Hunting Knife Type Preference?

t-k-c

t-k-c

Joined
Mar 14, 2009
Messages
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Do you prefer a folder or fixed blade knife for field dressing game?

I have used a lockback folder for years but my go to hunting knife is now a Bark River.
 
For 20+ years I have been using this knife on Michigan Whitetails. I think I am giving it to my Son this year.

Blackton Hunter...
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This past year I used this Trapper and was very pleased with it!!!
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4" drop point fixed blade. the only way to go for big game!! from elk to bear. for small game, any ole' knife will do. just cut the skin and slip the carcass out. hell, if need be just use your teeth to rip the skin on small game.
 
This is my go to hunting and woods knife. A custom Brian Goode Companion. This beauty holds an incredible edge.:thumbup:
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I used a Buck 110 for years...but have since changed to FBs.

This year the Hairy Carry worked marvelously. Kept an edge a LONG time too.
 
"For 20+ years I have been using this knife on Michigan Whitetails. I think I am giving it to my Son this year."

I think if that knife could talk, it would have some interesting stories to tell!
 
I use a Buck Vanguard and a Buck 110. Both see their fair share of use during hunting season. The only creature I don't clean with that combo is Fish.
 
A Buck 110 is fine

I carried a Buck 112 for YEARS

But really, you should carry a 4" +/- Fixed blade because you may need it for other tasks in pinch.

I now carry a Bear MGC drop point with stag handle
 
I agree. With very few exceptions, fixed blades are generally easier for me to clean. Although I once hunted with some pig guides who all used Case trappers and didn't seem to mind the cleanup.

DancesWithKnives
 
Fixed blades are easier to use and cleanup. Fixed blades have better handle ergonomics than do folders. For that reason they are both easier and safer to use with hands that are often bloody, and sometimes cold depending on the weather conditions.
 
I prefer a fixed blade, but ocasionally forget to put it on my belt before hunting. Therefore, I sometimes end up using the folder that's always in my pocket. A decent folder works fine too.
 
Have used both; old Western fixed blade, Buck Special, a number of times I was carrying a fixed blade in a day pack which ended up back at the truck so ended up using whatever folder was in my pocket(had an old Ka-Bar slip joint I carried in a sheath for a long time); now I have a Puma 3 blade folder w/saw or a Kershaw blade changer on belt, with a Dozier or Barkie fixed and probably a folder in my pocket. If I have daypack have the big Buck and a Knapp Saw.
 
It really depends on the size of the game I'm a hunting at the time. From Wild Turkey on down to smaller critters like Pheasant, Quail, Dove, Rabbit, Squirrel and such it'll be an old faithful folding slip joint. Typically a Trapper and she's gotta have good hi-carbon steel..

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If its larger game like Wild Boar, Whitetails and on up, it'll be a good drop point fixed blade Hunter--Skinner again with good carbon steel. Especially if its an extended hunt over the period of several days or more.. In camp there is always a helluva lot more hard use cutting chores at hand not to mention cooking chores for several times per day as well. Personally I like my blades between 3 3/4 - 4 1/2 inches. Anything over that doesn't work as well for me..

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I'm not a hunter, but I go out with my uncle and cousins (the hunters) when I can just to get outdoors. They always use a fixed blade similar to babakanoosh.
 
I have been using a Buck Vanguard (Cabelas Alaskan Guide version) for the past 3 years, and have been very pleased. I even chop through the pelvic bones, with NO chipping at all. It was a test on my part, as I tapped it through with my GB hatchet. And I did it to 3 deer last season. My daughter's, my son's and mine, with no rolling or chipping at all. I was more than pleased.
 
I did the job with a folder for many years, but now I use a fixed blade. They aren't as hard to clean up later and they are just inherently stronger in case some situation should arise where you need a knife for other reasons.

A 3.5-4" drop point of good quality steel is the perfect choice for almost all big game hunting needs.
 
I prefer 3.75 to 4.5 inch blade for elk and on deer, antelope ,bears and furs etc. i like something around 3 inches. I love fixed blades but most are to big and thick . Slender and thinner is way better , and makes way faster work. The steel needs to be either high carbon or high end stainless with lots of vanadium . The rest dont cut flesh and hide well and take alot of touch up. my favorites all seem to be folders but occasionally i find a fixed blade style i like and after a busy week of say a dozen or so elk i decide if it rates up there with my best folders. I also carry a pen knife ussually to cape with. Incidently you can cut through even an elks pelvic bone without beating on your knife if it is thin enough by lining up on the pelvic seam dead center and just use a see saw motion with steady pressure , it takes a little practice but once you do it , its not hard. Never pry.
 
I've used a Buck 119 for years but may switch to something around four inches or so. I have my eye on a Bark River Gameskeeper.
 
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