What is the knife you like most for your field use,field dressing,quartering or full boning.Mine are a nice little custom 2 1/2 in.blade for dressing total length is 6 1/2 inches,the other is the time proven old stock Schrade 152 sharpfinger in 1095 carbon steel.Thanks and "Keep em flying straight" Lou
My 2 favorites til I lost the Boker after skinning a deer. Was my do-it-all knife. The CRKT stays in my quiver.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/P1000820.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/P1000820.jpg.html)
I'm really liking this Bark River so far though.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130206_162629.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130206_162629.jpg.html)
I carry a couple different knives.
Stone is the best skinning tool I know of. One is a Doug Campbell and the other a custom damascus made by a gentleman in UT.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0896.jpg)
Nothing finer than a custom knife. They are a working piece of art. My Tippit and Karl Andersen knives are prized possessions. As far as production knives go I'm really impressed with the little skeleton Buck Paclite knives. The smaller Skinner and the Caper do a wonderful job and fit very well in the hand.
Bark River knives are real nice. Hard to go wrong with one.
leatherman, just the standard one with the file, blade, screw drivers, openers, pliers.... they are perfect to say the least.
My Swafford Autumn Hunter. Bar none the best knife I have ever owned. I feel naked in the woods without it!
(http://i.imgur.com/bbhE7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hw2NB.jpg)
Plus Shawn is a sponsor here (Ringneck)
Since you mentioned Sharpfingers here is the knife I plan to give to my oldest when he is ready to bowhunt.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130708_105909_20130708110107094.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130708_105909_20130708110107094.jpg.html)
Gerber Metolius and Schrade Uncle Henry 2 blade folder. I use these for everything!
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm177/WhiteFalcon_photos/DSCN1316.jpg) (http://s296.photobucket.com/user/WhiteFalcon_photos/media/DSCN1316.jpg.html)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm177/WhiteFalcon_photos/DSCN1311.jpg) (http://s296.photobucket.com/user/WhiteFalcon_photos/media/DSCN1311.jpg.html)
I don't have pictures of my constant companion, but it is a Case Peanut. This little knife and my Randall model# 21 belt knife are all I have ever needed.
Regards,
Grouse
I know mine does not fit in with all of you guys custom knives, but there is a reason. I am sharpening challenged and can't hardly sharpen a butter knife. My favorite knife is my Havalon Piranta. It has scalpel blades that you just replace when they get dull!
BTW, those are some nice blades in the posts above! And Randy, I'd sure like to watch you skin an elk one day with those rocks! That would be cool to see.
Bisch
No fancy customs here but this titanium Buck is about as nice and handy a knife for me for use in the salt marshes I hunt in a lot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/Buckknives.jpg)
For bowhunting locally I carry either of these two 60s and early 70s Pumas.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_0517.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by BowHunterGA:
My Swafford Autumn Hunter. Bar none the best knife I have ever owned. I feel naked in the woods without it!
X2
Schrade USA 154OT Drop Point Hunter Sharpfinger Knife w/Sheath, if you can find an old one; before they sold out to China.
I have found this to be the best for me for small elephants to large squirrels...right...haha.
For really, best deer skinner for me!
I have a Schrade SC507 folder that I got in 1976. Never had a stone to it or ever used. I may start using it. I use a Buck vanguard in the field.
I've got a couple customs, nothing fancy just good solid damascus blades that work well. That said, nothing beats a Buck 110 folder for all around work or hunting in my opinion. I probably buy one every year...if I had a metal detector I could probably find most of the 110s I've lost ones around the place. For $30 they are a great knife and I don't get all wigged out if I loose it.
May old stand bye ( buck 110 ) it's does all I ask from it .
I am really liking my SwingBlaze.
I love Benchmade knives. and Wildsteer knives too!
Wildsteer is very strong and adapt for hunting and for archery!
I have two a Gerber caper which is my skinning and small game knife and my buck 119 which is my everything knife. If pressed to chose one it would be the buck. It holds an edge very well and I have skinned and butchered all manner of critters with it. Chopped up plenty of veggies, split wrist sized logs, whittled tend stakes, cut rope, and it always does me right. Not fancy or pretty but, I love it all the same. (http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae226/jakeemt/DSC00309.jpg)
(http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae226/jakeemt/DSC00308.jpg)
I have a case trapper with me always.
