Recommend a good field dressing knife

[raisins]

So, you are gutting them in the field and dragging them out to finish the job later with a dedicated set of knives?

Yep. I carry the Stretch and the Delica in the field (I pick whichever at the time and use the other as a back up).

Skinning, I usually use the Stretch or whatever I have. It's an easier job and more controlled and I have all my knives sitting around. I'm not too particular there compared to how particular I am with a knife I carry in the field and use in those conditions. Honestly, I should probably go with a fixed because I'm usually alone and remote (I'd hate to get a really bad cut if a blade closed).

For quartering, I'll sometimes just buy a cheap fillet knife from walmart. Use it fresh out of the box, and then give it away to someone after I'm done.

 

[Blacksmith]

I'm sure those replacement blade knives are awesome w/their sticky sharp blades but I just like to sharpen my own knives and the pointy ends on my arrows. I think tinkering w/gear is half the fun, including sharpening stuff. Gotta go, sharpen two Snuffers that intercepted a racoon this morning.

 

[Hoytfieldarcher]

Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter (new edition) has S90V super premium steel. Not cheap but I love it: https://www.benchmade.com/products/15017-1-hidden-canyon-hunter

View attachment 94185

And the Argali Serac - Stealth Edition (normal uncoated steel also available). S35VN steel. https://argalioutdoors.com/en-ca/collections/knives/products/argali-serac-knife-stealth-edition

View attachment 94186

Both very light, great steels, ultra-sharp out of the box and feel good in the hand.

Just bought the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter today with Cabela's points on your recommendation. Sweet little knife. Perfect size.

 

[Horn]

I agree that havalon is flimsy, I bought a outdoor edge yesterday- 3 inch folder. Not impressed with it unzipping a deer to field dress. Havalon is hands down better there. Outdoor edge was great on flesh, hide I found it lacking but workable. Better find my havalon, send DanO some more moolah, or ask Kyle for a scalpel link

 

[SNIPERBBB]

You can get heavier havalon blades. I highly recommend that because I had some turn 90* on me when I was fleshing a beaver on a board.

 

[Horn]

I will look into heavier havalon blades, thanks

 

[SNIPERBBB]

I will look into heavier havalon blades, thanks

the 60XT's are what came with the original pirantas. the 60A's are thicker. Regardless which ypu get, you cant try to horse em around or youll risk snapping or bending of blades..theyre scalpels not prybars!

 

[JC3]

Started with this style of knife years and years ago, and used it yesterday (this is a custom) Canadian Belt Knife.
Looks a little unorthodox, but works very well gutting and skinning and in a pinch butchering.
Here is a link to the manufacturer

#1 Original Design

[jvservices type=

www.grohmannknives.com

 

[Iron_llama]

Started with this style of knife years and years ago, and used it yesterday (this is a custom) Canadian Belt Knife.
Looks a little unorthodox, but works very well gutting and skinning and in a pinch butchering.
Here is a link to the manufacturer

#1 Original Design

[jvservices type=

www.grohmannknives.com

I've got a Cold Steel knockoff of that. Never brought it hunting but it's my go-to camping/hiking/etc outside belt knife.

 

[Iron_llama]

seems this 119 is available from the buck custom shop with an ironwood grip for a huge upcharge. Beautiful grip though. I may look into buying a chunk of wood and making another grip for it, and using it on at least one deer. Then pass it down to my son when he gets old enough.

BT

I missed this earlier. Years ago I briefly went whole hog into "knifemaking" which in my case was just putting handles onto blade blanks someone else ground and heat-treated. I bought blanks from North Coast Knives, Jantz, and Knifekits. There are some very nice blades and kits on there, including some Pukko blades from (IIRC) Helle. North Coast has some nuce tutorials. I got into it with my old boss, who brought his son along for the ride. In the process, we learned how to make "micarta" with fabric and Bondo resin; we used obsolete uniforms (he retired from the Navy) to make highly personal knives and pens; penmaking is a whole 'nother rabbit hole. Which is a long way of saying, you can make a very special hunting knife with/for your son without having to go to the Buck custom shop. I really like the stacked Pukko-type handles as you can incorporate many things - antler or bone from a particular deer, wood from a treehouse or crib, fabric micarta from sentimental garments, brass from the cartridge he shot, etc.