BK14 vs. Buck Large Skinner?

[Northernedge313]

So, I bought a bk14 the other day, and last month bought the Buck skinning trio set. I'm going on a sheep hunt this weekend, and wanted some of you opinions on what to carry. I want to bring along with me(accompanied by a larger knife) either the bk14, or the Large Skinner. Opinions?

 

[Franciscomv]

Personally, I'd go with the BK-14. I've used my BK-11 a lot as a hunting knife, I've stripped the blade and convexed it. It takes a great edge and works really well not only for skinning, but for most knife chores. Get the zytel handle slabs from Ka-Bar, they aren't expensive (around $14 for two sets, one black and one orange) and they make the knife quite a bit more comfortable to use.

I'm not a fan of Buck's PakLite series (I'm asuming that's the Large Skinner model you've got). Hollow grind, plus 420HC steel and bulky sheaths just don't add up to a knife I find attractive or enjoy using. I'm sure it would work, but I think the BK-14 is a better overall knife.

 

[Northernedge313]

Thanks for your help brother, this will help a lot. I've only paracord wrapped the handle on mine, and I'm satisfied with it. I'm gonna convex mine as well, so far I'm not a fan of the sheath, but then again, who is?

 

[pinnah]

I would think the question is, which do you prefer: hollow grind or flat?

Secondary: carbon or 420HC?

In terms of grind, I can see the argument for hollow grinds for processing meat. Thinner behind the edge and flesh peels back on it's own for the most part. But for general camp use and particularly for working with wood (and most other things), I've come to strongly prefer a flat (or slight sabre) grind blade. I find that hollow ground blades hang up in wood where the grind hits the shoulder of the spine. This can be fixed, somewhat by putting the full blade on a stone and I've done that with both a Case and a couple of Bucks that I've owned. (Can post pictures if you want.) But that's a fair bit of work.

In terms of steel, I find Buck's 420HC to be great and comparable to good 1095 in the field. 1095 have more soul, though.

 

[Franciscomv]

Thanks for your help brother, this will help a lot. I've only paracord wrapped the handle on mine, and I'm satisfied with it. I'm gonna convex mine as well, so far I'm not a fan of the sheath, but then again, who is?

Cord wrapped handles can get messy when processing game, unless you coat the paracord with some resin (or varnish) to seal it.

 

[Shotgun]

Cord wrapped handles can get messy when processing game, unless you coat the paracord with some resin (or varnish) to seal it.

I'm not a hunter so I'm not sure if this would work with blood and guts but when my paracord gets a little nasty, I throw it in the washing machine. Works pretty well.