One of the most important tools in your hunting kit is your deer gutting knife. Different than a regular pocket knife, hunting knives are created with ease of use, safety, and precision in mind. To successfully harvest your deer and bring food to table, you need the right tools to make all your hard work worth the effort.
We’ve rounded up some of the best deer gutting knives of 2022. Our team of hunting and outdoor experts covers everything you need to know before making your purchase, including personal recommendations of the knives we have in our kits.
Looking for an entire field dressing kit? Jump straight to our processing kit recommendations. Otherwise, read on to find the best gutting knives of 2022-2023.
Knife | Brand | What's Included | Highlight | View Pricing | |
 | RazorLite | Outdoor Edge | Knife 6 blades | Replacable blades | |
 | RazorPro | Outdoor Edge | Knife 6 blades | Gutting and skinning blades with replecable blades | |
 | Multi-Tool Gutting Knife | FieldTorq | Gutting knife | J-shaped gut hook | |
 | 3-in-1 Folding Hunting Knife | Old Timer | Skinning blade, gutting hook, bone saw blade | All blades on one folding mechanism for compact carry and use | |
 | Freeman Gutting Knife | Gerber Gear | Gutting knife | Foldable gutting knife | |
 | JaegerPair | Outdoor Edge | Skinning Knife Gutting Knife | Fixed blade set of skinning knife and gutting knife | |
 | SwingBlade-Pak | Outdoor Edge | Rotating SwingBlade Knife (Gutting and Skinning Blades) | Gutting and skinning knife on rotating mechanism | |
 | 3 Piece Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Set | Mossy Oak | Knife with Hook | 3 fixed blades with knives for gutting and skinning | |
 | Myth Field Dressing Two Knife Set | Gerber Gear | Myth Fixed Blade Pro | Fixed blade gutting and skinning knife set | |
 | WildLite 6-Piece Kit | Outdoor Edge | Caping knife | Small 3-piece field kit - compact with all necessities | |
 | 8-Piece Field Kit | Outdoor Edge | Caping knife | Complete 8-piece field kit | |
 | 12-Piece Field Dressing Kit | Knine Outdoors | Boning knife | Complete 12-piece kit with everything a deer hunter needs | |
 | 8-Piece Field Dressing Kit | Lancergear | Wood and bone saw | Compact 8-piece field kit |
Why Is a Gutting Knife Important?
Let’s break down why a gutting knife is important, so you know what details to look for in your next hunting knife of 2022.
Gutting knives are what you will be using to secure your harvest when in the field. These conditions can include rain, low light, and freezing temperatures. Hunting knives are specifically designed to be safe, non-slip, easy to open and close (because you’re often doing this one-handed at times), and easy to spot while always remaining sharp.
Standard outdoor knives, like survival knives, won’t do. While these work in a pinch, gutting and hunting knives are slimmer, are designed an ergonomic handle, and have smaller blades for precision cutting. One wrong slip during the field dressing and you’ve spoiled your meat. This is why it’s important to have the proper gutting knives in your field kit.
Above all else, your deer gutting knife for 2022-2023 should:
- Have a rounded or blunt edge, to avoid damaging meat and leather
- Have a small blade, 2 - 4 inches in length
- Be made of a durable and easy to maintain material, like stainless steel
- Have a comfortable and stable grip
- Be of average size for a comfortable grip
- Be of thick steel for enhanced strength
- Be easily accessible and easy to transport
Our Recommendations for the Best Deer Gutting Knives of 2022
Outdoor Edge RazorLite Hunting Knife 2022-2023
“The best feature about this hunting knife is the ability to replace dull blades. I have nothing bad to say, this is my personal favorite go-to deer gutting knife.” - A. Danner, Hunt Peak Editor
Our editor sums it up best – this is his go-to hunting knife and for good reason. The peak feature of the Outdoor Edge RazorLite hunting knife is the ability to swap out dull blades for sharp ones. A simple lock release button allows for interchangeability with ease.
