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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
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Deer hunting
- Thread starter Ericz
- Start date
- Joined
- May 16, 2010
- Messages
- 9,347
I use my Scheppmann Hunter.
From a thread on it:
A while ago I contacted Rob in order to ask him, if he would make me a skinner/hunting knife.
I had seen some knives by other knifemakers and suggested an amalgamation of design features, that I liked.
Rob said, that he'd gladly make the knife in some months, when he was finished with some other knives.
We talked back and forth in regards to the design and after a while Rob mailed me a metal cut-out, that he had made from the specs and knife-styles, that I had mentioned.
Here is where the plans changed, though it was through no deliberate intention of Rob's, I'm sure
In the pic with the knife design, that Rob had worked on for me and made a metal outline/cut-out for, he had included one of his own knives for comparison or what ever.
That knife made me sit up in the chair - whoaa Nelly, what a beauty!!
I briefly pondered, whether or not it would be decent to ask Rob to change tack, after he had already put some hours into both communicating with me on the original knife design and made me a metal design suggestion.
In the end, I wrote him and said, that I'd like to change my order to the Rob Scheppmann design instead, if that was okay with him.
To Robs credit, he said, that he had no problem with that.
I ended up with a Rob Scheppmann 'Hunter' and there is no way, that I could be happier with the knife.
Rob makes a fantastic knife and he is simply a super pleasent guy to deal with. His patience with me and the sudden change of plan is also a testimony to that.
The knife is Robs 'Hunter' with a few tweaks in regards to design, finish and choice of materials. I'm not big on polished knives and asked for a dull finish. Rob bead blasted the knife and then ScotchBrited it. Top and bottom are satinized. There is generous jimping. The knife is hair popping sharp A2 (I had a choice between D2 and A2).
I just had the opportunity to use it last week for the first time as hunting season came around; as usual my buddies brought crappy dull knives and they quickly surrendered, when I offered that we use my new Scheppmann knife instead. The knife zipped through several Roe Deer with simply no loss of sharpness. The size of the knife is simply just right for me both when holding it by the handle and with the index finger along the spine for fine work. I'm a big fan of having a choil, but its simply not needed here, because of the perfect (for me) size of the blade/knife. I can reach sufficiently out on the spine on the knife, so I dont stick anything in a deer, that dont need to get stuck when skinning hence I didnt need a choil in this instance. Further more, a choil would have ruined the fine line of Robs knife.
The antique Micarta scales are simply a joy to hold both in a regular hold and a reverse hold (not that I have any need for a reverse hand hold with this knife). The handle is the perfect size for my hand and not too beefy, but just right in thickness for my taste. The handle practically melts into my hand.
In conclusion; I could not be happier with this knife and I wouldnt change an iota about it. It quickly shot to the top of the list of my favourite knives for this kind of work.
A big thank you to Rob for making me this knife and for being so pleasent to deal with.
A few Q and D pics during and after the first practical use of the knife:
From a thread on it:
A while ago I contacted Rob in order to ask him, if he would make me a skinner/hunting knife.
I had seen some knives by other knifemakers and suggested an amalgamation of design features, that I liked.
Rob said, that he'd gladly make the knife in some months, when he was finished with some other knives.
We talked back and forth in regards to the design and after a while Rob mailed me a metal cut-out, that he had made from the specs and knife-styles, that I had mentioned.
Here is where the plans changed, though it was through no deliberate intention of Rob's, I'm sure
In the pic with the knife design, that Rob had worked on for me and made a metal outline/cut-out for, he had included one of his own knives for comparison or what ever.
That knife made me sit up in the chair - whoaa Nelly, what a beauty!!
I briefly pondered, whether or not it would be decent to ask Rob to change tack, after he had already put some hours into both communicating with me on the original knife design and made me a metal design suggestion.
In the end, I wrote him and said, that I'd like to change my order to the Rob Scheppmann design instead, if that was okay with him.
To Robs credit, he said, that he had no problem with that.
I ended up with a Rob Scheppmann 'Hunter' and there is no way, that I could be happier with the knife.
