Many of the hunting knives you will see will come with a gut hook. The gut hook knife is used by making a small incision with the main blade, then by using the hook to cut open the abdomen. The gut hook knife prevents the hunter from "paunching" the animal and possibly affecting the quality of the meat. They do work, it is a strictly a personal preference as to the need for one. In the event that you do want the added security that the gut hook knife provides, they are very similar in price to non-gut hook knives. One thing to consider before purchasing a hunting knife with a gut hook design is the occasional need to sharpen the hook. The actual cutting part of the gut hook is enclosed in a "hook" machined into the top of the blade. You can't sharpen this area with a regular flat stone, so you will need to eventually purchase a round file. Because manufacturers use hooks of different sizes I recommend waiting until you get your gut hook knife, then go to your local hardware store and purchase a high quality, fine grit, round file closely matching the shape and size of your gut hook knife. Please note, that unlike the main blade of your new hunting knife, the gut hook is only sharpened on one side not two. Don't sharpen the flat side, you will ruin the knife! Another alternative to purchasing a hunting knife with a built in gut hook is to purchase a separate unit. Gerber offers a relatively inexpensive, easily transported unit, which has the added feature of having easily replaced blades, that negates the need for sharpening. Using standard utility blades, the blade is easily replaced at the beginning of each season and is ready when needed.