This hunting and skinning knife is one of the best purchases you can make for your hunting kit. Hunters use it for elk, doe, bucks, and more. For larger jobs in the field, you can’t beat the ability to swap your dull blade for a fresh one and keep going.
The release button for blade swaps is sturdy and secure, so no accidents when in use. The blades are easy to clean after use and hold up to the work needed. This purchase is a no-brainer for hunters looking for a new deer gutting knife for 2022-2023.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- 3.5-inch drop-point stainless steel blades, heat-treated for edge retention
- Initial purchase comes with 6 blades and a nylon belt sheath
- Additional blade packs are sold separately when you’re ready to restock
- Black-oxide coated blade holder to support the strength and sharpness of the knife
- Rubberized, nonslip TPR handle for safety
- Handle is mounted to sturdy stainless steel frame for ultimate durability
- Nonslip grip and orange handle, preventing loss in the field
- Lightweight
Outdoor Edge RazorPro Gutting Knife 2022-2023
One knife, two blades, the RazerPro Gutting Knife is a step up from the RazorLite because you get a replaceable hunting knife and gutting knife on the same mechanism
Love everything about the RazerPro hunting knife but need a little something more? The RazorPro delivers. Have a better field dressing experience with the RazerPro gutting knife in your pocket.
It has the same option for replaceable blades plus an additional gutting blade. This makes harvesting your deer in 2022 a lot easier, so you are in and out of your hunt faster, crucial when you’re racing the sun, a rainstorm, or just ready to head home.
Hunters say they’ll never go back after using the additional gutting blade. Our primary editor even admits that without this addition, opening up an animal is a lot slower of a process.
No matter how long you’ve been hunting, no matter what you have in your pack, give this gutting knife a try in 2022. We promise you, you won’t look back.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Two blades in one: hunting knife and specialized gutting blade
- Specific gutting blade protects fur, leather, and internal organs during field dressing
- Replaceable blades mean always having a sharp blade on hand, no need to sharpen
- Sturdy lock button to secure blades before and after blade swap
- Stainless steel blade material, 3.5 inches, drop-point, and heat-treated
- Initial purchase comes with 6 total blades and a nylon belt sheath
- Additional blades are available as a separate purchase
- Nonslip, rubberized TPR handle for safety when in use
- Sturdy stainless steel frame provides strength and durability during use
- Bright orange color for easy visibility even in low light
FieldTorq Bone Cutting Hunting & Skinning Knife 2022
Fixed Blade Gutting Hook Hunting Knife for 2022 Deer Hunting
This single unit, fixed blade gutting and field dressing knife is a big winner for all hunters. The sturdy handle and fixed blade make it easy to use and it lasts for dozens of deer harvests throughout the seasons.
The highest praise for this 2022 gutting knife is that it eases the effort needed to complete a field dressing. Skinning a deer is very simple with this tool, with no fear of puncturing any organs. It’s simple to use, intuitive, and ergonomic.
The J-shaped blade makes working through the sternum and pelvis layers effectively and with less force needed. Balanced, with a non-slip grip, this gutting knife is one of the best hunting knives for 2022.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Large J-shaped gut hook allows game to be zippered open with ease
- Blade is resharpenable and doesn’t clog with hair
- The longest blade has a sharp tip to make an easy first cut
- TorqAssist accessory can cover the sharp tip for better protection when field dressing
- Fixed, stainless steel blade
- Select between 3 handle types: reinforced nylon, Pakkawood, and Syn-Stag
- Kit purchase includes sheath, sharpener, and TorqAssist
3-in-1 Pocket Hunting Knife from Old Timer
Yes, You Read That Right! Hunting Knife - Gutting Hook - Bone Saw
A hunting knife kit in your pocket? That’s the thesis behind the Old Timer Premium Taper foldable hunting knife 2022. It contains three blades: a bone saw, skinning knife, and gutting hook.
