When the hunt is done and its time to field dress your downed game, what is your favorite blade length and shape?
I love a caping knife, for just about everything.
But I'm an overall knife junky and would be happy with all of them except big bowies.
I like a about a 4 1/2 inch handle and a 3 1/2 inch blade. However, I do have a 4 1/2 inch demaskus blade with a 4 1/2 inch cobolo handle that has enjoyed cleaning and skinning 4 deer this year. I like a drop point or a sheeps foot blade.
Bob.
I like a drop point with a 3.75" blade and 4.5" handle for whitetails and hogs. For squirrels rabbits and turkeys I like a 2.75" blade.
I'd say overall I like a 3-3.5" drop point best. I do a lot of small game hunting and find a smaller blade easier to clean them with. Also, I like to go slow and precise through deer and hogs and find that having a blade not much longer than my pointer when holding the knife helps me to put it right exactly where I want it.
Other knifes I really like using are my Rapala Superflex filet knifes. They are super sharp, agile, and precise. They are too flexible to do some stuff but great like popping open joints but when it comes to scraping bones close and thinning off silver-skin they are great.
2 1/2 - 3 1/2" drop point (Loveless style).
Richard
3-3/4" drop point. Carbon Steel
Something like this is about right
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh601/ftrahan/Camera082.jpg)
I have become very favored of using my little Izula neck knife for field dressing whitetail. The 2-3/4" blade allows me to hold my index finger over it and unzip the chest cavity and then work inside.
1095 Powder coated and it takes and holds a shaving edge. It's amazing how much a little knife can do.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN0691.jpg)
As a belt knife my Benchmade Activator (3.63" D2 steel blade) is a great size and shape. Hard to sharpen but once sharpened stays that way a LONG time.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM2424.jpg)
I carry both.
I have a nice collection of customs but this season I've been using a Puma skinner.Really has made me appreciate this design.
I carry a bunch of different knives, I always have my fathers Camillis, a small trout an bird fixed blade. I'm partial to medium to big fixed blades and I want them sharp........
I always carry my Buck 110, and my Buck 371 Stockman. my favorite
I have a case trapper that does the majority of my work.
I have a helle harding that I put my own handle on. love it, great workhorse knife
I like a 3.75 to 4.5 inch drop point blade with a nice belly on it.Four-4.5 inch handle.Good all around size and blade style.
Moleman,
I just wanted to say this is a cool post. I have enjoyed reading waht folks are carring into the timber with them.
Bob. :coffee:
(http://knifemods.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rmdsw3.jpg)
(http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/267/dscf0002uo.jpg)
I have both of these knives and love the smaller one for field dressing. Both are semi custom knives made by Swamp Rat Knife Works
I always carry my Buck model 110 and usually carry a custom knife I had made a couple years ago. I don't really know it's dimmensions just that it works really well for me, although all my other Buck's, Boker, Mulea, and others serve me well to. Can you tell I am a knife fanatic :knothead:
Buck Vanguard or an ESEE 3 for most of my game needs in the field while hunting. For general stumping and hiking I usually carry my Skookum Bush Tool or a BHK Bushcrafter.
I like my Buck mini alpha. 2 1/2" blade 6 1/4" overall. Small and effective.
I've got an older Kershaw kit (not impressed with the quality of the new version) that came with three blades that change out to the handle. 1 saw blade, 1 blade about like a 110 buck and the 3rd was a filet blade that I sanded down to a 3" drop point. I also carry a Deperschmidt (beautiful, high quality knife if you are not familiar with Waynes craftsmanship, and.....it has been good mojo). I also have another hand built that I picked up years ago at a gun show with a gut hook. Looks like I am a knife junkie too! The combo above has done everything from antelope to moose, gutless, traditional gutting and or quartered and deboned.
The smart guys I know carry the light units with the replaceable razor blades though.
I like a 4-inch, fairly thin drop point blade for deer size critters, a 5-inch blade for elk size critters.
Buck 110. Like Dan Ackroyd said as Joe Friday - "I've never needed more..."
I have field dressed a ton of deer with my black Buck Crosslock.
