No matter what the task at hand, one thing is certain –– a razor sharp blade is a must for every outdoorsman and woman. Easy to carry, easy to sharpen, and reliable in the field. So, what are the best blades for each use?

Upland Bird Prep

You’ve hit your daily bag limit and are heading back to camp. For bird dressing and prep, you’ll need a good skinning blade by your side. Choose a blade that is thin, light, curved, and fixed to the handle. The thinness of the blade will help you cut along the skin of the carcass without tearing, and ensure you get the most out of your bird. Another excellent option is a dedicated bird dressing folding knife – these typically include a gut hook and are more compact than a fixed blade.

Pictured: Remington Sportsman Skinner Set

Big Game Field Dressing & Processing

Buck, bull or bruin, a reliable knife for field dressing or quartering is a must. Consider a knife with interchangeable blades rather than packing multiple knives. Look for the following blade types: drop point, clip point, and saw blade. This will save space in your pack and make harvesting a breeze. If your preference is a fixed blade, D2 steel will provide extreme durability for cutting through hide, tendons, thick hair, flesh, and even bone. Opt for a blade between 3” and 4” –– a big blade isn’t necessary for big game, especially for those detailed cuts. Save the machete for the jungle.

Pictured: Remington Hunter Lock Back Folder

Camping

Every sportsman should have an all-purpose pocketknife, whether you’re cutting fishing line or cooking dinner for the group. Skip the chef knife and viral outdoor cooking cleavers. Outdoor cooking should be down and dirty –– and affordable. Aim for a multi-purpose blade that can slice an onion in half but also cut through thick rope. Unless of course you’re eating MREs, make sure your blade can cut the top off of that bag of freeze-dried chili…

Pictured: Remington Backwoods Stockman Folder

Everyday Carry (EDC)

Even those who don’t always fill their freezers in the field need a practical everyday carry knife. A quality knife will have a durable steel blade, ergonomic handles, and a lightweight design. Consider a knife with a ball bearing pivot system for easy opening, pocket clips, and around 4”-6” in length. Bonus points if it matches your carry pistol.

Pictured: Remington EDC Coping Folder