Trad Gang

I will always have my Havalon Piranta with me for skinning/caping and quartering as it is super light and very handy.  

However it is a very weak blade, and I could use a new knife as a late Christmas gift I'm thinking!

I do have a new bow coming-chechen riser w/bocote or cocobolo flair.....

What's your favorite knife to carry w/you in the woods?

Doesn't necessarily have to be a belt knife, never had a neck sheath before!

I just bought a Buck Vanguard for my dad for Christmas (he doesn't know yet!), and I'm afraid one may end up in my collection too! Felt great in the hand, and it feels like the perfect size.  Plus, I'm a huge fan of Buck's 420 steel;  many scoff at it because it's not S30V or whatever, but it sharpens so well, and I've had great luck with it holding a good edge for me.

My new received today ...LaClair voyageur...

The Buck 112 I had for 30 years and recently lost.

I have a number of knives and to tell you the truth my favorite is the buck Vangaurd with the rubber handle.  Have used it a lot and just fits me so well and keeps a keen edge.

Keith Murr Hunter

It's hard to pick a favorite knife!  While I'm deer hunting I like to carry my Dad's old Western sheath knife on my belt.  Perfect size for taking care of a deer.

For a lot of everything else (cooking and kitchen work), I like the shape and feel of a sharp old, USA made Shrade Oldtimer Sharpfinger.  And then I have a couple knives made by Clarence (aka Skullworks, a sponsor here), a real nice Ron LaClair Skinner and a few Buck 102s and 105s that also are my favorites.

Like I said, It's hard to pick a favorite knife!

Gee that's a hard question long answer kinda hard to pick one kinda thing ya know...

Gossman
Adventure Sworn
Bruseletto
Knives of Alaska
Dave Rickie
Jarrod Stone Dahl
White Feather Forge

These are the ones I've carried the most the last couple of years....they all work....

Check out Lon Humphrey's knives.

for me it's a lil shaver neck knife from LaClair Archery

My Schrade Uncle Henry LB 5. I've had this knife for over 25 years, maybe 30 yrs, can't quite remember

  (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/photo1_zps64bc1274.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/photo1_zps64bc1274.jpg.html)

Laclair Voyageur
Buck 110
Mora 155 & 150
Schrade Sharpfinger
and the list will go on and on as time goes by.....  :coffee:

Favorite knife for what?

I have a Gerber fixed blade, don't remember the model, but it is S30V steel and a gut hook.  It's a great knife that takes and holds and edge.  I did re-work the gut hook a little to make it work better.

I have probably 40 knives, and this is the one that's usually in my pack.

I had a buck vanguard for a few years until someone thought they needed it more than me.  Great knife, I will likely buy another some day.

That said my favourite, all round blade is my mora Fireknife.  It is always in my pack or round my neck.  Sharpens easy, is lite on the pocket book and I am a firm believer that you can never have too many methods to start a fire.  I deboned four deer with it in the field last year.

Would be a camp knife mainly. Wouldn't be used for prying or anything like that. And it's always nice to have a knife on your side.

Way too many knives in my inventory to pick a favorite, but this little necker seems to get a lot of use in dressing critters.
 (http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/fd6e856a.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/fd6e856a.jpg.html)
My everyday, everywhere carry is a Case pocketknife and a Leatherman tool.
There is no way on earth to have too many knives, and I am hoping to order another one (or two) after Christmas.

I have had a folding hunter for over 40 years.  Broke the tip capeing a deer about 20 years ago ground down the tip but ending up getting a new one anyway.  Gave the old one to my brother and he sent it back to buck and they sent him a new one.  I always keep it in my pack but I have a new favorite knife from Curt at the wood vault.
  (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sunstone/a84576e9-441e-4c73-99ef-1ca13b7b416c_zps1bbbafee.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/sunstone/media/a84576e9-441e-4c73-99ef-1ca13b7b416c_zps1bbbafee.jpg.html)

I am really liking the looks of that Laclair Skinner, anybody use these before?

BTW the buck folding hunter 110 is 50 years old.  They are selling a 50 year anniversary special knife.

Bill Rupple Damascus trapper

This currently is my favorite

 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/jawboneknife_zpsb28f2eae.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/jawboneknife_zpsb28f2eae.jpg.html)

I carry a Buck Vanguard (while hunting) as well.  I liked it so much I bought a second, for when this one wears out. Trouble is, it isn't, so I gifted it to a good friend who lost his.

I found the guard (finger guard ?) was a touch long and wa a pain to get out of the sheath, so I ground  it down a bit and polished it back up.  It slides in and out easily now while still keeping the knife secure.

For every day carry, I have a small Hess made belt knife (Bark River) that I love.  It is always on my side.

CHuckC

Anything from Lin Rhea, Im about to place an order with the man.

It always seems like my favorite is the one I'm working on at the current time.

