Been snooping around TradGang for knife reviews and have found a few good things said out there, but I'm curious what people are using for knives for Whitetail hunting. I'm currently using a Helle Harding- nothing can replace it in my mind- I love it. But I'm looking for something maybe a little smaller. Any thoughts?!?
Swafford Knives makes a very nice knife. He is a sponsor. I'm sure any of the other sponsors make great knives too.
My favorite is a Rowen Izula II carried as a neck knife.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN1142_zps2a6bb7c2.jpg)
But any small, full blade of good steel will do as well. This isn't rocket surgery.
Another vote for Swafford Knives. I now have two of them and they are outstanding.
Also vote for Swafford blades,sharpen easy,hold a good edge. They have a good range of sizes. (http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae298/bfreese_2010/086.jpg)
I don't what "best" might be but it seems to me that another Helle would be pretty hard to beat. Few blades can take such a sharp edge.
QuoteOriginally posted by Longbowz:
I don't what "best" might be but it seems to me that another Helle would be pretty hard to beat. Few blades can take such a sharp edge.
I agree. Dryad (sponsor) sells their knives (either the full knife w/ sheath, or just the blade and you DIY the handle & sheath). They have quite a few smaller blades, and the blade-only options are VERY affordable.
Other than that, I can't think of anything that is comparable quality for the price. But, if affordability is not a major consideration, there are quite a few of our fellow Trad-gangers that make beautiful custom knives that I'm sure are well worth their price when you consider that they are functional pieces of art, with superb craftsmanship.
Don't know if that helps any, but that's my 2 cents, FWIW.
-Tony
I'm with Stumpkiller, Izula II is hard to beat. When you go up into a chest cavity to cut the esophagus I don't know how folks come out with all their fingers using those big blades. I carry mine in the Kydex sheath w/belt clip. Things hanging around my neck don't get along well with my bowstrings, lol!
Swafford knives for me as well. Dressed/boned out 7 deer one year before touching the blade lightly on a stone. Like the autumn hunter but the fin/feather is a delight to carry as well. Quality knive from a maker who makes them start to finish.
I really like that fin and feathers model. I'm by no means an expert when it comes to field dressing but I feel like I can get away with something that small for whitetail right? (Feeling like a novice here!)
Doesn't take a large knife to field dress a deer. I wouldn't have a problem using the fin and feather.
Another question with no definitive answer. Use what you like, what you can afford, what you have...
Maybe I should re-phrase the question: what are some good quality fixed blade knives and knife-makers out there that people have used, have pictures of maybe, and want to recommend? Keith you are right- there is no definitive answer here, just looking for some suggestions. Thanks everyone who has commented.
Many good ones out there......best one is a sharp one....... :thumbsup:
for 99.999% of all hunting applications anything from a sharpened butter knife to the finest 2500 dollar knife will work the same. 99% of people are just using the knife to gut a deer and that only takes 2 minutes of actual cut time.
So any knife you like the looks, feel, and style of is going to work great.
Whe you get into bushcraft, traps, shelters, survival stuff and other hard use knife utilities you need to start thinking hard about what you need a knife to do and its features.
There are sooo many great knives out there in all price ranges. Its best to get your hands around some and see what fees best to you.
Me personally i love the esee knives. as mentioned above the izula knife is one of my all time favorites. I carry that knife every day. its a perfect size do almost everything knife that sharpens very fast and easy and will out last me.
best bet is to hit a couple stores and play with a few and see what you like best.
Great points LB_hntr.
I've been looking at Kestrel Knives. They remind me of the Izula knives. Anybody use 'em?
My favorite knives are all Bucks! Super easy to sharpen and stay sharp for a long time. My second favorite would have to go to my Mulea knife. The Mulea's are not a well known knife here in the states but the blade is made in Spain and then assembled here or was when I bought mine years ago. Really great knife!
For skinning and deboning, you can't beat the Havalon knife with replaceable blades. Just watch your fingers, they are worst than broadheads!
Field dressing, now that's a different story. I'd want a small tough blade for that. Plenty to choose from.
For the price and quality I think a mora companion is about as good as it gets.
A Shrew Skinner really shines.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k640/lmyers2/2013-11-06184820.png) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/lmyers2/media/2013-11-06184820.png.html)
Get out of this forum and go look at the Knife Makers forum here - those are some nice ones and there are some exceptional smiths here on trad gang - both in skill and title.
Another vote for the Izula. It's great little workhorse of a knife.
Definitely gonna look into the izulas some more. Great form and size, reviews, and price!
I use a Mora companion in Sandvik stainless. Excellent for the money (415). Easily replaced, and you can stick it in the dishwasher if it gets really gunky. Super easy to sharpen.
