I am currently looking for a good hunting knife that will primarily be used for gutting animals such as deer. I probably want a folding knife, but will take suggestions for both folders and nonfolders. The Gerber FAST knives look like they might be a good option, but I do not know how they are while hunting. I am willing to spend up to $100. Please give me your advice. Thanks.
A good hunting knife
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ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Something Completely Different
Well . . . a little off the beaten path . . .
I have one of these:
It is also available (okay, mostly available) in black. The black one is the "Swing Blade" available at several sporting goods stores. The orange one is the "Swing BLaze" (clever, huh?) and is also availble at sporting goods store, although not as many carry the orange one.
The Swing Blade (and Blaze) are derived from this knife:
Both of these are available from Ragnar's Forge in his "Swedish Knives / EKA" section.
Ragnar also carries the Swing Blade in black (about $60):
I'm quite favorably impressed with the Swing Blade, as the blade geometry is just about exactly what you want in a hunting/skinning knife.
I'm also smitten with the original "Kombi" with wood handles, so I'll be getting one of those, too.
Several other people will be along shortly to direct you to more expensive hardware.
Good luck.
Well . . . a little off the beaten path . . .
I have one of these:
It is also available (okay, mostly available) in black. The black one is the "Swing Blade" available at several sporting goods stores. The orange one is the "Swing BLaze" (clever, huh?) and is also availble at sporting goods store, although not as many carry the orange one.
The Swing Blade (and Blaze) are derived from this knife:
The EKA Kombi (about $75)
Also done with a wood handle (about $100):
Also done with a wood handle (about $100):
Both of these are available from Ragnar's Forge in his "Swedish Knives / EKA" section.
Ragnar also carries the Swing Blade in black (about $60):
I'm quite favorably impressed with the Swing Blade, as the blade geometry is just about exactly what you want in a hunting/skinning knife.
I'm also smitten with the original "Kombi" with wood handles, so I'll be getting one of those, too.
Note: the original Kombi knives are made in Sweden by EKA. The Swing Blade/Blaze are made in China by Outdoor Edge under license from EKA. The quality control is excellent on these knives. I own one and would not hesitate to recommend it. I also own several EKA knives, and their stuff is just superb.
Several other people will be along shortly to direct you to more expensive hardware.
Good luck.
22-rimfire
Member
I will make a number of suggestions.
I like the Spyderco Moran which is a very neat (small) fixed blade.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5213
Here's another small fixed blade that is kinda nice from Queen. http://www.cumberlandknifeworks.com...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=28
One of my favorite folders in a limited edition from Schatt & Morgan http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=QN04213T
I don't have the Queen above, but it is made with D2 steel and should be excellent.
I carry both a fixed blade and a folder when I deer hunt. I have been known to carry the SOG Hunter Revolver which is a large swing blade. It has a large plain edge blade with gut hook and the oposite end is a very aggressive saw blade which might be used for clearing limbs or perhaps cutting bone. http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SOG07077
A basic yellow handled Case Trapper which is my favorite design for a folder. http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=CA161
I'm not pushing any particular knife. I really like the Spyderco Moran as a very handy useable knife for hunting chores and the Schatt & Morgan. Lots of choices. If it were me, I'd buy the Spyderco Moran and the Case Trapper. Of course, there is always the classic Buck 110 which can be purchased for about $25-$30.
I like the Spyderco Moran which is a very neat (small) fixed blade.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5213
Here's another small fixed blade that is kinda nice from Queen. http://www.cumberlandknifeworks.com...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=28
One of my favorite folders in a limited edition from Schatt & Morgan http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=QN04213T
I don't have the Queen above, but it is made with D2 steel and should be excellent.
I carry both a fixed blade and a folder when I deer hunt. I have been known to carry the SOG Hunter Revolver which is a large swing blade. It has a large plain edge blade with gut hook and the oposite end is a very aggressive saw blade which might be used for clearing limbs or perhaps cutting bone. http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SOG07077
A basic yellow handled Case Trapper which is my favorite design for a folder. http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=CA161
I'm not pushing any particular knife. I really like the Spyderco Moran as a very handy useable knife for hunting chores and the Schatt & Morgan. Lots of choices. If it were me, I'd buy the Spyderco Moran and the Case Trapper. Of course, there is always the classic Buck 110 which can be purchased for about $25-$30.
