Gutting knife for whitetail

P

petersonfishon

Joined
Oct 21, 2023
Messages
12
Hello guys, I'm looking to purchase a smaller fixed blade knife primarly for feild dressing whitetail deer. I was thinking along the lines of a 3"-3 1/2" blade. I am willing to spend a maximum of $250. I would like a knife that is high quality that I can have for a long time. I'm open as to the blade shape and steel, although I do have a preference towards a droppoint blade. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
 
I have used this for many deer. D2 steel. I have dressed two deer without sharpening and still razor sharp. Just right for squirrels and rabbits also.

agrussell.com

Search Results

agrussell.com agrussell.com

0bzBIaTh.jpg
 
I've gutted deer with everything from a Camillus pilots survival knife, to an Uncle Henry stockman. But most of my deer were gutted with the Buck 110 that I bought about 50 years ago. I know you said fixed blade, but maybe consider a Buck 110 LT. They're lightweight, stainless steel, don't take up much room, and you can just hose them off when you're done. They only cost about $40, made in the USA, and have a lifetime warranty. Just another option.
 
nettle said:
Might want to do a little reading about Buck Knives verses Dozier Knives.
Click to expand...

AntDog said:
I’m sure knarfeng knarfeng has done plenty of reading on both.

I’d recommend a Buck 102 Pro.
Click to expand...
Never used a Dozier. Too pricey.

I have used a Buck 105 in 440C. But I haven't hunted since the 80's. Buck Knives has specialized in hunting knives throughout their history. And the OP has a yen for drop points.
 
P petersonfishon can you tell us a bit about yourself and your specific needs? Here's a few things to think about:

- Will you be field dressing more than one deer at a time?
- Will you use the same knife to quarter and butcher the deer?
- Do you want a fixed or folder? Or are you open to both?
- Do you value high edge retention or ease of sharpening?
- Are you comfortable with quickly sharpening freehand in the field, or are you more comfortable with a guided sharpening system?
- Are you comfortable with the maintenance that may be required for carbon or tool steels (which will stain and rust) or do you want something as low maintenance as possible?
- Do you need something minimalistic and ultralight, or does weight not matter?

As others have mentioned, there's a LOT of options ranging from slipjoint folders that will work in a pinch to custom, purpose-built fixed blades, at every price point. There are also lots of makers here on the forums that can build you something spectacular for your price point.

jfk1110 said:
Have a look here.......Definitely find something you will love....👍

For Sale: Fixed Blades

www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
Click to expand...
 
oldmanwilly said:
P petersonfishon can you tell us a bit about yourself and your specific needs? Here's a few things to think about:

- Will you be field dressing more than one deer at a time?
- Will you use the same knife to quarter and butcher the deer?
- Do you want a fixed or folder? Or are you open to both?
- Do you value high edge retention or ease of sharpening?
- Are you comfortable with quickly sharpening freehand in the field, or are you more comfortable with a guided sharpening system?
- Are you comfortable with the maintenance that may be required for carbon or tool steels (which will stain and rust) or do you want something as low maintenance as possible?
- Do you need something minimalistic and ultralight, or does weight not matter?

As others have mentioned, there's a LOT of options ranging from slipjoint folders that will work in a pinch to custom, purpose-built fixed blades, at every price point. There are also lots of makers here on the forums that can build you something spectacular for your price
Click to expand...
 
oldmanwilly said:
P petersonfishon can you tell us a bit about yourself and your specific needs? Here's a few things to think about:

- Will you be field dressing more than one deer at a time?
- Will you use the same knife to quarter and butcher the deer?
- Do you want a fixed or folder? Or are you open to both?
- Do you value high edge retention or ease of sharpening?
- Are you comfortable with quickly sharpening freehand in the field, or are you more comfortable with a guided sharpening system?
- Are you comfortable with the maintenance that may be required for carbon or tool steels (which will stain and rust) or do you want something as low maintenance as possible?
- Do you need something minimalistic and ultralight, or does weight not matter?

As others have mentioned, there's a LOT of options ranging from slipjoint folders that will work in a pinch to custom, purpose-built fixed blades, at every price point. There are also lots of makers here on the forums that can build you something spectacular for your price point.
Click to expand...
Most of the time I would only be useing it for one deer At a time.

I have a dedicated skining knife and usually use a deboneing knife for quarteing, so I'm looking for something just specific to gutting

I would honestly rather something that is a bit more low maintenance rather than a carbon steel.

As far as sharpening, I'm ok with feild touchups, but I'm more comfortable doing my serious sharpening with a guided system

I would prefer easy to sharpen over amazing edge retention.

Weight isn't really an issue, but I am looking for something relatively small and simplistic.

I would much prefer a fixed blade.

Thank you for the great Q's.
 
petersonfishon said:
Most of the time I would only be useing it for one deer At a time.

I have a dedicated skining knife and usually use a deboneing knife for quarteing, so I'm looking for something just specific to gutting

I would honestly rather something that is a bit more low maintenance rather than a carbon steel.

As far as sharpening, I'm ok with feild touchups, but I'm more comfortable doing my serious sharpening with a guided system

I would prefer easy to sharpen over amazing edge retention.

Weight isn't really an issue, but I am looking for something relatively small and simplistic.

I would much prefer a fixed blade.

Thank you for the great Q's.
Click to expand...
I posted previously about Volunteer Knife thinking of a great do-all deer knife. If all you want is a gutting knife, the Model 3 would be perfect.

For much less money, and still do a great job- Cold Steel Mini Pendleton in AUS10 is a great little knife. The Master Hunter is probably one of the better designs for a field knife and I have gutted/dressed many critters with one.
 
petersonfishon said:
Most of the time I would only be useing it for one deer At a time.

I have a dedicated skining knife and usually use a deboneing knife for quarteing, so I'm looking for something just specific to gutting

I would honestly rather something that is a bit more low maintenance rather than a carbon steel.

As far as sharpening, I'm ok with feild touchups, but I'm more comfortable doing my serious sharpening with a guided system

I would prefer easy to sharpen over amazing edge retention.

Weight isn't really an issue, but I am looking for something relatively small and simplistic.

I would much prefer a fixed blade.

Thank you for the great Q's.
Click to expand...

Boy-howdy, you're in luck. Based on your answers, there are hundreds of great options readily available from manufacturers. There are also unlimited options with custom makers.

A few you may want to look up are:

- the Alpha Wolf and Classic Hunter from Knives of Alaska. Granted, they are D2 but I never had any issues with rust. They also offer Magnacut blades now.

- Buck Paklite series in both 420HC and S35VN.

- Spyderco Mule Team can be found in various steels for about $150, including a sheath and handed scales.

- Cold Steel Pendleton and Mini Pendleton.

As for custom makers, David Mary David Mary , navman navman , and Horsewright Horsewright come to mind in your size and price range.

I tend to like larger knives (4-6") for field dressing and quartering deer, but these two are in your size bracket and are up to the task:

Carothers EDC 1.2
wi1dU76.jpeg


Bird n' Shark by David Mary
VBznr04.jpeg


Happy Hunting!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top