Need a selection of choices- Hunting Knife

Rat Finkenstein

Rat Finkenstein

Joined
May 18, 2005
Messages
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One of my bosses is looking for a hunting knife that will hold a great edge, so after skinning a couple deer, it will still be ready to go the next day without sharpening. Basically, hold a razor edge as long as possible.

Size was mentioned to be at most the size of a Buck 119. Probably around a 5" blade would be preferred.

-Money is no object, only performance.

-he talks about the impressive edge holding his buddy gets from an old Puma fixed blade, it will not be difficult to beat that.

Please suggest some good knives meeting these criteria, I am compiling a list of ideas.

Custom, Production, whatever. Only thing is, it should be readily available for purchase.

Thanks!
 
My deer hunting knife is the Buck 119, and soon it will be the 406. A Puma White Hunter would fit the bill.
 
Ha! There's such a range of choices!

Does he want a guard, a self-guard, guardless? Exactly what length of blade? Handle material?

Personally, I like the Canadian Special, with a Mikro-Canadian tagging along.

The Fox River is tough to beat, unless you really want a guard.

But my friend uses his Huntsman (guard, short blade) on everything up through elk, and swears that the only chage he'd make is to just go with a Mini-Canadian.

A lot of folk like the Wof River as a skinner, though I prefer the Upland.

Get him on DLT's or KnivesShipFree's website, and show him some different models, and let him choose.
 
That is the thing, they have a million models. I will have to list the brand and let him poke around.

I was considering Dozier as well, D2 might have the "edge" in edge holding.
 
Dozier, if he's careful with his knives, then a hunter from Phil Wilson in CPM-10V will blow most things out of the water for edge holding.
 
I hesitate to join in, but since you asked...

The closest I've come to the ideal, after a number of near misses, is the Dozier Master Hunter. It's in the size range you mentioned although on the large side for deer. It is exclusive yet available (the last time I looked), it is a dedicated hunting classic, it has an adequate guard and is easy to maintain. If it still comes with the vertical Kydex sheath then that's a big plus. In and out without fumbling with snaps, secure with a non-tactical appearance, and being able to sit without moving it around are this sheath's attributes. And yes, starting with a proper edge then used to dress, skin, and quarter even several head of big game it can be resharpened at the end of the season if desired. I can attest to that. Since money is no object, may I suggest that whichever one is chosen be accompanied by a Sharpmaker (or similar), the edge be set to match, then occassional resharpening would be convenient. Regards, ss.

EDIT: I didn't intend to imply all the game was mine (I wish!). I used it for a mulie, then helped two friends with their elk, the three of us using the Dozier exclusively without any "touch up". Afterward, it still retained a useable edge ready for another one or two. I mentioned just one because it's the only one with which I've had that kind of first-hand experience. ss
 
Correct skinning/field dressing procedure will really help extend the life of the edge no matter what knife you use (the better knives will last even longer).

While in elk camp, I used a Buck, Cutco (used at slaughter houses), Western, and Kershaw Blur. The little Blur's edge outlasted all the bigger knives. I wouldn't hesitate to try one of their fixed blades.
 
Fallkniven H1, 4" blade, .2" thick, convex edge, VG-10 stainless.

BRKT Wolf River, 4.25" blade, .125" thick, convex edge, 12C27 stainless.

Chris Reeve Skinner (Ubejane), 4.5" blade, .177" thick, hollow ground, A-2 tool steel, non-stainless but coated.

These three are about the same size, with about the same belly curvature. The first two are convex. For deer hunting, they will all be large enough, and not too massive (clumsy).

Maintenance should not be a problem. Send along a small strop or use a leather belt on any of them to restore the edge in the field.

I also suggest considering Doziers, but I'll leave others more familiar with his line to recommend which might be best. D2 is not stainless but I've used it in the kitchen and it has no great tendency to rust.
 
I vote for dozier. D2 can be a little hard to re-sharpen but still his knive are outstanding.
 
Ehh why get a pretender like a Buck??

Go with a Barkie bro!!

God loves da barkies!!!

OHHHHH I like that Wolf River
 
Bark River is a good choice. So is a Buck Vanguard Alaskan Guide version, available only through Cabelas. A great design coupled with S30V.
 
Does anybody make a fixed blade in ZDP ? I am sure your boss can hunt few seasons and still not have to sharpen.
 
Phil Wilson custom in CPM-10V. No comparison to the others mentioned like Bark River, Reeve, etc. .

-Cliff
 
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