(http://worthopedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnails2/1/0107/25/1_dad11940a0412976e2d1a23a1322e660.jpg)
After I misplaced it (I found it later) while field dressing a deer with my brother, he bought me the orange Outdoor Edge Swingblade. I love it. Simple, sharp, quick. And it's a lot harder to lose in a gutpile :)
(http://di1-3.shoppingshadow.com/images/pi/17/27/ee/112793379-260x260-0-0_outdoor+edge+swingblade+knife.jpg)
I like the puma hunters pal I've had this knife since I was 12 it's been through many a deer great skinning knife too. Made the sheath a few years ago
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc491/cuboodle/A058A982-CF2A-483C-A6C7-17F567E432FB-787-000000CF7E6DCA1D.jpg)
Great knives guys!, both beautiful and functional.
Heres my all time favorite,
Case M3 Finn, 3 1/8" clipped blade, nothing fancy, just meat and potatoes. I didnt notice till i looked at pics, that old blade has seen a lot of sharpenings. (http://%20[url=http://images.imagelinky.com/1354925516.JPG%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://images.imagelinky.com/1354925516.JPG)[/url] [/IMG]
I use a Bob Dozier Youkon Pro Skinner with a 3&1/2" blade for deer. Scary sharp and holds it's edge a long time....Dave
Without hesitation, my Swafford Knives Autumn Hunter. I have dressed 3 deer so far this fall and have not had to touch up the blade. Still sharp and still beautiful. I love this knife and will be purchasing a Fin and Feather or a Companion from Shawn in early 2013. Shawn is also a sponsor here, his TG Name is "Ringneck" http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile;u=00003367
(http://i.imgur.com/bbhE7.jpg)
Bark river knives, drop point with a 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" blade.
WOW you guys have some beautiful knives! i admiti m an inner knife junky but i dont have as many as i wish. hahah.i havent hunted but every time i take the bow out or fish i always bring my BG gerber knife. saved a bunch of arrows from stumping.i dont live a day without my swiss army knife that was given to me as a gift. has everything but pliers. btw i fish ALOT! i live right by the water. once i begin hunting i think a new knife that will fit my needs shall be purchased =] this year i lost my handy filet knife =[ my brother edited this video maybe some will enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq3aueY3wHw me and my friend had a good day with alot of fish up to 22lbs... PS i lost my filet knife that day, so you see me struggling with a old backup thats as dull as bricks and impossible to sharpen, because of that day i bought my BG Gerber survival knife
After having a Kershaw attempt to close on my hand while field dressing a doe a couple of years ago, that knife was retired. I really like the axis locking system Benchmade uses. For the last two years I have been using a Benchmade Griptilian H2O. I chose it for the Axis lock and the fact it has a highly corrosion resistant steel blade. I find it sharpens easily and holds the edge well. The blade is a modified drop point and is 3.4 inches long. I have used it to gut 4 deer this season all ready.
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1355155910.jpg) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1355155910.jpg)
Highly recommended and I choose to use it over a more expensive custom Gene Ingram knife. Too scared to lose that one ;)
Mine is the Bark River Canadian Special. Antique Ivory micarta grip with finger grooves and a 4" A2 steel convex blade:
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p525/FlyingDutchman25/Archery%20Leather/Can_Spl_AIM_S_zps7f1839f2.jpg)
For the detail work I prefer my Keith Murr knives.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_1702.jpg)
For the heavy duty business, nothing can match my Randall 25-5.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/Randall25-5.jpg)
Danny
Those are beauties, Ric!
For my heavy duty work I use my Bark River Bravo 1. Mine has a blue/gold elder burl handle and a 4,14 " S35VN blade, which is a hefty .217 inch thick. A beast and beauty in one...
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p525/FlyingDutchman25/Archery%20Leather/b3v_blue_gold_elder_379_95_zps1ecbd619.jpg)
I received this USA Made Schrade/Old Timer for Christmas when I was 15 (27 years ago) and it has cleaned more than 40 deer, an antelope, a few hogs and lots of rabbits, tree rats and birds. It's the perfect size for the hunting I do and I use it every year. 7" overall, 3" blade. I would like a custom made someday shaped just like it. I have a drawer full of hunting knives but this is my favorite.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jkendall/Knife.jpg)
Ah the old Schrade sharpfinger cool little knife!
I have used for over a decade my AK knife set. It has the capping and large brown bear knives. I have my new prototype Bowie that has not seen blood yet except for my BQ steak.
JL :archer2:
So many decisions....
