Good lightweight hunting knife?

N

Northernedge313

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Jan 5, 2013
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Hey all, I need some help. I am going on a 9 day hunting trip in the near future, and I need help on a good knife for the occasion. I want a strong, lightweight knife that is good for skinning and overall camp chores. Blade needs to be under 6" and price needs to be under $150. Thanks for the help.
 
The Cold Steel Master Hunter is the first thing that comes to mind. Purpose built hunting knife that is also pretty good as a general purpose utility blade. Comes in a reasonably good steel (VG-1) with a decent sheath for around $100 or a bit less. The blade is 4 1/2" long, seems pretty much perfect for what you're looking for.
 
The Magnum Alaska by Knives of Alaskan would be a good choice.

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Classic drop-point design is timeless and has been proven by thousands of hunters world wide. The blade finish is a ceramic peened hunters Non-glare. Has a black SureGrip handle. Comes with a vegetable tanned, oiled split-grained cowhide sheath.
Steel: D2
Knife Length: 9.5"
Blade Length: 4.5"
 
Bark River Aurora would be my go to in your scenario. Can be picked up lightly used for around the $100-$150 mark if you look around.
 
Something like the 3V Koster "scout" would fit your requirements. Knives ship free is a contributing dealer here right?

Blind Horse knives has a few that could fit in your price range as well.
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. I've narrowed my possible choices down to the cold steel master hunter, the BRKT trail buddy, and the TOPS spirit hunter. Thoughts? Constructive criticism welcome.
 
I don't think ESEE knives are really purpose built hunting knives, more utility knives that could be used for hunting.

@NorthernEdge as far as your choices are concerned I would still say that the Cold Steel will give you the best bang for your buck, and in the specific role of a hunting knife it will give at least equal performance to the others. It's probably not as 'nice' as the Bark River or even the TOPS, so I guess it's a matter of whether or not you just want the cutting performance or you would prefer a more expensive blade with nicer handle material, better fit and finish etc.
 
If you're looking for a dedicated skinner I recommend the WRKT Knucklehead. It's a comfy little skinner in S30V and is about $65~

Sorry for the bad cell phone pic:
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If you want an all around knife that won't be just a skinner I love my Muela Rhino. Very comfortable in the hand and I like Sandvik steel. The factory sheath is also wonderful.
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Muela is an often overlooked brand but they make several nice hunting knives that fall under your price range.
 
For $150, don't be afraid to check out the customs for sale here. You can find some really nice knives for that price.
 
I give my first impression of the Buck Vanguard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGyMgM0jDRI

It's a great hunting design at 6.6 oz. It has a 4.25" drop point blade. If you're going to be backpacking and you want something half the weight of the Buck or the Master Hunter, look at the Marttiini Condor hunting knives. They are just about the sharpest out of the box factory edges on the planet. Sharper than Moras and easy to keep that way.

Joe
 
Moses2792796 said:
That knife is designed more as a survival knife than a hunting knife. The grind is not really suitable for a hunting knife.
Click to expand...

Have you used one? I've skinned numerous animals including moose,elk and bear with mine. The convex grind on the F1 is great for skinning and can be quickly touched up on ceramic or a leather strop. It's easier to keep sharp than other grinds. Then again, I use my hunting knives for skinning,caping and deboning, not making firewood, I have an axe or chainsaw for that. The steel on the Fallkniven is light years better than Cold Steel's Master Hunter, at least the Carbon V one I had. Also, the sheath on the CS is terrible.
 
Frisky said:
I give my first impression of the Buck Vanguard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGyMgM0jDRI

It's a great hunting design at 6.6 oz. It has a 4.25" drop point blade. If you're going to be backpacking and you want something half the weight of the Buck or the Master Hunter, look at the Marttiini Condor hunting knives. They are just about the sharpest out of the box factory edges on the planet. Sharper than Moras and easy to keep that way.

Joe
Click to expand...

Cabela sells a Buck Vanguard with cpm s30v steel . The price is under $115.00
 
what about the Muela viper?? It has a gut hook and a very nice belt sheath too. Comes with a life time warranty against manufacture defects. It has a real stag handle.
 

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Thanks for all the great suggestions. So I've reworked the gear I will be taking, and I am going to be taking up to three knives. One will be a multitool, and I haven't figured out the other two. I'm thinking my Gerber Gator (old USA made version) and maybe something bigger. Would a large bowie knife be acceptable with the two smaller knives? I have an Aitor bowie, which I really like, and is 7 inches overall.
 
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