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Whats a good skinning hunting knife???

.22 L.R.22 L.R Member Posts: 193 ✭✭
edited November 2007 in Ask the Experts
I was looking at purchasing a "Fixed Blade" Deer Hunting Knife for my son as a Christmas gift this year. I want to purchase a "Made in the USA" knife only. I would think a "up Swept" style blade would be best for this purpose. I was thinking of looking on the various auction sites including god forbid flea bay. What would be better a stainless steel blade or some sort of high carbon. What holds its edge better as well as sharpens nicer. I was thinking of some of the old models from various brands such as Ka-Bar,Schrade,Marbles,Western,Old Timer,Uncle Henry,etc. Whar sort of handle material is best overall stag,wood,synthetic,etc. Any suggestions based on personel experiece would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer to keep the price at no higher than $100.00. But would consider going somewhat higher for the right model. [?]

Comments

  • spasmcreekspasmcreek Member Posts: 37,717 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    take a look at ken richardson knives...1085 spring steel tooled ....here or on fleabay...a model with a carved handle is something you don't see everybody carry & seem to be well made...another of my favorites is an older solingen bowie knife...have had one for 40+years now...it will be a fun search till the right one goes "ding"
  • shootlowshootlow Member Posts: 5,425
    edited November -1
    Kershaw echo i have went through 4 deer and didnot have to sharpenthe knife

    1070C
    MSRP: $54.95

    Description:

    The Echo combines Ken Onion's contoured handle with a powerful drop-point blade of durable AUS8A stainless steel. The Echo's handle is all weather, molded Polyimide, contoured for an extremely comfortable, secure grip. This unique shape means using the knife is less fatiguing?even when in use for long periods of time. The handle is drilled to accept a lanyard. The Echo comes complete with its own camouflaged laminated-leather sheath that secures easily to your belt.

    SPECIFICATIONS:

    Steel: AUS8A stainless-steel with full tang

    Handle: Polyimide with RealTree Hardwoods HD

    Blade Length: 4 in. (10.2 cm)
    Closed Length: N/A
    Overall Length: 8 5/8 in. (22 cm)
    Weight: 4.8 oz.

    FEATURES:

    Sheath
    Fixed Blade
  • Wolf.Wolf. Member Posts: 2,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    --
    -Boy, you are going to get a lot of opinions on this one!

    I prefer a carbon steel blade, but a good stainless such as AUS-8A is also acceptable. I would not buy a knife that has a blade made from 400 series SS. Some knives that I like are:

    ==Cold Steel's Pendleton Hunter is a nice, small, lightweight knife with a soft kraton handle. I don't know if they are US-made or not. They are stainless, either AUS 8A or VG1 or something like that; about a 3 1/2 inch blade. It might be too small for your liking.
    www.midwayusa.com

    ==Marbles is an old-line company and their knives are collectable heirlooms. I believe they are US-made. Personally, I like the Marble's Plainsman Knife with 4 1/2" Carbon Steel Blade and the jigged bone handle. If your son doesn't lose it, he'll keep it forever.
    www.midwayusa.com

    ==Ka-Bar's USMC fighting knives are tough as nails (don't get a partially serrated blade) and blades are carbon steel. Handles are usually stacked leather. It ain't real pretty, but it will do anything. For your son, I would get the KA-BAR Short USMC Fighting/Utility Knife. The blade stays very sharp.
    www.midwayusa.com

    ==Moore Maker knives are an old cowboy favorite, made in Texas. Their drop-point hunter has a blade about 4 inches long. I like it because it is easy to carry and handles all kinds of chores. The blade really stays sharp. Like the Marble's knife, the MooreMaker will be a heirloom if your son doesn't lose it.
    http://www.mooremaker.com/
  • reddnekreddnek Member Posts: 1,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dont forget Buck ,tough to get the first edge on but they hold it a long time
  • XracerXracer Member Posts: 1,990
    edited November -1
    +1 on the USMC Ka-Bar....and....

    +1 on "It ain't real pretty"....(in fact, it's ugly enough to make a buzzard puke!)[:D]

    BUT....those Jarhead Ka-Bars are darn near indestructable, hold an edge beautifully, and will last your son a lifetime.
  • jarjar Member Posts: 620 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For a fixed blade the buck # 119 is my favorite. it will hold an edge and will last two lifetimes. I have one thats 21 yrs old and my son is useing the one that my dad carried( who knows how old that one is ) and we use them for almost everything. good luck!
  • mondmond Member Posts: 6,458
    edited November -1
    i been using 2 of these 20yr, 6" blade, sharp as h377..just need to put ya skills to making a sheath.

    just stone & rub ona steel every now & then......superb

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/victorinox-boning-knife-6-inch-blue-handle-brand-new_W0QQitemZ130171427548QQihZ003QQcategoryZ137758QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
  • catpealer111catpealer111 Member Posts: 10,695
    edited November -1
    Nothing beats a Buck 110 for all of your deer gutting/skinning needs. Plus, you should be able to find one for under $50.
  • RedtailRedtail Member Posts: 155 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Schrades "Sharpfinger"carbon steel.The big "Fighters" are good for fighting or chopping down trees.
  • oldgunmanoldgunman Member Posts: 1,779 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Listen, I have gut out and cut up tons of antelope, deer, and elk in my life(not bragging just old[[:(])and my favorites are the folding bucks, schrades, and old timers. Folding for carry and gutting and straight ones for home cutting up. The key is to just keep them sharpened after each use and they are all pretty easy to learn and do. Take your son knife shopping and let him really look and touch them. Don't go to big or too little. Good knives that work well don't cost a ton of bucks. I could buy 2 or 3 nice ones for $100. Your son will be getting a very nice gift to enjoy and cherrish. Good luck.[:)]
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