what skinner

R

rmarsett

Joined
Sep 21, 2006
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I am in the market for a skinning knife for large game such as elk, moose and bear. I have considered the AG Russell Deer Hunter in D2, various Dozier models and several custom knives. I do not want a knife for butchering or boning as I already have what I need for that. Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks
 
Check out Bark River. They have several skinners. Upland, Big Mountain and several others. DLT TradingCompany has most of thier models.
 
Marsett, You can't go wrong with a Dozier. I use a Teton Skinner for whitetails and I love it.
You may want a little more blade for larger critters like elk but Bob makes a great knife. Even when I don't get my deer as the official knife guy in camp I end up skinning several each season.
The Teton also works for gutting and slicing as well although you need to get used to the shape.
Good luck with your search.
The Pa Knifeguy.
 
I third the recommendation for Bark Rivers at www.DLTtradingcompany.com

While I've heard all the good about Dozier's D2 knives, I can;t comment because I have yet to get one. I can say, however, that I own a knife in D2 and, until I can unravel the mystery of sharpening it, I won't get another.

For Barkies, I would recommend the Highland Special, Fox River, Montana or mini-Montana Guides, or even the Gameskeeper... all for large game. As a companion knife, I'd recommend the mini-Skinner or the mini-Canadian.
 
StretchNM said:
I third the recommendation for Bark Rivers at www.DLTtradingcompany.com

While I've heard all the good about Dozier's D2 knives, I can;t comment because I have yet to get one. I can say, however, that I own a knife in D2 and, until I can unravel the mystery of sharpening it, I won't get another.

For Barkies, I would recommend the Highland Special, Fox River, Montana or mini-Montana Guides, or even the Gameskeeper... all for large game. As a companion knife, I'd recommend the mini-Skinner or the mini-Canadian.
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How are you sharpening the D2? You should not have any problem.
 
A. G. Russell said:
How are you sharpening the D2? You should not have any problem.
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I agree with AG, I have been using Dozier's Professional Skinner for over 8 years while hunting. Never chipped from hard bone contact, and all I've done is simple stropping to maintain the razor edge. Absolutely love my Dozier in D2.

ROCK6
 
A. G. Russell said:
How are you sharpening the D2? You should not have any problem.
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Mr. Russell, thanks for taking note,

I'm using a Spyderco Sharpmaker with standard ceramic stones. The D2 knife is an Ontario RAT-3. I rebeveled the knife from about 45 degrees or so to 34 (17/17) using a Lansky and wet/dry on the Sharpmaker hones.

Now, I can get the blade sharp, but not as sharp as I want it. ALso, I have a hard time getting the same degree of sharpness along the length of the edge. I attribute this problem to the hardness of the D2 but I admit, it could be my technique (or lack of). However, I can get my 1095, 154CM, S30V, and other steels razor sharp using the Sharpmaker.... I've since decided that I need the diamond hones to be effective with the D2.

I'd love one of Dozier's (or Charles May's) D2 knives, but my experiences with the D2 make me shy from them.
 
I found that coarser hones worked best on the Dozier K-2 I had (on loan). Red DMT would produce a shaving sharp edge, but when I used the ultra-fine green hone it would no longer shave. One experienced Yukon guide-outfitter, Dick Person, told me he always used the coarsest hone he had on D2 blades. That does produce a very aggressive edge that cuts like a micro chainsaw. Go figure.
 
Alberta Ed said:
I found that coarser hones worked best on the Dozier K-2 I had (on loan). Red DMT would produce a shaving sharp edge, but when I used the ultra-fine green hone it would no longer shave. One experienced Yukon guide-outfitter, Dick Person, told me he always used the coarsest hone he had on D2 blades. That does produce a very aggressive edge that cuts like a micro chainsaw. Go figure.
Click to expand...

This is really good advice
 
Bark River Wolf River Skinner- this is a bull nose type dedicated skinner, should work like a charm and look good in the hand.
 
Spyderco Moran with upswept tip-best skinner I have ever used.
And there is always the classic Marbles Woodcraft and Feldcraft models (the best ones being made with 52100 steel 1997-2003) any of these can be found on ebay from time to time.
 
Thanks guys, this has been helpful. Any thoughts on the advantages or disadvantages of damascus steel?
 
That is indeed good advice on sharpening D-2. My vote would be for a Dozier. You are not going to beat the Heat treat, and the prices are very reasonable. I like a worn red dmt diamon hone and a few strokes on a piece of leather. You will find that the micro edge wont simply glide over tallo and sinue this way. It will do a fine job. Because of the rather harder carbides in d-2, many stones simply won't get the job done. these harder carbide are the same thing that gives D-2 its great edge retention in the hunting field. Mike
 
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