Skinning knife

a Mora Kansbol would be about perfect. It's not too long, not too short, and is specifically designed to handle both skinning and woodworking through a combination grind. They're like $50 so not super cheap, but not even close to "expensive." If you were to go cheaper I'd say a Dexter Russel of some sort, or another cheaper Mora.

If you're not afraid of carbon steels, a Kabar Becker BK-16 is really nice, if you're willing to put time into a project to do a couple easy mods. Mine works great. Maybe my favorite knife.

I have a Cold Steel Master Hunter. These are worth considering, as it's much cheaper than a comparably sized Fallkniven and has basically the same features. But they too are going up in price. The 3V one is interesting.

I have a Benchmade Leuku in 3V. I haven't used it, but it seems like it would be pretty good. 3V isn't stainless, but it doesn't stain or rust easily, so it might be quite good. From what I've seen on youtube (grain of salt and all that) 3V doesn't pit, but it gets surface rust after long-term exposure. May or may not be an issue for you. 3V wouldn't chip if you hit seal bone. I have no clue how hard seal bone is, but I know I'd rather have a tougher steel regardless.

A great small one is the Cold Steel Mini Pendleton. That might be perfect for you. Small, cheap, enclosed tang, great steels and heat treatments. Cheap in AUS-10A, expensive in 3V. Your choice. Sharpened spine, and a good sized handle. I REALLY like mine. Surprisingly thick (1/8th) for the length. And I can have a barely full grip on it. For small deer or smaller I think this would be hard to beat. If you have US relatives/contacts like I do, you can order most of these knives from MidwayUSA for a fraction of the price you can get them here. It's a great site to peruse for knives.
 
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You can't teach an old dog new tricks. I use the Puma Skinner, Old Timer Sharp Finger and the Alaska Bear Cub. I also sharpen all my hunting knives with the Lansky System. Most knives will work to skin an animal, as long as it is sharp.
 
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DallasBlaine said:
Btt
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Did you not get an answer to your original question four years ago to prompt thread resurrection?

Since you are getting the seals for food, should that be taken to mean the hide is of little value to you? Regardless if the hide is useful, a proper skinning knife will still get it off the carcass better. Having never skinned a seal I'm going to equate it to skinning a beaver and suggest that the same style of knife would be most useful. Granted you will need two knives: one for the actual skinning but the second for the opening cuts/rips. Dexter and Wiebe still make the ideal shaped knife for such skinning. Mine is so old and well used with deep patina (as I was given it) I can't tell with absolute certainty but think it's a Dexter. I like a Russel Belt knife or some long slender blade for the opening cuts. I prefer carbon steel but it takes extra care. With my Dexter knife I clean skinned beaver. With the round tip, they look peculiar and are tricky to sharpen, but a dedicated skinning knife.
 
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I use a Havalon piranta for most stuff, and mora craftsman pro C for the rough work.

The piranta is real nice for breasting out ducks too!
 
I keep a Puma folder in my pack and a Marttini belt knife as well, they do pretty much anything I need to do in the
field. I also have several Grohmanns that I really like
Cat
 
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Never bought from this trap supplier and I provide the link as illustration not endorsement or intent to push a non-contributing retailer on CGN but this is the dedicated skinning knife (not widely known or retailed either I would add) I referred to:

h ttps://www.ouell.ca/en/products/couteau-russel-dexter?variant=32021607645261&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=EN-CA&utm_content=Couteau%20Russel%20Dexter&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwtrzrbTh9QIVClNyCh2jWAxWEAQYASABEgKoWvD_BwE
 
New Camper said:
Did you not get in answer to your original question four years ago to prompt thread resurrection?

Since you are getting the seals for food, should that be taken to mean the hide is of little value to you? Regardless if the hide is useful, a proper skinning knife will still get it off the carcass better. Having never skinned a seal I'm going to equate it to skinning a beaver and suggest that the same style of knife would be most useful. Granted you will need two knives: one for the actual skinning but the second for the opening cuts/rips. Dexter and Wiebe still make the ideal shaped knife for such skinning. Mine is so old and well used with deep patina (as I was given it) I can't tell with absolute certainty but think it's a Dexter. I like a Russel Belt knife or some long slender blade for the opening cuts. I prefer carbon steel but it takes extra care. With my Dexter knife I clean skinned beaver. With the round tip, they look peculiar and are tricky to sharpen, but a dedicated skinning knife.
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Yes, just putting it out there again to throwback the thread, always like to try out new items and see what others use.
 
