Newbie needs fixed blade suggestion

[Jon54]

This is my first, of what I expect to be many posts. I'm not a collected (yet) but I've become hooked on GEC knives over the past couple months.

I'm looking for a good fixed blade knife for field dressing wild game, mostly deer. My budget would top out at around $100. Both GEC and Hess have some likely suspects, but having never seen them up close, I'm not sure. Can you folks make some specific recommendations, both in maker name and model. I tend to prefer either bone or wood handles with leather sheaths, I'm a bit old fashioned. I'm not smart enough to comment on the steel.

I have a Buck Pro Line 112? Folder that is my current favorite. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[gadunz]

Slaughterer's skinner. Economy, Deluxe & Master Cutler. Differentially heat treated L6 tool steel. Dangerously sharp.

http://www.svord.com/index.php

 

[Zidfeldts]

Find a USA made Schrade Sharpfinger. A hunting knife that is tried and true.

 

[Frisky]

I suggest you stick with Buck and go with the Vanguard. Here's a review I did on the Vanguard when I first bought one. Shows other knives too. I'm even more impressed with the knife now. It comes sharp but not sharp enough for me. I hone it with a grooved steel until it's like a razor. Just takes a few minutes. The edge holds up well and comes back in seconds with the steel. You can get it with a wood handle and leather sheath too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGyMgM0jDRI&index=24&list=UUFV7fOg_xnRPoUt3L8ZgqCQ

 

[DocT]

These Kershaw, made in USA knives have superior steel and will do the job. I have these.
http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawdiskinhunter.aspx#.VHbAFtKUejE

This one comes in Hi viz orange, too:
http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawfieldknifehunterstonewashbladeblackg-10handle.aspx#.VHbAWdKUejE

This one is the size of an Izula and comes in orange, too.
http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawskinningknifestonewashbladeblackg-10handle.aspx#.VHbAmdKUejE

Or, the good old standby (I had one for years)
http://www.knifeworks.com/buckskinnerblackphenolichandle.aspx#.VHbA39KUejE

 

[Aleous]

I think it would do you well to look into Condor Knife and Tool. They have many nice models that are all below your price range, made mostly from 1075 carbon steel but a couple from 420hc stainless. Also most of their models have wooden or micarta handles and if I'm recalling correctly all come with beautiful leather sheaths.

 

[GatorFlash1]

I have used the Spyderco Bill Moran drop point fixed blade for hunting. It is lightweight with perfect ergonomics. Price is right for this Scotsman and the steel is very good.

Here is a good video if you don't know much about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epfFTYq3t3E

 

[22-rimfire]

It really doesn't take a particularly special knife for hunting tasks. The main requirement is that it be sharp or very sharp. As always, it depends on what you use the knife for. Will it only be used for field dressing and perhaps skinning? Do you do a lot of limb trimming?

I have some small bird and trout sized customs that ran $75-$150 that would work nicely. Don't dismiss customs.

The Buck is a good suggestion.

The Spydie Bill Moran is a great knife for hunting and knife tasks, but I believe it runs a tad over $100. It does not have a full tang, but it will do what you need a knife to do. I like it. Chose the blade design that appeals to you.

Queen makes a couple in the $50-$75 area in D2 that are quite adept at hunting tasks. Mine came very dull and I had to spend more time than I like sharpening it.

ESEE 3 and Kabar Becker BK-15, BK-16 or BK-17 are good choices. I prefer uncoated blades when dealing with meat. I also tend to prefer something pointy versus the classic drop point design.

The BK-14 or BK-24 would work nicely with handles. But neither of those would be my first choice.

The Mora Companion would do everything that needs doing.

I know the GEC fixed blades would work nicely. But I have a natural adversion to fixed blade knives that look like folders.

 

[collim1]

The Mora Companion would do everything that needs doing.

/QUOTE]

Absolutely it will. I have dressed out many deer with a Companion and it does a fine job. Many small game and fish have hit the dinner table thanks to my Companion as well. Cuts like the devil and resharpens easily afterwards.

 

[SALTY]

I have a few skinning knives and find their blade shape very suitable for ... skinning.

Gor field dressing of game, as well as general chores afield, a skinner style blade is, IMO, not so versatile or always the best choice. Any knife could, I suppose, be pressed into service for any chore, but in my many years of hunting and using knives, I have found skinning knives not as useful for field dressing as other styles. YMMV.