Best fixed blade knife for Whitetail?

[Bobby Urban]

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.

[2nocks]

Another vote for the Izula. It's great little workhorse of a knife.

[TubbsTru]

Definitely gonna look into the izulas some more. Great form and size, reviews, and price!

[kagross]

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.
 

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.
 

[jsweka]

Originally 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.

[VictoryHunter]

Any will do. It's all about how sharp it is and whether or not you can sharpen it.

[alligatordond]

Doug Campbell caper
Randall model 26 Pathfinder
Marbles mini caper

[Stumpkiller]

Originally 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.            

[TubbsTru]

^^^^ bwahahaha!!! Thanks for the visual Stumpkiller!

[Firstlight]

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

[TubbsTru]

Thanks for all the tips guys.

[Marc B.]

Buck Pathfinder

[robtattoo]

Anything with an edge will do. I carry one of my own, but I'll use whatever's handy.

[Ron LaClair]

A Shrew Skinner really shines.  

http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html

 

[Ricker]

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.

[ChuckC]

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

[LB_hntr]

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.

[nineworlds9]

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.

[Keith Langford]

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

[FAV 52]

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