(http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/laclair_skiner_splash.jpg)
I have always used one just like this, I don't skin or quarter, just field dress
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1373315560.jpg) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1373315560.jpg)
Bought a new one that I hope is not too slippery
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1373315749.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1373315749.JPG)
Light my fire, fire knife. Excellent mora blade with fire rod stashed in handle. Light, cheap, effective!
I like the this blade. I made the scales to match my bow I took on my Moose hunt. Sharpens easy and has a great shape for gutting and skinning.
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Prongtwo.JPG)
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
I know mine does not fit in with all of you guys custom knives, but there is a reason. I am sharpening challenged and can't hardly sharpen a butter knife. My favorite knife is my Havalon Piranta. It has scalpel blades that you just replace when they get dull!
Bisch
Havalon for me too Bisch. Best skinner going. I also carry a longer Helle knife I put together for butchering/quartering elk.
I almost never go out without my buck model 119.
I like my Gerber steadfast knife, benchmade folding knife and my SOG little pup.
I like my Helle Veidemann a lot.
but my buddy is making one right now to match my new RER Retro. hoping it becomes my go-to.
Hi guys,
My every day knife that I also use for 90% of my gutting duties is my Puma Prince:
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2myvtrp.jpg)
And for the other 10% I have a little Ka-bar Piggyback. (Not mine but identical):
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2vvovg3.jpg)
Finally my camp knife is a Buck-Tops night hawk:
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2ain952.jpg)
I keep buying new EDC knives but the Prince is by far and away my favourite.
I really enjoy my Buck 110, and my Mora clipper OD
I have 3 Swafford knives and all I can say is great hard steel and hold a good edge through alot of field work.
I love my Esee Izula2, awesome neck knife and dressed several deer.
I usually carry a buck folding hunter and a Puma Hunter's Pal.
trap
I like small Plain Jane knives for field dressing/skinning. I don't want to be bothered with having to keep 'em pretty. These two Tippit Bare Bone Blades are always in my pack and not used for any other purpose...tippit
Two blades in one sheath...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp7349%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3C%3A42%3C68332%3Cnu0mrj)
Skinner & Stripper...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3C%3A3%3B%3C7%3A%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
Making myself a new larger one, then I need to make a new smaller knife for skinning as well. I tend to make mine-it's just more fun to do so. Wish I could forge, but there's still plenty of customization in hafting a blade. Especially if your hands are as messed up as mine.
I have as many knives as I do bows, It changes with my mood. But I always have a big one [Buck,Kabar] and a small one, for the small I have been taking a small Camiiius Trout and Bird that was my Dad's. Man does it hold an edge!!
I like my Buck Tops NightHawk about the best out of all my knives for taking care of my deer. nclinsey has a pic of one up above. Mine's older, without the holes in the blade, but man will they hold an edge.
I've got some pretty neat customs, but for the actual work I use the ol' Buck.
Just noticed that nclinsey is a new member,, :wavey: welcome guy.
QuoteOriginally posted by tippit:
I like small Plain Jane knives for field dressing/skinning. I don't want to be bothered with having to keep 'em pretty. These two Tippit Bare Bone Blades are always in my pack and not used for any other purpose...tippit
Two blades in one sheath...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp7349%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3C%3A42%3C68332%3Cnu0mrj)
Skinner & Stripper...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3C%3A3%3B%3C7%3A%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
I like!
Buck 110 and whatever is in my pocket that day. Usually a Kershaw Chive.
I love my Schrade LB7, been using it for 32 years. Also have a couple of Bark River knives that I really enjoy and they sure do hold a wicked edge............IJ
Need I say more?
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/Randall25-5.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/Randall25-5.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg.html)
I use a Gerber Bolt-Action. The steel isn't as hard as a Buck, it is compact and does the job.
I also have a Buck 118 in my pack for backup, and when hunting moose, a 121 for it's longer blade.
