A fixed-blade hunting knife is considered more stable and reliable than folding knives by many hunters, but it's also more dangerous. You can't fold it up and slip it into your pocket, so you'll need a reliable hunting knife sheath for secure storage.

1. Go with All-Weather Material

A leather hunting knife sheath is a decorative addition to your hunting gear. However, because it's susceptible to moisture and other weather conditions, you might prefer an all-weather material for your next hunting expedition.

Nylon, for example, won't deteriorate when you're forced to slog through pouring rain to get back to camp. It's also less likely to tear than leather, and it won't show wear when it rubs against your belt, gun, or other gear.

Other knife sheath materials to consider include:

• Thermoplastic: Kydex and similar thermoplastic materials are durable, but make sure yours is custom made for your knife so it doesn't dull the blade.
• Plastic: If you're most concerned about your budget, simple plastic sheaths offer an economical and weather-resistant solution.
• Paracord: Weave your own or purchase one ready-made. As a bonus, you'll have rope with you if you need it out at the hunting stand.

2. Choose a Sheath with a Lower Strap

When you're walking through dense woods or traipsing up a steep hill, you don't want to feel your knife bouncing against your leg. A hunting knife sheath with a lower strap allows you to secure the apparatus on both ends.

The lower strap can wrap around your leg, for example, while the top of the sheath is clipped to your belt buckle. It can also be strapped in both places to your gun case, backpack, or other gear for security.

3. Look for Snaps Instead of Buckles

Avoid hunting knife sheaths that offer no closure whatsoever. When it comes to securing the blade in place, snaps are better than buckles. You might need to grab your knife quickly during a hunting excursion, and snaps facilitate quick access.

These are called keeper straps, and they prevent the blade from flying out of the sheath. They should fit snugly around the grips of your knife, but they shouldn't get in the way when you unsnap the keeper straps and pull the knife free.

4. Examine the Shape of Your Knife

There are two basic types of keeper straps:

1. Horizontal keeper straps wrap around the knife's grip
2. Vertical keeper straps cross over the end of the grip

The vertical models are typically more secure because they don't allow the knife to come loose even when the sheath is turned upside down. However, this depends on the shape of the blade and the grip.

If the grip features a wider section adjacent to the blade (a hilt or guard), a horizontal keeper strap will suffice. However, if the grip is the same diameter as the blade all the way across the knife, you'll need a vertical keeper strap for maximum security.

5. Measure Your Knife

The best hunting knife sheaths fit your knife like a glove. They should not offer too much "wiggle room" inside the actual sheath, and the keeper straps should not be loose around the hilt or grip. 

Measure all dimensions (width, depth, and length) of your knives, then compare those numbers against the sheaths you like best. If the sheath is too large, it won't provide sufficient security while you're answering the call of the wild.

A hunting knife sheath should not only protect your blade, but also yourself and your equipment. Try different types of sheaths to determine which works best for your hunting style and high quality benchmade knives. It always pays to have a backup on hand, as well, in case your current sheath is damaged.