Skinning Knife

[MaX Karnage]

I want to get my best friend a skinning knife possibly with a gut hook what blade material would be optimal? I have been thinking that CPM 3V may be it, my next question is who would be a good choice to get this knife from? any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[BePrepared]

IMHO, the two best steels for a skinner are M390 and M4. M4 is a bit better on edge retention if you have it made at an RC of 64, but it isn't as corrosion resistant. With a skinner you need edge holding more than anything else, and thinner is better.


Personally, i'd go for a custom, but i also have a Busse Hog Muk, and quite a few folders. Phil Wilson makes some very nice skinners in M4

 

[MaX Karnage]

I forgot to mention my friend likes to hunt for Deer.

 

[wackafew]

I think blade size and shape are just as important as the steel a skinning knife is made of. Good ole 1095 has skinned a lot of critters.

 

[northwalesBill]

What about http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3674 ? I have the Bucklite Max 4 inch size and it's an awesome knife for the money. Made in U.S.A as well.

 

[upnorth]

ESEE Izula 2 or Becker BK-16 are a couple of proven work horse options.

 

[johnwaynesandw]

For skinning alone, it is hard to beat a Buck 103. If you search the bay, you can get one an older one with 440C steel. These older Buck are great for skinning. If this is of any interest to you, let me know and I will tell you how to tell the diference.


Best of luck,
John