEALs rely on a few specific standard-issue fixed blades, but they largely carry mission-dependent gear. Standard-issue knives include the Ontario MK3 Mod 0 dive knife and the Cold Steel SRK. For everyday carry and field operations, operators frequently choose rugged folding knives from premium brands.
Because "best" depends entirely on your intended use—whether you are prepping vegetables, surviving in the backcountry, or need an everyday carry (EDC) tool—here are the top-rated knives across the most popular categories:
In the high-end folding knife community, the original "Holy Trinity" refers to three legendary American makers who pioneered the modern premium tactical folder. Together, their designs set the gold standard for durability and precision.
The best deer gutting knife depends on your field dressing preference. Modern replaceable-blade options rule the budget category, while premium fixed blades provide unparalleled ergonomics and edge retention for heavy use.
Professional butcher knives are specialized, heavy-duty blades built for breaking down carcasses, portioning raw meat, and removing bone and sinew. Key types include breaking knives, cimeters (scimitars), and heavy meat cleavers. They are characterized by high-carbon stainless or carbon steel blades designed for excellent edge retention and ergonomic, slip-resistant handles.
It's heavy, bulky, and not always easy to maneuver, but it sure does work. It's great for that first cut while field dressing a deer because the tip curves, allowing my hand to drop down lower than the tip to avoid puncturing the stomach or other intestines during the process.
John Wick famously wields a signature series of high-end, out-the-front (OTF) automatic knives in his movies. The specific knives vary depending on the film, transitioning from production models by Microtech Knives in the first three movies to a highly exclusive custom blade in the fourth.
In many cultures, giving someone a knife or another sharp object is thought to symbolically cut or sever the bond between giver and receiver. The knife's sharp edge represents division, which can be interpreted as bringing misfortune to a friendship, romantic relationship, or family tie.
Under Penal Code 21510 PC, butterfly knives are considered a form of a switchblade and are illegal in California. Specifically, it is a crime to carry, possess in public, sell, or otherwise transfer a butterfly knife.
There is no single "number one" knife brand, as the title depends entirely on the knife's primary purpose. Leading experts and enthusiasts consistently recognize distinct industry leaders across different categories:
For most kitchens, you only need three foundational knives to handle 95% of prep work: a Chef's Knife, a Paring Knife, and a Serrated (Bread) Knife. These three powerhouses can tackle anything from dicing onions and slicing crusty bread to peeling fruits and carving small meats.
Rule #1: It is important to use a knife adapted to what you want to do / food you want to prepare. For example, you shouldn't use a bread knife to slice a roast or use the blade of a paring knife and use it as a screwdriver (don't laugh, we've all done it!) Rule #2: Don't drop your knife on the floor.
The legendary KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife (Mark 2) is the most iconic blade associated with the United States Marine Corps. Officially adopted in 1942, it features a 7-inch clip point blade made of 1095 carbon steel and a stacked leather washer handle.
The CIA doesn't issue a single, official knife to its personnel; instead, operatives typically carry versatile, non-metallic, or concealable blades suited for specific missions. Historic and publicly recognized blades range from the famous Cold Steel Kobun used during Operation Jawbreaker to highly covert non-detectable tools.
There is no single "standard-issue" knife for US Special Forces; operators use a wide variety of personal and unit-issued blades depending on their branch, mission, and personal preference. However, several brands and models are heavily favored and frequently carried in the field.
Swiss Army knives are also popular because they're affordable. Classic configurations cost less than $50, but it's easy to spend double that on a simple flip-open pocket knife from brands such as Kershaw and Benchmade. The price on a SAK goes up, however, as you add tools and size, though many are under $100.
According to folklore, giving a penny with a knife is a superstition meant to prevent the sharp blade from symbolically "cutting" or severing the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
The U.S. does not have a blanket federal law banning the possession of pocket knives. However, federal laws do apply in federal buildings, airports, and certain national parks. For example: Federal buildings: Knives of any kind are banned.
At Joker we are specialized in sporting knives, designed and manufactured in Albacete (Spain), being one of the leading companies in the manufacturing of hunting knives, bushcraft knives, survival knives, tactical knives, finishing knives, neck knives o. Showing 1-24 of 225 item(s)
The "best" OTF (Out-The-Front) knife largely comes down to your intended use, budget, and deployment preferences. However, the top-tier manufacturers consistently dominating the everyday carry (EDC) and tactical markets include the following:
Microtech knives are not universally illegal, but their legality depends heavily on your location and the specific model. Because most Microtech knives are automatic switchblades or Out-The-Front (OTF) knives, they are heavily regulated.
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is arguably the most iconic American folding knife. Introduced in 1964 by Al Buck, it revolutionized the outdoor knife industry by offering the strength of a fixed-blade knife in a folding, pocket-sized format.
Remember that any Buck Knife carries with it Buck's famous Forever Warranty, and we find that Buck Knives made in China still have superb quality and durability.
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is universally recognized as the most popular and iconic knife Buck produces. Since its introduction in 1964, it has sold over 15 million units worldwide. Its legacy centers around its pioneering lockback mechanism, classic woodgrain handle, and brass bolsters.