Hunting Knives

Joined
Sep 24, 2005
Messages
2,110
I've learned a lot from you guys over the last few weeks. Thanks

Can you recommend both fixed blade and folder hunting knives that are suitable for Deer and Elk? Thanks again.
 
txgolfer45 said:
Buck 110 for folder. It is a classic.

Beat me to it, but i can still toss in a vote for the slightly smaller 112. Alot of people will say that the 112 fits like a glove.

I've been singing the praises of Bucks for a long time. Look into the Cocobolo handled fixed blades, they're much nicer than the Phenolics, but even the phenolics are alright. I find i can use the Phenolic handled Bucks harder than the wooden ones and not feel so bad about messing around with a pretty knife.

Grohmann makes some decent fixed blades too, the stag handled ones look real nice.
 
Hey Guys..

OMG,, where do you start...??

When I go hunting,, I usually always take several with me..

Heavy blade, a thin skinning blade and a small caping knife..

My heavy blade is my Jeff Diotte Humpback, all purpose from field to kitchen. Spyderco Moran Trailing point, and caping my Bark River Mini Canadian..All three knives are sharp,, the Moran and the mini Canadian are wicked sharp..

One blade just doesn't cover it all...

ttyle

Eric...
 
Normark said:
One blade just doesn't cover it all...


I agree with Eric. All the knives folks have mentioned in this thread are great. I'm partial to the Buck 110 (folding hunter) and Buck 119 (fixed-blade hunter), myself, but depending on "how much" dressing of game you're doing, you might also need a bone saw or even another blade configuration.

For example, the 110 and 119 can be made wicked sharp, but they have hollow grinds, so they're better at slicing than anything else. One could easily turn an edge trying to hack through an animal's rib cage, or even trying to cut through a joint. If you want to just carry the one knife, I recommend a more robust edge like a Marttiini of Finland (Scandi "V" grind) or a Marble's (convex grind).

But, if you can afford the cost and carry weight, multiple knives and/or saws is the way to go, in my view.
 
Cold Steel Master Hunter is a modern classic. Also, Randall's belt knife is an excellent all-round hunting/utility blade.
 
A plug for some vintage Schrade's.

Fixed blades:
165OT Woodsman-plenty of knife for elk and deer, or moose for that matter.

160OT Mountain Lion-same as above with a slighty slimmer blade.

152OT-Schrade's classic skinner, a great little knife that "works" much bigger than its size.

Folders:
125OT-single blade folding hunter with safety lock. Slim, light, but big enough blade for most tasks.

25OT-2 blade folding hunter in the classic style. Nice to have 2 sharp blades handy when working on big game.

All the above have 1095 carbon steel blades that take a wicked edge and hold it well.

All are sadly discontinued, some models for a long time now, but still readily available on ebay. These Old Timers are plain, straight forward working designs that will serve well in your hunting adventures.
 
MG_Saldivar said:
But, if you can afford the cost and carry weight, multiple knives and/or saws is the way to go, in my view.


I already have a Buck 119 that's my main hunting knife. I actually prefer a fixed blade for hunting chores, but I did dull the 119 when field dressing a deer, for all the reasons you said. Its not that great for sawing through joints, etc. It did the job though, but I think something else would be better, thus my question. I'd rather not carry two knives as we hunt in and around real mountains and every bit of weight savings is a blessing.

Is there another fixed blade that would be a better all around slicer, sawer, cutter than the Buck 119. I think I stick with a fixed blade. Thanks guys, this is helpful.
 
Wegner's designs are indeed excellent for hunting/skinning. nice amount of belly, nice tip for caping. Check out his collaborations with Spyderco.

Otherwise, if you're into the G-10 handles/modern style knives, look at the Spyderco Ocelot (it's new) or Impala.
Great blade shapes for dressing & skinning game, and excellent for all-around use.

Peace.
 
Take a long look at Bark River and Bob Dozier. Each has several fine hunting models to choose from and they are well regarded by those that have and use them. The Master Hunter in CV would be a good alternate if cost is a factor.

Incidently, if you dulled your 119 field dressing a deer, I think you must have been a little hard on your knife. My experience is that very little cutting is really necessary and mostly soft tissue at that. If you ever find it necessary to separate a joint, just cut the ligaments and it will fall apart. Your experience may differ, but I've never had reason to hack bone when field dressing.
 
Blue Sky said:
Your experience may differ, but I've never had reason to hack bone when field dressing.

I didn't "hack bone" with my knife. I did have to take some short cuts with joints, etc. to speed up the process. It was getting dark and I didn't want to get stuck out there overnight. If you've ever hunted in the Rockies, then you know what I mean.
 
Back
Top