Knife for deer

I've really gotten to like my Gerber Freeman.
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I bought it last Winter and it's lived on my belt ever since. It's gutted fish and dressed a few ducks. I'm hoping it'll disect an elk in a few days too. To me it's just the right size, as it fits the hand perfect and offers a very good grip. The wood grips are tough and haven't soaked up any blood. It's a folder, but it locks up solid. I really can't recommend it enough. :)
 
There are many knives that will do the trick. What you want is

1) Able to hold an edge
2) Relatively easy to sharpen ( They don't stay sharp forever)
3) I like a fixed full tang blade that is 7-8" long with a good strong back with
little flex. This is a bit long but I like the reach when working in a large
animal. For skinning I like about a 4" blade for manouverability.
4) A handle that fits your hand with a good bolster to protect your hand.

You don't need to spend a pile of money but a $50 knife is generally crap but I think $100- $200 can buy a very nice knife that will last a long time.

My personal favourites are Buck products and Cutco hunting knives in the price range mentioned but there are many out there. I grew up in a butcher shop and have hunted for four decades. I've worn out and totally wrecked knives, and cut myself enough times to know the knife for you will just seem to fit and you'll know it so handle as many types as you can before you spend your money.
 
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Ruko .... or is it Ruku.... im to lazy to look. have good knives as well.

why the internet? You should go man shopping for a knife and get one that you feel is right for you.

really with a deer knife you just want something sharp, tuff and a blade a bit longer than ur index finger. nothing special really.
 
AKD said:
Ruko .... or is it Ruku.... im to lazy to look. have good knives as well.

why the internet? You should go man shopping for a knife and get one that you feel is right for you.

really with a deer knife you just want something sharp, tuff and a blade a bit longer than ur index finger. nothing special really.
Click to expand...

The reason I ask is because the only place to buy a knife around here is Canadian Tire.... :(

Even then I only get to town once a month....
 
My father uses a Gerber Gator and I think you could do a lot worse.

I bought a Knives of Alaska Alpha Wolf with a D2 blade and I have never used a sharper knife than this. I field dressed a deer and a moose last year without resharpening - it's a frickin razor. I like that are made on this continent, too.
 
you dont need much of a blade to dress a deer. Buck makes a nice little fixed blad which is thin, 4 inches long, works perfect. I perfer a fixed blade for cleaning but have done them with a 3 inch pocket blade.
 
I have been using my DH Russel/Grohman for the last 4 years........all I need in a knife for deer. Could use something a little skinnier for the poop shoot, but it still gets the job done, and it doesn't break the bank, and holds an edge well.


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I've used one of those cheap plastic handled Swedish knives that you can typically get for about $15 and it does the job very well. It takes and holds an edge amazingly well for something so cheap. Probably the best value for money. But I also use a Buck Vanguard that works just as well and is a much nicer knife to have and hold. It was a Christmas present but I'd buy one for myself and be glad I'd spent the money (about $90.) I expect it will last me the rest of my life. I expect one would last you the rest of your life, too, even though I think you probably have a couple extra decades more to go than me. :)
 
Go to a butcher supply place and pic up a plastic handled Lamb knife and a plastic butchers sheath.
Should be less then 30 bucks.
 
The knife I've used for the past 5 years is a CHEAP $5 folder. :p

It has a 2" blade...light, handy, cheap...I don't need anything more than that.

Think about it...what is the thickest cut you make gutting a deer? 1/8"?

Skinning is a different story...I use a filet knife, just like every slaughterhouse/ butcher I've ever seen.
 
If all you want is something to gut a deer then any old knife that holds a reasonable edge will work. If you're interested in a superb knife that will last a lifetime check out Ron Post Custom Knives http://www.postknives.com/ His knives are the epitome of quality and workmanship with many different styles and applications. My choice is his model 380SK seen on page 3 of the "outdoor knives". The Ats34 steel holds an edge, sharpens easily, will hold up to the toughest jobs and the blade style helps to avoid puncturing the gut or perforating the hide during skinning. And best of all the edge will stand up to skinning a moose – the ultimate test for a knife.

Ron
 
I've got a Buck/Cabelas Alaskan Guide series cross-lock with S30V steel in the blade. Came out of the box sharp enough to shave with, and 4 deer dressed and skinned later, it's still sharp enough to shave with (and I haven't sharpened it at all). Pick the one that suits your fancy -- but I'm pretty sold on the whole S30V steel thing. I've owned lots of knives over the years, and none have held an edge like this.

My second choice (previously my first choice) is a Gerber gator; it's been good to me over the years too.
 
I started off with and still carry a Canadian made Grohmann # 2 (Trout & Bird) belt knife, but for purely field dressing have switched to a no-name German-made 3-1/2" wood handled lock-back pocket folder. For skinning, the Grohmann "Mini Skinner" works like a charm.
 
my folk got me an anniversare 50 years BUCK KNIFE it was a amaxing knife folder with a 4 inch blade .i lost it skinning the first doe oif the season two years ago .i cryed .!! now i carry a cheaper small folder and keep the nicer knives at home or in the shop hate to lost somthing like that DUTCH
 
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