Looking for a new hunting knife, any recommendations?

BadKarma46 · Oct 25, 2012

So in preparation for the 2013 archery season, I'm fixing to gettin a new hunting knife. A alittle a background, I'm a firm believer in the nessmuk trio phiolosphy. I have a hatchet and a leatherman, so I need to replace my current fixed blade (actually blades since I have yet to find one I'm altogether thrilled with. Now, I used to be a supporter of serrations, however, I am now reformed and a firm proprietor of a straight blade. For size, anything over 10" is too big, I want a knife, not a shovel. I have yet to find a steel I was thrilled with, except Mr. Ennis's heat treated 440c. So adding to that, I am looking at a few entreks (I have an 11 bravo) as well as a busse sus scrofa. I don't need a small little knife for surgery, I need a knife that is good around the camp and can quarter and dress down a kill real quick just like Fred Eichler did with his leatherman. Thank you for your input, BK.

TwinStick · Oct 25, 2012

Get you a Gerber Metolius fixed blade. About $30 or less. And a small torx set to tighten the handle screws. I LOVE mine. I know, most Gerbers SUCK, but not this one. VERY ergonomic, VERY grippy handle & takes a wicked sharp edge. I paired mine up with my BK-9. Not much i can't do with the pair. From clearing shooting lanes, dispatching thorn tree branches & bushes to field dressing deer.

Custom sheaths, just so you know.

ocnLogan · Oct 25, 2012

When you say 10in, you mean overall length though right?

Becker BK16, AG Russell DeerHunter, and Svord economy drop point hunter

ridnovir · Oct 25, 2012

One of these would cover your needs
Fallkniven TK2
Scagel Medium Bowie
Bark River Fox River

Edgy1AllDay · Oct 25, 2012

I have seen the Fox River used on 3 deer in a row and never need any attention. It will get my vote every time!

Ed Ricketts · Oct 25, 2012

Lotta good options, several from Bark River. I also am impressed by the Kellam Fang.

Fancier · Oct 25, 2012

I have the Fox River in A2, but I'm not happy with the handle shape, it just doesn't feel quite natural to me. I've got the Bark River Classic Drop Point in A2, and that one feels just right. It is the same steel with the same heat treat, and although it is a bit shorter I don't mind.

Sulaco · Oct 25, 2012

I tend to keep two knives around for what you are talking about. But since you use a hatchet, you don't really need a big camp knife. Well, if I carried a hatchet, I wouldn't need a big camp knife. I'd get a BRKT Rampless Gunny in one of their nice steels. But even regular old A2 is going to hold an edge through a deer or two, no problems, even hitting some bone here and there. It's good stuff. BRKT knives tend to be one people get and hold on to.

BadKarma46 · Oct 25, 2012

i doubt ill ever own another gerber again.... my legend i gave away, my 600 is slowly finding its way out of my gear, and my lmf ii is retired.

i have looked at bark river, i like the handle options but i would like to get my hands on one first, see how it feels and moves.

ridnovir · Oct 25, 2012

Fancier said:
I have the Fox River in A2, but I'm not happy with the handle shape, it just doesn't feel quite natural to me. I've got the Bark River Classic Drop Point in A2, and that one feels just right. It is the same steel with the same heat treat, and although it is a bit shorter I don't mind.

Just FYI the new Fox Rivers have shaped handles that do feel very comfortable

Maniacal Pete · Oct 25, 2012

+1 on the Bark River, you just need to figure out what configuration might work best for your purposes.

I just ordered a Bravo 1.5 in 3V to use in conjunction with a folding saw and a small fixed blade for my woods trio.

I already own a Bravo I, a Bravo II, and an Aurora (all A2) and they are my most used knives outdoors.

I figure the Bravo 1.5 ought to be just about perfect for processing wood
and general camping along with the Silky saw.

ridnovir · Oct 25, 2012

Sulaco said:
I tend to keep two knives around for what you are talking about. But since you use a hatchet, you don't really need a big camp knife. Well, if I carried a hatchet, I wouldn't need a big camp knife. I'd get a BRKT Rampless Gunny in one of their nice steels. But even regular old A2 is going to hold an edge through a deer or two, no problems, even hitting some bone here and there. It's good stuff. BRKT knives tend to be one people get and hold on to.

Gunny is my favorite Barkie it is great all around knife that would excel as a hunting knife

scruffuk · Oct 25, 2012

Well, I'm gonna go for something closer to home and recommend a Mora 2000. It's a great all rounder. Thin enough for butchery, a good tip for skinning and easy to keep clean (knife and sheath) and field sharpen. The 12C27 takes a good edge and holds it well.

Alternately, and for something a bit more up market, what about the Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point Hunter?
VG-10 steel, again with man made handle and sheath for ease of cleaning.

Planetcat · Oct 25, 2012

Since we're getting up there in price for a production fixed blade, I'd recommend the Spyderco Phil Wilson Southfork. Designed by a hunter, I would have to say that it is my all around perfect hunting knife, not to mention the S90V steel is amazingly tough for hunting duties. My buddy and I completely processed (field dressed, skinned, and boned out) a big bear he shot a couple of weeks ago and the blade was completely unaffected when it was all over. I prefer its upswept blade shape over drop points, but the G10 handle is a bit thin. It split bones and cartilage like butter.

catcalls · Oct 25, 2012

Id look into getting a custom!!! Then you could know that what you have is something that there is only one of in the entire world... its a cool feeling!

mwhich50 · Oct 25, 2012

When I was younger and had relativly little knife knowledge I carried a Western (now Camillus) double edged boot knife. Great for fine work and to me, this was like having two knives in one.