There are so many great fixed blades and so many variations in design and materials possible that it's almost impossible to narrow it down based on the criteria you've given. It looks like you're leaning towards a Randall, and that's fine, they're great knives. But I wouldn't dismiss your original choices quite so fast. The Busse is excellent and Infi really is tremendous stuff. If you are thinking of going up to 7", you might consider a Steelheart II, which is a big knife, true, but very well balanced. It sounds to me like &" is too big for your comfort and convenience and I don't know that the Natural outlaw is a great skinner. The Busses are great. No, it isn't a custom heirloom, but if you can get your hands on one without too much aggravation, it will be one of the best heavy duty knives, if not the best, you'll ever own and use. Check with Andy Prisco about variants that are thinner, and that might be a solution.
And don't dismiss the Lightfoot Sierra so fast either. That is one beautiful knife. It is a tactical design but will certainly serve as a utility knife as well. I don't think that shape is great for a skinner, though. I've been talking to Greg about having one made out of Stellite. I'm not sure about that yet, but BG42 is great stuff. Murray at Proedge is a pleasure to deal with and with the Sierra you would be getting a full custom from one of Canada's leading knifemakers. and a relatively uncommon model to boot. Well priced for what you get.
My personal preference for my personal, pride and joy knife, and that sounds like what you're looking for, is along the lines of what the others have been saying: get a great one, but be careful not to get such a great collectible that you'll be afraid to use it. I find that I have to buy two, one for the pristine collection and one to use. You have to decide if it's a user or collector. Anyway, even for a user I'd go for a hand forged, differentially tempered custom in 52100 or even damascus by a Master like Wally Hayes. If being a skinner and versatile utility is a high priority, I'd think about a Talonite Blackwood or a custom Puuko from Kellam [KP] or Bergman or Persson. I told you the choices are amazing.
Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions others gave. I very much doubt that a Randall would disappoint. But the important thing is to be honest about your preferences and price range so you'll be happy with your choice.
[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 10-27-2000).]
And don't dismiss the Lightfoot Sierra so fast either. That is one beautiful knife. It is a tactical design but will certainly serve as a utility knife as well. I don't think that shape is great for a skinner, though. I've been talking to Greg about having one made out of Stellite. I'm not sure about that yet, but BG42 is great stuff. Murray at Proedge is a pleasure to deal with and with the Sierra you would be getting a full custom from one of Canada's leading knifemakers. and a relatively uncommon model to boot. Well priced for what you get.
My personal preference for my personal, pride and joy knife, and that sounds like what you're looking for, is along the lines of what the others have been saying: get a great one, but be careful not to get such a great collectible that you'll be afraid to use it. I find that I have to buy two, one for the pristine collection and one to use. You have to decide if it's a user or collector. Anyway, even for a user I'd go for a hand forged, differentially tempered custom in 52100 or even damascus by a Master like Wally Hayes. If being a skinner and versatile utility is a high priority, I'd think about a Talonite Blackwood or a custom Puuko from Kellam [KP] or Bergman or Persson. I told you the choices are amazing.
Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions others gave. I very much doubt that a Randall would disappoint. But the important thing is to be honest about your preferences and price range so you'll be happy with your choice.
[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 10-27-2000).]