Gut hook or no?

S

sprokker

Joined
Nov 30, 2003
Messages
58
What do you think of gut hooks on big game (deer and larger) knives?

It seems kind of convenient for that first cut, but after that it seems like a detriment. Seems like it would just get in the way, weaken the tip, and detract from the functionality of a solid spine.

Pros/Cons?
 
Well I have gutted alot of game w/o a gut hook as I am sure many people who are gonna reply have. I personally do not like them, I dont like the looks and I really never use its function, I have tried it on two deer, and I just dont need the option, or care to have it in the way. I dont know if it weakens the tip that is an interesting point, one that may be worth testing? I do know that functionally when I want to get right up on the tip of the knife for caping(if I dont have a smaller knife at the moment) than the hook would definatley be in my way. But thats just my .02
 
Custom makers hate them because the are hard to make and the are hard to sharpen. They are completely unnecessary. Please learn to use a knife properly. Gutting a deer is done edge up [ to prevent cutting a lot of hairs ].With a slight drop point blade the blade is held at about 20 degrees and the hide is punctured at the breastbone. The blade is then run the length of the deer to the vent. This way the hide is quickly and easily slit. You can't do it any quicker or easier with a gut hook.
 
No guthook.

It is a solution looking for a problem.

How long have people been field dressing animals
with regular blades? Has it worked?

From thirty plus years of experience; you can unzip
your deer, aardvark, marmot, real easy with the cutting
edge of a good blade. It literally takes seconds.

No guthook. It is an embarassment. :thumbdn:
 
I make them because people actually buy them but I personally don't see the need for them. They do sell though. When I used to do shows more than now there were times when the only knife I'd sell was a gut hook or two and it made me glad I had a few. People seem to pick them up to look em over more so than others.

Notice that in the SmokeyMountainKnifeWorks catalog page after page from every maker is full up of gut hooks. At least one on every page I think. Even still they don't do anything for me. So I'd say no gut hook.
 
Ok, straight spine it is! That's kinda what I figured but it's nice to hear everyone's take. Thanks!
 
I was contacted this week about adding a gut hook. I wont do it....usless IMHO. I would rather have a spine that you can hold onto if needed....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top