Which edge for skinning?

clampdaddy

clampdaddy

Joined
Aug 31, 2013
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I have a buddy that is a die hard hog hunter and he's been wanting a good knife that will get through a pig or two without resharpening. I offered to let him try out one of my Busse's (mostly to see if I can get him hooked. Lol!). All of my use on game has been birds and small game which are all really clean compared to a dirty old hog. I want to send him out with a blade that will give Busse the best showing and I'm not sure which edge would be the best for him. I was thinking about loaning him either my LE SOB that has the smooth convex edge or a BT6 that has the more toothy factory edge. I also have a BG AMS that also has the original factory edge. Which would you think will be best for working over a nasty pig or two?
 
My most used pair on hogs both (not by design) carry convex edges. They work fine.
 
I'd go with a resharpened busse tttt. Once you grind away that little bit of steel that is the factory edge, manohman. Sharp for days.
 
Haven't ever used it one a hog but I prefer a convex edge thats sharp enough to shave but has a little toothiness. I have been through 4 deer with my hg55 without needing to be sharpened. I usually touch it up after each deer but it really doesn't need it just habit. On the particular a friend of mine and I had gotten two each, I normally only need to skin one per outting.
 
There's a thread here that someone at Busse (Garth?) posted keeping count of how many deer were processed by the guys from the shop with an Elmax model without one sharpening. I can't remember which model it was or the total number of deer that it was used on, but the number was incredible. If someone has more patience or less ADD than me and can find this thread please post it.

Seems like it was winter of 2014/15
 
Hogs are harder on a blade than any other animal that I've processed. The thick hair covered in mud/dirt is awful tough on any edge. For deer I prefer a 4-4.5" blade. For hogs I go 5-5.5" because you do need the extra edge or you'll work yourself to death. I do like a V edge on mine... toothy. Blue diamond stones work great. This is no place for a pretty polished edge as they tend to slide across the thick hair and hide.

But I'd go with anything you have in a 4-6" blade range. Given your options the BT6 may be the better choice.

I've done three deer this season with my meaner street... haven't touched the edge and it still shaves arm hair just fine.

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