Deer gutting knife

J

Jraut98

Joined
Aug 31, 2014
Messages
47
What would be a good knife to gut deer. I Hunt whitetail and need a knife that will be good for gutting. I don't want to spend a lot of money 40 bucks or less. I'm 16 and my dad wants me to start carrying my own knife so I can hit the deer. What would should I buy?
 
Hard to go wrong with a buck 110, it's a classic and does the trick for me. Can be had for around $40 almost anywhere hunting gear is sold.
I carry one every day, comes sharp and is easy to keep that way.
 
Look at a Buck 110 folding Hunter.
Countless Deer, Elk, Hogs you name it have been used not to mention how many are carried for work.
They are made in the USA
 
I know many swear by the 110, and they are a great knife, but I've never used mine on a deer or elk. Personally I don't like clip point blades, and am not big on folders for working on animals...

I would suggest checking out the Buck 673 fixed blade knife. I picked one up a few years back, and really like it. It's very comfortable in hand, has a drop point blade which I prefer, and with the rubber/plastic handles it gives decent grip. The great thing about fixed blade knives is they are very easy to clean.
Hunting knives are a very personal thing. Everyone has different preferences, and it is something you will only learn after you have done a few animals...

knives046-1.jpg


knives042.jpg
 
I like a small thin bladed knife for skinning and field dressing. A Mora no 1 or 2/0 will be great of you don't mind the wood handle. The Companion has a rubber grip which is helpful when your hands are bloody. I have used all of these at one time or another to clean deer. Truth be told I have used a Case Trapper and a Victorinox Tinker in a pinch as well. It doesn't take much knife to field dress deer, I prefer to have something that is useful around the camp as well and avoid carrying a dedicated skinner and general purpose knife.
 
Given the choice, I prefer to use a fixed blade over a folder for that task, as a folder is going to be a nuisance to clean when it inevitably fills with blood and fat and so on. I would also steer away from blades with upswept tips, which tend to puncture things you don't want to puncture. Also, a real finger guard is a plus, to keep your hand from slipping forward. A good amount of belly to the blade is good for the skinning part of the job.

That said, there are a ton of knives that will do the job perfectly well. My first skinning knife was a Buck 103, which you can get for about $44 on Amazon, although it's now made in 420C rather than the 440C I had. If I were buying a knife for the purpose for my son, I would look for something like this: http://www.collectorknives.net/queen-cutlery-amber-carved-stag-bone-acsb-skinner-fixed-blade/
It's an homage to the Marbles Woodcraft that's better than anything Marble is selling these days. The Kershaw 1082 meets your budget and would be very good, too.
 
I've never liked a gut hook knife, whatever you choose, try to get one with an aggressive drop point. You can cut and not get into the intestines with an aggressive drop point. Also make sure you bring a one gallon zip lok bag and a pair of latex gloves. The longer the cuff the better. I have used the kitchen latex gloves before and in the field they will do. The bag is for the gloves after you've done the field dressing. No bloody hands and can be washed and reused.
 
If its going to be used primarily for gutting, I would go fixed blade. They are WAY easier to keep clean. I think the narrow blade of a Buck 102 "Woodsman" is perfect for the task and will last a lifetime.
 
I agree with your Father. Time for you to start cleaning your own game. Look at the Buck knives. I have used the Model 110 and like it. Their smaller fixed blade knives would be ideal also. I have also cleaned a lot of game with a traditional pocket knife too. Buck Model 301, Old Timer Muskrat, and a Case Trapper. Look at all of them and pick the one you want. Good luck with your choice and good hunting this coming year.
 
You may want to look at a kershaw strobe or a cryo either one would serve you well. I have a couple buck 110s but if you want something with a pocket clip vs one that you carry in a belt sheath.
 
There are countless good ones but like others have said the Buck 110 is an absolute classic that every knife enthusiast should own whether they hunt or not. This year you can buy the 50th anniversary editions at most big box stores for right around $40. That knife may have cleaned more deer than any other single knife in history. Just a guess. You could also opt for a blade with a gut hook but I find them unnecessary and a pita to sharpen. Just my 2c.
 
338375 said:
I forgot to mention the CS Pendleton knives. I have both sizes of the regular versions, not the Lite versions, and they are great knives.
Click to expand...


I mentioned the Lite because you can get them for $15-$20. I bought one for a buddy last year and he loves it.
 
My hands down favorite is the Buck 103. A 4" fixed blade, with plenty of belly. A great field dressing knife. If you don't purchase this one get the one 338 suggests. As a drop point style is the best worker. DM
 
I have tried a few over the past 4 years and so far my favorite has be a Buck 119 special. Yea its a clip point and long blade but I just prefer it.
 
Wheeler80 said:
I mentioned the Lite because you can get them for $15-$20. I bought one for a buddy last year and he loves it.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I've read a couple reviews of the Lites in hunting magazines, and they have gotten extremely good reviews

David Martin said:
My hands down favorite is the Buck 103. A 4" fixed blade, with plenty of belly. A great field dressing knife. If you don't purchase this one get the one 338 suggests. As a drop point style is the best worker. DM
Click to expand...

Very nice David :thumbup:
 
Lots of good suggestions, many I would have made myself. If the question is still open, consider the Becker BK-14. Nice size, drop point, light and easy to carry and clean, versatile for other chores too. I have the 11 it would work as well but the handle of the 14 looks better to me, I wish I had that one instead.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top