Hunting season knives

[THE PILGRIM]

I will start at the beginning.
This is the first knife I ever bought.
Got it at the old big Memphis Sears Store.
It's marked Craftsman, I'm guessing made by Western.

 

[BKDinTexas]

Actually thats may be a Case I believe. I have a Case very, very similar marked as a Case XX.

 

[G.T. Smith]

this...

This belonged to my Grandfather. Still holds an edge and has cleaned many deer and turtles in it's life. I love it. Really!
Peace,
Gordon

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Here we clean deer at home hanging next to the cooler....Saying that my current favorite skinning & deboning knife is a 6" Rapala fillet knife.....I have lots of others.....folders/custom made etc.....but have been using the Rapala for the last couple of seasons.

And another tip......A sawzall is the best thing for unzipping/bone cutting.....IF you're close to an electrical outlet....I'll never use a hand type saw again.

 

[richcory]

Buck 110. Plus a backup or two. I always have a leatherman on my belt also. I carry a sharpening stone also.

Cory

 

[gregintenn]

I usually carry this one I made for gutting deer.
There's always a Mora in the truck in case I need a bigger knife, or possibly a disposable knife for anything else.

 

[fzntundra]

I use the same Schrade Uncle Henry Bear Paw Lockback Folding Pocket Knife, High Carbon Stainless Steel Clip Point that I bought in 1981. More than enough for Whitetail or Grouse. Holds a good edge and is easy to carry.

 

[ghawke]

I bought a Buck 110 and a Buck 102 when I was in the Navy around 1968 or so. Used the 110 once to field dress a deer, have used the 102 ever since because it's easier to cleanup. Also use a real small Western for the butthole.

 

[BruceM]

Also use a real small Western for the butthole.

Roger that. Some folks like the previously mentioned fillet knife for that job and claim that when using it you can by-pass splitting the pelvis.

I usually carry this one I made for gutting deer.

+1 I really like the drop point shaped blade. For skinning, most any reasonably sized sharp blade can be made to work but the curved drop point works the best for me anyway.

Bruce

 

[garddogg56]

There must be more hunters that carry knives in the woods

 

[inspcalahan]

I always have a knife on me for camp stuff, but when it comes to taking care of animals I've grown to love the Havalon series of knives. Bright orange so when you put it down in the bushes or blood you can find it again. They've recently come out with a rounded blunt tip skinning blade that is amazing. I average about 3 blades on a moose, since they break at times. Using a leatherman to safely swap blades when your hands are messy is the only way to go. The blades are surgery sharp, last a good bit and you don't have to fuss with sharpening them mid moose. Then when it's time to do a hip joint or zip those ribs off, I use a small axe.

Every other chore I used whatever good old knife I have on my hip or pocket.

 

[Drm50]

I have a Canadian Trapper and Rapala filet knife. I don't cut
pelvis, tie with string and cut loose. Back at barn I have a little
electric chain saw, used only for meat. I can split a hog long
ways in seconds. No bar oil needed.

 

[serger]

I usually carry a Wyoming saw and a Schrade 152 ( Oldtimer Sharpfinger). In camp I have an Estwing E3-R Rigbuilders axe.

 

[model70hunter]

I used to carry a belt knife, wasn't really needed to field dress. Tried the Bucks but one might miss dear season trying to get an edge on one. I have my Dad's Queen steel 2 blade folder, it holds a nice edge but I use it and all my belt knives to butcher deer. When we camped out in south central MO we took our deer to a deer season only locker plant. He had a steel I beam he ran his tractor on, he tied the deer neck to the bucket and the skin from around the neck to the Ibeam. He lifted the bucket and the deer was skinned quickly. I do this when I butcher them. while it hanging from the bucket I cut them up and process in the kitchen.

I have a 4" drop point with dark red micarta handles an it is D2 steel. Stays sharp a long time. I also have a stag handle Case XX I bought a long time ago, my Dad borrowed it and carried it for 20 some deer seasons. I got it back after he passed. I also have a couple of German belt knives, they too hold a nice edge. I have mostly Case Stockman knives that I carry during the season. I have a Swedish knife I keep in the truck door. I guess I have several ammo boxes full of assorted knives.

The belt knife set I have been using. carrying in my backpack is the drop point with gut hook and a smaller caping blade that I got when I renewed my Rocky Mountain Elk subscription.

I have 3 Case XX stockman pocket knives I keep razor sharp, ?A blue steel one my Dad gave 40 years ago, a stainless Stockman I gave him in the same time frame and a large yellow handled stockman with blue steel blades my middle daughter and Grandkids gve me for xmas 10 or 12 years ago. They are the ones I field dress with. Poke a hole in the back leg for the tag while thanking the powers above for another successful hunt.