butcher/skinning knives for bushcraft/trapping

Howdy again.

There is a better forum for this, also.

Moving there now.
 
They were used traditionally so they work just as finely today. The popular "Nessmuk" bushcrafting knife (as originally depicted and described rather than modern interpretations) was essentially a "lamb skinner" knife with a stag crown handle.
 
There are so many variables to consider. What you're willing to pay, then things like how much do you plan to cut between sharpening, and is it better to have everything you want made custom. I look at bush craft knives a lot, but I haven't decided on what should be next to try. Good luck with your search.
 
The "lamb skinner" type blades/knives are good for almost everything. I use the hell out of mine during trapping season. Bushcraft, you'll need something stronger. If you want something for butchering and skinning, trapping and bushcraft, I would find a good medium sized fixed blade. ESEE 3 or 4, Becker 15/16/17, and thing around that size. My skinner is a Buck 113. My butchering knife is a ESEE 4 and a hatchet. I also use the ESEE 4 in the woods and setting traps.
 
Here's a good example of a classic lamb skinner with a modern handle for those not familiar with the style. (Pardon the company logo--my site is one of the only places that has a decent resolution picture of one so I just grabbed the pic from there)

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I've been liking that Fox River from Bark River knives, they also have a Northstar, but the tip on that one is pretty pointed. There convexed edges, so they require different care, but the payoff is substantial.

Fortytwoblades has a good site. I have been meaning to pick up a Mora from him.
 
I've had both the fox river and northstar, both are excellent knives. I think the northstar is the better bushcraft knife overall, but the fox river is the choice if the bushcraft is likely to include much skinning. Mine didn't. I eventually sold both, only for the completely personal reason that they didn't fit my hand as well as I would have liked. I'm 'difficult' like that.
 
foxyrick said:
I've had both the fox river and northstar, both are excellent knives. I think the northstar is the better bushcraft knife overall, but the fox river is the choice if the bushcraft is likely to include much skinning. Mine didn't. I eventually sold both, only for the completely personal reason that they didn't fit my hand as well as I would have liked. I'm 'difficult' like that.
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Sorry to hear that. I wonder if one of these custom makers would redo a handle for you, er, I guess you could have the whole thing made lol
 
The Ontario Old Hickory are classic double use of work/butcher knives that are field knives
Look at any of those and you will have an excellent knife, for less then $20

42 carries Old hickory
 
neeman said:
The Ontario Old Hickory are classic double use of work/butcher knives that are field knives
Look at any of those and you will have an excellent knife, for less then $20

42 carries Old hickory
Click to expand...

+1 Also Russell Green River makes some great low end knives that work well in the woods. Quite often these knives can be found in pawn shops, yard sales, etc. for a good price.
 
Old Hickory get's my vote. I've bought some new and some lightly used from Thrift stores. Modded an old 6" boning knife into a Carving knife. Works great! I've seen plenty of modded Skinners on the forum. :)
 
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