Need help choosing a good skinning knife

Mark J

Mark J

Joined
Mar 15, 2001
Messages
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There is a guy at work who is a potential knifeknut and who is into deer and elk hunting. He appreciates knives and would like to get a good skinning knife. His primary concern is for a knife blade with an edge that won't deform when it accidentally hits bone (yeah, I already had the conversation about brittle vs. tough with him :p ). He indicated that the steel should be able to skin a couple elk and still be shaving sharp. He's looking for a longish blade in the 6-9 inch range, although I'm not sure why. No need for a gut hook on the knife. He's prepared to spend up to $150.

While I've been educated about steel types here at BF, I know zip about what makes a good skinning knife. So all you hunters, let me know what I should recommend.

- Mark


BTW, I talked up this place, so if we make this good, we may have another convert. ;)
 
I have had good luck with the Cold Steel master hunter. I have skinned as many as 12 deer in one day and with a touch up here and there it holds an edge really well. It may not be as long as what you are saying but a friend of mine has one and has skinned everything from moose, caribou, elk, and bear and he says that is plenty of knife for those animals. The price is good and IMO and all around good knife for what you describe. Best of luck in whatever you choose.
 
If he's willing to go as high as $150 he should consider a Bob Dozier either direct from Dozier Knives or through A.G. Russell. Most of Bob's knives are just a little bit above that point ($165-$185), but not all of them. Even the smaller (and less expensive) ones are more than adequate for the jobs you're talking about. Do a few searches here on "dozier" and you'll see what people think of his work.

--Bob Q
 
I would have to agree with PistolPete. The CS Master Hunter works very well for skinning. You also might want to check out the Benchmade Outbounder.HERE
 
If you are looking for a big skinning knife, I think you would be hard pressed to find one any better at that job than a Marble's North Woods Big Game Skinner. 6 1/2" of upswept, butcher style blade in convex ground 52100. Though they have been discontinued, you still might be able to find one if you look. If you are looking at doing any boning though, there might be better choices. The Marble's very thin edge cuts like a lasrer but can be a little sensitive to hard impacts.
 
Why does he feel the need for such a large blade? A 3"-4" blade will skin anything out there. For a production blade, the Schrade Sharpfinger is an excellent choice. Bob Dozier has some really good designs. Another is Melvin Dunn...www.dunnknives.com

Paul
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. That definitely gives me a few ideas.

Paul: I don't know about the length thing...I didn't get it either. On the other hand, I'm not a hunter, so there may be some reason I just don't understand. :confused:

- Mark
 
I have to agree with Sergiusz on this one and also suggest the Spyderco Bill Moran drop point. That VG-10 steel gets pretty sharp, stays pretty sharp, and is fairly easy to keep sharp. Also, the handle is pretty comfortable.
 
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