For an all around fixed blade on my belt I really like the Buck Endeavor.  For cleaning fish/field dressing elk or deer I don't think you can beat the Cold Steel Mini Pendleton Hunter or the Buck 113.  The blades are small, but you don't need a big knife to gut a deer, rather a good point and a sharp edge.

Buck Woodsman fixed blade / Spyderco Military folder.

I almost forgot we have some incredible knife makers right here on the 'Gang:

TGer  "srtben" = Ben Tendick (whoa what amazing blades!)

TGer "Skullworks" = C. Smitherman  (some really handsome knives)

Don't forget about Swafford knives, believe he is back at work in his new shop in Idaho. I have 3 of his and believe me for holding an edge his are hard to beat.

My buck woodsman, a childhood friend gave it to me as a birthday gift before my first hunting season. That knife has been on every hunt I've ever been on, cleaned up countless game animals and is worth 10 times the replacement cost to me. I would literally weep if I ever lost that blade.

Whatever knife you choose I would recommend a horizontal carry sheath.  I just got one and it is the most comfortable way to carry I have found.  I forget I have it on until I need it.

I really like Knives Of Alaska or Blackjack Knives...D2 and A2 steel...I've seen a bunch of customs on here I'd LOVE to have , they are functional works of art for sure...

Lin Rhea stag handle hunter

Lin Rhea stag handle hunter

That's tough. I have a lot of knives that I like.

For bowhunting I have two that I treasure.

My Izula II carried as a neck knife - this is a field dressing champion.  Small, sharp and 100% useful.  This is my go-to knife for field dressing whitetails.

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN1142_zps2a6bb7c2.jpg)

And my Benchmade Activator 201 in D2 steel - takes a mediocre edge and holds it forever.  Seriously, it was a BEAR to initially get where I wanted but with diamond stones like an LMK it will take a nice edge.

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM2424.jpg)

My Favorite........a sharp one!!

My favorite is a Buck Vanguard with the wooden handle. I reshaped the handle to my liking. It has good steel and sharpens easy. If I had the money I would by a Bark River with 3v steel.

For big game hunting knives I like a Case trapper and a Ray Kirk MBS.  A Case muskrat for small game.

Spyderco native folder cp41.  Sv30 steel, light and a great profile.   It won't win a beauty contest compared to the sentimental favs out there for most.... BUT it earned its spot on my hip gutting and quartering an elk. At the end of that process it was still sharp enough to do another one.  The design is very well thought out.

I have a couple of custom damascus blade knives being made right now...I have a feeling they are about to become my favourites...although I do not collect knives exactly I do accumulate them...the thing I like most about these is I am getting a Robertson Wolfer thrown in on the deal

DDave

I've a standard Izula that I use a lot. Great size.

 (http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1419399294_zps873e1465.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1419399294_zps873e1465.jpg.html)
I purchased this knife almost 20yrs ago from a friend, Dave Ruana. This RHR Grand FK1 has traveled with me ever since on all my hunts.  I love the balance, heft, and size. This FK 1 boned out a whole elk a few years back without a touch up. Once when I was in his shop space for whatever reason, he whipped me up a stringer for my recurve. I am still using both.   :)  I thought i should post the two of them together.   :)

Case Trapper and a Buck 110.

Since I carry this one every day of my life I guess it would be my favorite.

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_1970.jpg)

My suggestion would be that you have a matching piece of the chechen sent to Ron and placed on one of his skinners.  Cross draw sheath of course.

Having said that, I do love my Havalon for skinning though.  Simply can't beat it.  Really no need for anything else except a meat saw.

there are way too many good knives to chose, with lots having quite inexpensive price tags, yet are high in overall quality.  i just look for a decent carbon steel in the blade.  

i prefer smaller knnives in the 2-1/2" to 3" blade length.  don't take length to skin most any critter large or small as long as the blade is Scary Sharp.   can be worn as a neck knife or added to yer quiver, or on yer belt, and stows easily most anywhere.  
(http://i.imgur.com/wZg5mkh.jpg)

i see absolutely no need for a long blade unless yer in a survival situation and need to cut down trees as well as skin skwerls.
(http://i.imgur.com/AhIArmg.jpg)

the gfs knives are excellent quality and value, imho.  sharpen well, very durable.  skinned a hog with one, quite satisfied with its performance.  and they look olde tyme cool, to boot.  highly recommended.
(http://i.imgur.com/dJPtKIB.jpg)

i've handled and sheathed quite a few helle blades, i like 'em lots, all are fine.
(http://i.imgur.com/SKeoslo.jpg)

QuoteOriginally posted by Stumpkiller:
That's tough. I have a lot of knives that I like.

For bowhunting I have two that I treasure.

My Izula II carried as a neck knife - this is a field dressing champion.  Small, sharp and 100% useful.  This is my go-to knife for field dressing whitetails.

