Deer Hunting Knife

Dornblaser

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I have a good friend that I would like to purchase a gift for. We are both avid outdoors folks. My friend has taken up deer hunting with a vengeance over the last several years (he owns a couple hundred acres of prime hunting land and is stalking deer with a bow as I type). I was thinking a nice hunting knife. It must be 3" and under, no more than $175.00; and, be a folder (more versatile, don't argue, it is). Two knives that jump out at me are the: fallkniven P3 series, which I plan to order for myself as well; and, the Bradley Alias II which I am on the New Graham wait list for. No mini-grips or Spyderco's, while they are great knives, I am thinking something a little more unique, for lack of a better word.

Thanks,
David
 
The Fallkniven Tre Kronor series are very nice looking.
You might also look at some of the Svord and Eka knives.
 
Buck Alpha hunter 279T...I have sliced up deer with mine, I EDC it, I love it!!!! carried it for 6 years now and it is lightning sharp and I got mine for like $30.
 
Dorn, you've narrowed it down too much and excluded some knives. We like to blather on about this knife and that and, for knife knreds like me, we want to be able to recommend an endless list of Bark River and Dozier fixed blades.

But! Since you've defined the parameters with such unabashed rigidity, there is but one folder for your friend (well, ok, a few dozen or more, but....): Benchmade Rukus. While there is rumor that Rukii has been discontinued, there will still be sellers with some in stock. Pick up an aluminum dolly for him to carry it around with, and he's set!

Or.....end the torture and shop Cabelas online for a nice, semi-custom Buck 110. There is no folder made more suited to field dressing game......none.
 
I know lots of hunters, and every one of them carries a small fixed blade.

That being said, the Bark River Mini North Stars are quite popular:

http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/knifedetail.asp?kid=37
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Mini-North-Star
http://www.crystalfallstradingcompany.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=220_35_137

2309.jpg
 
I like to try different knives every deer season. Over the years, I have used Buck 119, Buck Kalinga, CRK Sable IV and last year the CRK Ubejane. As for folders, I got an orange Blade Tech Magnum Pro Hunter and really like it. S30V blade, G10 handles, very sweet. This year, I am not sure what to take. The Bladetech might get used, or perhaps my xm-18 or xm-24. Havent decided yet !!!
 
be a folder (more versatile, don't argue, it is).

Versatility is overrated. Buy him a folder if you want to give a versatile gift, but also give him a fixed bade if you want to give him a hunting knife.

If you absolutely must have a folder, what about one of the Mcusta knives, a Buck Mayo Waimea, or the H&K tactical drop point?
 
Speaking as a guy who has cleaned some dear - I'd use a folder if I had to but vastly prefer a fixed blade. You want something with a comfortable and grippy handle and a smaller blade (3" is fine). The big problem with folders is that the inside of a deer is loaded with goopy bits. This will get inside your folder too, giving you another job to do when you are done cleaning the animal.

If you demand a folder (I'm not sure your hunting buddy will), then maybe the Alaskan Guide Buck 110 is the right choice. It'll work fine, looks great and is at least a classic. It will be full of goop the first time he uses it but if that's what you really want...
 
I say get both a folder and a fixed. For $175 budget, you can get a couple of nice knives, even some custom fixed knives from the makers on here run less than $100. Look on the knifemakers For Sale forum.
 
Check the Busse exchange for a Hairy Carry LE, or HCLE.

It is my favorite knife for whitetails.
 
if your interested in a folder still. i love the case hunter trapper. its got a gut hook, bone saw and a nice blade for about 65 bucks. i cleaned 4 deer with mine last year and its still sharp as can be. it is annoying getting all the fat and what not out when your home but not a huge deal. as far as fixed blades there is a infinite number of options. bark river, customs from the makers here, and many more options. i like a 3-5 inch blade and my main requirement is i want a grippy handle (i also clean a lot of hogs and their fat will stick to anything and is slippery) when i am sweaty or my hands have blood on them i don't want the knife slipping around. i asked this same question a year ago and got so many response to lol. very cool of you to give a nice gift btw
 
I would have to agree that the Buck 110 is the perfect choice. If you are looking for originality you can purchase through the custom shop and get it made to your specs with your steel preference (Bos heat treat is second to none from what I understand). They will also engrave it for you and you can get a nice leather sheath. The 110 is a classic and this would let you get the custom touch you are looking for without breaking the bank.

bah. under 3 inches my mistake... Maybe a Benchmade small bone collector? I'm not much into slipjoints but I am sure there are plenty that would fit your requirements and work perfectly well.
 
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