Last edited:
Carl Levitian
member
While a folder will certainly work well, you may really want to consider a small fixed blade. Blood, hair, tissue debris, all can work its way into the cracks and crevasis of the folder. A small sheath knife is way easier to clean off.
Also don't go much over 3 to 3 1/2 inches of blade. The deer is not that big an animal, and when you reach up inside to cut the windpipe loose to drag out the gut pile, its close quarters in there.
For many years I used a Buck 102 woodsman and that was more than enough knife for the job. The old Schrade Old Timer Sharp finger can be got off Ebay for a reasonable price, and is one of the best game knives ever made.
Also don't go much over 3 to 3 1/2 inches of blade. The deer is not that big an animal, and when you reach up inside to cut the windpipe loose to drag out the gut pile, its close quarters in there.
For many years I used a Buck 102 woodsman and that was more than enough knife for the job. The old Schrade Old Timer Sharp finger can be got off Ebay for a reasonable price, and is one of the best game knives ever made.
Goblin
Member
This one... $50.00!!
Kingcreek
Member
I carry an Eriksson Mora #510 in my pack. lightweight, very sharp high carbon steel, orange handle, cleans up easy, and cost under $10. I carry a folder (usually a Dozier folding hunter) in my pocket but use the mora for the messy knife work after the deer is down and tagged. There are dozens of knives that would do the job well for $100 or less but I prefer a fixed blade because of the fat and hair and yuck you gotta clean off of them later.
JPolito830
Member
Anyone ever use Ka-Bar hunting knives? I have used them for quite some time, and I absolutely love them!
Loyalist Dave
Member
YEP, I do alot of "primitive" hunting with a muzzleloader, and I am very bad at holding onto expensive knives in the field, BUT I have several different sizes of the wood handled MORA knives (they come with a plastic sheath - I retro-fit them with leather) and they are inexpensive and sharp and durable. No tears if I lose one in the woods! (So far I haven't lost any of the inexpensive Moras). A great piece of gear!
LD
22-rimfire
Member
The most important consideration is that the knife be very sharp. You make mistakes with dull knives especially when you might be inside the chest cavity cutting.
Pax Jordana
Member
I carry many different knives, for many different applications. At different times of course - I'm not walking around with my pockets jingling.
That said, of the few animals I have killed, all have been cleaned with an Old Timer stockman.
That's not to say the old timer is best - that's to say your opinion of best is arbitrary
That said, of the few animals I have killed, all have been cleaned with an Old Timer stockman.
That's not to say the old timer is best - that's to say your opinion of best is arbitrary
sm
member
DL Knives Small Skinner.
Boker Tree Brand Classic, carbon steel blade Mini-Trapper , or Slimline.
Boker Tree Brand Classic, carbon steel blade Mini-Trapper , or Slimline.
Valkman
Member
Why not buy a hunting knife for hunting? sm was referring to my Small Skinner, which will perform any hunting chore, last forever and is $100 plus the sheath. I don't know how many customs are available for $100 but it can't be many!
woodfiend
Member
If you want a folder then I would have to say the best one I have ever seen is the Gerber Gator with the drop point blade in 154CM. It is around 50 bucks, I think. If you want a fixed blade I would go with the Helle Eggen; this is the sharpest knife I have ever seen.
sm
member
For those that asked...
...I will reply publicly to save me time.
-Mine is 01 steel , with Tiger-Eye Micarta handles with a Lifter's Sheath.
-I only do carbon, tool steels for fixed blades.
This is also my preference for folding knives as well.
-No, I have not field dressed a deer, as I received it after deer season.
I have put it through the paces with all sorts of meat cutting tasks, along with fieldcraft, bushcraft and whatever else one might use a fixed blade for from home use, food prep, dealing with tornadoes to ...
