The whitetail deer is one of the most accessible big game species in North America and a favorite target of many. Thus, a good whitetail knife is an essential piece of any hunter’s kit.
The best whitetail hunting knife should fulfill the need for self-defense and double as an efficient field-dressing tool. In this post, I review the most important factors to consider when choosing the best whitetail deer skinning knife.
My Experience With Whitetail Deer
I grew up in Lincoln, Montana, along the Blackfoot River. My first experience of big game hunting solo was in pursuit of whitetail deer — my parents owned enough property to hunt on, but they weren’t hunters. I spent a lot of time in tree stands, learning on my own and observing whitetail behavior.
Despite their large native range, which spans 44 U.S. states and multiple Canadian provinces, whitetail deer aren’t easy prey. They’re cautious, intelligent, and sensitive. Plus, they often move in herds, making it difficult to single one out. When one of them gets spooked, they’ll wave that iconic white flag — their tail — and the rest of the herd will spook with it.
The best time to hunt whitetail deer is when the bucks are in rut. This is when their guard drops, and they venture out more during the day. Many hunters have the best luck hunting from a tree stand or a blind, as whitetail can be difficult to spot even in broad daylight.
Choosing the Best Whitetail Hunting Knife
Whitetail hunters rarely hike far to set up, so the best whitetail hunting knife isn’t necessarily a lightweight one. Quality and utility are more important.
A smaller drop-point hunter with a 4″ blade is perfect. There’s no need for a long and cumbersome blade to process whitetail.
The best whitetail hunting knife has a solid, non-porous handle. While a paracord grip, as you see on the Speedgoat Blade, is lightweight, convenient, and comfortable, a G10 handle is much easier to keep clean and wears better. Other hard, non-porous materials can work well, too.
The Blackfoot Blade
The MKC Blackfoot Blade is the best whitetail hunting knife we offer. The Blackfoot comes in enough color combos to please everyone, and it’s lightweight, versatile, durable, and easy to clean. The Blackfoot won’t just gut and debone your whitetails, either — it’s also the best deer skinning knife in our lineup.
The Blackfoot is a jack-of-all-trades knife. If you can only take one knife on your hunt, take this one. There’s a reason the iconic Blackfoot is named after the river where I grew up: it’s my go-to blade and the ideal tool for every outdoor activity.
We’re also planning to release a brand-new, whitetail-specific hunting knife soon. Stay tuned for its arrival.
Handling Your Whitetail Knife Safely
As with any dangerous tool, the most important part of keeping your whitetail knife handy is keeping it handy safely.
A quality sheath will keep your knife from coming loose in your pack and causing problems. The sheath should be secure enough to stay in place and strong enough to keep the knife from poking through. Each Blackfoot knife comes with an exclusive Kydex sheath to keep both your knife and your person safe.
A guard in front of your pointer finger to minimize slippage is another security plus. Always use the best knife safety practices: cut away from your body, take your time while cutting, and clear the area of any tripping hazards before starting.
Store your knife in a safe place when you’re not out on the hunt, especially if you have little kids running around. I keep mine in my gun safe. Not only is it protected there, but I remember exactly where it is.
If you keep your knife in your pack, like I do, store it in a high place where curious hands can’t reach it. This is a great, low-effort solution if you’re prone to forgetting your knife.
Preserving Your Whitetail Knife
An avid whitetail hunter may use their knife multiple times in a season. All hunting knives should be washed and dried before storage. I like to sharpen mine before storing it, so it’s always ready, even at the last minute.
The best deer skinning knife doesn’t have to be stainless steel, though stainless requires a little less care.
Final Thoughts on the Best Whitetail Hunting Knife
You already know what you want to use your knife for. The next step is to find the best whitetail hunting knife.
Whether you decide to add the Blackfoot to your collection, wait for our new arrival, or go with another option altogether, the most important thing is choosing a knife that feels safe and effective in your hands.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
