Gut hook skinner input please

[Jack O'Neill]

I have been asked to make a gut hook skinner for a local elk hunter . I have never done a gut hook and would like some input and tips . His request was for a deep belly and a high sweep . The drawing is what I have come up with . He has seen it and liked it but I would like some thought from those who have used or made them or any other thoughts from every one else also .
Thanks for taking the time for your suggestions .
Jack ONeill

Here is a corrected redraw based on the input . Thanks guys , let me know your thoughts .

 

[birdog4]

I'd run th e spine of the handle a little higher.

 

[Jack O'Neill]

I'd run th e spine of the handle a little higher.

I agree Bruce , Thanks . Already redrew it .

 

[JasonSCarter]

Check out a buck Alpha hunter gut hook, smae basic design and easily copyable

 

[butcher_block]

grind the gut hook with a 3/4 small wheel

it gives you a nice clog free hook and an easy resharpening next time around (or have the buyer just buy a bit of dowel rod and some sand paper to redo it them selves )

 

[Salem Straub]

I always used a large chainsaw file to file in the hook. You can polish and sharpen it with sandpaper wrapped around the same file. Hope those short bevels are getting the edge thin enough to skin well with...

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I use a 1/4" diamond chain saw file stone,followed by a white stone, in a flex shaft to sharpen the gut hook, a Dremel would work great.

I would make the handle sweep up to be 1" wide at the center, and taper to 3/4 at the butt. Bolsters would be good, too.

Stacy

 

[deker]

I've seen Butch's gut hooks and can attest to the "easy to do" bit as well as the "holy crap that's sharp" bit....

-d

 

[atakach]

start over goat

looks good to me, but i never made one, i had an order for one, but somehow it got away.

the one i did start was made from 440c, and i sometimes use it to cut sandpaper, as thats all that stainless crap is good for

 

[Jack O'Neill]

start over goat

looks good to me, but i never made one, i had an order for one, but somehow it got away.

the one i did start was made from 440c, and i sometimes use it to cut sandpaper, as thats all that stainless crap is good for

I have started over Twit As Bruce suggested the handle spine has been raised and taking Stacy's thought I widened the handle some for the palm swell and still playing with the drawing .

and as for your love of stainless , I ordered a piece of A-2 for this project .

 

[TJ Smith]

I guess the big question is how thick is an Elk hide. With hair and all I'd think you gap would have to be a half inch at least.
Take Care
TJ

 

[atakach]

still playing with the drawing.

you ought to leave the drawing up to the wife, :thumbup:, and you keep digg'en ditches j/k

 

[Jack O'Neill]

I guess the big question is how thick is an Elk hide. With hair and all I'd think you gap would have to be a half inch at least.
Take Care
TJ

good point on the hide . I'll have to ask the guy .

 

[Jack O'Neill]

you ought to leave the drawing up to the wife, :thumbup:, and you keep digg'en ditches j/k

The wife draws flowers , I'm trying to get her to dig the ditch so I can stay in the shop .

 

[panch0]

Can we see the updated design?

 

[Jack O'Neill]

Can we see the updated design?

Sure Pancho , as soon as I can make a decision on the 1/2 dozen I have drawn . It's funny how when you move a line 1/8 " it changes everything .

 

[Jack O'Neill]

new drawing .

 

[panch0]

It did make a big difference! I got a buddy who wants a gut hook knife, but I still aint got the nerve to try it yet. I like the new handle it looks good. Thanks Jack.