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN1142_zps2a6bb7c2.jpg)

And my Benchmade Activator 201 in D2 steel - takes a mediocre edge and holds it forever.  Seriously, it was a BEAR to initially get where I wanted but with diamond stones like an LMK it will take a nice edge.

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM2424.jpg)

I think that Izula II is gonna be my next knife!  Love the layout and specs!  Seems to be a super blade for the price.

custom silver stag antler handled crown knife that was presented to me by the council of the traditional archers of new jersey - an awesome knife!  i'm afraid to take it in the woods!    :D  

 (http://i.imgur.com/BJzx4MI.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/9ivueFq.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/1LLWCBy.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/OGl8o0p.jpg)

That's a beauty Rob. I can see why you'd be afraid to take it in the woods.

I like my woodsman pro from Blind horse.   It is a stout blade for sure.  The dangler sheath is nice once you get used to it.

I carry a western stag handle like the knives in the Fred Bear kit. I've had it for over 30 years.

I to like a smaller blade for regular field dressing,have a knife made with s30v with a 21/2 in blade that works great but for total comfort and balance love my old Old timer sharpfinger with 1095 steel.

Here's my knife from Lin.
 (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/BeltBowie10_zpsee50aa09.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/BeltBowie10_zpsee50aa09.jpg.html)
 (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/BeltBowie8_zpsb6befb8a.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/BeltBowie8_zpsb6befb8a.jpg.html)

Some may think the blade is too large for hunting. Not me. It is actually a little over 5.5 inches. The balance is perfect and I can do almost everything with this knife. Caping, though, is a different matter.    :saywhat:

I have several Dozier knives and a couple of Fallknivens that are good, but my favorite skinning knife is a Spyderco special edition folder that is now made by another company under the name of the guy the knife is named after, although I can't think of his name right now.  The folder has a skinning blade on it and micarta handles and is very heavy duty.  Doziers are great but hard to find in certain models and the wait to have one made is quite long now.  A. G. Russell sometimes has them in stock, but not a great variety of models.

I use an AG Russell folding semi skinner. I generally like a small 3in semi skinner for all game processing. You need a sharp knife not a big one.

Do I like custom knives,  HECK YAH!!!!  Pricey though....I have a couple I would never part with.  That being said,  hands down my favorites and absolute best bang for the buck are production....ESEE!!!!  ANY ESEE!  Just a USA made,  no B.S. blade that is battle proven tuff,  made of good steel that is easy to keep razor sharp and holds its edge.  An ESEE will never let you down.  Best warranty in the business too....no questions AND transferable LIFE!  Do anything to it to cause damage,  ESEE will REPLACE!!! No questions asked!  The Izula II is also one of my favs and is with me always.  I currently keep 2 Izula II's, an ESEE 3,4 and a 6 I use periodicaly.  The Izulas and the 3 are my go-to's.

QuoteOriginally posted by bigbadjon:
I use an AG Russell folding semi skinner. I generally like a small 3in semi skinner for all game processing. You need a sharp knife not a big one.

Jonathan -
Do you know what is better than a small sharp knife? That's right! It is a big sharp knife.    :bigsmyl:

I dont have a "Keith Murr" knife per sey but I do have 2 customs made by his son Scott and another made by Rick Adams. Rick was trained by and worked for Keith for several years. All three knives are awesome hunting knives and can skin and quarter 3 to 4 deer and still b very sharp. That said my daily carry and most used is my yellow handle Case trapper with carbon blades given to me by my dad. Great knife that I love.

I have two favorites........a Schrade LB7 that's 35 years old and a Bark River Classic Drop Point Hunter with stag handle..............IJ

For field dressing deer I love my Buck Vanguard.  For general camp task and stuff I like my BHK Platoon Scout.  For bushcrafty type stuff and hiking I like my Skookum Bush Tool or my BHK boattail scandi.

I have lots of favorite knives!

For a production grade knife hard to beat the Knives of Alaska.  I love the bear cub.

QuoteOriginally posted by Ric O'Shay:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by bigbadjon:
I use an AG Russell folding semi skinner. I generally like a small 3in semi skinner for all game processing. You need a sharp knife not a big one.

Jonathan -
Do you know what is better than a small sharp knife? That's right! It is a big sharp knife.      :bigsmyl:   [/b]

Well I do also carry a 7in Marbles Trailmaker in my backpack for when things get heavy...

QuoteOriginally posted by Iowabowhunter:
I am really liking the looks of that Laclair Skinner, anybody use these before?

I've got one and really like it!  I'm able to put a shaving edge one it using a med. arkansas stone.  It's got a thick spine and the handle feels good in the hand.  I chose the canoe sheath which is my first of that style and I've discovered how handy it is.... I don't even know it's their till I need it.