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/081F3FBF-orig_zpsc0730f7e.jpg)
This old Swedish Puukko is neat. I don't know how old it is but it's handy.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_1250.jpg)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag59/tleiferman/IMAG0133_1_zps595af7ef.jpg)
My go to knife, a Buck Mini Alpha
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_1250.jpg)
That was one of my first hunting knives that I had in 1955
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/First_year_bowhunting.jpg)
Buck 110 and a Mora Clipper, as someone else mentioned. Are they the best knives in the world? Probably not. Are they great knifes at reasonable prices? Yes. To be real honest, I don't get a deer or elk every year- more like one or the other every few years. At this rate my knives will last several life times! I have yet to sharpen either while skinning or dressing out an animal, so I think the steel is pretty darn good.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ric O'Shay:
Need I say more?
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/Randall25-5.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/Randall25-5.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg.html)
Now that's a combo :thumbsup:
Ron I really like the look of your Skinner. What is the specs on the steel used? I may buy one. Thanks for providing some great products over the years for us.
cahaba,
Ron's skinners are really nice. I have one and love it! It holds an edge very well.
Here is my old compound bow turned into two handmade custom knives with cocobolo scales to match my bow riser. They can both split hairs lengthwise or shave them into curly feathersticks. I use the big one for camp chores and the smaller for critters and cooking. It was a good trade...
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Mark%20Hill%20Knives/IMG_0098_zps7bf77cc8.jpg)
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/BushcraftBlade_zps3de71f31.jpg) (//%5Burl=http://s230.photobucket.com/user/gdpolk/media/KatysHair_zpsf23ea1cf.jpg.html%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/KatysHair_zpsf23ea1cf.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
That is a cool story Garrett. Never heard of anyone doing that before. Did you make them yourself? I thought you were kidding about splitting hairs, then I saw the picture. Amazing!
QuoteRon I really like the look of your Skinner. What is the specs on the steel used?
Our Skinner and other smaller knives are 1095 Hi Carbon steel. The blade is 3 3/4" and is 3/16" along the spine, flat ground and edge tempered. This is a stout knife that won't let you down.
Our Bowies and other larger knives are 5160 steel.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/LaClair_Skinner1.JPG)
Surprisingly (to me) the knife that has endeared itself to me the most for field dressing whitetails is a little Rowan Izula with a Kydex neck sheath and Micarta scales.
Takes a fine edge and holds it well.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN0691.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by buckracks7:
That is a cool story Garrett. Never heard of anyone doing that before. Did you make them yourself? I thought you were kidding about splitting hairs, then I saw the picture. Amazing!
I did not make them myself. I had the chance to work with a knife-maker and develop a friendship with him throughout the process. I received them sharp enough to shave with moderate pressure but then worked on the edges until they were nice and sharp. The larger one was one of his standard designs that I modified a bit to meet my needs. The smaller one was made to my design based on my personal preferences and most of the design aspects were picked apart from other factory knives that I liked.
Buck 110 and kabar are my primary knives in the field. Often carry a Swiss army soldier knife or gerber gator as well depending on hunting kit used.
QuoteOriginally posted by maineac:
I like the this blade. I made the scales to match my bow I took on my Moose hunt. Sharpens easy and has a great shape for gutting and skinning.
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Prongtwo.JPG)
I have a number of fantastic knives, and two of my favorites are those Mike built like the one shown that he built for himself. With knives from Lin Rhea, Doug Campbell, Karl Andersen, Mike Okamura, Darcy Ellis, James Emmons, Shawn Swafford, Clarence Smitherman, and other outstanding makers who are TradGang members, I am always ready for any field task requiring a top notch knife. It's not possible to pick an absolute favorite.
Allan
Some great knife makers on tradgang, Would love to have a Tippit big game blade!
For most handy this Victorinox Outrider (http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/IMG_1269_zpsb49e97d4.jpg) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/tradtusker/media/IMG_1269_zpsb49e97d4.jpg.html)
I don't go anywhere without it in my pocket, except airports. Skinned and boned hundreds of animals all over the world, Sawing Pig jaws by the dozens during the season guiding.
