Useable Trout and Bird Knife

W

willowdog

Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
62
I have been searching for a useable trout and bird knife. The current ones I see have too big a blade to be useable. In my humble opinion after 40 plus years of bird hunting, dressing a bird in the field requires a sharp, short (apprx. 3" to 3 1/2") blade with a non slip handle. The width of the blade need only be about 1/2" wide as you need to slice the bird from under the tail to the ribs in order to remove the internals witnout cutting into the intestines.. It should be a fixed handle not a folder for ease of cleaning in the field. Years back Gerber produced a reasonable trout and bird that fit the above description. It was long ago duscontinued. The Gerber did not have the feeling of pride in ownership a custom made knife offers.
I feel the same way about an intelligently chosen deer knife. That is a 4" to 4 1/2" drop point blade with a non slip handle. I see people coming into the deer woods with a knife that would scare Rambo. I sometimes wonder if they intend to drop from a tree and stab the deer to death. The way I was taught to dress a deer was to cut around the anus, pull it out slightly and tie the tube with some string to prevent feces from contaminating the meat as you continue to dress the deer. You then slit the deer from above the penis to the rib cage, taking care to cut the epidermus only and not cut into the intestines. Then you reach up into the cavity and cut above the esophagus and remove all. This can not be done with a knife that is of much size.
Forgive the rant but I really am tired of searching for the correct tools to accompany me afield.
 
Cold Steel makes an excellent one actually called "Bird and Trout ". It's smaller than the one you describe but I have used it many times and it is wonderful despite its size.
 
AG Russell also has the "Bird and Trout" which has a 3" blade and the "Hunter Scalpel" which is 2.5" for pretty good prices. The Bird and Trout version has some pretty good choices in blade steel also. I would look into those.
 
A cheap mora 911 would fit the bill perfectly. Either that or a Kershaw antelope hunter, that's what I use for birds, fish and small game.
 
I'm not sure what the Mora 911 is but it recommend the Mora Craftline Flex Knife.

http://www.moraofsweden.se/index.php?cid=425&ssel=349

I hear exactly what you are saying on the blade length and width front, but I found the thickness of the blade also to be of great benefit.

I picked one up at a local store for £6.99 and used it all last weekend prepping food, including a haul of 32 Mackerel.
 
I know you said fixed, but with a can of compressed air or just a canteen, a slipjoint is nothing to clean in the field.

Check out this thread in Traditional: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/523413-Bird-amp-Fish-Knives

There's a fixed blade or two featured in that thread.

P1010413.jpg
 
If you want to spend a bit more money, the Dozier Canoe or Whittler models might be an option. I have the Canoe and it would be perfect for your needs.
 
The Gerber Miming paring/steak knife is pretty similar in size and shape to the trout and bird model, and there are usually a bunch for sale on the 'bay' at reasonable prices. The handle would need sanding or sand blasting to make it non-slip, and you'd need to make a sheath, but these are minor issues. The A.G. Russel hunter's scalpel and deer hunter are quite nice too, I had both some years ago.
 
My current favorite for fishing, some rabbits and all around woods bumming is the Queen Cutlery Canoe fixed blade. It's a tad bit larger than what you like at 3.8" but its got a great blade shape/profile, a nice "Aged Honey Amber Stag Bone" handle, and is made with some good steel (D2) for only about 55$ in the right shops. Give it a shot, I don't think you'll be disappointed (unless you can't stand sharpening D2, cause they typically don't come sharp...) :)

QN89ASB_queen_amber_light_hunter_knife.jpg
 
This is about perfect in my opinion. Kinfolks 333, great little knife. Aluminum pommel and guard, stacked leather handle, carbon blade and comfortable to use. I found this one at a local flea market for $3. They go for about $20 on fleabay. Many makers made this exact same pattern, case still makes one even. Utica, Robeson, Cattaraugus, and I bet there are more.

2011-08-06235815.jpg



-Xander
 
Thank you all for your suggestions. Apparently I am not the only one who favors the correct knife for the job at hand.
 
Javelin said:
My current favorite for fishing, some rabbits and all around woods bumming is the Queen Cutlery Canoe fixed blade. It's a tad bit larger than what you like at 3.8" but its got a great blade shape/profile, a nice "Aged Honey Amber Stag Bone" handle, and is made with some good steel (D2) for only about 55$ in the right shops. Give it a shot, I don't think you'll be disappointed (unless you can't stand sharpening D2, cause they typically don't come sharp...) :)

QN89ASB_queen_amber_light_hunter_knife.jpg
Click to expand...

I have a NorthWoods similar to that one (probably made by Queen) with a Carbon blade and Cocobolo scales.
Sharpens like,,, well,,, carbon.
Great little knife.
Picture071.jpg
 
All about the cold steel bird and trout but in carbon V = ( carbonv = carbon 5 ) it will be all black powder coated with a much higher quality sheath the the new one. All it will say is cold steel on one side.
Very hard to find if you would like a picture let me know.
 
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