what knife do you use to field dress your game?

[Lefty Dick]

I’m a Grohmann fan.

Still have a very old original model, it still does the job.

Other than that I’ve gone to the Outdoor Edge EDC knives, light and plenty sharp, I don’t split pelvises and sternums, just learn how to do the ringaranaroo on the bung, and use cattle obstetric gloves and reach up to get the old vacuum cleaner hose, at the other end.

 

[IronNoggin]

Buck 110 and buck 112. Call me a boomer, but I like the classics.

My Go-To's as well.

That said, I have a few Custom Knives that I use from time to rime.

This is a handcrafted Feathered Damascus Blade with African handles.
It is pretty much a use at home item:

And... This one is used but rarely.
It is a Cinnamon Obsidian Blade, with Dall Sheep Horn Handles:

Cheers

 

[Fella]

My Go-To's as well.

That said, I have a few Custom Knives that I use from time to rime.

This is a handcrafted Feathered Damascus Blade with African handles.
It is pretty much a use at home item:

And... This one is used but rarely.
It is a Cinnamon Obsidian Blade, with Dall Sheep Horn Handles:

Cheers

Hmmm I recognize 2 of those knives!

 

[iron cat]

I no longer use the hatchet, I use a Kuhkri that was built for me by a local guy who did a tremendous job on it!
The birch handled knife is a Traditional Sami syle general skinner made by Marttini
The folder is a Puma.
Cat

https://imgur.com/dNyK69J

https://imgur.com/dA0GLdE

 

[DGY]

I have that same axe and never thought anything g good about it hahaha

 

[murph83]

Buck 110

 

[iron cat]

I have that same axe and never thought anything g good about it hahaha

I ground down the blade profile to make it more sharpenable, but the handle was never to my liking for sure, it was hard to use.
What it does do is chop extremely well due to the blade shape
Cat

 

[DGY]

I’ve shaped and re handled a small wetherling axe into a hunting axe a bit like the hultsbruk one… never used it.

 

[Leavenworth]

I thought I posted up here but I guess not.
I posted in the other thread on here about a “ hunting blade suggestion “ so it’s basically the same response for this thread
I just can’t see laying out a lot of money for a custom knife that could very easily get lost in the field .
Sooooo. I was a slaughterman and a meat processing knifeman for 25 years
Any of the meat industry knives widely used will do the trick . Not expensive either
Victorinox , Swibo Etc.
I like Moras as well
If you like ease of sharpening and decent edge retention get something in the 56 to 60
Rockwell Hardness Range

 

[DogTazmania]

do you like a long blade or a short blade?

I know you would likely use different blades on small game like rabbit, grouse and such, so I'm mostly talking about what you're go-to blades are for deer, elk, moose, bear; the bigger stuff.

I've got a Buck Vantage drop point made out of S30V steel that I like to use.

For deer and medium sized game I've tried several with various success. Light, maneuverable and good feedback from the blade are important to me so I don't lop off a finger. Larger blades require greater skill to avoid hitting internal organs and entrails. I've heard reports of people sustaining serious cuts from the scalpel sharp types due to limited feel and the sharpness making the seriousness of self-inflicted cuts by slipping very serious. I have refined my decision to a medium sized folder with good edge retention and still easy to sharpen, with an integrated gut hook and high vis black and orange handle. A Buck Knives 660 Pursuit Pro Hunting, Camping and Outdoors Lifetime Warranty Stainless Steel 0660ORG. I've seen friends drop a pack for longer hikes with their knife left behind hence belt carry being critical to me. Pocket carry can cause losing it by dropping and discomfort while sitting or moving. Keeping the tool sharp and having a good edge is also a critical balance with trade-offs. The gut hook became a must-have when I watched how easy a very experienced butcher (beef farmer) in my party use one. What a difference it makes! Good visibility and feel means I still proudly have ten fingers and no self-inflicted wounds requiring a tourniquet, to date. The last sentence is my humor. Seriously. No cuts, yet. Also consider adding a "dummy cord" lanyard if you don't want to lose it (although I don't use one). I carry a back up in my pack and a small field sharpener on my person. If it will be a while before you can transport your harvest to a butcher, consider a "butt-out" a game bag or bags, a saw - manual if you're strong to cut through the sternum and pelvic bones. I use a "saws-all" type portable saber saw powered by battery kept in the truck or back at camp, when needed. Rope, paracord or similar should also be carried for drags and/or hanging and/or holding limbs back when hunting solo. Sorry if I went overboard with the info in my reply. Good Hunting!

 

[581]

For many years I used a Bucklite. However, the last few years I find myself just using my Opinel #8, it's always sharp and in my pocket anyway. I checkered the handle for more grip. I always have my grandfather's old Boker fixed blade in my pack for backup. Yes cleaning a folder can be a pain but I just toss it in the dishwasher when my wife's not looking. Dry it off and wipe down with mineral oil when it done.

 

[Painkillers]

 

[Hand Skills]

Spyderco Hungarian



Reground to .010" behind the edge
Finished at 15°/side
CTS-XHP at 64hrc

Like shaking hands with an old friend.

 

[uberti77]

do you like a long blade or a short blade?

I know you would likely use different blades on small game like rabbit, grouse and such, so I'm mostly talking about what you're go-to blades are for deer, elk, moose, bear; the bigger stuff.

I've got a Buck Vantage drop point made out of S30V steel that I like to use.

Cold steel srk san mai on moose. Cause I need to baton open the chest and pelvic.

 

[Eagleye]

I will try a new knife this fall. It is a Benchmade Barrage. [M390]
Will be interesting to see how well it holds an edge.

 

[156821]

I will try a new knife this fall. It is a Benchmade Barrage. [M390]
Will be interesting to see how well it holds an edge.

I have been carrying one of those in my pocket for about 15 years. Great knives.

I use a havalon piratta for all my hunting now days. I have never seen a blade get as sharp as one of those. Like scary sharp. You pay real close attention when you change a blade out.

 

[Lastgun]

The Barrage is one tough knife...The wife stole mine and took it to the garden years ago...I have never abused a blade like she does most every time she uses it...When I see it laying around I give it a look over wash it and give it a few strokes on the steel and it's sharp as new again...Great blade for sure.

 

[Shovel]

I no longer use the hatchet, I use a Kuhkri that was built for me by a local guy who did a tremendous job on it!
The birch handled knife is a Traditional Sami syle general skinner made by Marttini
The folder is a Puma.
Cat

https://imgur.com/dNyK69J

https://imgur.com/dA0GLdE

Never seen a Marttini like that. Nice

 

[Big Bad]

The Buck 321, a speciality knife for field dressing upland birds like grouse, hook is for drawing the guts out after the blade enlarges the vent. Allows for quicker cooling of the carcass and stuff. When this knife went missing, I fretted for weeks, months maybe. Buck no longer makes it and there are only a few other versions, all more expensive and none quite as good.