Recently designed a hunting knife myself for my father as a 50th Gift. I had a matching pair made. for me the best all rounder belt hunting knife I could come up with. Skinning and boning, heavy cutting, carving, bushcraft and hunting knife. Its proving to be great knife in the bush.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/IMG_0188_zps642eac7e.jpg) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/tradtusker/media/IMG_0188_zps642eac7e.jpg.html)
Some good cuts to for my hands as well.
The handle is Giraffe leg bone I cut from a bull giraffe bone one hunting season back home. Its my favorite knife handle material, very hard, adds a nice weight to the back of the knife, looks great.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/IMG_0191_zpse3287f5a.jpg) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/tradtusker/media/IMG_0191_zpse3287f5a.jpg.html)
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/IMG_1267_zps084738da.jpg) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/tradtusker/media/IMG_1267_zps084738da.jpg.html)
Stump,
I'm with you, but I have the Izula II,which has a slightly longer handle. I'd hate to think of all the knives I've field dressed deer with that I sold/traded, but the little ESSE is a keeper . I have no idea how folks go up into the chest cavity to cut the esophagus with those long blades. Maybe the deer I kill are just too small, lol! My second choice would be a Wyoming knife and keep one of those in my pack for paunch work.
I like my Big Case pocket knife the best
My favorite all time is the Buck Ranger 112 FG for finger groove. Unfortunately mine is somewhere near an elk gut pile in the Hoback Canyon and I can find one online. Everyone is showing it out of stock.
D.P.
I've carried my Uncle Henry LB 7 for over 28 years. I also like to take along my Buck 110, my Case double Finn SS, and my early 1960's Bear Bowhunters Kit.
Oh, I would love to get a custom someday!! Gene Wensel did a small article in the PBS magazine a while back on his custom's. Some nice looking knives!
I carry a randall #25 6" for mountain man stuff (Finisher/hacker/fighter) and a Swafford autumn hunter for dressing/caping/boning. I could get by with just the swafford if it had a 6" blade.......
An other knife, made by a french cutler and my bow!
(http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/877084materiel.jpg) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=877084materiel.jpg)
A lot of what makes the perfect field knife is what you are hunting. If it is normal sized whitetail deer and smaller, I prefer a fairly small knife with a blade length of 3 1/2 inches or less. If it is Asiatic buffalo, a blade length of 4 to 5 inches with more thickness to the blade is better. For elephant and hippo, a 5 to 7 inch blade of very sturdy metal stock is nice to have, along with a good axe. Andy Ivy's custom knife is perfect for the hunting he provides in Australia. Interesting that his initials (and those of his dad, Allan Ivy) are the same as for Artificial Intelligence. :D My initials, A.D., are the same as for Artificial Dumbness. :confused:
Allan
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd238/calebmichael2003/IMG_20120320_183955.jpg) (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/calebmichael2003/media/IMG_20120320_183955.jpg.html)
My EDC, Blind Hores Knives Frontier Valley Patch.
QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
I know mine does not fit in with all of you guys custom knives, but there is a reason. I am sharpening challenged and can't hardly sharpen a butter knife. My favorite knife is my Havalon Piranta. It has scalpel blades that you just replace when they get dull!
Bisch
Havalon for me too Bisch. Best skinner going. I also carry a longer Helle knife I put together for butchering/quartering elk. [/b]
i have finally admitted that i suck at sharpening anything at all as well. just picked up the new Havalon Bolt model (thicker, sturdier blades than the original). luckily, my buddy with a KME system is willing to sharpen my broad heads.
it's on my bucket list to finally learn how to sharpen stuff one day :mad:
I am as big a knife junkie as there is and its hard to beat a quality clip folder for a constant companion. When its time to work on an animal I use the model I used every day at work for thirty years and the one the guys at the packing houses use the most, Forschner 6" boning semi-flex blade. I could easily stop looking at anything else..but I don't. Tom.
Nothing beat a piranta for back packing. light, small, easy to carry a couple extra blades.
QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
I know mine does not fit in with all of you guys custom knives, but there is a reason. I am sharpening challenged and can't hardly sharpen a butter knife. My favorite knife is my Havalon Piranta. It has scalpel blades that you just replace when they get dull!