 (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/09B935C2-F0BE-46A7-BCEB-41F2865A2C4C_zpsilaxnzgg.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/09B935C2-F0BE-46A7-BCEB-41F2865A2C4C_zpsilaxnzgg.jpg.html)

 (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/C439A1C3-F548-40F5-AF9A-98827535514A_zpssglemsfn.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/C439A1C3-F548-40F5-AF9A-98827535514A_zpssglemsfn.jpg.html)

All the photos are of very pretty knives - however if you just want a knife to get the work done, I have been using a "Green River" knife for nearly 30 years.  All the major butchers use Green River knives.  Easy to sharpen and keep sharp.

QuoteOriginally posted by Iowabowhunter:
I am really liking the looks of that Laclair Skinner, anybody use these before?

It's the knife I carry.

My current favorite camp knife is a big roach belly Colonial era knife made by Lucas Bullington.

QuoteOriginally posted by Sean B:
My Schrade Uncle Henry LB 5. I've had this knife for over 25 years, maybe 30 yrs, can't quite remember

    (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/photo1_zps64bc1274.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/photo1_zps64bc1274.jpg.html)  

Got one just like it, good knife! And for roughly the same number of yrs either 30 or knocking on the door!

Have the same above, Have a gerber I like as well. Have some others too.

For a fixed blade I like the ESEE knives. Good camping utility knife.

The havalon  scant be beat for taking care of the animal once it is down! First yr with one and clove it!

As factory knives Buck are hard to beat,as a custom I like our own Lin Rhea.

Tough to beat my Dozier

The Harvey King knife my kids just gave me for Christmas.  Have admired them for awhile now I have one!
 (http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc452/ghermon/Mobile%20Uploads/20141225_123333.jpg) (http://s1212.photobucket.com/user/ghermon/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141225_123333.jpg.html)

Kershaw Knockout (folder), Gerber Myth DP (fixed blade)  Standing in line for a LaClair Voyageur.  Have some Kar-Bar's, buck Tactical, CRKT that are carried from time to time.  Always have the Buck Lite with the camo nylon sheath that was one of my first hunting knives on my belt just for luck, it works good too.
 :thumbsup:

Wayne Depperschmidt drop point

 (http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq19/fnshtr/knifeonbuck_zps7eac5093.jpg) (http://s429.photobucket.com/user/fnshtr/media/knifeonbuck_zps7eac5093.jpg.html)

My brother made this knife about 15 years ago for my late Father-in-law. It was his 205th knife at that time. 440 stainless steel and sandbar stag. A little tough to sharpen, but stays sharp. It has my Father-in-laws initials and holds a lot of sentimental value to me. I've used it to field dress 3 deer this year.

Medium buck lite in my back pocket and a Hefner sheath knife on my belt don't ever use the sheath knife but I know it's there if needed

Light my fire Fireknife

The LsClair Skinner looks real good.  Hi, my name is Michael and I'm a Knife-a-holic.

I'm looking forward to getting back in my forge...been a rough 2014 with total knee replacement & just recently back surgery.  I'm really starting to feel human again.  I'll be pounding hot steel by the end of January.  Hopefully making a few more favorites...tippit

  (http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv8323%3Dot%3E2395%3D%3C78%3D763%3DXROQDF%3E2%3A7544976823%3Bot1lsi)

  (http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54436%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3B69%3A857632%3Cnu0mrj)

  (http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv368%3A%3Dot%3E2%3A9%3B%3D7%3B4%3D%3C%3B9%3D39%3A%3A7%3B4%3B%3C832%3Cnu0mrj)

A Tippit?  Now that's a special knife.

Glad to hear you are doing better Jeff.

Downunder Outback

Hard to beat a buck 112 or 110.  Carried one for years. I switched to a kersaw Alaskan blade trader over a decade ago and never looked back and won't ever own another hunting knife for the rest of my life.  Found my perfect knife.

I've always admired Jeff's (Tippet's) work with knives.  Simply beautiful.  Glad to hear you're feeling better Jeff.

There are my favorite knives...
 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/Eddysgunscabbard003.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/Eddysgunscabbard003.jpg.html)
The knife and sheath on the top, right was made by
Don Bruton(aka White Wolf), a blade smith from Pickens, SC, The one below that is an Atlanta Cutlery blade that a friend added the deer antler handle and gave to m for Christmas, 1988. I made the sheath. The hawk is from a railroad spine that Bobby Keller made for me, I made the sheath for it. Bobby also made the knife and sheath on the left, middle. I made the knife and sheath at the top left from a lawn edger blade. The knife and sheath below, left, was made by a friend and now resides in New Zealand with Jeff Bergoine.

