The Top Four Knives for Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting brings unique challenges — cold, wet conditions, thick feathers, and the need for quick, clean processing in the blind or back at camp. Whether you’re cleaning ducks, geese, or other waterfowl, having the right knife is essential for precise breasting, trimming, and eviscerating. This collection includes both fixed and folding options as well as our cleavers and hatchets, giving you the versatility to handle any situation in the field.
Knives of Alaska are crafted from premium steel, field-tested in Alaska by master guides and hunters, and manufactured in Texas from U.S. materials, delivering dependable control even in wet, muddy, and freezing environments. Lightweight and built for precision, these knives make it easy to prepare birds efficiently while maintaining meat quality — performance waterfowl hunters can rely on.
Featherlight Bird/Trout
The Featherlight Hunter and Bird Trout knives are designed for hunters who prefer a light, nimble folding knife for field cleaning waterfowl. Their slim profiles and razor-sharp D2 blades glide effortlessly through skin and muscle, helping you remove meat cleanly. The Featherlight Hunter’s drop-point design provides balance and control for general trimming, while the Bird Trout’s narrow blade excels at precision cuts near bones and joints. Both knives are easy to clean, quick to handle, and perfectly suited for processing ducks and geese in cold, wet environments. Both are available with a pocket clip for easy access and a secure locking liner-style blade lock.
Featherlight Hunter
The Featherlight Hunter and Bird Trout knives are designed for hunters who prefer a light, nimble tool for field cleaning waterfowl. Their slim profiles and razor-sharp D2 blades glide effortlessly through skin and muscle, helping you remove meat cleanly without crushing or tearing it. The Featherlight Hunter’s drop-point design provides balance and control for general trimming, while the Bird Trout’s narrow blade excels at precision cuts near bones and joints. Both knives are easy to clean, quick to handle, and perfectly suited for processing ducks and geese in cold, wet environments where agility matters most.
Jaeger Hunting Knife
The Jaeger Hunting Knife delivers professional-level precision for waterfowl processing, with a sleek 3.5” D2 blade that’s perfect for breasting and trimming larger birds like big mallards and geese. The thin, rigid blade cuts smoothly along bone, letting hunters lift meat in clean, even cuts. Textured thumb ridges along the spine provide a secure grip for delicate work, while the knife’s lightweight construction ensures comfort through repeated use. Efficient, balanced, and easy to maneuver, the Jaeger turns the job of cleaning waterfowl into a fast, precise, and rewarding process.
Badger Knife
The Badger’s compact size and ergonomic shape make it an excellent choice for waterfowl hunters who want safety, comfort, and control while cleaning birds. Its 2.64” drop-point D2 steel blade offers just enough length for clean slicing without overcutting, and the forward-set edge design naturally keeps your hand farther from the blade — great for maintaining precision in slippery conditions. The shape makes it easy to separate meat from the breastbone while preserving as much usable meat as possible. Simple, sturdy, and balanced, the Badger is ideal for both experienced hunters and those new to field dressing birds.
Cleavers and Hatchets
We have the flagship Brown Bear Cleaver, the Light Hunter, and the Bobcat as well as the Hunter’s Hatchet. While they may seem overkill for the task of waterfowl dressing, they are excellent for nipping off the wings and legs at the joints. So if you are a hunter who likes to keep the entire bird and not just breast it, consider one of our cleavers or hatchet to make removing wings and legs quick and easy.