-My other two fixed knives include:
Another Custom made from a Bastard file (W2 steel) with Elk handles, in a "classic hunting blade" config just shy of 3.5" long.
I personally feel a hunting knife with a blade 3.5" or shorter is best.
The third fixed is a Spyderco Mule, 52100 steel, still in all metal config.
Tom Krein is doing some very nice handles for these btw.
Q. Would I get a Small Skinner again?
A. Yep.
Next one I would want in 1095, Bos Heat Treat, Green Micarta handles with Two Lanyard holes, [ maybe three lanyard holes] with a Cordovan Leather Lifter's sheath, designed for both vertical and horizontal carry.
Don was afraid I would mention this...
Don is aware I actually had custom knives back years ago akin to these and the custom sheaths.
He also knows as does Tom as to why 2 even 3 lanyard holes.
I ain't telling.
Ask the custom knife makers.
*smile*
...I will reply publicly to save me time.
-Mine is 01 steel , with Tiger-Eye Micarta handles with a Lifter's Sheath.
-I only do carbon, tool steels for fixed blades.
This is also my preference for folding knives as well.
-No, I have not field dressed a deer, as I received it after deer season.
I have put it through the paces with all sorts of meat cutting tasks, along with fieldcraft, bushcraft and whatever else one might use a fixed blade for from home use, food prep, dealing with tornadoes to ...
-My other two fixed knives include:
Another Custom made from a Bastard file (W2 steel) with Elk handles, in a "classic hunting blade" config just shy of 3.5" long.
I personally feel a hunting knife with a blade 3.5" or shorter is best.
The third fixed is a Spyderco Mule, 52100 steel, still in all metal config.
Tom Krein is doing some very nice handles for these btw.
Q. Would I get a Small Skinner again?
A. Yep.
Next one I would want in 1095, Bos Heat Treat, Green Micarta handles with Two Lanyard holes, [ maybe three lanyard holes] with a Cordovan Leather Lifter's sheath, designed for both vertical and horizontal carry.
Don was afraid I would mention this...
Don is aware I actually had custom knives back years ago akin to these and the custom sheaths.
He also knows as does Tom as to why 2 even 3 lanyard holes.
I ain't telling.
Ask the custom knife makers.
*smile*
22-rimfire
Member
Go for it. But I like hunting knives for hunting.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
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- Nov 14, 2007
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- 13,146
Well, I've see harder questions before:
Benchmade=Quality
Gerber=Junk (essentially)
Not complicated.
Benchmade=Quality
Gerber=Junk (essentially)
Not complicated.
Rupestris
Member
Thanks for throwing the "essentially" in there
.My Gerber LST Magnum Jr. made short work of a wild turkey, a few dozen perch, countless panfish and a couple catfish too. My Gerber multi-tool has some rather crappy tools on it (screwdrivers might as well have been made of soft lead) but the one hand opening needle nose pliers have removed more fish hooks that I can count from the lips of unsuspecting fresh and saltwater critters.
That said, and given a cap of $100 I'd get:
A Mora (less than $15)
A Spyderco Centofante III (around $45)
Fiskars/Gerber folding or sliding saw (less than $20)
And for good measure A SAK Wenger SI (around $20)
You should be able to disassemble any deer with those including spliting the pelvis.
lloveless
Member
I have a large Schrade folder-picked up at a yard sale for $8.00. Carry and use an Old Hikory 7 inch boning knife-$3.75 from Walmart homemade sheath(leather) $5.00.
gb6491
Member
The A.G. Russell Deer Hunter is a lot of knife for the money. The blade is a little thinner than most hunting knives it's size and is a high flat grind. I have the bird and trout version and it's a real cutter. The sheath is very handy with a locking plunger that is easy to operate and holds the knife very securely.