Bisch
Havalon for me too Bisch. Best skinner going. I also carry a longer Helle knife I put together for butchering/quartering elk. [/b]
I am the same way (sharpening challenge) and use a havalon piranta. The blades aren't as strong as most knives but they sure are sharp...work great for skinning.
Does anyone here like the Fred Eichler knife? I've been eying that for a while now.
White Falcon - Is that a small fire starter, or sharpening steel? ...Thanx
My oldest brother is one of those "multi-talented" individuals that does a whole lot of things very well. He surprised me a couple of years ago with a custom knife that he made especially for me for skinning deer. Most I ever paid for a knife for hunting was $29.99. Talk about did not know what I was missing! This is my go to knife. Thanks bro!
(http://i.imgur.com/ZVcEZAJ.jpg)
Oops, didn't realize this thread was that old.
my vintage boy scout knife---
marbles woodcraft- boy scout model---from40's
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj319/kittitiny/fooseball036.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/kittitiny/media/fooseball036.jpg.html)
every knife i own
I have a Buck Tactical folder and a CRKT Bwanna in my back pocket all the time. The Bucklite with a camo nylon sheath that I got when I was 12. Carry a custom skinner I got off ***********, a Mora Clipper is also always in my pack, and just started carrying a Ka-Bar BK5.
:thumbsup:
Buck Model 110 and Super Leatherman with saw, regular straight blade and a serrated blade.
Buck 110 and Case Trapper have been my companions on most hunts. I always skin with the trapper and have gutted a bunch with it too.
Don't forget the small game knives. This Camillus small game knife is the best for rabbits, pheasants, ducks, geese, etc. I've owned it since the 60s.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_0568.jpg)
Another favorite for small game is this Western L488 I bought in 1956 when I was 12 with my own money.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_0696.jpg)
Yeah, it would say "If you weren't such a lousy shot I'd have had more work."
Man! If that Camillus could talk.... :thumbsup:
Old Timer "Little Finger". Not much to look at, but its a REAL knife. Great steel, takes and holds an incredible edge, and works like an extension of one's hand. Made in USA back when it meant something. My ole pappy gave it to me when I was a teen. Gosh, has it really been that long ago. That ole friend has peeled skin of many a game.
Tim
I own some great knives, but my Buck 112 was my go to knife until I lost it a few years back. My Keith Murr drop point skinner was on my belt this entire hunting season, with a Knives of Alaska "Muskrat" in a neck sheath on my neck. If your not familiar with the "Muskrat" take a look at the Knives of Alaska web page. It is a first class piece that holds a great edge. Teresa Asbell provided me with the neck sheath. :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by RAGHORN 3:
Man! If that Camillus could talk.... :thumbsup:
Yeah, it would say "If you weren't such a lousy shot I'd be out of your pocket more often."
QuoteOriginally posted by Ric O'Shay:
Need I say more?
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/Randall25-5.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/Randall25-5.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg.html)
Every time I see a Randall my heart flutters a litte. Anyone have a Moran to show.
I like to switch them up. The top is a Case double Finn. That's been getting the most use that last few years. I take my Buck 110 every no and then. The Schrade Uncle Henry LB 5 is ALLWAYS with me. I've had it for 31 years, I bought it knife when I was 14 at the local hardware store. The Bowhunters Kit is a relatively recent addition to my belt. I wear that when I hunt with a vintage Bear or my Red Wing Hunter.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg.html)
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg.html)
I used a Randall Trapper this year for all my work. It made quick work of the cow elk and eight deer I bow killed. Just a little blade touch up between each animal. I bought the knife from a fellow Trad Gang member and love it.
Buck Lite
I have other knives but the Buck Lite goes on every trip
I always have a knife on me; its paramount. I also have a very bad tendency to abuse what I use in order to get the job done which has led to many broken knives. These were broken on job related tasks not game related... ka bar folder, small gerber folder, buck hunter folder, larger gerber folder and some I can't really remember.
