Newbie Question

S

searchwiser

Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
3
I just found this Forum and I am really Impressed.
I am in need of some guidance. I am enrolled in to College
with a Major in Taxidermy. I meet with the Professor to discus what I
needed and he Stressed several times I needed 2 Pocket Knifes that Held a
good edge. I need a Knife that will keep a good edge, it will be used mainly
for beginner skinning he said. So if anyone can guide me into the PERFECT knife not priced too high, I would be Greatful.
 
D2 Spyderco Military come to mind just get 2 :D

or the U2 folder from fallkniven (laminated steel)

You need to be much much more specific of what kind of knife you want.

take care

aj
 
The Spyderco Military is a good knife but I would choose something that is more stainless since it'll be used for skinning.

I'll recommend the Buck 110. Its designed with hunting in mind and isn't priced too high so I think it suits you well
 
I'd be asking the professor to show you some suitable knives to get an idea of the shapes required. Then an internet search or an ask around here to find similar models with good steel, and more important, good heat treatment.
Greg
 
I'd second the Fallkniven U2. Takes and holds an excellent edge. Runs about $55 online.

For a trimmer budget, you could look at one of the KaBar Dozier folders. There are several blade designs from which to choose. The AUS8 steel will take an excellent edge with little effort and will hold it fairly well, though not as well as the U2. They run less than $20 online.
 
I bought the Spyderco Paramilitary Kife. Wasnt bad I think i agve 127 plus tax for it. It seems to fit my needs. Its Super sharpe. All I dont like is the grip. Its a weird feeling. And closeing it isnt as easy as I would like. Ty for all yoru advice
 
There is a guy that posts some knives in the custom knives for sale that either works as a taxidermist or did at one point and sells some custom knives here on the forums. Sorry I can't remember his name, but keep an eye on the custom knifemakers sale area here because there are some great makers on this forum that would have knife just like the ones you are looking for.
 
One good knife made as a caping knife that gets NO press is the Outdoor Edge Folding Caper:
FoldingCaperOpen.jpg

It has a great grind, good steel that is easy to sharpen (AUS 8), tough G-10 handle scales and cheap (I paid $30 CDN).

For another knife I would go with a multi-blade Queen in D2, if you can see it in person (there are issues with them coming from factory dull). The steel is a bit hard to sharpen, but holds an edge very well and with the multiple blades you have a variety of tasks to choose a blade from (Clip, Spey, Pen, or Wharncliffe blades would be my choice- around $60). Something with blade selections like these:
SerpentineOpen.jpg

SowbellyOpen.jpg


For beginner skinning you could also get something with this blade shape (but the AUS 4 isn't the best edge holding). CRKT Bwana:
BwanaOpen.jpg


Another good option is the RAT Model 1 (another AUS8 steel- around $50):
RatModel1Open.jpg


Dozier Humpback Skinner (cheap- around $20- but still quality):
HumpbackDozierOpen.jpg


I would suggest getting a sharpmaker from Spyderco to maintain the upkeep on the edge, and get some quality lubricant (I use White Lightning as it is wax based and non-toxic) if you are not familiar with sharpening and upkeep of knives.

You said he wanted you to have a couple of pocketknives so I kept my suggestions to folders. I think you should have a medium sized blade with a straight section and plenty of belly at the tip, combined with the multiblade folder with a totally straight blade, one with a fine tip, and a smaller blade to use for more detail work. Make sure that the handle is comfortable for long term use!! Hope my little opinion helps. If you have any questions on what I have shown or anything else feel free to ask (BTW I am not a taxidermist but I have cut up a bunch of hides & meat and know what works for me).
 
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