My Keith Murr "Hunter" is usually on my belt or in my pack when I head out, and my Knives of Alaska "Muskrat" is in a neck sheath I got from Teresa Asbell. Great combination. If your not familier with the "Musk Rat" take a look. Keith Murr put one in his line of knives after seeing mine at a knife show a couple years back.    :campfire:

Hokie Smokes Pat!!   THATis quite a Fine Collection!! Do ya carry them   ALL at once?? I would have to have a "Batman Utility Belt" and Suspenders to keep m'drawers up!!   :clapper:    :clapper:

My go to is a Puma Pro skinner.

Been using one like this since the 80's. No need for me to look any further.

Grohmann #1 Belt Knife

 (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/grohmann_1_knife_zps36e0bf6c.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/grohmann_1_knife_zps36e0bf6c.jpg.html)

Just one at a time Shakes plus the hawk sometimes. My favorite is the Bobby Keller to the left center of the hawk but all have done their share.

Here's one I just added to the 'must have' list, Tops Cougar Claw.  3/16" thick full tang 1095 blade with a really nice textured finish, specs are great and looks like a great general purpose hunter-skinner:

 (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/217CF51C-5BBE-40B7-BAF7-54DEFB7900A6.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/217CF51C-5BBE-40B7-BAF7-54DEFB7900A6.jpg.html)

Skinned 5 deer this yr with a cheap little Mora Classic #1 in a neck sheath. Think I gave $12 for it. Very impressed!!! When I eventually lose or destroy it, I won't even shed a tear!

I'm partial to ESEE knives. I like the way they perform and love the warranty. My fav for bush crafting is the ESEE laser strike and for over night or multi night hammocking camping I'll usually grab the ESEE 6.

 (http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww94/buckstopshere/th_7cd188b3b10d0ac5022edb8a3e236a12_zpsdb0ffcbb.jpg) (http://s709.photobucket.com/albums/ww94/buckstopshere/?action=view¤t=7cd188b3b10d0ac5022edb8a3e236a12_zpsdb0ffcbb.jpg)

In the past, I've used the ESEE 3 to field dress but this year,mi decided to try a little Gerber razor blade knife my best bud picked up for $5 at Menards. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever use anything other than this again. It worked great.

 (http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww94/buckstopshere/th_AF56E284-AEB8-4E77-9AAF-79DA64E6F3EB_zpszuh3uwnt.jpg) (http://s709.photobucket.com/albums/ww94/buckstopshere/?action=view¤t=AF56E284-AEB8-4E77-9AAF-79DA64E6F3EB_zpszuh3uwnt.jpg)

Since the sponsors are showing knives, here are two that I just finished for customers. I'm told they are favorites    :)   . The top knife is Chechen Burl and the bottom knife is Honduran Rosewood. They are both Autumn Hunter models, D2 steel.

  (http://www.fototime.com/72F195346B5582C/standard.jpg)

  (http://www.fototime.com/D70892A176D8CA4/standard.jpg)

WOW!  Those are pretty! Shaped the way I like 'em.   :thumbsup:

I have many old marbles knives some brand new still in the boxes but I still use my trusty edgemark from Germany the blade is the perfect size for me.

but while everyone is here does anyone know of a knife maker that will make me a true custom knife of my own design,,,, I find most knife makers have a common blade design which is usually the short fat drop point and that's it..  

I need a knife with a 6"X 3/4" blade and rounded handle it will look a lot like my edge mark mentioned above except have a British commando type oval rounded handle.

Just got an ESEE Izula-II and it's fast becoming my favorite.  :bigsmyl:

Case xx folding hunter!  I've skinned more animals with this knife than you can imagine!   It has two large blades in it and can get the job done!

nothing fancy for me
Grohmann camp knife

 (http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/photo5_zps5fc94597.jpg) (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/hybridbowhunter/media/photo5_zps5fc94597.jpg.html)

This is a deer dissecting machine.  The little serrated curved blade opens the belly like a zipper, much better than a gut hook.  The spear blade also locks.  Even has a tweezer to remove thorns.


 (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e17/beyondmyken/IMG_2648.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/beyondmyken/media/IMG_2648.jpg.html)

here is mine.  Made it to match one of my bows, Cocobola and Bocote'.

(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Prongtwo.JPG)

Any of you use or have heard of Steven Tedford knives?  

He's a bladesmith in Canada I just discovered and his knives look too cool.  ATS34 heat treated blades.  Definitely on my must-have list.  Love the handle shape!

  (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/slider4.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/slider4.jpg.html)

Ringneck, those are some pretty knives.  Thinking there might be one in my future.

Thanks, Terry.

My favorite knife is Ron LaClair's Randall Model 19 that I've been badgering him to sell me for about 10 yrs now.....

I have purchased two of Shawn's (Ringneck) knives. Very nice to look at and they are the real deal. You can get them extremely sharp and they stay sharp. I cleaned, boned out,a deer and a pig, and never had to touch up the edge. An excellent investment in my opinion.

