beginner hunting knife

N

nocturn

Joined
Dec 12, 2005
Messages
4
Hey all, Im new to Knives and hunting and was wondering what a good starter knife would be. I will be hunting hog mainly here in FL and was looking for a field dresser/skinner. I don't know much about knife care and sharpening so I wanted to start with something somewhat cheap so if I buger it up it sharpening it or what ever it wont be a big deal. I was thinking of a small fixed blade for under $50, any suggestions?
Thanks in advance ,Great forum by the way, a lot of info to the point of being overwhelming:eek:
 
Welcome to the forum!

You'll find that different knife knuts have differing opinions, so I'd encourage you to try and handle a knife before buying just to make sure the ergonomics, weight, etc. are comfortable.

I think a great beginner knife is a Frosts of Sweden* Mora knife, like the kind sold by Ragnar: http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

The Mora knife is made of decent steel (especially for the price) and is a breeze to sharpen because it's blade profile is the Scandinavian "V" grind. Moras are popular with outdoor/survival schools because they're cheap, sturdy, and can take a lot of abuse.

If you prefer a 'pure' skinning knife (i.e., you'll carry a hatchet or saw for use in camp and only plan to use your knife to dress game), the Buck 119 'hunter' model is available at major sporting goods and discount stores for less than $35. Kershaw and Marble's also make fixed blades with plastic or rubber handles for under $50. Finally, a less well-known but I think well-regarded brand is Boker, which makes several nice fixed-blades in their Argentina plant that retail for less than $50. Good luck with your search!

*Frosts of Sweden is an old and respected company, not to be confused with Frost Cutlery, which is poorly regarded and makes mostly "mall ninja" decorative and theme knives.
 
You have already have some great suggestions and won't go wrong following them I'm sure. As a hunter myself I want to recommend the BUCK woodsman. It is the knife that I use and tho it is affordable it does not feel cheap and it will give years of service. Good luck.
 
Thanks for getting back so quick, I was originally looking at drop point knives thinking that was better suited for field dressing, is the clip point a better way to go? or is just more of a do it all knife? or does it really matter?
 
MG_Saldivar said:
Welcome to the forum!

You'll find that different knife knuts have differing opinions, so I'd encourage you to try and handle a knife before buying just to make sure the ergonomics, weight, etc. are comfortable.

I think a great beginner knife is a Frosts of Sweden* Mora knife, like the kind sold by Ragnar: http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

The Mora knife is made of decent steel (especially for the price) and is a breeze to sharpen because it's blade profile is the Scandinavian "V" grind. Moras are popular with outdoor/survival schools because they're cheap, sturdy, and can take a lot of abuse.

If you prefer a 'pure' skinning knife (i.e., you'll carry a hatchet or saw for use in camp and only plan to use your knife to dress game), the Buck 119 'hunter' model is available at major sporting goods and discount stores for less than $35. Kershaw and Marble's also make fixed blades with plastic or rubber handles for under $50. Finally, a less well-known but I think well-regarded brand is Boker, which makes several nice fixed-blades in their Argentina plant that retail for less than $50. Good luck with your search!

*Frosts of Sweden is an old and respected company, not to be confused with Frost Cutlery, which is poorly regarded and makes mostly "mall ninja" decorative and theme knives.
Click to expand...

Another vote for Frost/Mora, can't go wrong with these knives and the price is one of the best bang for the buck deals in knifedom today. I'd take a good look at the Clipper series, available in both carbon and stainless blades.
 
Two classics you ought to consider. First, I keep reading that Wal Mart sells the Buck 110 Folding Hunter for peanuts. That's a classic knife that's classic for a reason -- it works! Another possibility would be a Queen fixed blade in D2 steel. This steel has a great rep, as does Queen. Whatever you choose, let us know how it goes. Good luck with them hogs!
 
The Buck is a good solid choice.

I also like the Russell / Grohmann skinning knife. I has a unique shape to it, and fits well in the hand. Don't care for the stock sheaths, though.

Glenn
 
I like the Buck Woodsman, Pathfinder, or 119 Special depending on which size you prefer. The Vanguard looks like a good one too, but I haven't used one personally.

I'm also a fan of the AG Russell zytel handled hunting knives with the Thumb-bolt sheath. There's the Hunter's Scalpel, Bird and Trout, and Deer Hunter. Again, the difference is which size you prefer.

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Thanks for all the great replies fellas, I think Im leaning towards the Buck 119, but I will have to go to the local sports store ie. basspro and handle a few blades to make my decision.:thumbup:
 
Honestly, I think a 119 might be a bit too big for game. Experienced hunters seem to usually prefer a smaller blade. Here's an idea: Ask some experienced Fla. hog hunters what knife THEY recommend. (Then let use know what they said!)
 
The 119 is a classic and it will do the job all right, but I think the Vanguard (also a classic) overall is a better choice for what you need. The shorter drop point blade is much easier to control, a fact you'll appreciate when you're elbow-deep in hog.
 
I had a 119 and it was a nice knife. Way to big for my needs tho. " deer hunting, small game, hikeing and camping " I just wasn't comfortable with it and traded it for a woodsman.
I have a friend and hunting buddy who uses a 119 and loves it. He seems to be as comfortable field dressing deer with it as I am with my woodsman. Handling several knives should help you determine which one is right for you.
 
nocturn said:
Hey all, Im new to Knives and hunting and was wondering what a good starter knife would be. I will be hunting hog mainly here in FL and was looking for a field dresser/skinner. I don't know much about knife care and sharpening so I wanted to start with something somewhat cheap so if I buger it up it sharpening it or what ever it wont be a big deal. I was thinking of a small fixed blade for under $50, any suggestions?
Thanks in advance ,Great forum by the way, a lot of info to the point of being overwhelming:eek:
Click to expand...
Take a good look at CRKT's Russ Kommers Signature series fixed hunting knives.
I really like the drop blade 2810 Kilbuck model,3 1/4 blade decent steel,leather lanyard,tooled leather sheath and on sale for $39.99 at alot of places.
Check it out!

Kap:thumbup:
 
I would like to get a Queen Premium 4100 series knife. Have you ever done business with www.queencutlerycollectors.com? I don't see a phone number on their website to ask a question. I emailed them over a week ago, and no response. Do you have positive or negative feedback on this company? Thanks. "Catboat" can be reached at: pontoon@adelphia.net
 
Catboat,
I've ordered at least a half dozen times from them. Even though their communications is lacking, and they may not ship the fastest, I've never had a problem and won't hesitate to use them again.
 
Hey guys, just an update, I got to handle a few knives and liked the Buck Vangaurd. I went to the orlando gun and knife show and got a pretty good deal on the rosewood handle Vangaurd for $55 out the door (sells for $59.99 + tax at basspro), so Im happy.:thumbup:
Whats the best way to sharpen the blade in the field? and with what type of stone ect? Please keep in mind im new at this and dont want to get to indepth or technical ( ie.. many diff. stones for diff finish ect ect).

thanks again
 
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