Bird cleaning knife

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wagg9118

Joined
Sep 3, 2018
Messages
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I did some searching in here but I didn’t see a thread specific to cleaning ducks and doves.
I’m looking for a knife under $125 specifically for breasting birds. Every year of hunting I’m always searching for a knife to clean birds and alway end up using some dull pocket knife from a friend.
I looked at a Benchmade hidden canyon at a store today in town. I really like the look and feel of that knife. I also feel like the blade is thin enough to run right down the breast. I also looked at a few KOA knives that I liked too but from what I’ve read, D2 has a higher chance of corrosion than the s30v on the Benchmade.
What’s really important to me though is how the knife will handle on breasting birds. Retention and sharpness are equally important as well.
Looking forward to hear what yall think as I know forums are good sources of info.
Thx
 
Why didn't you carry your own knife rather than borrowing from a friend?

Any of the bird & trout knives should do. My latest in your price range is the White River Backpacker Pro (small fixed blade) which should do a very nice job. It's in CPM S35VN. Mine has the G10 handles but they are available with paracord wrapped handles for less price if that suits you. Makes a good all around knife also.

With folding knives, I think the Boker Urban Trapper should do nicely if you keep it sharp.
 
I’ve used a little outdoor edge pocket knife to clean birds the last few years. I’ve never really been a edc. I don’t like loaded pockets. Usually when it comes time to clean birds we’re at a friends house or at home and a filet knife seems to be the only option. They’re usually too long and I dont like the flexibility of the blade.
I’ll take a look at the knives you suggested. Thank you
 
The kydex sheath with the White River is very functional and you can adjust it to have the knife horizontal or vertical on your belt. Or carry strapped to a pack or as a neck knife. Even as an edc and a fixed blade, it carries very nicely and nobody even notices. Mine has orange handles so you might be less likely to loose it if you set it down.

The Urban Trapper is very thin with a 3.5" VG-10 blade. I carry it in a back pocket. Makes a good edc.

Somebody will recommend a Mora before too long for under $30. They cut very well, but I think pointy is better for this use.

I used a traditional Case folding knife for years for field dressing and cleaning wild game. I only moved to a fixed blade in the last 10 years. I plan on using the Backpacker as a woods knife too.
 
Bird hunter's usually carry a pocket knife. For me, when younger, it was usually a Schrade Old Timer. but I have Puma, Boker, and Remington knives set up for upland game hunting.

These knives usually have a very slim clip point blade (usually called a California clip) and a gut hook for birds. More modern versions often have a choke tube wrench. A shot punch is another tool occasionally found (used for poking out shot pellets).

Remington versions can be had for less than $50. Great Eastern just did a run on their #48 pattern (in both stainless and 1095) for about twice that. LL Bean has a handy version, and Orvis used to carry one too.
 
This be true.... there are lots and lots of choices. The #48 GEC Improved Trapper might be a nice choice also. I have two of them.

Horsewright makes some nice small fixed blades that would work well.
 
Gotta have a knife to take the breast off the bone. But yea, wings and breast come off and out via hands
 
Back in my day I cleaned a LOT of birds with all manner of pocket knives. Very simple stuff, nothing fancy. Thin being paramount to anything else.

I reckon if you want something a little pricier, a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in orange would do quite nicely.
 
From the thread Dave referred you to - My latest post. And one of Dave's knives is represented here as well. But then, virtually all of Dave's knives would qualify here :thumbsup: :
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Dan of Bazz Clazz said:
Since B&T knives are some of my all-time favorites, I thought a "catalog" shot of what is out there and easily obtainable, primarily from production manufacturers - with a couple of customs thrown in because I simply could not - not photograph them. :D
The vast majority have a price tag of under $100.

For me this captures the beauty and utility to be found in the little knife!

Top Row:
Rocky Menefee - "16 Bore" in Snakewood
Horsewright, Dave Ferry - "Sonoran Belt knife" in Desert Ironwood
Arno Bernard - "Marabou" in Kudu Bone
Arno Bernard - "Wasp" (discontinued version) with Crocodile
LT Wright - "Coyote" (discontinued but you might still find a new one if you look around) in Elk
Moki - "Bird & Trout" in Red Sandalwood, MOP and Abalone
Boker Magnum - "Noblesse", Damascus blade, mystery wood scales
Bark River "Bird & Trout", Desert Ironwood
Canal Street - "Trailing Drop Point Hunter", Antique Ivory Smooth Bone.
CRKT - "Hunt & Fisch", Multi-colored G10

B_T.jpg


Bottom Row:
AG Russell - "Woodswalker", Rucarta Smallest of the bunch at 6" OAL
Enzo - "Necker 70", White Micarta
Browning - "Overtime Green", Green & Black Micarta
Boker Arbolito - "Nicker", Stag
Browning - "Escalade B&T", Jigged Bone Longest knife of the group, 8.5" OAL
Ken Onion - "Limited ed. Bird and Trout", Polished Black G10
Grohmann - "#2 - Bird and Trout", Rosewood
Buck - "102 Woodsman", Phenolic Handle. My first Hunting knife, bought around 1972.
Colt - "Bird and Trout", Brushed Stainless Steel
CRKT - "Mossback B&T", Black & Grey G10
Hess Knifeworks - "Bird and Trout", California Buckeye Burl
Click to expand...
 
For getting the breast meat off the bone I like a 5 inch straight, flexible, boning knife (like a fillet knife).

For getting breasts out of birds, I use my hands or game shears.

I also just use my hands to rip the thighs off if I've skinned the bird. Otherwise I just cut the thighs off.
 
Maybe a GEC "Clip Hunter" will work for you. It is a tiny fixed blade and easily tucks into a pocket/belt/waistband/boot/birdbags/etc. with a proper sheath. For scale imagine a large Case stockman with the main clip blade locked open, then shave off a about quarter inch oflength. Add a good pair of game shears and you're set for cleaning birds.

As a side note, a friend taught me how to de-bone dove breasts by using a spoon to merely scoop the meat out. Works well and saves time.
 
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