Recommend a Small Fixed Blade for Skinning Furbearers

C

Coonskinner

Joined
Mar 28, 2001
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Fur season in Kansas is just around the corner, and I'm thinking of changeing my usual routine a little bit. I have always usd slipjoints to skin coons, and they work fine. But cleaning them up after they get covered with blood and fat can be a chore.

This winter I'm thinking about using a small fixed blade for my main coon skinning knife. I have a Ray Kirk neck knife in 52100 that I think will be handy, but I want to possibly explore some other options.

I need a short (not over three inches) narrowish blade with enough point to easily start a cut in thick fur and enough belly to be an effective skinner. I prefer carbon steels, but am trying to be open minded. ;)

I'm thinking of an A.G. Russell Woodswalker or D2 Bird and Trout both are appealing, especially the Bird and Trout. I also am looking at the CRKT Carcajou Hunter.

At a higher price point, there are several Dozier models that would no doubt work extremely well, especially the Whittler A. G. has listed on his site. It is slimmer and pointier than the Straight Personal.

What do you guys think? Any other suggestions?
 
Furbearers?? You mean the French?:p :D I'm kidding, it's a joke, lighten up or so help me I'll start another Sebenza thread.:D

I don't have one but I have thought that the woodswalker looks handy as hell.:)
 
I mean those wicked sharp 'High Carbon' steel knives that do the 'trick'...those knives?

If you do Coonskinner, I'd suggest that you check out Anza knives.

They make their knives out of heat treated files, all fixed blades, all nice, all cheap! (The sheaths suck, but the knives are really cool!)

Now, these used to run $25, but I think they may be up to $75 now. :eek:

You should still be able to find a med/small version on ebay or such, maybe even through Anza themselves, for less than $50 delivered.

These were great knives for the money a few years back, and they may still be. (That's a polite way of saying "at <$30 these were the best fixed blades on the market, at >$50 these guys should have their heads checked...lol)

Happy 'skinning' bro,

Mel
 
I prefer the Cold Steel bird & trout to the Carcajou. It is carbon steel, and really handy. Dozier's semi skinner would be great, as would the canoe knife.
Grohmann Russell offers a small skinner, but it is a fairly wide blade.
A Fallkniven WM-1 may also work. Not carbon, but still good.
You may want to check out the caper by Knives of Alaska.

Hope this helps.
 
Schrade Sharpfinger is a knife I used for years in Montana.Great for all skinning.
 
I want one of the Cold Steel Bird and Trout knives, but the ones they are making now are AUS6 instead of the old Carbon V. I posted in the Wanted forum looking for one of the old models, but nobody responded.

And Mel, I've looked at the Anza knives. Grat tools, but I hate those funky red and green colored handles, Dyamondwood? I don't think I spelled that right.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I have a Caffrey EBK that I have never used for anything. It m make a good little knife for what I'm looking for.

All other suggestions are welcome. :)
 
Greco just came out with a Bird and Trout knife kit, only like 30 bucks and comes in wood and Black Micarta scales...just a thought :D


Oh forgot to ad there mad from 52100 Steel.;)
 
I'll second the sharpfinger. I used one for years, and now that it's 800+ miles away and I have a hunting trip coming up, downloaded a picture and am making a knife similar(though customized to fit my hand better). I like the design. And cheap.

Also carrying a Scott Fulford neck knife and a Buck Goliath folder. Between the three, something will get the cutting done. :)
 
coonskinner,check out Gene Ingrams knives in the custom knifemakers for sale.you get a lot of knife for the money and they are beautifully made knives.gailt
 
I own and use several Bob Dozier knives.

You can't go wrong with Dozier but I'll second Melvin Dunn for this application. Mr Dunn also makes great knife and I endorse his blades. In fact, my first custom knife was a Dunn and was used two successful deer hunting seasons. After field cleaning several deer, I took it with me to a hunting /fishing show and asked Mr Dunn to re-sharpen it (not that it had lost any of it's cutting ability).

He looked at it under a magnifier, laughed and asked how many deer I cleaned with it. I replied "3". He once again laughed and said I could clean at least another half dozen before it needed sharpening. He grudgingly polished the edge and sent me on my way... after I purchased another Dunn blade from him. :D

Seriously, Mr. Dunn makes a number of small fixed bladed knives several of which would be perfect for small fur bearing animals...besides he lives in Kansas too!
 
I'd go with the AG Russell Bird and Trout. For such a small and thin blade I might go for the VG10 rather than the D2 blade. I'm a little concerned that you might break the tip on the D2. I expect the VG10 to be a little tougher and it get wicked sharp. If you are used to a slip-joint blade you will like the similar thinness of the Russells.
 
I did a quick search on ebay, under 'anza knives' and found 6 for less than $20...

Yes, funky colors suck, (ours are dark, solid green handled with no 'sucky' factor), but it's a stout little 3/16" full tang high carbon knife that Anza makes...

I'd say that you could stick it through a moose skull and twist it around a bit without it chipping...and it would still be razor sharp.

I dunno, I like them, and think for the money they can't be beat.

Not that the other mentioned here wouldn't do just as well, I just don't have any experience with them is all.

Mel

Isn't it funny that someone (me) who 'collects' $350 RMK's would suggest a $20 knife for real world usage? I should get my head checked...lol
 
You might also take a look at the laminated 'Sloyd' knives from Frosts of Sweden. You can pick these up at woodworking stores like Lee Valley Tools . I see you live in Salina, if you ever come to Kansas City/Overland Park I buy these at Woodcrafters, just off 87th street @ I-35 in OP. You might also like one of the small hunters from Queen Cutlery or at SMKW. They're made of D2, and with a bit of time on your India stone they'll take and keep a sharp but 'toothy' edge that works well for skinning.
 
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