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o232/Ottodude/PICT0891.jpg)
Ron LaClair should be along shortly.
Victorinox. Often the hunter xt, but I always have one of their pairing knives on board that I seem to be reaching for more and more. I usually go gutless method anymore unless I want to do an autopsy.
The LaClair Skinner of coarse.... :D
http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/LaClair_Skinner1.JPG)
Nice "little" collection there, Otto. Beautiful!
I want me a Randall 25-5.
I use a Loveless/Beretta, stag handle, drop point, 3 3/4" blade.
The Loveless design will do it all, but I'm wanting to try a 5" blade for a little more... something.
My favorite knife is my Swafford Knives Autumn Hunter. This Autumn Hunter has Afzelia Burl scales and was made for my son's 13th birthday.
(http://fototime.com/30D4C887F86659E/standard.jpg)
(http://fototime.com/613521D6C494776/standard.jpg)
This knife is a new design and was made for myself. Exhibition Honduran Rosewood scales and mosaic pins.
(http://fototime.com/414B371BAB61EEF/standard.jpg)
This one.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/4runr/Tippitknife005.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ringneck:
This knife is a new design and was made for myself. Exhibition Honduran Rosewood scales and mosaic pins.
(http://fototime.com/414B371BAB61EEF/standard.jpg)
What's the size of this knife? I want one. I like Loveless style blades.
MRJSL, the overall length is 7 3/4" and the cutting edge is 3".
Thanks, Shawn.
Very nice blades.
Really like the Tippet style blades,like Kennys.
I prefer a knife that is between 7-8 inches OAL with a 3-3 1/2 inch blade. My personal knives are three finger handles cause I'm always using my index finger on top for control & knowing where the tip is when I can't see it.
My working skinner/caper 6 /12 inches OAL with rubber horse stall mat handle. If you field dress with rubber gloves, this handle material won't slip!
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D384%3A35685832%3Cnu0mrj)
Couple little bigger & little with fancier...Spring Buck horn & India Stag:
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B2%3Enu%3D37%3B%3B%3E292%3E933%3E28%3A%3C292%3A2423%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63568%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3C334485%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
Finally for the person who is all work and wants everything to be bare bone functional...just a piece of steel :) tippit
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54366%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D384869984432%3Cnu0mrj)
Mine is 7 1/4" long with a 3 1/8" Damascus blade. Cocobola and Bocote' handle.
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Prongtwo.JPG)
Really liking my new LaClair Skinner.Just broke it in on a doe Saturday.
Mine is tried and true. Cheap. Easy to sharpen, and one heck of a knife. My uncle was a knife maker and pointed me in that direction.
Mora knives. I use the carbon steel with rubber impregnated handle. $20 ish or less and when you break it, throw it away! Lose it? Buy another!
Chuck at Two Tracks has them.
Oh yeah & Foolproof to sharpen, lay on the big bevel and stroke on a stone. Both sides. DONE!
(http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww260/overspined/CAFAEF1C-04AC-41CE-9DF2-6C6E0AEE1BEC-2509-0000076C048CF61B.jpg)
I've been using the 2 orange handled knives for 3 years now. The smaller was my first idea, the larger of the 2 I built after using the smaller to dress, skin & bone out a few critters. Once I had a little user experience I figured out what I did & didn't like. I now use both equally, but for different tasks. The little one has a 2¾" blade & 3" handle & I pretty much use it for running the initial cut up the belly of the animal through field dressing. After that, the larger takes over as my go to skinning, quartering & boning blade. It has a 4¼" blade with a fairly long handle at 4¼" but I find it to be a little more versatile.
I've also discovered that I prefer a slick, shiny grip. I find it to be a huge advantage to be able to easily manipulate the direction of the cutting edge, especially whilst butchering.
I've completely butchered 17 deer last year & a further 22 this year using only this knife (I do a lot of processing for friends!)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/photobucket-6802-1341680320067.jpg)
Rob, that middle one look like a great knife indeed!!
I like the top one to!!
Cheers
Nice Rob,
I really like that middle knife. Looks alot like the one I use most.
All of the knives here look real good.
CTT
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd43/MnFn/P1010313-1.jpg)
My first knife a Mora from 1963
The middle one just because my daughter bought it for me in Italy.
The one on the right my wife gave me for a birthday present in about 1974. It is the one I for sure always take hunting.