The knife on my backpack at all times is a fixed gerber 4inch blade with the gator grip, I like it most for cutting fish when its cold and for small camp related duties. I have a 7 inch wusthof fillet knife that I use while butchering, mom wanted it to match my cutlery (great christmas present mom!!!) :) I use a large 9" fixed blade ka bar while butchering (like a sturdy blade that I don't have to worry about dropping on the ground like my kitchen knives) For field dressing I use whatever knife I have on me... I keep them all sharp so anything works. But to answer the OPs question... my favorite has to be that 2" gerber folder that I broke a couple years ago. It fit in the pocket easily, not noticeable while carrying at all, only broke because I was using it as a screw driver...
For many years I carried a Case Sodbuster folding pocket knife.
Lately, I have carried a Browning lock back folding knife and a Gerber belt knife that I have had so long I just can't recall the model numbers. Now that I generally carry a haversack, it is easier to transport multiple knives.
Also, a couple of years ago I picked up a fairly large Roach Belly belt knife from Lucas Bullington in Alabama. I like it a lot, but is more a camp chore knife rather than a hunting knife.
The one knife I always carry every day, whether hunting or not, is a CRKT lock back folder, which is both suited for general utility work and tactical applications.
My constant carry is a now 20+ year old Leatherman tool of a style no longer made.
I have two 'woods knives'. My general purpose cleaning, skinning, cutting knife is a classic 6" Green River spearpoint with a handle I made myself. Plus I have a 12" Cold Steel Kukri that I use for bushwacking, chopping, digging, etc.
I have the Buck Alpha UL folder with the CPM s30V steel blade and the little saw. The saw comes in handy for small pruning chores and the S30V is the first blade I've owned that can process a whole elk without touchup.
Buck Vanguard or a Schrade Sharpfinger is what I use the most.
Here is mine
A homemade skinner made out of an edger blade and ground/filed to shape with an Osage orange handle
(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y479/Wolfshead1/82dc10d73a09616f87540869d3e41899_zps5829bad6.jpg)
I typically carry a small folder all the time...more of the clip style semi tactical looking....so that is my go to knife for any utility work.
Out in field I usually carry one of these.....left to right:
1. RBH damascus fixed blade...picked up couple years ago and very good heavy duty blade for skinning or breaking down shoulders and ribs even...
2. Original Buffalo Skinner, Solingen Germany blade...got this when I was a Cub Scout back in late 60s or early 70s....name engraved...carried if my entire youth and up through highschool. Skinned deer, ducks, squirrels, raccoons, cut branches, whittled projects for scouts, everything. It is mostly retired now.
3. Anza skinner...bought in 98 by mark on tang...when I was at ETAR. Great little knife for small game and birds...or for caping. Blades on Anza knives of this type are all re-used files...very hard and hold an edge. Mostly upland use these days.
4.Buck 112...received this for my 17th birthday (1980)...date on one side and initials on other from father. My first ADULT KNIFE...carried for most of adult life until about 1999 when I put it in gun safe and started carrying the more easily replaceable Gerber my buddy gave me that was a Muzzy promotional knife..it stays in my backpack..this one is retired as well.
5. Outdoor Edge Whitetail Skinner...bought from Paul Brunner when he had Screaming Eagle catalog going....this thing has skinned, field dressed or broke down around 100 deer, few hogs and a few nutria when I was in Md. Great knife for what it was developed...sure handed, field dressing and skinning knife. I am finally having to sharpen the gut hook this year. It goes in field with me for all big game either in backpack or on belt.
Favorite if I picked one would be the damascus skinner overall for heft, wide range of game or camp chores without being a bowie or larger camp knife...holds edge well and good grip with the slabs on side. Then my Whitetail Skinner is next for overall use and function.
10 years ago it would be my Buck 112...but that thing is now something I will pass down.
