What’s the Best Bird And Trout Knife in 2024?

Designed to assist you to handle games like birds, fish, and small mammals like squirrels, the bird and trout knife is another niche knife every knife enthusiast should know about.

On the other hand, choosing the best bird and trout knife could be a bit of a challenge. Here is our take on these knives and the best options available in the market.

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What is a Bird and Trout Knife?

The bird and trout knife generally is a small fixed blade knife with a 2″-3″ blade. Keep in mind that you are dealing with small games, so you will need something sharp and small enough to easily handle them. It is usually thin behind the edge.

The knife is ideal for filleting. Apart from being narrow, the blade is often straight. However, you can find slightly curved blades as well. Some knives come with a wire hook included. The hook can be built in – for instance, it might be built into the handle or the fixed blade. The blade design with a hook is relatively rare, though.

2024’s 5 Best Bird and Trout Knives

Grohmann Knives Trout And Bird Knife

Grohmann Knives is one of the most reliable brands on the market in terms of outdoor knives. The company has designed professional outdoor knives for hunting and camping enthusiasts for more than half a century. This is the second version of the knife, which is a bit smaller than the initial one.

The knife is designed for small games and brings in incredible versatility. But it can be used for backpacking and camping purposes too. It is one of those knives with numerous uses that can take you out of trouble in any situation. The blade measures 3.87 inches, while the handle is just over four inches in length.

There are more variations of this blade, but the most common one comes with a high carbon stainless steel blade. The material is rust and corrosion-resistant. The knife is razor-sharp out of the box. Since it has a decent amount of carbon in its composition, the blade also has excellent edge retention. It can be sharpened without too much hassle, whether you use a sharpener or a stone.

Just like the blade, the handle may also be found in a few different variations. Again, you are more likely to find this blade in the natural rosewood variety. It has a lanyard hole and a beautiful natural appearance. It is ergonomic and shaped with the hand in mind. It is easy and comfortable to hold, but it is also double riveted – full tang design for stability.

There is a bit of handguard protection, yet the handle is less likely to slip out of your hands. In terms of maintenance, there is not much to be concerned about. The knife is built for outdoor use, so it is solid and durable. Make sure you wash it by hand, though. Avoid throwing it in a dishwasher, as the cleaning procedure may cause the edge to go dull. Finally, it is worth noting that it comes with its sheath too.

CRKT Hunt’N Fisch Knife

Columbia River Knife & Tool has always been a top player on the hunting market. Given its size and build, it will feel comfortable and convenient in any situation. The knife features a fixed blade design.

The 2.99-inch blade is based on stainless steel (8Cr13Mov). The blade has a drop point shape. It is super sharp – as well as the edge. The non-cutting side comes with a few serrations that may come in handy in various situations.

The handle is made of G10 and comes with three bolsters. The full tang design of the knife ensures full control and great durability. The handle follows the shape of your hand. It also has a nonslip thumb rest for extra pressure or more control. There is a slight hand guard protection too, yet the ergonomic design ensures a nonslip profile.

Altogether, the knife measures 7.25 inches in length. Given its size, it may help if you go for a large game, but it is not the best option out there. The knife features its sheath too, so you do not have to worry about carrying it. It is made of full-grained leather and comes with a belt loop.

The knife has been designed by Larry Fischer in Boise, Idaho. It is solid and feels well put together. Maintenance comes with a few rules, though. Wash the knife manually and dry it before storing it in the sheath. Do not attempt cleaning it in the dishwasher. While it will be clean, the edge might go dull faster, so it is better to stick to manual cleaning.

ESEE CR2.5 Fixed Blade Knife

ESEE is known for its high value for money. It comes out with a few knives now and then with great quality standards and impressive durability. This knife has a fixed blade design and can be found in a few different varieties in terms of design and appearance.

ESEE’s best bird and trout knife is suitable for small games, backpacking, and camping activities. It is compact and extremely practical – do not let the size fool you, as it is extremely well put together and powerful when in use.

The blade features 1095 carbon steel. It is incredibly sharp. High carbon steel is known for requiring maintenance – a bit of oiling when the knife is not in use for very long periods. But other than that, it retains its sharpness better than stainless steel. Moreover, it is also easy to sharpen. The blade is 2.5 inches in length and comes with oxide coating – an interesting black-washed finish.

The knife has a full tang design. It is excellent for durability and control. It feels comfortable in hand and has decent hand guard protection. Furthermore, it is double riveted and has a lanyard hole. The handle has a nonslip surface due to the micarta scales. Other than that, the handle measures just under four inches in length.

Finally, since it is a fixed blade knife, you might be worried about carrying it around. It comes with its sheath. It matches perfectly and can attach to your belt. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, simply do it manually and dry it before putting it inside the sheath. Avoid cleaning it in a dishwasher to preserve the edge. 

Bear & Son 751

You just cannot go wrong with Bear & Son’s best bird and trout knife. While it looks simple and classic, the truth is there is no need to reinvent the wheel – this format is convenient and it works wonders, so stick to the basics.

The blade is based on high carbon stainless steel. The high carbon content ensures great edge retention – the knife is razor sharp out of the box. As for the stainless steel, it is both corrosion and rust-resistant, so it will last for ages.

The handle is contoured and brings in great ergonomics. It is based on stag delrin and feels rough and rugged. It is double bolstered for stability and strength. Furthermore, given the material, it will last forever with a bit of maintenance.

The blade measures three inches in length – more than enough for such hunting activities. As for the handle, it is 3.5 inches in length. A basic hand guard protection is close to the blade to prevent unwanted accidents, yet the unit is less likely to slip.

Last, but not least, it is worth noting that the knife comes with its leather sheath – just like a glove. In terms of maintenance, avoid cleaning it in a dishwasher because it may dull the edge. Instead, clean it manually and dry it before storing it. It can be sharpened with a stone or a sharpener.

Case XX WR

Case XX has managed to come up with a brilliant combination between pocket knives (which usually fold) and fixed blade knives. This knife is compact, yet large enough to ensure a versatile application in numerous circumstances.

The blade is classic – based on stainless steel. Look after your knife and it will never rust or corrode. It is super sharp out of the box, so you can use it straight away. The dull side of the blade has a few serrations for even more applications, depending on what you use the knife for.

Made in the USA, the knife follows the strict local standards for quality. The handle is covered in polished leather. Not only is it durable, but it will also stick to your hand. Whether your hands are wet or sweaty, this knife is less likely to slip out.

In terms of sizing, the blade is just over 3.1 inches in length – more than enough for small projects around the house, hunting, camping adventures, and other outdoor activities. The handle is about 3.4 inches long – suitable for both small and large hands.

Finally, make sure you clean this knife manually only – never in a dishwasher. Dry it before storage and do not forget to hydrate the leather on the handle now and then – a bit of oil rubbed on it regularly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the optimal weight for a bird and trout knife?

Bird and trout knives are supposed to be super light and thin to handle small games. If it feels too heavy, keep looking. It must be agile and easy to carry around.

Conclusion

Deciding on the best bird and trout knife is difficult because there are not plenty of options out there, but a bit of research will point you in the right direction. Grohmann Knives’ masterpiece is probably one of the top options out there given the reputation of the brand and the overall quality standards of the knife.