Need a new knife for my elk hunt

rodriguez7

rodriguez7

Gila wilderness knife works
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Feb 1, 2009
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Looking to purchase a new fixed blade for my hunt in september, just wondering which one would be a better choice for working and skinning an elk? rc-4, rc-5, rc-6? Thanks
 
If you're camping and hunting, I'd get the 6. If you're just hunting/skinning, I think the 4 would give you what you need - versatile, more control, etc.
 
4, no question. I'd pick that one for camping too as I see no advantage to the 6. If I'm camping I have an axe and a saw, hunting, I have a light fold saw in my pack anyway.
 
How would the hest compare to the rc-4? Same size? Anyone have comarison pics?
 
rodriguez7 said:
How would the hest compare to the rc-4? Same size? Anyone have comarison pics?
Click to expand...

As near as I can decipher, the RC-4 cutting edge is about an inch longer than the HEST.

If you are figuring on having just one knife for elk preparation & camping, I would go with the RC-6. One reason is the extra 1.25" of cutting edge could really come in handy for batoning. If the knife will be used primarily for elk preparation, I would go with the RC-4.
 
The RC6 is such a great knife especially if your camping & hunting. I love the -4 , but I would rather do camp chores with a -6. If your thinking EDC, an RC-4 is tops IMO. Also think about an Izula, handy little knife you will use often once you have it. "EVERYONE NEEDS AN IZULA "
 
I would think that with its size, the Izula would make a decent little skinner. May have to give it a shot this winter...
 
I have 2 izulas so far. Great little knives. Im thinking i might buy the rc4, and maybe the hest. I need a primary fixed blade for my hunts, and i'll carry the izulas in my pack. I always have a couple spare knives on me, including my new spyderco manix2. Thanks for the replies.
 
Take an RC-5 with you. I killed, skinned, and butchered a sheep with the RC-5. Chops through bone like nothing. Weight distribution is even so makes skinning very easy. I cut its head off within seconds. Chopped through the neck like butter. Good eating on the grill. Did the same with some pigs last month. Knock them out with the glass breaker. Knife still sharp after chopping through the back bone to split pig in half. So if you thinking bout butchering some game then the RC-5 would be best choice!
 
I am not the worlds biggest hunter but I have found any knife over 4.5" is a little too much for good control .The RC3 or RC4 would be great the RC4 would be better for general camp stuff but I always carry something huge like a Trailmaster or a ranger RD9 when out in the "wild".
 
The RC 4 would be the best for an elk skinner. Any bigger and you wouldn't have much control of what you were doing.
 
i also think that anything bigger than the rc4 for skinning wouldn't be the ideal
 
RC-5 aint that bad for skinning. An elk is a very large animal with big bones. The 5 will make processing the the elk fairly easy. Especially if you need to chop through them dinosaur bones..
 
I would say the RC-4(from your list) but don't overlook the RC-3(It's my choice as a 'dedicated' skinner) & the little Izula. Which makes a very handy backup for the hunter/camper :thumbup:

I have used a few different brands over the years. I wont post the pic's here because they are not RATS. But saying that, I hope to use my new RC-3 & Izula within the week, given I shoot another ;)

Think 1095 will be superb in the RC-3 & Izula designs!
 
A three or a four would be my choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Either would work well.
 
I may have to buy a 3, 4 and 5 eventually. You can never have to many good knives. I hunt alot, and i like to show my dad how good all my knives are compared to his buck knives and gerbers. These are beautiful knives.
 
I used The RC-3 for skinning. I don't think You could go wrong on either one RC-3 or the RC-4 own both love both:thumbup:
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