The knife and the hunt

For therein lies the whole charm and delight of hunting: that man, who through his inevitable progress has been driven away from the primal companionship of animals, plants, and stone — in short, from nature — rejoices in the artificial return to it, the only occupation that allows him something like a vacation from being human - José Ortega y Gasset

The knife as a tool is inextricably linked to the history of humanity. Specially crafted hunting knives can be traced back to around 3000 BC. During this period, the classic knife, as an all-purpose tool, was modified through specific designs to fulfill particular purposes.

Among other things, this period also saw the emergence of the hunting knife, which was specifically developed for working on the game that had been killed. The main task of hunting knives is to gut game or skin it. Specially shaped butchering knives with inwardly curved blades prevent the internal organs from being damaged during butchering, thus ensuring that the quality of the meat is not compromised.

Hunting knives by knife maker Richard Kappeller

Jagdknicker Classic:

Our Jagdknicker Classic is the perfect companion in the hunting grounds. This knife was specially designed for cutting and gutting. The fluted knife spine provides a secure grip on the knife during every task. Thanks to its slender blade shape, it is also ideally suited for fishing.   

Aktor Jagd:

Our all-rounder among hunting knives, featuring a wide and tall blade. This knife was designed as a classic hunting knife to facilitate all hunting-related activities, such as gutting. After a day’s work in the hunting grounds, it shines as a snack knife in the hunting lodge.

Kama Field Dressing Knife:

The Kama field dressing knife stands out thanks to its special shape and short blade. The fluted knife back, like the recess on the knife scales, provides a secure grip during any skinning work.

Richard Kappeller’s well-thought-out knife designs always serve a specific purpose:

Integral knives, which are crafted from a single piece of steel with a specially fitted handle, are very “hygienic” as hunting tools. The fitted handle ensures there are no gaps, preventing the buildup of debris. Knives with a full tang design, with or without a guard, are among the slimmest and lightest knife designs for the hunting grounds. All models of our hunting knives can generally be used as snack, outdoor, or fishing knives.  

You can find customization options in the knife configurator:

https://www.messermacher.at/konfigurator/start

For custom orders, we are always available at office@messermacher.at.