Rob makes a fantastic knife and he is simply a super pleasent guy to deal with. His patience with me and the sudden change of plan is also a testimony to that.
The knife is Robs 'Hunter' with a few tweaks in regards to design, finish and choice of materials. I'm not big on polished knives and asked for a dull finish. Rob bead blasted the knife and then ScotchBrited it. Top and bottom are satinized. There is generous jimping. The knife is hair popping sharp A2 (I had a choice between D2 and A2).
I just had the opportunity to use it last week for the first time as hunting season came around; as usual my buddies brought crappy dull knives and they quickly surrendered, when I offered that we use my new Scheppmann knife instead. The knife zipped through several Roe Deer with simply no loss of sharpness. The size of the knife is simply just right for me both when holding it by the handle and with the index finger along the spine for fine work. I'm a big fan of having a choil, but its simply not needed here, because of the perfect (for me) size of the blade/knife. I can reach sufficiently out on the spine on the knife, so I dont stick anything in a deer, that dont need to get stuck when skinning hence I didnt need a choil in this instance. Further more, a choil would have ruined the fine line of Robs knife.
The antique Micarta scales are simply a joy to hold both in a regular hold and a reverse hold (not that I have any need for a reverse hand hold with this knife). The handle is the perfect size for my hand and not too beefy, but just right in thickness for my taste. The handle practically melts into my hand.
In conclusion; I could not be happier with this knife and I wouldnt change an iota about it. It quickly shot to the top of the list of my favourite knives for this kind of work.
A big thank you to Rob for making me this knife and for being so pleasent to deal with.
A few Q and D pics during and after the first practical use of the knife:
Fixed, i was looking at Bark river but there are too many options.
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2005
- Messages
- 16,379
3.5" Blade, or near that.
.125" width.
I've ordered Deer hunting knives from Gene Ingram, Charles May, and Bob Dozier, among others.
I put those three near the top when it comes to hunting knives, and the Deer hunting size they sell the most of is around 3.5", and .125 in width. I never cared for anything over 3.5", or wider than .125 myself.
.125" width.
I've ordered Deer hunting knives from Gene Ingram, Charles May, and Bob Dozier, among others.
I put those three near the top when it comes to hunting knives, and the Deer hunting size they sell the most of is around 3.5", and .125 in width. I never cared for anything over 3.5", or wider than .125 myself.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
Go to Bob Dozier's website and look at the "featured inventory". (These offerings change weekly.) These are typical fixed blades used for deer hunting.
Practical knives at lower cost would include the Spyderco Moran and Buck Vanguard 192. I like the Cabela's version which includes a leather sheath (Alaskan Guide series). Basically most favor a 3-4" drop point. Probably the longest I would consider is about a 5" blade. The Blackjack 125 is a "Randall like" general purpose hunting knife made by Bark River. It is on the large size for deer hunting for me.
Practical knives at lower cost would include the Spyderco Moran and Buck Vanguard 192. I like the Cabela's version which includes a leather sheath (Alaskan Guide series). Basically most favor a 3-4" drop point. Probably the longest I would consider is about a 5" blade. The Blackjack 125 is a "Randall like" general purpose hunting knife made by Bark River. It is on the large size for deer hunting for me.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2016
- Messages
- 3,211
The one I keep coming back to is a cold steel master hunter. Mine is an old carbon v one that I bought used (and very much abused) many years ago. I keep trying other production hunting knives but keep going back to it. Possibly just familiarity with it on my part. No idea how the new master hunter's steel and QC would compare though.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2015
- Messages
- 66
Agreed!
arrowhd
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 2,470
I've been carrying a Buck 105 Pathfinder for over 20 years. Only complaint is that the handle can get slick when wet with blood. Never really been an issue for me though. Easy to put a kean edge on and won't break the bank. Five inch blade but pretty narrow. I always forget to take photos during the hunt. Here is the 105 with last years buck.
My first season of deer hunting I used a schrade/old timer that I bought from Big 5 for cheap. It did fine but I wanted something a littler better. This is what it looked it:
But then I became a big fan of Buck knives due to being made in the good old USA, and their heat treatment of 420HC gives decent edge retention and easy sharpening. With that I picked up their skinning set and bought the boning knife separately. It's a nice set, and of course since I bought it I haven't been hunting. Nice set regardless of use, and I'm sure it's just as durable as the rest of their line.
