How to Sharpen a Gutting Hook

Hunting knives with a gutting hook on the back allow hunters to field dress their prey. The angle of a gutting hook allows you to cut your deer or pigs from the throat down the center of the stomach without piercing any internal organs. Removing the stomach and intestines intact from the wildlife keeps the meat from being contaminated by the contents of the organs. Sharpening a gutting hook correctly allows you to field dress wildlife quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Taper sharpener
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold your knife with the gutting hook in one hand and the handle of the taper sharpener in the other hand.

    • 2

      Hold the knife steady and place the narrow end of the taper sharpener on one side of the curve of the gutting hook.

    • 3

      Slide the taper sharpener to the edge of the gutting hook. Rotate the handle on the sharpener as you make strokes pushing to the edge of the hook. Make five strokes on this side of the hook.

    • 4

      Turn the knife over and sharpen the other side of the gutting hook in the same manner for five strokes. Continue sharpening the hook with five strokes per side until the hook is sharp.