Culling the flock

David Martin

David Martin

Moderator
Joined
Apr 7, 2008
Messages
19,520
Over the next few days I'll be doing some culling and using my 317. A 1970's model, so, 440A or 420 steel. I tuned it up on a 180 grit SiC med. stone. Then stropped it on the fine India to remove the burrs. It having full 4" blades, should be plenty for these
old layers. Australorps are not large birds. I have 8 that need to go and I'm guessing one blade will do 4. Thus, I'll test the shape, function and edge retention. Realize older birds are tougher. More later. DM
20210328_194205.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hmm I have never had a 317, but it is on model I would love if Buck made again. Were they originally made by Schrade or did buck make all of the 317s?
 
David, I also thought you were going to sell some Buck Knives! I look forward to your report on the blades performance. OH

TheJon TheJon It was Camillus that made the 317 knives for Buck.
 
My first thought when I saw the topic was why he didn't post the pics in his farm thread. LOL
 
y'all are making me laugh on the birds knowing their impending demise. funny.

David looking forward to the results of how blades handle the work and pics. I like the farm thread myself. great stuff in it.
 
Thank you ^.
Ok, I went to it this morning a little after 7 and finished the 3 set aside at 9. There was some cleaning, washing before and after. And some set up time.
I used the blade that some call a fileting blade, for all 3. It worked very well, cut aggressively even inside the cavity. I disconnected most parts at the joints and only cut thru the ribs. On the neck and thighs, I separated those with the hatchet. At finishing, I know the blade can cut more. I can feel a burr or 2 but it's in good shape.
It was 48* when I started and a chilly wind. By the time I finished my hands we're num. Still, I didn't drop the knife. So, a good handle fit. A lanyard would help.
I'm not going to touch it up. I'll process more chickens. But I'm monitoring their egg laying. For these 8 layers we are only getting 2 eggs a day. So, I knew some culling was inorder. Now, I'll watch them a few more days. Also, they did not have eggs formed inside. A sure sign they were not going to lay in the next few days.
I can recommend this model for this type work. And it had enough blade length for this size hens. DM
20210330_103245.jpg
 
David that looks like a great knife for processing those birds,I don't have a 317 in my collection,now I need one lol.Do you suppose you could just give the edge a quick strop and it'll be good as new?what steel do you think is in the blade?That blade shape would work well for feild dressing whitetails as well by The looks of it.good work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top