(http://images.nitrosell.com/product_images/7/1748/large-mora11827.jpg)
I've carried everything from 400+ dollar customs to SAKs, and I definitely like the Moras for a deer processing knife. For a pocket knife, I'm currently carrying a GEC Bullnose in green linen micarta with an O1 blade.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/ManOwaR669/20131228_130155_zps7e1a0b3d.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Another question with no definitive answer. Use what you like, what you can afford, what you have...
I completely agree with Keith.
For what it's worth, I've been using the same Buck 102 knife for deer ever since I started hunting - sentimental reasons more than anything related to performance. My Dad won it in a muzzleloader shoot when I was a kid and gave it to me. I'll pass it down to my son when he starts hunting.
Any will do. It's all about how sharp it is and whether or not you can sharpen it.
Doug Campbell caper
Randall model 26 Pathfinder
Marbles mini caper
QuoteOriginally posted by olddogrib:
I'm with Stumpkiller, Izula II is hard to beat. When you go up into a chest cavity to cut the esophagus I don't know how folks come out with all their fingers using those big blades. I carry mine in the Kydex sheath w/belt clip. Things hanging around my neck don't get along well with my bowstrings, lol!
Totally understand. I had the same problem with chest hair until I changed my style and started wearing clothing while shooting and hunting. ;) :archer:
^^^^ bwahahaha!!! Thanks for the visual Stumpkiller!
lot's of great knives.
While I enjoy my "buck" knives, the knife I carry in the field and both skin and debone my deer with the most is the swedish military survival knife: Fallkniven F1. VG10 steel.
I went with the zytel sheath for cleaning the blood purposes...
http://tinyurl.com/ofuhex8
Thanks for all the tips guys.
Buck Pathfinder
Anything with an edge will do. I carry one of my own, but I'll use whatever's handy.
QuoteA Shrew Skinner really shines.
http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/LaClair_Skinner1.JPG)
I love all the custom stuff as much as anyone, especially just to own them for display like the artwork they certainly are. Personally my favorite knife for a work horse is a Mora. The best part is the economical price. Therefore a fella doesn't feel like he has to baby such a prized possession as a fine piece of cutlery. I own several styles and really like them all. Chuck at Two Tracks is where I got mine.
Like Bows, Knives Are Very Personal. Everybody Likes What They Have Been Using. Dont Buy Bottom End And You Should Be Fine. After Saying That, Expensive Does Not Immediately Make It Good.
Find A Design That Makes You Smile, Get It In A Color (Wood) You Like, And Make Sure It Is Made Of Decent Steel. Easy Enough. . . (Right. . . ).
chuckc
That shrew skinner has been at the top of my list of knives to someday buy.
1095 steel. heat treated the right way, lanyard hole and portion of tang exposed, perfect size and great price.
Very well made knife and i will own one as soon as i convince myself i need another knife.
If you haven't checked out his work before, give LON HUMPHREY knives a look. His knives are 100% handmade out of quality steel such as 5160, 10xx series, or W2. I have one of his Brute De Forge Nessmuk knives given to me as a gift by my brother and I'm totally thrilled with it. Wonderful edge and feels great in the hand, and very affordable. He also happens to have a smaller field dress knife called "the Whitetail". He has a website if you google him.
I will go with my Swafford also, a little pricey but worth every penny in my book, not only a great knife but one you will want to show off every chance you get
The best one is the one someone else is using to gut your game . LOL but i really like the Bear and Sons bird and trout knife around $20 and made in USA
carry two good knives.......one for getting into the deer and doing the basics....and another to not contaminate the meat incase the first gets dirty...I read this once and think it is a good idea....because to me its all about the table fare when your done
QuoteOriginally posted by trubltrubl:
carry two good knives.......one for getting into the deer and doing the basics....and another to not contaminate the meat incase the first gets dirty...I read this once and think it is a good idea....because to me its all about the table fare when your done
Now there's a really good idea. I guess your never too old to learn eh !!! :thumbsup:
Cold Steel Pendleton. Full size not the mini. J.Michael
I have had a Helle knife for a long time. It is so nice that I hate to use it.
For nearly 40 years I have been using a Green River knife. They won't break the bank when purchasing and they are easy to sharpen. Nearly all the butchers use them. They come in many shapes.
I'm glad I'm not as picky about my knives as I am with my bows (couldn't afford it). Been using an old Schrade lock blade since I got it as a gift in my early teens. I knew an old timer in NW Wisconsin who field dressed more deer than I can count with an old Uncle Henry pocket knife. Anything sharp will work on a whitetail.
Hard to find, but my Gladstone Mi made Marbles Fieldcraft is my favorite small Hunter.
Fantastic knife