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408538666.jpg)
Also, mostly have my Shrew Hawk when campin gout and hunting hogs. :campfire:
I bought my dad one of the outdoor edge swing-blades for christmas and I really enjoy it. Other than that I have used a Cutco hunting knife, a cheap pocket knife (old reliable) and a new potential favorite is this NWTF sponsor knife my dad got. It's a 3 inch knife made by Blackjack Blades (http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i433/matthewbolton1/AF3F51C4-93AB-4D45-96DA-5A43109F4055.jpg) (http://s1093.photobucket.com/user/matthewbolton1/media/AF3F51C4-93AB-4D45-96DA-5A43109F4055.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by Sean B:
I like to switch them up. The top is a Case double Finn. That's been getting the most use that last few years. I take my Buck 110 every no and then. The Schrade Uncle Henry LB 5 is ALLWAYS with me. I've had it for 31 years, I bought it knife when I was 14 at the local hardware store. The Bowhunters Kit is a relatively recent addition to my belt. I wear that when I hunt with a vintage Bear or my Red Wing Hunter.
Gotta love those old classics!
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg.html)
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg.html)
A big Case folder gets all the work done I need to do in the field.
Outdoor edge swingblaze and Cutco drop point for field dressing and game processing
Esee RC-4 for tough outdoor work.
The one I carry most while hunting is a BuckLite. Too bad they recently quit making them.
For a fixed blade I really like a Helle. Much easier to get super sharp compared to most stainless blades.
I also carry a Leatherman for all the other stuff one needs to do while hunting.
I use my Bark Rivers, the Bravo 1 or the Canadian Special:
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p525/FlyingDutchman25/Archery%20Stuff/b3v_blue_gold_elder_379_95_zps1ecbd619.jpg)
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p525/FlyingDutchman25/Archery%20Stuff/Can_Spl_AIM_S_zps7f1839f2.jpg)
for dressing and feild work I like a small knife
Really dont need an ax to feild dress a deer.
Quartering is a different story
I like a blade around 2.5 inches
I bought a knife made by Lucas Bullington last year. It has become my main cary knife when I am in the woods. It is the best knife that I have owned. Well worth the money.
I have recently found another knife maker whose stuff I really like. John and Boone Bradley, have been friends of mine for several years. I don't yet have one of my own but several friends have highly recommended them. They make both the big Bowie styles as well as small, practical hunting knives, including damascus. They regularly attend the TBOF shoots and the Alafia Rendezvous in Florida. As an extra bonus, Boone's wife is producing some very nice bead work.
for almost 40 years now I have carried a 3 inch drop point hunter sold by Smith and Wesson in the mid 70s. it has a laminated wood handle and what I believe is 440c for the blade. For the last 2 years I have never gone anywhere without my AG Russell "cowboy" folder. Its big for a pocketknife, utilitarian but classy. It rides nice in my back pocket next to my wallet
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/cahabarivr/PCDAVID/Pictures/2014-01-29/100_0897-Copy.jpg) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/cahabarivr/media/PCDAVID/Pictures/2014-01-29/100_0897-Copy.jpg.html)
L.>R. Ontario SP51,Buck Vanguard,Schrade Sharpfinger,Schrade SC507,Puma 270 and my favorite is this little Schrade folder with a 2.5 in. blade 6 in. overall
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/cahabarivr/PCDAVID/Pictures/2014-01-29/1afec298-cdaf-4c86-958b-72219e3639f3.jpg) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/cahabarivr/media/PCDAVID/Pictures/2014-01-29/1afec298-cdaf-4c86-958b-72219e3639f3.jpg.html)
Schrade 2.5 in. blade,6 in. overall
From having access to crop damage permits and very liberal/unlimited antlerless tags, we've gutting hundreds and hundreds of deer at my place and neighbor farms.
I've used some really great custom knives and some standard "Buck" type knives.
That said, the #1 knife for gutting deer is any of the Puma 4 Star's made in the 1970's and 1980's. You can still find them on the auction site for $100-400, but make absolutely certain it's the old German ones, not the newer German stamped ones. Totally different steel and fit.
Here's a couple stock pictures. I have all 3 of these and 2 stag handles. I'm going to give each of my kids one...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac19/SERE_photos/Singels/Puma/0b405d4f.jpg)
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac19/SERE_photos/Singels/Puma/1c5d383c.jpg)
Im cheap , i like the mora line of knifes , tuff , light , and scary sharp plus i dont worry about getting it bloody or wet .
