Hunting knives

[wolverine_173]

Which Knife do you guys use for hunting? which steel is best, blade shape etc..?

 

[Bobson]

Mora knives like this one are exceptionally well received among hunters and fishermen. Don't let the price lead you to falsely assume it's low quality, as you'll be doing yourself a gross disservice. Read the hundreds of reviews on Amazon, and the many reviews here on THR (search "Mora" and/or "Morakniv").

This is one of several different models and varieties, but all are roughly equal in quality and similarly priced. Amazon has numerous options.

 

[wolverine_173]

I agree they are a great knife for the money

 

[jmr40]

Don't overthink this. We all do, and end up with our favorites. There is no "Best." I appreciate some of the better quality knives, but honestly usually end up using some type of mid sized folder. Lately using this.

http://www.sogknives.com/hunting/knives/flash-ii-straight-edge.html

Street price is $40-$50. It is lightweight and carries in my pocket well. Mine is razor sharp.

Like most of us I have a bunch of knives. Many costing more, many are nicer. But this SOG or one of the Mora knives get the job done without a lot of expense.

 

[bikerdoc]

I have an addiction and own over 2 dozen, each gets a turn in the field.

 

[PPS43]

Mora.

 

[3212]

Nothing fancy for me.I use inexpensive 3" to 3 1/2" folding blades.I made a heavier blade pelvis splitter when I worked as a machinist.

 

[zooski22]

Buck hunter 110

 

[MCgunner]

I like drop point blades and a Gerber sheath knife is my favorite skinner. My Gerber Gator serrator is still my fave field dressing knife. It's sharp, it's light, and it's grippy in the hand when it's wet with blood. The serrated part of the blade cuts through a sternum like butter. I've been using it for 25 years now.

 

[wolverine_173]

im not a fan of folders for hunting. fixed blades with full tang are more versitile if I were ever in a survival situation while hunting

 

[MutinousDoug]

I too am not a fan of folders for slaughtering game unless you are comfortable with putting your knives in the dishwasher afterwards. I don't put any of my hunting knives in the dishwasher, not even the SST ones.
I prefer a 4" spear, drop point or Nessmuk over any clip point for any work other than caping and prefer carbon steel to SST although SST is still useful.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Buck "Personal" 118...

 

[brainwake]

It seems that every year I change this up. For the most part I go with a drop points blade as well. I have found that I like 3 different knifes. I like to have a folder in the field. I mainly go with a folder because it fits in my pocket or pack easier. I don't like having the fixed blade on my hip because I tend to lay on my sides from time to time.

Last year I field dressed, skinned, quartered and de-boned all with a large Case Trapper. That worked out well for an all in one knife. But I also think I just had a mental challenge of wanting to do it all with a pocket knife.

Also, I don't dishwasher my knife...but with a folder, you have to take a little extra care when cleaning it. So it's a valid point that cleaning a fixed blade is easier.

You might also look for a folder with a gut hook if you like those. While not necessary, the gut hook is kind of nice.

But this year, I may just carry my trapper in the field and use a separate fixed for skinning and de-boning. I have a few to choose from. When butchering, its nice to have a few different ones. For skinning, I like something small and nimble. But sharp is the key. Then of course, when it is time to take the back straps or when you are clearing out the pelvis, you need a fairly long blade...well..4 or 5 inches. But not a very wide blade either. A narrow blade is useful when trying to reach up in to the pelvis and cut away the membranes that hold the bladder and other goodies.

I will make this comment about steel. If you buy quality steel, the benefit is that it will stay sharp longer. So if you are like me and sometimes butchering 3 or 4 deer in a weekend, you may not have to stop and sharpen as much or at all. But if you go with some cheaper steel, then you might need to touch up a little here and there. But it's really not a big deal to pull out a stone and touch up the edge a little. Harder steels stay sharp longer...but are harder to sharpen. So if you feel that you need to have a pro put your edge on, then make sure you get a hard steel.

 

[atomchaser]

I use the Fallkniven H1. Pricey but high quality steel, comfortable no slip handle and a blade shape that works well for me. The sheath is also easy to clean and immune to weather.

 

[rszwieg]

I used a Cold Steel Finn Bear this season and have no complaints. If I loose it it won't cost much to replace

 

[Rio Laxas]

I use a Randall Model 3 Hunter with a 5" O1 carbon steel blade. It was a gift and it's too nice of a knife not to use. I also use it far more frequently for cutting meat at home.

 

[tahoe2]

gutting & skinning

Keep em sharp ! and they will serve you well ! The shortest blade is good for up inside the rib-cage & spinal area, I have found the other ones too long on smaller deer & antelope,
to work easily up in there ! Caping knives also work very well for me. Good luck !!

 

[35Remfan]

Buck 110. It was my dads hunting knife and it has field dressed countless deer. Over 40 years old. He wanted the best after he got out of the Marines and bought the 110 folder. It it is my number possesion from dad even over the deer rifles that were handed down. It is always on me when i am in the woods and i trust my life with it.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Big fan of the Blade-tech Professional hunter here. It is a 3.5" folder with a perfectly shaped drop point and one of the most ergonomically correct handles I've ever used on a folder. It is also thin and light for pocket carry, a serious tool for the serious hunter IMO. And good luck finding one at the moment apparently....I just looked and they seem to be discontinued.

 

[sage5907]

I also use a Buck 110 folding hunter. For many years I carried a short fixed blade knife made by Holland & Holland but after a few years the knife really showed hard use. In my whitetail hunting I like to lay down on the ground and slide under barbed wire fences and rocky surfaces were really tough on a fixed blade knife & case. A folding knife takes away the concern that I would push the blade into my leg. I won't go back to a fixed blade knife.

 

[twofifty]

Opinel is ok

Just looked at pics of the Blade Tech - nice knife. Tempting.

I get by with an Opinel folder, with a carbon blade that hones well and that I modified the tip shape on. Due to the smooth wood grip you have to really be aware of how you're holding it and where you're at in the animal. But it cleans up pretty easy in hot soapy water.

 

[Water-Man]

I've been using a Cold Steel Master Hunter for several years.

My version has Carbon V steel, drop point, flat ground, 4.5" blade and 3/16" wide. Great handle which holds up well when my hands get bloody and a good Kydex sheath.

 

[ms6852]

Cold Steel Master hunter or 110 Buck knife.

 

[tactikel]

The Grohmann (DH Russell) belt knife is widely regarded as the finest "hunting" knife. It is ergonomic, easy to sharpen, light, and will skin anything from a squirrel to a moose. Marble made many fine knives. Camping/ survival knives are legion, true hunting knives must skin, be useful in camp, be strong, light and handy, I prefer fixed blade for strength vs weight.

 

[wgp]

I have a real fondness for Bob Dozier knives and his Kydex horizontal sheaths. I have 4 Dozier knives, they are nothing fancy but very well made, simple and totally functional knives. Couple of kind of fancy Kershaws too.