Like a swiss army knife for your field dressing needs, this is one the best gutting knives of 2022 that you can invest in, and not just because it provides a variety of functions right at your fingertips.
This wins the high praise of hunters because it’s compact, effective, and sharp when it comes to skinning and gutting game in the field. Backed by the Old Timer reputation, this foldable hunting knife is easy to maintain and effective for all field-dressing tasks.
The skinning knife may need to be sharpened out of the box, so check before you head out on your first hunt. The folding feature does mean it can take longer to clean versus a fixed blade, but the ease of use and variety of tools at hand makes it worth the extra effort.
A great hunting knife kit, all in one knife, for an affordable price.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Folding knife with 3 blades for all field dressing tasks
- Skinning blade, gutting hook, bone saw blade
- Made of stainless steel
- 7.5 inches total length with blade length of 3.3 inches
- Total is 4.8 ounces
- Non-slip grip
- Heat-treated back springs
- Compact for easy, everyday carry
Gerber Freeman Gutting Knife 2022
Folding knife complete with gut hook and fine edge for all your deer hunting needs
One knife for all of your needs. A folding knife with a gut hook you can easily tuck into a pocket and retrieve at a moment’s notice.
Don’t be fooled with this knife out of the box – it does need sharpening upon arrival. However, once you do that, this knife will be with you for tons of hunts.
Hunters love the Gerber folding gutting knife because of the included gut hook, strength of the blade, and ease of carrying and use. This is a big win with hunters who don’t like belt sheaths or having kits with multiple knives.
Easy to flip open and perfect use in a pinch, this is a big win for the best gutting knife of 2022, especially buying on a budget or providing a hunting knife as a gift this season.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Stainless steel blade with a glass bead finish
- Drop-point blade with dual thumb studs
- Large finger grooves for ergonomics
- Nylon sheath included for easy carry
Outdoor Edge JaegerPair Two Hunting Knife Combo Kit 2022
Includes: Fixed Blade Drop-Point Skinner - Gutting Knife - Nylon Belt Sheath
We admit it, we love Outdoor Edge here at Hunt Peak. So, if you’re looking for a gutting knife set for 2022, we highly recommend the JaegerPair from Outdoor Edge.
Complete with a fixed blade drop-point skinning knife and a gutting knife, you have everything you need to complete your field dressing on your next elk or deer hunt in 2022-2023.
The JaegerPair Hunting Kit is a great purchase when you’re looking for fixed blades at an affordable price that are easy to clean and hard to lose (the orange handles makes this a top recommendation alone).
After multiple uses, the blades remain sharp. Hunters often purchase this kit because they’re interested solely in the skinning knife or gutting knife but then find the kit together takes care of all of their needs.
It is worth it to get the dual knife set so you’re next deer hunt goes seamless.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Gutting knife easily opens game like a zipper without piercing vital organs
- Each knife is balanced, weighted, and made of stainless steel
- Heat-treated blades for sharp edges, long-term retention, and quality performance
- Rubberized handles for a nonslip grip
- High-vis orange handles for loss prevention even in low light
- Included belt sheath for side by side carry for ease of use
Outdoor Edge SwingBlade-Pak Gutting Knife Kit 2022
Includes: Rotating SwingBlade Knife (Gutting and Skinning Blades) - Bone Saw - Sheath
The SwingBlade-Pak Field Dressing Knife Set 2022 from Outdoor Edge has everything you need for skinning and gutting your game.
The rotating blade on the SwingBlade Knife contains both a gutting blade and a skinning blade – one handle, rotate your blades and lock it into place. The additional bone saw as part of the kit ensures your field dressing goes seamlessly.
The blades are sharp, easy to use, and reliable. The gutting blade cuts from the inside out, shaving no hair and keeping the hair out of the meat. It’s reliable, a time saver, and one of the best gutting knives you can have in your hunting kit.
Based on other hunters’ reviews, we recommend swapping out the sheath and trying the bone saw out before you leave.