I like those Pumas Mojo. :thumbsup:
Like those Mora's as well. :thumbsup:
my 2 most used knives. The izula is in my pocket every day. the esee 4 is always with me in the field. They are my 2 favorite hard use knives. Both of them together make a perfect do everything team.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg133/jasonsamko/IMG_20140129_214337297_zpsa858c940.jpg) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/jasonsamko/media/IMG_20140129_214337297_zpsa858c940.jpg.html)
I like this one. It's a Wyoming knife. Compact, light, sharp, replaceable blades. Quick gut work. $25
(http://i.imgur.com/oARt7Wj.jpg)
So here is my pair, a Northwoods Folder and a Gabe Ables Fixed Blade with a Teaschner sheath
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Suty15/0dbade72855c5cffba3b856c580fae77.jpg)
:banghead:
:banghead: :banghead: :biglaugh:
The knife I have used the most and will not hunt without is my Buck Kalinga Model 401 which has a rosewood handle.
Overall length is about 10 1/8" with a 5" blade. It is a thick, heavy bladed knife, with a pronounced curve that is excellent for gutting, skinning, and quartering any big game animal. I have used it on deer, antelope, elk, caribou, and hogs.
And just like the AMEX commercial use to say,... "Don't leave home without it!"
I don't have any photos to post here but you can find pics on the big auction site.
reddogge,
Here's a unique Moran blade...but you need to be a bladesmith to really appreciate it. An original forged blank by Bill Moran. This is where they start (picture from the Atlanta Blade Show). For me this is the best to see how he worked his hammer...tippit
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv6%3B%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D399854%3B%3A6632%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv7596%3Dot%3E2395%3D%3C78%3D763%3DXROQDF%3E2%3A8947532423%3Bot1lsi)
I carry a 24 year old Buck folder that has a green plastic handle..it may be a 110 bucklite? I also carry a Gerber folding Gator with "gut hook". In 2012 A friend gave me a nice used Randall #21 for my 50th Birthday. I have cleaned 4 deer with it so far. I showed my #21 to a Randall dealer, he took pics of it and said the blade shape was not like the other #21's he had seen.so mine is a rare one..
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
(http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/laclair_skiner_splash.jpg)
I carry a LaClair Skinner. It's a great knife and I think it's an incredible value.
As Allan mentioned above, there's some incredible talent on Tradgang when it comes to knife building. I'm reminded of the value of that talent every time I see a joint effort auctioned off on St. Judes Auction. Hopefully we'll see another joint effort this June-for the kids of course.
My Doug Campbell knives. They have cleaned a lot of game. Only sharpening needed is a quick strop on leather or a steel. Awesome craftsmanship .
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/MGERARDI_2007/DSCF1399_zps01154338.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/MGERARDI_2007/media/DSCF1399_zps01154338.jpg.html)
I skinned a quartered an entire cow moose with a fold up havalon. Use it on all my deer too.
I've skinned and boned four moose with a Havalon. Last year I thought I was going to have to be airlifted after I slipped and stuck the blade into my wrist and began projectile bleeding.
I folded my wrist over and wrapped it tight with a game bag and it finally clotted. BE CAREFUL WITH HAVALONS...
~CB
Havalons also are great deboneing knives
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/IMG_20140130_181446_888_zpsuslqwddf.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/IMG_20140130_181446_888_zpsuslqwddf.jpg.html)
Here's one I made myself 3 years ago. It's been through over 70 deer, 12 hogs, 8 coons & 3 beaver. All from field to freezer, along with countless camp-chores & kitchen duty. As far as I'm concerned, it's THE perfect hunting knife.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/IMG_20140130_181446_888_zpsuslqwddf.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/robtattoo/media/IMG_20140130_181446_888_zpsuslqwddf.jpg.html)
Here's one I made myself 3 years ago. It's been through over 70 deer, 12 hogs, 8 coons & 3 beaver. All from field to freezer, along with countless camp-chores & kitchen duty. As far as I'm concerned, it's THE perfect hunting knife.
Here are a couple I carry...tippit
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63568%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3C334485%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3A6%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D39654296%3A232%3Cnu0mrj)