Just another knife opinion solicitation...

ratstuph

ratstuph

Joined
Jun 1, 2003
Messages
1,807
You aren’t lost, haven’t been teleported, nor are there any ferocious (Star Trek type, or other) aliens to contend with.

You want a folder, to process the dead deer at your feet. I have a buddy who is not a knife guy that wants a folder, single bladed knife for deer hunting. Did I say he isn’t a knife guy; he’s not! I initially suggested a sheath knife but he doesn’t want it banging around on him in case he’s running after the deer. I thought of a Buck 110, but have also been considering a Buck/Strider, maybe a manual MT LCC if I can find one, or a Strider.

I have to talk to his wife and find out what his budget is, but we can assume he won’t take the best care of it (he let his zip saw rust between seasons :rolleyes: ) and I will likely have to work with him on sharpening. His hands are average sized (not that I put a lot of time into scoping out other men’s hands ), for what that is worth. Thanks for your time.
rats...
 
If he gets a good sheath for a fixed blade, it shouldn't bother him at all.

Anyway, the Buck 110 is a great affordable classic. If he breaks it or looses it he can always get another one without breaking the bank. The 112 and other variants are also good. The leather sheath is really nice, but for hunting the multiple carry nylon sheath might be better.

If a lock is not a must, then there are lots of excellent slipjoints that would work as hunting knives and are easy to clean (for a folder). A Case folding hunter, trapper or moose could be a good choice. The ones in CV steel hold an edge forever, but the stainless is OK (plus some patterns like the moose are only available in ss) since it's easy to sharpen.

One of the Benchmade griptilians could also work, although I don't think getting fat and blood out of the AXIS lock would be any fun at all.
 
I wouldn't want a folder for cleaning game or fish. All of the [blech] blood and 'stuff' getting stuck in the knife...

-Bob
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
A smallish fixed blade on the belt does not bang around.
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For the most part, unless there is annoyance value, $$, or beer in it for me, I have pretty much given up on attempting to dissuade my boneheaded friends' boneheaded ideas or boneheaded behaviors. That said/written, I made much the same suggestion and it had absolutely no effect. Indeed, I think his eyes actually glazed over during that part of our conversation. Pretty much like trying to teach a pig to sing…
Thanks for the ideas thus far!
rats...
 
If I was your buddy, I would call my good pal ratstuph up and have him just field dress, drag, and cut up my deer for me....:p
 
Buck 112. Or, if that's too heavy, get him a BuckLite.
Slightly smaller than a 110, so he won't be afraid of it.
 
Get him the cheapest Pakistani POS lockback you can find. He won't know the difference and you won't be PO'ed when he abuses it.
 
I have been hunting deer for 46 years, and I have come to prefer a lightweight, folding knife for field dressing. Unless you are on a true wilderness hunt, the skinning knife can stay in the truck until you need it.
For quite a few years, the Spyderco Native has done just fine. Before that, it was a medium-sized trapper pattern. My Swamp Rat Rat Trap would also do well, but it really is more knife than is needed. In any case, I will have both it and the Native on me.

Note that I am talking deer here. For larger game I would not prefer the Native.
 
Spyderco Provenator
Wegner Bladetech
Buck Crosslock

Try looking in a Cabela's or Bass Pro catalog for other knives suited to the job of skinning and processing. They will be drop points, and may have "hooks" on the back of the blade, which aren't really necessary. Folders aren't the best if only because they're harder to clean. A smaller 3-4" fixed blade is almost more than you need, except for chopping the pelvis, and many saws are available that do that better.
I've found buddies who don't listen are best handled by asking what they got to solve the problem. Repeatedly. Then they come up with their own solution which doesn't really work, which you can then steer towards some other reputable source of their choosing so they learn their lessons without upsetting them. They don't want to know they are clueless compared to you, they can't admit your more than just fun to be with.

Wives get that way, too.:D
 
A smaller 3-4" fixed blade is almost more than you need, except for chopping the pelvis, and many saws are available that do that better
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.......:thumbup: I've used an old Schrade Sharpfinger for over 30 years...and either a small bone saw or older Buck "game" hatchet for stubborn joint work.

Usually after about your third deer you've discovered what works best...and THERE ARE plenty of viable options. If I were buying a folder today for processing...I'd look hard at the Blade-Tech Wegner's...they look dandy !

-Regards
 
Maybe a Spyderco Pacific Salt? The blade is incapable of rusting, so keeping the knife clean isn't a major concern. It's also only about 50 bucks, but I guess your buddy might think that's a lot?
 
tirod3 said:
Folders aren't the best if only because they're harder to clean.
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True. That's why slipjoints or lockbacks are the folders for the job, because you have a clear channel inside the handles. With a liner lock or axis lock, you've got small parts in the way.
 
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