Five of the best: hunting knives

Emberleaf Cael v2

The Cael v2 stalking knife is a purpose-built instrument for precision game work, engineered with an almost surgical focus on control. Its 100mm blade is slim and elegantly curved, allowing the edge to glide through hide and tissue with minimal resistance. The pronounced belly isn’t merely aesthetic; it delivers clean, efficient slicing when opening the carcass, reducing effort while maintaining accuracy.

What truly defines the v2 is the integrated index guard. It naturally locks your grip into place, letting you run a finger along the spine for exceptional tactile feedback. It also holds a razor edge through extended field use yet remains easy to bring back to peak sharpness – making it a trusted companion for serious stalking work.

Casström No 8 SFK Curly Birch

Be prepared in the outdoors with the compact, powerful Casström No 8 SFK, inspired by traditional Scandinavian utility knives and crafted for use in the field. This versatile 3.1in blade, made of top-grade Swedish stainless steel, is perfect for whittling, carving and food preparation. The ergonomic handle ensures comfort in the hand, while the Scandi grind and full-tang construction offer durability and reliability in demanding conditions. Choose a curly birch or green Micarta handle and add a firesteel for ultimate bushcraft readiness.

Marc Zabroski Gunsmoke field knife

Crafted with care and purpose, this gentleman’s field knife epitomises the Zabroski brand’s dedication to timeless British craftsmanship. The 3.4in blade is made from premium RWL34 stainless steel, offering exceptional strength, edge retention and corrosion resistance. Handle scales of stabilised, finest gunstock walnut – lined with black G10 – are secured with nickel silver Corby bolts and delicate 1mm pins for durability and elegance. Finished with a fully handmade leather sheath, this knife is a dependable companion for a life spent in the field. Designed and individually handmade by Marc in his Suffolk workshop, it embodies the enduring character of classic English workmanship.

Stuart Mitchell Portland series

The Portland Series is named after Portland Works, the historic works where they were first made and where Stuart Mitchell is still based. The first two models of the reborn series are the Portland90 and Portland120. Both blades are directly targeted at the deerstalking market. The 90mm blade of the smaller knife renders it perfect for the smaller to mid-sized species; the 120mm blade of its larger sibling covers mid to large species. Both knives are sleek and slender and have undergone rigorous field testing, proving supremely fit for purpose. The Portland Series knives are offered in the definitive steel specification of 3mm stock Sheffield-made SF100 blade steel and are available with a choice of handle materials.

Ben & Lois Orford Precision Trapper

The Precision Trapper is a purpose-built stalking knife handmade in Ben & Lois Orford’s Herefordshire workshop. Its long, sweeping 4.25in blade has a fine tip and swedge that give excellent penetration and control. The thin edge geometry slices cleanly through hide and flesh, making it ideal for gralloching, bleeding and skinning in the field.

The blade is made from 3.5mm thick Vinland Damasteel, a stainless damascus steel offering strong edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance when working in wet conditions or around blood. The pronounced handle shape, finger guard and thumb jimping provide secure handling with cold or gloved hands. This knife has a burl maple handle, red liners and stainless steel mosaic pins and comes with an Orford waxed-leather belt sheath or a hunter-orange Kydex sheath for visibility and easy cleaning after use.