I also have 3 of Shawn's knives and agree that they are the real deal. Sharp as all get out and hold an edge. Personal record is I dressed out 7 deer and 2 turkeys before touching up the edge. Good pricing for a piece of functual art.

QuoteMy favorite knife is Ron LaClair's Randall Model 19 that I've been badgering him to sell me for about 10 yrs now.....  

This one?....   :nono:  

  (http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small67049712.JPG)

Wow Ron.

I tried over 20-25 production blades and kept logs of what all I liked and disliked about all of them.  Then I designed this blade to be used primarily as a small game (rabbit and squirrel) knife yet capable of also working in a hog or deer as needed.  I traded my compound bow for it and a bushcraft knife from Mark Hill and had him make them to match my bow.  Mark liked my design so well he used it and a larger version of it to replace his entire line of hunting knives (7 models) after making mine and playing around with it.  It doesn't look all that special but its one of those knives that just works well.

It's 7.25" OAL with a 2 7/8" blade in O1 steel.  The blade length is just long enough to match my finger when choked up on the blade and my pointer is laid across the spine.  The spine is slightly rounded to prevent tearing gloves when working in a hog.  The edge has a continuous curve as that aids in slicing motions.  The full flat grind with a convex secondary bevel lets you slice off silverskin with ease and maintains sharpness exceptionally well.  The tip is strong enough to place on a squirrel or rabbit hip bone and split it or work it through a shoulder/knee joint to pop those apart.  The false guard allows you to feel where the blade starts when inside a rib cage but doesn't protrude and get in the way.  The scales are cut back to allow it to ride closer to the skin without the handles at the spine getting in the way.  The handle shape is rounded to fit the palm with flatish sides making it easy to control in twisting/scraping motions inside large pelvic bones and other flat bones. No lanyard hole to collect crud.  Brass and cocobolo to match my bow.

 (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Mark%20Hill%20Knives/IMG_0635_zps37540c06.jpg)
 (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0346_zps7a3b5ef5.jpg)
 (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0344_zpsd429238e.jpg)


My "litmus test" for sharpness:  Take a hair from my wife's brush and see if it'll make curls without splitting the hair in two.  This curl wasn't made with my hunting knife but all my knives are sharpened in the same process and can do this with equal results...
 (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/KatysHair_zpsf23ea1cf.jpg)

I just got this a couple days ago with a little spending money I got for Xmas.  

It is a Santino Marani custom 'upswept skinner'.  Bladesmith hails from Kentucky.  Blade is bead blasted ATS-34 heat treated by Paul Bos with a hollow ground profile.  It's a pretty high mass knife and will be my hog and deer knife. 10" overall.  Almost 1/8" thick tang to blade!!  Stabilized spalted maple handle with stainless pins.  

I was blown away when I unpacked it.  The knife is such a fine piece and very well made.

   (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/36187BDB-6BA4-4512-9D29-1FE282626B9C.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/36187BDB-6BA4-4512-9D29-1FE282626B9C.jpg.html)
   (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/B396D973-887C-4B22-A438-D0DE2B177758.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/B396D973-887C-4B22-A438-D0DE2B177758.jpg.html)
   (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/D59E68CD-F1B2-4E0E-B36E-4F53ED11DE97.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/D59E68CD-F1B2-4E0E-B36E-4F53ED11DE97.jpg.html)
   (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/E80CD260-C5FE-4089-8C28-4C7D5391EFBA.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/E80CD260-C5FE-4089-8C28-4C7D5391EFBA.jpg.html)
   (http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/424AC570-9BF7-45BB-945C-B2FE1FDE9A5A.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/424AC570-9BF7-45BB-945C-B2FE1FDE9A5A.jpg.html)

QuoteOriginally posted by awbowman:
Wow Ron.

You can say that again........NICE!!!

My favorite knife got retired this year.  Old timer sharp finger my dad bought me for Christmas in 1979 when I was nine for my first hunting knife.  It's skinned a lot of critters and is starting to resemble a toothpick, it's be sharpened so much. Made out good steel back then, now made out of crap from China.  My son bought me a Buck pathfinder to replace it for Christmas.  I'm 44 now, if it last as long as last one may never need another one.

Like the brushcraft design, have seen a Benchmade and a custom with that blade design and was sorely tempted both times.

That is a nice looking knife. Is the maker a sponsor here?

QuoteOriginally posted by GDPolk:
I tried over 20-25 production blades and kept logs of what all I liked and disliked about all of them.  Then I designed this blade to be used primarily as a small game (rabbit and squirrel) knife yet capable of also working in a hog or deer as needed.  I traded my compound bow for it and a bushcraft knife from Mark Hill and had him make them to match my bow.  Mark liked my design so well he used it and a larger version of it to replace his entire line of hunting knives (7 models) after making mine and playing around with it.  It doesn't look all that special but its one of those knives that just works well.

