Best Production Knife for Skinning

C

calvinw

Joined
Feb 28, 2012
Messages
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I'm looking for a production skinning knife for a gift. It doesn't have to be specifically designed for skinning, just something that will work well for skinning will do. It should be nice enough to give as a gift to a non-knife person - $50-$100 or so.

I did a quick search and the last time this was discussed (from what I found) was 2011. A lot changes in 5 years, so I thought it'd be appropriate to ask for an update.

I think I would prefer a fixed blade because cleaning guts and blood out of folders sucks. I used my ZT 0550 to clean a trout, and it sucked. I soaked it in baking soda and water, but it still smells like fish. I think I'm going to have to take it apart to scrub.
 
(an older, USA made) Schrade Sharpfinger.....find a lightly used one on the 'bay.

Also, an Enzo Badger would be a great choice, but it sits a bit above your top end price (at around $115).
 
Mingecutter said:
(an older, USA made) Schrade Sharpfinger.....find a lightly used one on the 'bay.

Also, an Enzo Badger would be a great choice, but it sits a bit above your top end price (at around $115).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the rec! I prefer not to gift a used knife.
 
These two would probably work really well:

CRKT Ken Onion Skinner: http://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Skinner-Ken-Onion-Fixed-Blade--8168

Buck 113 Ranger Skinner: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-113-Ranger-Skinner-Fixed-Blade--28020

I think the CRKT looks especially promising. Bohler K110 is similar to D2 but with extra vanadium, apparently. The hollow grind on it looks nice and thin (a must for any skinner), the handle looks comfortable, and the blade has a ton of belly. I know CRKT sometimes gets flack here sometimes for their folders, but their fixed blades appear to get solid reviews.
 
Don´t know if is the best, but I use a Buck192 vanguard. it is a very good knife for hunting or skinning... made in USA, easy to sharp, amazing edge retention..
 
I'm not a Cold Steel fan, for what it's worth.

But I have used their products in the field, and damn if I wasn't completely satisfied.

I'd say get him a Cold Steel Master Hunter.

Now if you aren't stuck firmly on the "production" part, run over to the knife maker's section of the exchange and look around.
 
The Spyderco Moran is a very good skinner/hunting knife. Runs about $100. (As mentioned just before my post. Amazing timing.)
 
The Cabelas Alaskan Guide version of the Buck 192 is quite nice too in S30V. So +1 to the Buck Vanguard recommendation above.
 
If I were buying for an American non-knife person I'd probably go for a traditional US brand, such as Buck, Case, or Schrade. They're likely to remember their (or someone else's) father or grandfather carrying such a knife.

As to gifting a used knife, a quick eBay search found at least a couple of mint, unused Sharpfingers in the $50 neighborhood.
 
Svord Economy, Deluxe & Master Cutler
Svord%20Curved%20Skinner%205%203-4%20-%20Hardwood%20Handle%20ModelCS%20copy.jpg
Svord_655B_Lge2.jpg
Svord%20Curved%20Skinner%20-%205.75%20Inches%20-%20Mahogany%20Handle%20Model%20%20677BB%20copy.jpg
SV677MCR-on-box.jpg

http://www.svord.com/index.php
 
Check out the offerings from Hess Knifeworks as well. I've heard nothing but good things, and they have several models in your price range.
 
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