Fixed skinning knife with wood handles?

ralphjuden · Jun 3, 2015

I was interested in getting a fixed skinning knife and have been searching for a few days now. My main use for it would be cutting leather, doing leathercraft hobby. I am starting off leatherworking and didn't want to buy their cheap chinese tools they recommend that are rather big and ugly.. so I figured I could spend the money on a better fixed blade instead. What are your thoughts on that?

So far my favorite is the benchmade 15001-2. I think I love everything about it so far, especially the look and woodgrain color. But I'm looking for alternatives because theres always something else out there that I didn't come across yet. This puts me in the ~$130 range. Let me know what you think.

Fish Boy · Jun 3, 2015

Any of the Buck skinners with Dymondwood handles.

Ecchi-Spud · Jun 3, 2015

First thing that came to my mind was the EKA Nordic H8 (one I've got on my wish list):

gadunz · Jun 4, 2015

Skinning knives aren't leatherwork knives.
Skinner gutter

Leatherwork

22-rimfire · Jun 4, 2015

For starters, I would look at a Wharncliffe design for precise cuts near the tip. Check out Mora stuff, they may have some working knives designed for leather.

EChoil · Jun 4, 2015

A tanto seems ideal. Two points, two edges. Great cutter. Even if it's a mini-model.

strategy9 · Jun 4, 2015

Along with Mora (Sweden); Helle (Norway), Brusletto (Norway), and Marttiini (Finland) all make fixed blades in the $100+ range Very similar styles and quality to the Mora's with some nice wood handles...

Benchmade 15007-2 saddle mountain "hunter" also in s30v is a nice option too, and the thinner full flat grind blade profile might be better suited for fine cuts then the skinner you have posted with a slightly thicker high flat grind. Almost the same length too.

Just a few more options

Catherine_Montana · Jun 4, 2015

Ecchi-Spud said:
First thing that came to my mind was the EKA Nordic H8 (one I've got on my wish list):

I like the clean, simple lines of this knife a lot.

Cate

Catherine_Montana · Jun 4, 2015

Buck Ranger Skinner - you can order the standard one or a custom one.

I have the standard one.

Cate

kennedjt · Jun 4, 2015

gadunz said:
Skinning knives aren't leatherwork knives.

Skinner gutter

Leatherwork

I agree with this comment. For a "skinning" knife it's hard to beat a Green River Sheep Skinner but I'm not sure that is really the right tool for leatherwork. For cutting leather the best tool I've found is a simple disposable blade box cutter and an exacto knife for more precise cuts.

DoctaD · Jun 4, 2015

How 'bout Bark River T.U.S.K or Bush Seax

ralphjuden · Jun 6, 2015

All great recommendations so far. I was surprised the buck had s30v and under $80. Are buck and benchmade fairly similar on quality as brands or does benchmade have an advantage?

strategy9 · Jun 6, 2015

Buck's S30v is top notch in my opinion, bos ht'd, and their customer service and warranty is 2nd none.
(The "open season" Line makes a few great job specific hunting choices; skinner, caper, etc.)

I can't speak on behalf of benchmade because i honestly don't know whats what. I never owned one myself.