Main thing I'm looking for in a game processing knife is a knife that can get very sharp, and has a narrow width/thickness blade (around 1" wide and 3/16" thick). I've found that a narrower blade is easier to maneuver than something wide, like a bowie style knife. Not to knock bowie knives. I'm sure people have been processing their game with that style for a hundred years! Main reason I bought that set is to give me a variety to choose from and work with.
But then I became a big fan of Buck knives due to being made in the good old USA, and their heat treatment of 420HC gives decent edge retention and easy sharpening. With that I picked up their skinning set and bought the boning knife separately. It's a nice set, and of course since I bought it I haven't been hunting. Nice set regardless of use, and I'm sure it's just as durable as the rest of their line.
Main thing I'm looking for in a game processing knife is a knife that can get very sharp, and has a narrow width/thickness blade (around 1" wide and 3/16" thick). I've found that a narrower blade is easier to maneuver than something wide, like a bowie style knife. Not to knock bowie knives. I'm sure people have been processing their game with that style for a hundred years! Main reason I bought that set is to give me a variety to choose from and work with.
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2014
- Messages
- 574
....I. too have a nice, & hearty rubberized green grip Schrade Hunter w/ gut Hook in my deer pack, Very Nice piece to wear on your belt or include in your deer pack, for sure, B.T.B.My first season of deer hunting I used a schrade/old timer that I bought from Big 5 for cheap. It did fine but I wanted something a littler better. This is what it looked it:
But then I became a big fan of Buck knives due to being made in the good old USA, and their heat treatment of 420HC gives decent edge retention and easy sharpening. With that I picked up their skinning set and bought the boning knife separately. It's a nice set, and of course since I bought it I haven't been hunting. Nice set regardless of use, and I'm sure it's just as durable as the rest of their line.
Main thing I'm looking for in a game processing knife is a knife that can get very sharp, and has a narrow width/thickness blade (around 1" wide and 3/16" thick). I've found that a narrower blade is easier to maneuver than something wide, like a bowie style knife. Not to knock bowie knives. I'm sure people have been processing their game with that style for a hundred years! Main reason I bought that set is to give me a variety to choose from and work with.
zakjak221
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2010
- Messages
- 1,964
Many choices here...but to do it for reasonable cost,Schrade 152ot for field dressing/skinning.
Then for butchering,use the Schrade 15ot Deer hunter knife.
I would suggest getting the older USA carbon steel models.
U can pick both these up for about 75-90.00.
Great classic design & tried/proven.
Then for butchering,use the Schrade 15ot Deer hunter knife.
I would suggest getting the older USA carbon steel models.
U can pick both these up for about 75-90.00.
Great classic design & tried/proven.
Bigbluefish
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2009
- Messages
- 699
Another Buck 105 user here.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
Remember that choosing a knife for deer hunting chores is often a compromise from a more general knife (often larger) that might be better for cutting branches, small trees, or use at a camp site as compared to deer specific cutting. The typical skinning and field dressing knife is probably not the best for meat processing. That is why some hunters will choose a slightly larger knife for deer hunting even though the smaller knife is easier to use for deer specific chores. My leanings go toward the knife size that I am most comfortable with in the woods in general which is a blade in the 4-5" size range, but the sub 4" knife is easier to use on animals.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
I agree if you can afford the Dozier. I recently purchased a Dozier K-6 Companion (D2 steel) which would be nearly a perfect deer chores and skinning knife for me. Yes, to the Old Hickory for meat processing or use something like the Becker BK-15 or BK-5 for processing or another with this basic shape (Bark River if you like). The BK-15 is one of my favorite knock around the woods knives and I am comfortable with the clip or sabre blade shape for deer hunting use. Basically, I am pretty flexible on the deer hunting knife as long as it is sharp sharp sharp. With pointy knives or longer blades, you just need to be a little careful with the field dressing chores. But what you don't want is something with 0.25" blade stock like the BK-2 or similar.