BTW - Gerber used to make one of the best cutting knives I have ever used. Actually, it was a series of knives in the 70's with the Armorhide grips. I don't care for the all metal grip, but the blade was thin and high ground like the Deer Hunter above. They take a wicked edge and hold it for quite some time. Gerber literature said the blades were made of tool steel (some think M2). The blades were plated to help prevent corrosion. I have several of the A400 models and really like them. Here's a link from the web to what they look like: A400
Regards,
Greg
BTW - Gerber used to make one of the best cutting knives I have ever used. Actually, it was a series of knives in the 70's with the Armorhide grips. I don't care for the all metal grip, but the blade was thin and high ground like the Deer Hunter above. They take a wicked edge and hold it for quite some time. Gerber literature said the blades were made of tool steel (some think M2). The blades were plated to help prevent corrosion. I have several of the A400 models and really like them. Here's a link from the web to what they look like: A400
Regards,
Greg
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
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- 13,146
Rupestris
Sorry, I have some Gerbers and they're ok, but I just have a bad taste in my mouth every since a Gerber hand saw broke on me after a couple of uses. I actually carry a Gator II sometimes when hunting, and an Applegate/Fairbairn full-sized folder sometimes. I also have an LST on the workbench and an 800 Legend Multi-tool in my "gun & bow toolbox". So I don't *hate* all Gerbers - it just seems their quality has really gone downhill the last 5 years or so, which makes me a sad panda.
Let me add for the OP - if we can talk you into other choices.... first, since just about any knife will skin a deer, there are as many choices as there are knives - hundreds if not thousands of good choices, both fixed and folders. Keep in mind that fixed blade knifes are a bit easier to clean than folders after getting blood & fat on and in them, which is why I prefer them for skinning, though I've used both. Most people do prefer a drop point type blade for skinning, though a pointier clip point can have its advantages too in sticking further back into the skin to separate the skin from muscle, at a precise "sticking point". Of course there are other uses for knives while hunting besides skinning. The Marbles Outdoors "Classic Woodcraft" fixed blade is a nice classicly-shaped big belly skinner, but it's one of hundreds of good choices. Knives of Alaska makes some really pretty and useful hunting knives - I want a Super Pro Pack really badly - am especially keen on the Muskrat. FWIW, usually when I am hunting, I have 3 knives or more on me - a neck knife, a pocket folder, and a fixed blade on the belt.
Sorry, I have some Gerbers and they're ok, but I just have a bad taste in my mouth every since a Gerber hand saw broke on me after a couple of uses. I actually carry a Gator II sometimes when hunting, and an Applegate/Fairbairn full-sized folder sometimes. I also have an LST on the workbench and an 800 Legend Multi-tool in my "gun & bow toolbox". So I don't *hate* all Gerbers - it just seems their quality has really gone downhill the last 5 years or so, which makes me a sad panda.Let me add for the OP - if we can talk you into other choices.... first, since just about any knife will skin a deer, there are as many choices as there are knives - hundreds if not thousands of good choices, both fixed and folders. Keep in mind that fixed blade knifes are a bit easier to clean than folders after getting blood & fat on and in them, which is why I prefer them for skinning, though I've used both. Most people do prefer a drop point type blade for skinning, though a pointier clip point can have its advantages too in sticking further back into the skin to separate the skin from muscle, at a precise "sticking point". Of course there are other uses for knives while hunting besides skinning. The Marbles Outdoors "Classic Woodcraft" fixed blade is a nice classicly-shaped big belly skinner, but it's one of hundreds of good choices. Knives of Alaska makes some really pretty and useful hunting knives - I want a Super Pro Pack really badly - am especially keen on the Muskrat. FWIW, usually when I am hunting, I have 3 knives or more on me - a neck knife, a pocket folder, and a fixed blade on the belt.
Rupestris
Member
Completely understood. My Gerbers were bought long before I knew that there were better knives out there. I can't remember the last time I actually carried my LST Jr. My son carred it for a while 'til I give him a Kershaw Chive.
Since finding Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, and other brands (as well as going to more traditional stuff like Case, Imperial, Schrade) that have proven themselves as stelar performers, I haven't even looked at Gerber
.Don't be a sad panda. Pandas are from China... Like most modern Gerbers
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