It's 7.25" OAL with a 2 7/8" blade in O1 steel.  The blade length is just long enough to match my finger when choked up on the blade and my pointer is laid across the spine.  The spine is slightly rounded to prevent tearing gloves when working in a hog.  The edge has a continuous curve as that aids in slicing motions.  The full flat grind with a convex secondary bevel lets you slice off silverskin with ease and maintains sharpness exceptionally well.  The tip is strong enough to place on a squirrel or rabbit hip bone and split it or work it through a shoulder/knee joint to pop those apart.  The false guard allows you to feel where the blade starts when inside a rib cage but doesn't protrude and get in the way.  The scales are cut back to allow it to ride closer to the skin without the handles at the spine getting in the way.  The handle shape is rounded to fit the palm with flatish sides making it easy to control in twisting/scraping motions inside large pelvic bones and other flat bones. No lanyard hole to collect crud.  Brass and cocobolo to match my bow.

  (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Mark%20Hill%20Knives/IMG_0635_zps37540c06.jpg)
  (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0346_zps7a3b5ef5.jpg)
  (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0344_zpsd429238e.jpg)


My "litmus test" for sharpness:  Take a hair from my wife's brush and see if it'll make curls without splitting the hair in two.  This curl wasn't made with my hunting knife but all my knives are sharpened in the same process and can do this with equal results...
  (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/KatysHair_zpsf23ea1cf.jpg)

Best hunting knife for me is the Buck 103 in the 440C.  Great all around knife that holds a great edge once you get it there.  That takes some practice.

Best EDC knife is this KaBar Phat Bob Dozier knife.  I rehandled with some nice Tiger Maple, stonewashed blade and drilled out liners with added spacers and custom thumb pin.  (//%5Burl=http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/bisket1722/media/P1030118_zps0e8d80fa.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u555/bisket1722/P1030118_zps0e8d80fa.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

Let's bring this back up, I like looking at knives!

Just thought I'd share an update to my post on the first page of this thread. My new favorite is an exact replacement of the Buck 112 I carried for 30 years, and lost.

After posting on the classifieds that I was looking for this specific knife, a fellow TG'er contacted me some time later. Same knife, same vintage, same steel in the blade, same wood for the scales... never been used, but kept in his truck for many, many years, with a very touching personal story about the knife sent to me after I received it. Won't share that story, as said it's something personal; but I'll carry that knife with with some special regard, hopefully 'till I no longer can use one.

I use a Cutco drop point hunter.  Nothing fancy, but great steel that holds an edge.  I like a rubber handle for the grip when things get bloody.  

My dad finds their old kitchen knives at garage sales with their blades sharpened down to nothing and sends them back for new knives for the cost of shipping.

My dog chewed up my sheath a couple years ago, and I sent it in.  Cutco sent me a new sheath no questions asked!!!  Great Knives, great company.

I saw a post on another bowhunting site from I believe Idaho Curt, anybody know what his company name is or how I can get in contact?

I have used my Buck Vanguard
for years with no issues.

www.thewoodvault (http://www.thewoodvault)

www.thewoodvault (http://www.thewoodvault)

My favorite knife was one I made many years ago and gave to a tracker over in South Africa.

Just finished this one so I finally have one of my own to carry again. ATS-34 heat treated by Paul Bos to RC60; dyed and stabilized buckeye burl handle.

 (http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/20160702_125359.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/20160702_125359.jpg.html)

 (http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/20160702_124605_018.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/20160702_124605_018.jpg.html)

I have a new style favorite hand forged pocket knife that I carry everyday...tippit

 (//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/0XbvbIK%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/0XbvbIK.jpg?2)[/url] [/IMG]

 (//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/Nxr6qxq%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/Nxr6qxq.jpg?2)[/url] [/IMG]

 (//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/bgjANkp%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/bgjANkp.jpg?1)[/url] [/IMG]

 (//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/jNKRygl%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/jNKRygl.jpg?1)[/url] [/IMG]
 
(//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/L4VAqu0%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/L4VAqu0.jpg?1)[/url] [/IMG]

Strait Forward useful razor sharp file knife. I made this a couple summers ago. It has Boned, Skinned and Gutted 12 or 13 animals.
 (http://i.imgur.com/tMzkBUQ.jpg)

Gutted my first buck with a Mora long before bushcrafters made them popular. Was a fantastic knife for the price. My normal hunting knife for years has been a buck vanguard with the wood handle and NO guthook. The size, heft, and blade thickness has always felt right to me and I've always prefered a drop point for a hunting knife. I've wanted a custom knife for years, just never gotten around to finding the rich one. I'd also like to try out some of the old marbles blades some day.

Cruel question.  I probably carry my Spyderco Bill Moran drop point hunter fixed blade ( model FB02) the most while hunting (VG10 steel, a great alloy).

