Best general purpose hunting knife

S

Soon2bLEO

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Jan 24, 2009
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3
Just got into hunting here in the Southwest, but do not own a hunting knife(almost forgot I do have a late 70's circa Buck 110). I'm looking far an all-around knife for cleaning game, camping, and whatever.

So far from the research I've done and some recommendations this is what I've come up with:
Helle #99 Harding - Hunting Gutting knife
Shrade Sharpfinger - Skinner
Camillus USA Western Fixed Blade Skinner - Larger/Backup Skinner

Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

Thanks
 
www.fallkniven.com

Fallkniven F1 = originally a survival knife that works well as a hunting knife. Also popular with bushcrafters and military.

Fallkniven H1 = a hunting knife that works well as a survival knife too.

Fallkniven S1 = a medium sized camp/forest knife that is about an inch longer than the F1. Not an ideal hunting knife.

Fallkniven A1 and WM1 combo = good camp knife and a good hunting knife that combines each other.

There are lots of other Fallkniven models to choose from.
 
I like and use the Mora 740 and the SS Mora Clipper. The Helle would be great as well. I really like the Buck Vanguard and 110 as well but it's a bit more spendy than the Mora's.
 
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Hard to go wrong with the Buck Vanguard.
 
The Sharpfinger is a fairly specialized knife for skinning small game. It's about the worst blade shape imaginable for gutting large animals. The best all-around blade shape for gamer and non-game uses is a dropped point around 4 inches in length. There are tons of options with this configuration on the market, but I agree the Fallkniven F1 is a great choice. I assume you want a fixed blade?
 
Specifics:

It be nice to know a little more information about your the actual game you intend to hunt:

<> Small or large game?.

<> The tasks you will have to perform, ie: Field dress only and/or butchering, capering?

<> Camp chores?

<> Your budget?
 
SIZE:Antelope, Mule Deer mostly and If I ever draw a tag an Elk.

TASKS: Field dress, cape and basic butchering. Game will be brought to a professional processing facility. The extent of butchering would be limited to manageable sizing to put in coolers.

CHORES: As far as camp chores, I was looking at Kabar KDB1( I really like the tactical/survival knifes though, don't know if a good choice for a camp knife but they look way cool) and I also like the Kershaw Outcast. Suggestions on a camp knife are welcome.

BUDGET:I haven't put number to this yet, like everyone else I want the 'most bang for the buck'. Actually price isn't the first concern, quality is. I'd like a high quality hunting 'working' knife. what I mean by 'working' is something that will hold up in the field and last a lifetime. So far the Helle Harding or Fjellkniven looks like it might fit the bill, (triple laminated blade...is this just hype?).

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions, I really appreciate the input.
 
Soon2bLEO said:
Just got into hunting here in the Southwest, but do not own a hunting knife(almost forgot I do have a late 70's circa Buck 110). I'm looking far an all-around knife for cleaning game, camping, and whatever.

So far from the research I've done and some recommendations this is what I've come up with:
Helle #99 Harding - Hunting Gutting knife
Shrade Sharpfinger - Skinner
Camillus USA Western Fixed Blade Skinner - Larger/Backup Skinner

Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...


I'm not sure where you are going to find the Camillus. They closed.

If you get a Schrade Sharpfinger, get one of the old US ones. I have heard that the new Chinese ones aren't nearly as good.

I think well of the Helle Harding. (I just looked at it on Ragnar's web site.) That looks like an excellent blade style choice for mule deer. Helle makes good stuff and I understand their laminated steel is great.
 
Here are a couple of Bucks well suited to your needs - a Kalinga Pro #408 and an Alaskan Guide (Cabela's) Vanguard #192, both in S30V so they would stay sharp through a use or two. The large finger guard is handy as a safety device. Even the 420HC bladed regular Vanguard, rubber or wood gripped, is a super handy knife. The Puma White Hunter is a classic - but a definite 'acquired' taste in a knife - and much pricier, too. The regular Buck 192/692 Vanguard should run $55-$65 while the 408 Kalinga Pro runs $100-$125.

IMG_0274_edited.jpg


Stainz
 
My sons and I have used the CS Master Hunter in Carbon V for many years. We have been very happy with them and I convinced most of my hunting buddies to carry them. I've never seen a complaint from any of my friends or family. One did go with the stainless version and he is also happy. That knive does not seem to hold it's edge as long as the Carbon V.
 
Found a Schrade USA Sharpfinger and a couple Camillus USA Drop Point and Skinner both 4 3/4" blades on eBay. Sold the 2 Camillus and just listed the Schrade Sharpfinger on eBay.

I purchased a Helle Fire (Gutting) and a Helle Earth (Skinning). From all the research and great input I've received, these are both great knifes. Although different looking...they feel real good in my hand. The designer for these contemporary Helle knifes are firm in Norway named Hareide Designmill, they originally were contracted to design a knife for Norwegian reality series '71° Nord' at TVNorge. Something I learned after I purchased the knives.

I originally learned of Helle knifes and this awesome forum (bladeforum) on firingline.com.
 
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Add me to Buck Vangard recommenders.

For field dressing deer, I usually use three seperate knives: my Vangard, a folding saw and either a Buck 110 or a smaller slipjoint with a long thin blade (Buck 313). For Birds, I just use shears.

Your 110 will work fine on anything else.
 
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