No doubt what makes this hunting kit shine is the SwingBlade – that alone is well worth the purchase and will make your deer hunting in 2022 go faster and easier than before.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Rotating SwingBlade knife with skinning knife and gutting hook blades
- T-handle wood
- Bone saw
- SwingBlade knife skinning blade is 3.6 inches
- SwingBlade gutting blade is 3.2 inches
- Stainless steel, heat-treated blades
- Carrying sheath included in purchase
3 Piece Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Set 2022
Includes: Knife with Hook - Large Drop-Point Blade Knife - Small Drop-Point Blade Knife
Is a fixed blade hunting knife more your style? The Mossy Oak Hunting Knife Kit is probably the best hunting knife in 2022 for you. It contains three fixed blade hunting knives (two drop-points, large and small, and a knife with hook), all with wood handles, and a sheath for safe and easy carry.
For hunters on a budget who still value quality, Mossy Oak has delivered. This 2022 hunting knife kit comes with two sharp knives and a quality skinning knife. The knives are extremely balanced, sturdy, and have weight to them, making field-dressings go easy and smooth.
Right out of the kit these may require some sharpening – but that comes down to personal preference. The affordable price point makes this a “must have” for hunters because they’re not worried about losing them, they make for quality work in the field, and the usability ranges from cutting paracord to field dressing an elk.
Yes, Mossy Oak has delivered a hunting knife set you must have for 2022.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- 3 fixed blade knives and a nylon sheath included in purchase
- Wood handles
- Balanced, stable knives with weight behind them
- Knife with hook measures 10 inches in length, 5 inches blade length
- Large drop-point blade knife is 10.5 inches in length, 5.5 inches blade length
- Small drop-point blade knife is 6.75 inches in length, 2.75 inches blade length
- All blades are made of stainless steel with abrasion resistance
- Sheath features button closure and diagonal buckle
- 6 anti-skid grooves are on the back of the blade for ensured safety to prevent slipping and features a safety guard
- Various style knives allow for chord cutting, skinning, gutting, safety use, and more in the field
Gerber Myth Field Dressing Two Knife Set 2022
Includes: Myth Fixed Blade Pro - Myth Compact Fixed Blade - Sheath
For hunters who prefer a two knife skinning and gutting kit, the Gerber Myth Field Dressing Knife Kit is the winner. It comes with two hunting knives and a carrying sheath, so you have all the tools you need without weighing you down with unnecessary items.
This is the perfect hunting knife pair for all your field dressing and deer gutting needs. The blades are stainless steel, extremely sharp, and easy to maintain on sharpening stones, so they last years. They are strong and weighted – so much so that hunters have used these to cut through the sternum and the rib cavity.
Some hunters find the secondary knife to be of less use and the included sharpener on the sheath is less than ideal compared to a sharpening stone. All in all, a worthy purchase for a gutting knife for 2022.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Dual knife kit with sheath
- Myth Fixed Blade Pro
- Myth Compact Fixed Blade
- Sheath contains a built-in carbide sharpener for on-the-go maintenance
- Perfect size for small hunting kits or can fix to a belt loop for at-hand carrying
Our Recommended Best Field Dressing Kits for 2022-2023 Deer Hunting
Why invest in a field dressing kit over a skinning and gutting knife set? Ease of use, prepardness, and a reliable and sturdy carrying case.
Hunters often fall into two categories: those who like to piece together their field dressing kits and those who want to purchase the entire bundle at once. There are pros and cons to each type of purchase.
Piecing together your field kit one by one takes time but you’re sure to get the exact tools you want. Only you know what you need for your hunting season and buying each item at a time means you can get specific tools with unique features from the manufacturers you prefer.
Buying a bundled field dressing kit means one purchase and you are done. Instead of researching one item at a time you can compare several kits at once and pick up the one that works best for you. Field dressing kits are also great purchases for new hunters, good as backup tools, and can be your way to test out new equipment you haven’t tried before.
