Russell "Loveless style" simi skinner?

[JKS]

Before my recent enlightenment about high quality blades, I made do with mediocre knives for dressing out deer and elk. Now I want to get a nice knife for my big game hunting.

I just purchased a Chris Reeve Mountaineer 1 and MK VI for camping duties, but was thinking of the A.G Russell simi skinner for game use. Anyone have experience with these knives? I know the true Bob Loveless skinner is well regarded, but a little too pricey for me. Thanks for the input.

 

[Jeff Clark]

For a 'using' hunting knife I prefer the design of the AG Russell "Deer Hunter". The handle and guard are well shaped for the operations of game cleaning. The thin 4" ATS-34 blade is a very efficient tool. Other practical blades are the Cold Steel "Master Hunter" and the Buck "Vanguard". I would rather have any one of those knives when doing the real work of game cleaning.

I really want a significant finger guard when working on a bloody corpse. When I invert the blade for opening the abdomen I want to choke up with the web between thumb and forefinger against a guard. I want the guard because I'm only gripping the handle with three fingers (my index finger is extended next to the blade to shield the guts from the point).

Another great blade design is the DH Russell/Grohmann Canadian Boat knife (available in rosewood or stag). The way the blade protrudes next to the handle creates a virtual guard for my purposes. The back curve of the blade is good for boning and opening abdominal cavities.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 07-06-2000).]

 

[JKS]

Thanks Jeff

I will check out those two styles you recommended.