Need a hunting knife

[WardenWolf]

I'm going to be going out hunting for the first time this spring, and I need a hunting knife that won't break my bank. I was thinking something along the lines of a kukri, but I'm having problems finding a good quality folding kukri. If anyone has any better ideas, please let me know.

 

[Rupestris]

What are you hunting and how much do you want to spend?

If you have your heart set on a folder for little money, the Buck 110 is a classic that has proven itself time and time again.

If a fixed blade is more what you're looking for and you have a couple more $$ to spend, take a look at the offerings at Bark River. The Woodland and the Highland are stellar performers.

One of the best bangs for the buck when it comes to folders is the Gerber LST Magnum and LST Magnum Jr.

If it were up to me and I needed a great skinning knife for very little money, I'd go with the Frost Mora 780 from RagweedForge. You won't find a better knife for $11.

HTH,

Chris

 

[WardenWolf]

I'm hunting javelina, although next year I might put in for deer. I'm looking at under $100.

Hmm, it just crossed my mind that I have this big honking Pakistani-made folder, although I have some doubts about its durability as the handles are showing early signs of separation. And it's not very sharp. I'd probably be better off with something smaller.

 

[Leadhead]

Anyone tried the Leatherman Ukiah?
Looks like a good hunting setup.....

http://www.leatherman.com/knives/hunting-knives/ukiah.aspx


Tools:

* 154CM Stainless Steel Drop Point Knife
* Bone Saw
* 154CM Gut Hook

Features:

* Glass-filled Nylon Handle
* Fixed Blade
* Diamond-coated Sharpening System
* 25-year Warranty

Measurements:

* 4 in | 10.6 cm (blade length)
* 7.2 oz | 204 g

 

[shiftyer1]

Well being the knife nut that I am there are many options. But hunting for the first time will you have a use for this knife if you don't enjoy it? If not check out schrade and some bucks. These will have a use in the kitchen if hunting is a one time thing. Also they will last a lifetime as they are quality and affordable.

 

[Al Thompson]

What do you expect to do with the knife? I like a fixed blade for hunting - cleaning critters and hacking some wood.

 

[J. Jay]

Buck 119 or a ka-bar with serrations. Ka-bar makes a 3/4 size that comes out to 5" blade. Each is around $50 and is indestructable.

 

[WardenWolf]

I'm going to need it to clean the pig.

 

[alaskanativeson]

The Ontario Rat 3 in D2 would be one of my first choices. It's a really tough knife that's a great size and shape. The Fallkniven S1 is a also great knife. As you can tell, I'm partial to fixed blades for hunting/outdoors knives. I wouldn't have a problem with using my Benchmade Mini Griptilian for hunting (especially since I found the Doug Ritter model with a S30V blade) but a folder just isn't my choice for a knife I'll use a long time.

 

[RX-178]

Something from Buck is a good rule of thumb when you're thinking about an outdoors knife (as opposed to a high tech battle fighting knife that's the perfect length to drive into someone's heart, and costs $400.... I have a few of those, but if you ever ask me why, expect me to change the subject!).

They have some pretty darned serviceable blades for $50, some of which are designed specifically for cleaning an animal. Depending on the one you choose, they'll probably be good for lots of other things too. Probably not anything you're going to be able to hand down to your grandkids, but it'll do the job at hand, and in my experiences, will last long enough that another $50 to replace it is very affordable as well.

(Apparently I've been sig'd. That's never happened to me before! )

 

[hso]

A kukri isn't a "hunting" knife. It can be used for a heavy camp knife, but it isn't designed for dressing game.

If you're breaking down the pig, avoid anything with a cross guard. They don't serve any purpose in camp anyway.

If you're getting only one knife, try to stay under a 5 inch blade. Bigger knives are not very easy to maneuver around the innards of a critter. Plenty of wild boar and white tail deer have been dressed out using just a Case Trapper folder so bigger ain't better for this task.

A couple of Chicago Cutlery knives kept in a roll will do you more good than some honkin big belt wart. These knives have been used by butchers for decades for good reason. Cheap too.

If you just want to spend money, get something like the Benchmade Snody Activator and you should be happy.

Learn to sharpen. You'll need to and you'll want to.

 

[HoosierQ]

I just got a Gerber Big Rock Camp Knife. I really like it. Got it at Meijer, on sale, for $31. Sharp as a razor, full tang, hard rubber handle that is probably unbreakable, very little hilt which is part of the blade itself, and a lanyard hole. Saw them first at Cabela's.

 

[22-rimfire]

Take a look at the Spyderco Moran model. It is available at many of the online knife dealers. Try New Graham. http://www.newgraham.com/

You don't need a big knife for chores associated with field dressing game. A larger knife comes in handy for cutting up meat (butchering) however. Any of the kitchen cutlery should work for that. Just keep things real sharp.

In the field, you might find it handy to carry a machete in addition to the Spydie Moran. I would also carry a pocket knife. A Trapper from Case works for me.

 

[bikerdoc]

Throw anything marked pakistan away.
As stated any small fixed blade of good steel will do the job and some good one have been metioned

 

[WardenWolf]

Hmm, might be able to get a pretty good deal on a Cutco hunting knife. I've seen their blades in action, and those things cut through leather like a hot knife through butter. I used to demo their products many years ago, and I still believe in them. Those blades just work.

One of these beasts: http://www.cutco.com/products/product.jsp?itemGroup=1769

 

[WardenWolf]

All right, settled on THIS knife. Thanks everyone.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Good Choice

That's a good choice.

Their factory is across town from my house, about 8 miles.

Buck Knives Factory, Post Falls, Idaho


Factory lobby


Lobby detail


​

They really do stand behind their stuff. I've met the guys, the current company president, and his dad (past president). They are solid folks. If they hired people like me, I'd work for them.

A couple of pieces signed by the current and past president




​

If their product fails, send it to them, they will fix or replace.

I would imagine you'll be quite happy with that knife.

 

[Guyon]

Here are some of my hunting-sized blades. The one I recommend the most (because of function, price, and availability) is the Buck Vanguard. If you can get it in a premium steel, all the better. The one pictured below (third picture down, third knife from the left) is ATS-34.

 

[rcmodel]

I'm going to need it to clean the pig.

People actually clean Javelina?

Technically, they are not really a pig at all.

Realistically, I have heard they stink so bad most people won't even touch a dead one, let alone clean one & eat it.

rcmodel

 

[PRM]

Buck 110

Ditto the Buck 110 - Over the years I have carried about every size and type of knife made, on my trips in the woods. Some look cool but are not practical. I have gone back to a Buck Custom Shop 110 with Elk Handles (Elk Handles, just because they look good). The 110 is one of the finest production hunting knives ever made. Great metal and working size. I bought mine off of Ebay, got a outstanding deal on it. The blade had been buffed and some metal was gone (handles were extra nice). The Buck Custom Shop charged me $10 to put a new blade in it and paid the return shipping. Turn around was less than 2 weeks. Their customer service told me when you buy a Buck - you buy it for life!!!

Two other camp items that have their unique place are a small camp axe and a Gerber folding saw.

 

[jhansman]

While I prefer the folding model, the fixed Buck Alpha Hunter might fit your bill:

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3067

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

You meantioned a Folding Khukuri; Spyderco just introduced their Khukuri folder. It's the olny folding Khuk I know of. However, I wouldn't use it to skin stuff out.

I would recommend a fixed blade with some upward sweep (so to speak). Buck is a great place to start (as mentioned by everyone else).