If you’re ready to buy the best field dressing kit for 2022, check out our recommended kits that will cover you on every deer hunt.
Outdoor Edge WildLite 6-Piece Field to Freezer Hunting & Game Processing Knife Set
Includes: Gut Hook Skinning Knife - Caping Knife - Boning/Fillet Knife - Sharpener - Hard-Side Carry Case
Looking for a field dressing kit that comes with everything you need? We’ve got you covered. Outdoor Edge is our go-to and they did not disappoint with their WildLite set. This easily tops our list of best gutting knives for 2022 that every hunter should have.
The knives in the Outdoor Edge WildLite kit are surprisingly sharp, making field-dressing tasks easier than ever for hunters. The carry box allows you to toss this in your gear bag and forget it until you need it.
For hunters on a budget, this is an effective knife hunting kit you can use on large or small game. With a sturdy, comfortable handle, and quality throughout each item, you can expect this to be a big win for every hunter in your life or a personal gift to yourself.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Complete 6-piece field dressing kit: caping knife, gut-hook skinner, boning knife, game cleaning gloves, two-stage carbide/ceramic sharpener, hard-side carry case for it all
- Sharp out of the box delivery, ready to use
- Balanced knives for easy, comfortable use
- Stainless steel blades, heat-treated
- Nonslip TPR rubberized handles for comfortable, safe grip
- Blaze-orange handle for loss prevention even in low light
- Hard-side carrying case that snaps each knife into place for an organized, secure, dry kit at all times
- Best knife kit for any budget, for any level hunter
- Easy to secure in a hunting gear bag
8-Piece Field Kit from Outdoor Edge
Your Complete Field Dressing Kit for Your Deer Hunt 2022
What’s included in the 2022 Outdoor Edge 8-Piece Field Kit?
- Caping knife
- Gut-hook skinner
- Boning knife
- Wood/bone saw
- Ribcage spreader
- Game cleaning gloves
- Sharpener
- Hard-side carry case
Get all you need and a bit more with this field dressing kit from Outdoor Edge. The knives come sharp, very sharp, and ready to use.
Hunters who invested in the hunting kit from Outdoor Edge purely for the saw and skinning knife discovered they used more of the tools than they thought they would.
The carrying case is larger than others on the market, but it makes it easier to locate and access different skinning and gutting knives when in the field. Hunters have found the quality of the blades to be reliable and they don’t dull quickly.
With proper maintenance (take care when cleaning and drying to avoid rust), this is a field dressing kit that can last you well beyond your 2022-2023 hunting season.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Balanced knives made of stainless steel
- Rubberized nonslip handles for ergonomic grip and safety
- Blaze orange coloring means never losing a knife again
- Secure carrying case for each piece of your field dressing kit for accessibility and protection
Knine Outdoors 12-Piece Deer Hunting Field Dressing Kit 2022
Need some extra tools in your field kit for the 2022-2023 hunting season? Look no further
What’s included in the 2022 Knine Outdoors 12-Piece Field Kit?
- 12 inch boning knife
- 9.5 inch gut-hook skinner
- 8.5 inch Hawkbill blade knife
- 8.5 inch caping knife
- 12 inch gut-hook butcher axe
- 10.5 inch skinner cleaver
- 8.5 inch bone saw
- Ribcage spreader
- Game shear
- Cutting board
- Sharpener
- Cleaning gloves
A hidden gem of a field dressing kit, Knine Outdoors has created a complete field dressing kit any deer hunter should use in 2022.
The blades arrive sharp and easily sharpen back to a fine edge when needed. The tools work effectively and make gutting a deer faster than before. What hunters enjoy most about this field dressing kit is how complete it is and the quality of the steel.
Sharp edges, total collection of tools, and a secure carrying case means this can be your one-and-done go-to field dressing kit for deer hunting in 2022.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Black and blue camo handles
- Ergonomic design for stable, nonslip grip
- Balanced blades made of 5cr15 steel
Lancergear 8-Piece Field Dressing Kit 2022
The best field dressing kit in 2022 you can pick up on a budget for any level hunter
What’s included in the 2022 Lancergear 8-Piece Field Kit?