I like 8-9" long fixed blade knives, with drop point or spear point blades, 1/8"+ thick, flat ground of decent steel (carbon 0.75% -1.0%).

I also like/have an older Cold Steel Master Hunter with carbon V blade (thicker than 1/8", maybe 3/16"-got it in a trade and it really takes and holds a nice edge);  and a BenchMade 190 hunter (440C blade - gets scary sharp)- well made and excellent design.

 (//%5Burl=http://s100.photobucket.com/user/catboat/media/knives/knives_zpso7utv04k.jpg.html%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m7/catboat/knives/knives_zpso7utv04k.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

  Spyderco Bill Moran FB02 drop point hunter (http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercofb02billmorandroppointblade.aspx)

Another Buck knife user.....my Buck Woodsman is always with me in the field.

My grandfathers kabar from WW2. I cut brush blinds with it usually. Ive had to draw it in a potentially dangerous situation with a bear that thankfully ended in momma and cubs deciding my food bag wasnt worth the trouble.

My father bought a set of two Dunn royal knives at a gun show some 25-30 years ago after meeting the knife maker Steve Greene. His wife makes the sheaths and rounds out the two person business to this day.

I guess you could say that my fathers only custom knife purchase made an impression. Since then I always wanted one, but from who? I wanted a connection even if it was minimal. So I waited until I was 42.

When I first joing Trad Gang I didn't know anyone. The first bow I bought here was from tippit and he simply could not have made sending a chunk of cash to a complete stranger any nicer of an experience.

My favorite knife will travel with me and my father this fall out west for 5 weeks in Colorado for the entire elk archery season. I hope to send Mr Springer a photo of his well used knife on the side of an elk  :)  Thanks Jeff, I love my knife sir.

 
(http://i.imgur.com/A7CJgTz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/JFCOjQa.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/RHHuDIB.jpg)

Case XX Sodbuster Jr with the carbon blade. It's my edc knife but I've skinned quite a few critters with it too. I usually have a fixed blade for hogs but this knife is great for anything from deer on down.

  (http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/rmartin_06/12088321_991253987563938_7848705239466264849_n_zpsbzwcpegz.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/rmartin_06/media/12088321_991253987563938_7848705239466264849_n_zpsbzwcpegz.jpg.html)

A big favorite is a original marbles mini caper on my side and a rapid river folder in my pocket . Both knives made  right here in the state of michigan .

My favorite is this Randall Skinner #11.

(http://%20[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/macdonaldarchitect/media/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/macdonaldarchitect/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

I carry my 7" old hickory butchers knife just about everywhere I go and especially in the woods!

opinel cant be beat for weight for the amount of knife you get. Moras are also great.  My favorites are kershaw clip knives though.
I lose them too often to have nice carry knives.

My hand forged "LaClair Skinner"

  (http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small58025320.JPG)

I have a new favorite!

 (http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/Hawkeyebowhunter/20160826_064024_zpswsitfuqh.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Hawkeyebowhunter/media/20160826_064024_zpswsitfuqh.jpg.html)

 (http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/Hawkeyebowhunter/20160826_064004_zps9f9ffd5u.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Hawkeyebowhunter/media/20160826_064004_zps9f9ffd5u.jpg.html)

 (http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/Hawkeyebowhunter/20160826_063808_zpswmvacz5q.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Hawkeyebowhunter/media/20160826_063808_zpswmvacz5q.jpg.html)

 (http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y525/Hawkeyebowhunter/20160826_063848_zpsfktlajmm.jpg) (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Hawkeyebowhunter/media/20160826_063848_zpsfktlajmm.jpg.html)

Curt at the Wood Vault made this one for me to give to my son-in-law for Christmas.

(http://%20[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/macdonaldarchitect/media/thewoodvault.com%20custom%20knife%203_zps6nkkvif3.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/macdonaldarchitect/thewoodvault.com%20custom%20knife%203_zps6nkkvif3.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

That is an awesome knife as well, Curt does a hell of a job.

I hope to get one for my dad and granddad for Christmas, depends on how these next few months go though I guess!

  (http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj14/birddogdoc/KNIFE%202.png) (http://s268.photobucket.com/user/birddogdoc/media/KNIFE%202.png.html)

WoodnSteel Hawthorne knife by Dustin Case

Right now it's this one.

(http://i.imgur.com/UAAiYad.jpg)

I posted when this thread first came up. Here are a few more
 (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0721_zps2e69006a.jpg.html)
 (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0719_zpsa2e4852d.jpg.html)

    (http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1442939161_zpsxzpewu4e.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1442939161_zpsxzpewu4e.jpg.html)
This RHR Grand FK1 knife was made by a friend of mine and I have managed to keep track of it for 20 some years. It is always in my hunting pack.  I have been lucky enough to put it to use on a  few occasions too. Maybe again this year.     :)