Which Hunting knife?

B

brawler1588

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Apr 9, 2015
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So this is the first year I plan and hunting with my bow. I have some spyderco, ka-bar, ontario, cold steel blades but I have never done anything like this before. I am not sure where to start or what to get. I would like some recommendations of what everyone likes for field dressing an animal and skinning etc. Also what steels to stay away from. I want something that will hold an edge well. Thanks all
 
For starters, you're going to want a fixed blade - folders are just too hard to clean well after field dressing. We need more info to be able to really help, though.
- What's your budget?
- Do you prefer modern blade designs or more traditional stuff?
 
If you told me to go buy a knife for our hunting trip this season, I'd buy one of two knives.

The Jerry Fisk designed Sendero Pack Knife from White River Knives in CPM S30V, or...

The Bob Dozier White River Skinner in D2.

Funny, "White River" is a common theme to these two, though they are not related.
 
You can clean a deer with the small blade on a SAK or a 7" Ka-Bar. The deer rarely notices.

Knives like the Fallkniven F1, Bark River Gunny and Cold Steel's Master Hunter (in 3V) are quintessential deer type knives.

They aren't similar without reason.
 
Your price range will be the biggest determining factor. As others mentioned a fixed blade has advantages in
terms of cleaning. Most people will recommend about a 4 inch blade and many manufacturers offer Loveless drop points. Then there are the bark river bravo 1- Fallkniven F1 styles. Then there are those who prefer larger hunting knives 5-6 inches. Cold Steel offers the Master Hunter which is a proven design. Which steel isn't so important unless you plan on neglecting your knife. A synthetic handled knife has the advantages of light weight (trust me this matters after a while), ease of cleaning (leave it in a bucket of water overnight) and generally lower cost. Then there are people who have no problem using folder for hunting.
 
Thanks so for ease of cleaning and strength I would like to stay with a fixed blade. I woukd like to stay under $100 for a blade but willing to spend a bit more if it is something that will hold up
 
I just picked up a Battle Horse Knives Comanche. If you hunt around I've seen them for about $87 in 01.

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I think some of the knives you already have are up for deer processing. Which kabars, CS's, Spyker cos do you have BTW?

I think all of us have TOO MANY knives and with lots of hunters only able to get 1 deer a year it makes choosing that one blade to use difficult.

Me myself think I'm going to use my first blade that caused my spiral into knife addiction the Benchmade Adamas if I bag a deer. Has only had bird blood on it (well cat and my own also but that's a different story) so would like to see how performs and fully christen it with deer blood. Been long time coming. I'm thinking it will do just fine.

As others have said fixed blade is more logical and easier to clean afterwards. I don't mind taking apart a folder and leaning if need be though. Do it often anyways.

There really aren't any steels I would say to stay completely away from expect for "unknown" steels on cheapos.

Have a Swamp rat HRLM, Scrap yard REG LE, BK24, Benchmade CSKII, for backups though. Kabar fillet for trimming afterwards too.I have a Big Chris skinner that I'm dying to try too but gonna have to wait for another year.

I think your set with what you got. Guarantee whatever Becker you got is more than likely gonna get the job done.

So many good ones to choose from out there hard to pick.

Sitting in shack right now. Deer opener is on Sat here. I'm ready.😤 Bring it deer!!!

Good luck !
 
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All my ka-bar's are to big for this job I have the kukri,bk9,and cutco and kabar came together and did a zombie hunter knife all big the rest I have are folders pretty much the cold steel code 4 in tanto and clip point, rajah III, mini tuff lite, fixed peace maker, rat 2, spyderco endura and delica, crkt m16. That's all on what I have right now
 
I assure you can easily field dress, quarter, and de-bone all the deer you want with a folder, even a 3" one.
It's more technique, than knife.
For carving steaks, the longer blade will be more convenient.
Pick one you already have that's comfortable, secure, and nimble in your hand.
Better yet, try all you own. That's how I figured it out.
 
Check out the Johnson Adventure Blades Gamestalker. Its a good hunting knife on a budget.

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The Cold Steel Pendelton hunter is another pretty well respected hunting blade.

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That, or just use the knives that you already have. That said, I would prefer a fixed blade, as its easier to clean/sanitize after the fact.
 
Take your pick. I have field dressed deer with a Victorinox Tinker, Case Trapper, and a Leatherman PST so it can be done with almost anything. Years ago I was not a knife guy, and didn't put much though into what I carried. I learned to sharpen as a kid taught by my grandfather. I found multitool and traditional knives to be adequate, so thats what I carried into the woods.

For the last several years I have been carrying a Mora into the woods. The thin scandi edge cuts flesh like a scalpel (though hitting bone with any real force will chip or roll the edge), and the blood and fat puts a real serious "patina" on the carbon steel with some use.

It doesn't take much. You are not skinning dozens of buffalo a month for their hide, you are likely going to field dress 1-3 deer per season and haul them to the processor. Pick a knife in the 4" range that it also useful for camping, whittling, and general utility and carry it with you.

Hunting is a lightweight ordeal for me. Especially when hauling a bow up a tree stand. I prefer something light like the Mora I can wear around my neck.
 
ESEE 3. I'm a bird hunter, so I've used it on birds quail to turkey.

My dad has used his on deer. So I'm pretty sure it will handle any game you take.
 
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