- Wood and bone saw
- Boning and fillet knife
- Gut-hook skinner
- Camping knife
- Ribcage spreader
- Gloves
- Sharpening stone
- Hard-side case
The price point on this field dressing kit is the the tip of the iceberg of why it’s one of the best hunting and gutting knife sets of 2022.
The knives come sharp, ready to go, and are ergonomically designed for a comfortable and sturdy fit in the hand. They work quickly and better than expected, making field dressings faster and easier than before for many hunters.
Most hunters are shocked with the quality of this item – it has more than enough items to make your gutting and skinning experience go seamlessly and the quality is far beyond what many expect. As most say, this the go-to field dressing kit for 2022, especially compared to box store options.
Give this a try and you’ll discover deer hunting and even fishing adventures are more enjoyable. Don’t wait until you’re home to do your field dressing, take care of it all with this hunting knife kit.
Features that make this a top deer gutting knife for 2022-2023
- Multiple uses for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping
- Stainless steel
- Camouflage coloring
- Reliable grip, even in moist and wet conditions
- Entire kit weighs 2.8lbs
Deer Gutting Knife FAQ
Your hunting knife should ergonomically be a good fit for you. Check the balance of the knife and the fit and grip of the handle. You want something that won’t cramp your hand after continuous use, is stable even in wet conditions and feels secure.
You also want to check the quality of the blade and its sharpness – confirm with reviews that the blade can be resharpened easily after multiple uses.
Survival knives are generally bad options for outdoor hunting. This is because the uses are fundamentally different: survival knives are large, intended for survival purposes like chopping, fire building, hammering, and more. Because of this, survival knives are bad as hunting knives.
Hunting knives should be smaller with a finer edge. This is because you need precision with a hunting knife, a grip that is comfortable, and blades that are specifically designed for skinning and gutting in order to protect the leather, meat, and organs during use.
A survival knife should only be used for hunting purposes in emergencies.
Both fixed blades and folding knives have a time and place but more than often it comes down to personal comfort of the user. The general idea is that folding knives are more appropriate in urban environments, whereas fixed blades are prioritized by hunters and outdoorsmen.
Fixed blades are preferred by hunters because there is no inherent failure point, as there is found with folding knives. Fixed blades are also more stable and easier to clean after use. However, many hunters choose a folding knife because it’s easier to carry and easier to access. The choice is ultimately yours.
More often than not, drop-point knives are the most common hunting knives. This is because it is better designed for skinning and gutting an animal, which requires precision and careful attention to not damage the leather or puncture organs, which may otherwise compromise the meat.
Clip-point knives are better general-use outdoor knives. While a clip-point knife can be used for hunting in a pinch, all level hunters should ensure they have a drop-point knife in their field kit.
Hunting knives are characterized most often by a fixed blade and a drop-point design. Some have a curved edge, which helps with skinning an animal. Other hunting knives are noted by their gutting hook feature.
Above all else, a hunting knife is made for cutting, not stabbing, and should be smaller than a survival knife, easy and comfortable to grip in your hand with non-slip handles for safety.
Blades between 2 inches long and 4 inches long are the best length for a hunting knife. This is because smaller blades allow for more precision (another reason survival knives make bad hunting knives).
Anything longer than 4 inches in a hunting knife will allow for less precision, risking damage to not only yourself but the leather, meat, and organs during your field dressing.
To sharpen your hunting knife, you will want an oil stone, whetstone, or ceramic stone, plus maybe a quick sharpener to keep in your hunting field kit for on-the-go maintenance.
Place the stone on a level, flat surface. At a 20-degree angle, slide your blade across the stone using two hands for stability. Imagine you are shaving tiny hairs away from the surface and you want to repeat this process 5 to 10 times before switching sides.
