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anyone use a modern folder when hunting?

wolverine_173

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I usually use a buck 110 for deer and elk but I'm thinking of trying a rat 1 or utilitac, I only worry about actuating the liner lock. What do you think and what do you use?
 
In theory the CRKT M21 series could be right up your alley. The bladeshape seems perfect for a hunting knife. It has a very open construction for easy cleaning AND it has the LAWKS feature which puts a lock on your liner making it impossible to accidentally disengage:

m2101.jpg
 
I used my RAT model 1 one time to field dress and skin a deer. It took FOREVER to get the fat and blood out of all the cracks--I will NEVER do that again!!!
 
I know people that hunt and they use an Endura. The Stretch would be a great option.

The stretch actually started out as a folding hunting knife.

Don't forget the kabar dozier folding hunter.






BLOODY CONTENT BELOW, skip over the rest of my post if blood/dead animals offend you!
I use my BM 555 for small game.



















 
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I only use a folder for dressing whitetail if thats all I have, Itll work and work well but, cleaning the knife after is a pain. I have a Ka-Bar fixed blade that ive used for years and it works great. The last deer I shot a couple weeks ago I had to use my ZT301, not ideal but it worked. I managed to keep it pretty clean but it just took longer. When the fat sticks to the blade and in the liners its a real pain to get out. Personally id stick witha fixed blade if possible.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/KA-B...t=ka+bar&WTz_l=Header&Ntt=ka+bar&WTz_l=Header
 
I tried it a couple of times, wouldn't do it again if I can help it. Too many moving parts and little nooks and crannies for gunk to get into. It it has to be a folding knife, I'd look for something with open construction and easy disassembly. I'm not suggesting a Sebenza since the OP mentioned knives in a very different price point, but it is a good example of a folding knife that you could clean thoroughly without many problems.
 
I've used locking folders for hunting for 47 years. IMO, the best of the bunch includes the Wegner pro design once produced by Spyderco and still produced with better steel (S30V) and jimping by Blade Tech. The Stretch should work fine, too. If you want to up the ante a little, the Spyderco Southard is an almost perfect hunting design. I think the compactness and safety factor of folders, often in a lighter knife, usually outweigh rigidity and ease of cleaning in the field. And you need to clean any knife with soap and water at home anyhow. In the end, use whatever feels good to you.
 
The stretch actually started out as a folding hunting knife.

Don't forget the kabar dozier folding hunter.






BLOODY CONTENT BELOW, skip over the rest of my post if blood/dead animals offend you!
I use my BM 555 for small game.




















Now I know were the cat went last month. :D

I have a Cold Steel Mackinaw Hunter that I would use on game in a heart beat. Maybe I'll put out some cat snares in the bush and try it out. It's been too freakin cold to enjoy myself out there.
 
I usually use a fixed blade but my Spyderco Native was outstanding for cleaning our big fox squirrels. That was a 60 yard offhand shot to the center of the head w/ a Ruger 10/22, btw. Not sure I could replicate that. :D



---

Beckerhead #42
 
I use a fixed blade normally, but I always carry an Outdoor Edge Lockback just in case in my rifle stock pouch, as well as my CRKT m-21 02 in pocket.
 
I stopped using a folder, as I got sick of cleaning blood and guts out of all the nooks and crannies. Only use a fixed blade now.
 
I stopped using a folder, as I got sick of cleaning blood and guts out of all the nooks and crannies. Only use a fixed blade now.

This is the reason I stick with a fixed blade. I like my Case Finn knife for nearly all hunting task. Easy to use and clean...
 
I stopped using a folder, as I got sick of cleaning blood and guts out of all the nooks and crannies. Only use a fixed blade now.

it took me 30+ years to figure that one out :D...I took zero folders to deer camp this year and never will again.
 
The stretch actually started out as a folding hunting knife.

Don't forget the kabar dozier folding hunter.






BLOODY CONTENT BELOW, skip over the rest of my post if blood/dead animals offend you!
I use my BM 555 for small game.




















Mmm, hasenpfeffer.
 
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