PEKS said:
The H1 & F1 are very stout knives yes, but still, good for skinning.
Deer hide near peels back from the sharp convex edge & weight alone from the H1
The F1 is an EDC for Hunting, versatile, strong, well suited for skinning also, handle does lose some grip if blood soaked
Have skinned many deer with the Fallknivens, all hanging in barn or at hunt camp, very effective knives.

The Spyderco Moran is razor, good belly, thin profile, flat ground blade, excellent Skinner
Moran is not full tang, clocks in at half the weight of F1.

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All my knives are on drawer duty since I picked up a spyderco Moran drop point.
 
scott_r said:
I hunt all fall and trap all winter, tried all kinds of knives and for the price nothing beats a mora they are great. In fact I cut off the front and back quarters off a full grown bull cow that died and used it for bait for my snares, did the whole thing without using a steel to touch up the edge,,forgot it at home. If you loose one its no big deal as they are about $15 bucks. They have different sizes to meet your needs. Amazon is best place to buy them. Caribou also make good knives, check out Dam beaver supplies, they have a good selection.
I also have some Benchmades with s30 v, some Bucks and other higher end knives but after loosing a Hidden Canyon hunter I paid over $200 for they stay at home.
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Bushcraft Canada sells a set of 15 Mora 511 for 215.00. Will let your lifetime. Will do an elk without touch up. Have 3 in my truck just cause.
 
I have a custom made knife that has served me well for many years.
Holds a wicked edge, and is not so large that it is ungainly. Dave.
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I carry two knives, one a Cold Steel Pendleton, the other a Mora heavy-duty companion. I could easily leave one or the other at home. I like the checkered rubbery grips on the Pendleton, they give you a good grip when your hands are bloody, and the Mora has a soft rubbery texture to it as well.

I've come to the conclusion over the years that anything made of decent steel that will hold an edge will work. I don't like a blade much over 4", it just gets in the way. Expensive custom knives are nice, just like custom rifles, but they're not necessary and I get too paranoid about losing them. I'd be just as happy with an old red-handled Mora for everything.
 
I used a couple of Buck Vanguards with rubber grips for many years. Still have them and use as them as back up knives.
I have been using the Outdoor Edge Swingblades since they came out. Have and use 2. The rubber handles provide good grip, and they hold a pretty good edge. The gutting blade works great for use on opening the hide and stomach cavity. Have to admit I was skeptical at first, as I have found many gut hook designs just don't work well. After trying a friend's Swingblade to do 4 deer, I went and bought the 2 that I have been using since. Have since bought them for my wife, daughter, stepfather and a few friends.
 
BlackRam said:
I used a couple of Buck Vanguards with rubber grips for many years. Still have them and use as them as back up knives.
I have been using the Outdoor Edge Swingblades since they came out. Have and use 2. The rubber handles provide good grip, and they hold a pretty good edge. The gutting blade works great for use on opening the hide and stomach cavity. Have to admit I was skeptical at first, as I have found many gut hook designs just don't work well. After trying a friend's Swingblade to do 4 deer, I went and bought the 2 that I have been using since. Have since bought them for my wife, daughter, stepfather and a few friends.
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the non swingblade gutting blade is even better. that a mora and a lambskinner and you re golden. i ve got a victorinox beef gut opener but that is only for bison so huge beast ...
 
I use an opinel pen knife for skinning and gutting or a red wood handle carbon steel mora 2 without the finger guard

The disadvantage of the opinel is hair and viscera gets in the slot for the blade on the handle, I love the thin blade for skinning though. Don’t let the price fool you both these knives take an edge very well, and do not rust with basic maintenance


I’m sure the more expensive knives guys use are great but my knives have a tendency to get up and walk away at work.
 
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