Hunting knife?

T

theguy051

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Feb 25, 2014
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Hello all. I am looking for a new knife for hunting (skinning, cleaning). This knife will be specifically used for cleaning deer, hogs, and gators mostly (not for general bushcraft). I am leaning towards a brkt. Looking for suggestions from those with experience and would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.
 
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For actual use in the field I think Buck has some great affordable option both folding and fixed. You should check out the Alpha Hunter models. They have very comfortable handles and imo perfectly sized blades.

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For something larger, the Ergo Hunter model is nice:

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Since you're looking at BRK&T, try out a Fox River. Lovely hunting knife that will also take care of most outdoors cutting duties. I've had mine for a few years and like it a lot.
 
You may want to take a look at the classic Buck knives. Id also take a look at KA-BAR, they have some new hunting knives. As for CRKT, I love their products. The Sog Huntspoint knives would be very good.
 
If you like bark river knives then check out the gunny hunter and the Canadian special or lil Canadian. They are all excellent hunting knives.
 
My comments apply only to deer. I have no experience with gators or wild hogs, although in my youth I participated in a lot of domestic hog processing.

This may be heresy, but in my experience any knife in your EDC rotation would be just fine for field dressing deer. I have used everything from an old Uncle Henry Trapper to a Spyderco Native to a fixed blade Boy Scout knife for field dressing and everything worked just fine. I have fine hunting knives from Busse, Dozier, and Ruana but usually end up just dropping a folder in my pocket. Right now it is likely that my next deer will be field-dressed with a LionSteel SR1.

My advice is to get what appeals to you. Just don't get one too big or too thick. Something from Spyderco Native size up to 4" is the perfect size. Heck, my LionSteel SR1 may be a little too big and heavy, but I like it.

Skinners are a little different. A knife designed for skinning makes the job a little easier, but again a wide variety of knives will get the job done.

Disclaimer: I am talking about a hunter taking an occasional deer. If you are a guide or the "go-to" guy in your group for field dressing and skinning and may be working on a lot of deer in one day, you have enough experience to have firm opinions on what is best. I met such a guy at Blade a couple of years ago at the Dozier table looking for the perfect knife, and he walked away with a Dozier Professional Skinner.
 
Spyderco drop point Moran (VG-10). Great little knife and all you need. Like MikeH, I usually end up using a folder for deer and have for years, but that was pre-Moran. The Dozier knives are quite excellent for a custom user. You can depend on them.

Lots of good Bark River choices as you know. Choose one with a 3-4" blade with a drop point style and you're good to go. A-2 is good.
 
I don't have one but would go with brkt. If needed a new skinning/hunting knife would probably get something from them. Got a lone wolf skeletonized caper that I use for everything when it comes to skinning and use buck punk or Marttiini for everything else .Really like the lone wolf caper got it for $21 and has N680 with seems to be a good steel.
 
22-rimfire said:
Spyderco drop point Moran (VG-10). Great little knife and all you need. Like MikeH, I usually end up using a folder for deer and have for years, but that was pre-Moran.


Great knife, of which I have two.......black and orange handled. I hunt deer and elk and this knife does the job. No hog or gators here, but elk hide is some very tough stuff.

Lightweight, steel sharpens up nice while holding a good edge, kydex sheath which fits snugly and not expensive.

I think that you can still find the orange handled offerings doing a 'Google' search......or at least I did, but that was a few years back. I've never even almost lost an orange handled knife, but I've had a few 'oh, sh#*' moments with the darker handled offerings.

Just a thought, no matter which knife you may choose.
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Cold Steel Master Hunter. A fantastic and grossly underrated hunting knife.....grippy kraton handle (more hygenic than screw on scales imo), 4.5 inch VG-1 stainless drop point blade 3/16" spine...a great knife and my go-to when hunting...it's been my faithful companion for years. $119CAN...probably about $100US
 
Thanks to all for the input my favorite to date is a boker dozier anchorage pro skinner aus8. The hollow grind is great for use however it has been used and sharpened several hundred times and I am looking for something a bit larger (1/2") or so. I just ordered a brkt canadian special, the larger handle seems like it will be more comfortable for extended use. I will let you know how she works.
 
Bark river has many great options. I'm partial to the fox river. Also take a look at blind horse/battle horse knives. If you can find one and you have the cash any of the dozier skinners are elite. I have a white river skinner (or something like that) skinned my last deer of it, made quick easy work
 
Got two suggestions for you. First is the TOPS Tex Creek XL. So far only processed a pig with it, but it also handled a few bush chores with no need for sharpening yet. With a six inch blade, it may be bit big for hunting, but still worth it.
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The other is a Chris Reeve Nyala. Probably a size better suited to hunting. It's got a few pigs and deer on it, and has polished up nice. Also no need to sharpen it yet.
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The Buck Vanguard is my go to knife when I am out hunting. Holds a great edge and has a bunch of goats under its belt. When I get home and need to dress the meat down properly sometimes use my BRKT Fox River which is great, although a little smaller.

On our last trip I used my Becker BK-15 and was extremely impressed with its ability to excel at both large and small tasks. Definitely worth a look.
 
USA made, Schrade Old Timer, Sharp finger. Still heaps of new old stock kicking around.
 
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