My own experiences have been pretty far ranging, my parents had (and still own) a small flock of sheep, so in additon to deer and other animals me and my brothers had to butcher up several other animals on a regular basis. Oh, and I helped skin a Zebra once too. Anyway, after going through many many different knives my preferred tool is usually a folding Buck, but I also like folding fish fillet knives also. I posted earlier about how we skin with a winch and a 4 wheeler virtually every time now, so the fillet knife works just fine for getting the tough spots.

Has anyone ever used one of the Wyoming knives? If you've never seen one, they have 2 finger holes and 2 different blades, one for skinning and one for gutting, and they are rather small. The blades are replaceable. They always looked interesting but I never used one, and now I don't really need to.

So what do you guys use?

Mac

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When hunting and fishing get in the way of your job, it is time to quit the job!

Don

I�m using three knives: a folding Silver Moose, a Bundeswehr Klappmesser (german folding army knife by Victorinox) and a traditional swedish slender carbon steel 4" blade. I prefer the latter, as the folding knives are difficult to clean in the field. The straight grip and blade also makes the old swede easy to handle. In fact you can do evrything with it, exept getting admiring commentaries for its beauty from the mates.

Fritz

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Happiness is a 200 yard bughole.

quote:

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Originally posted by Powderman:
I don't use it for a hunting knife, but for general all-around utility, I carry a Spyderco Endura. Haven't had to sharpen it since I got it, 4 years ago. Still can be used as a letter opener, almost sharp enough to shave with.

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I assume you have the plain edge? I carry a partially serrated Delica daily and find the serrations make horrible letter openers, would be scary shaving with them!

I took a plain edge Delica on my elk hunt last year--it held its edge throughout (my share of) skinning two bulls. Unfortunately I left it in the skinning shed--too bad because it was an old plastic-clip model that's easier on my clothes.

John

[This message has been edited by Pete E (edited 06-18-2001).]

When traveling, always carry at least one Swiss Army knife, with multiple tools, mostly for a never lose cork screw. One has to be civilized and have wine with dinner if possible.

I like Spydercos and own several, but the Buck is as good IMO for my uses and is usually a little cheaper here in the States.

I also got recently on eBay a Buck 110 folder. Now, that's a knife!! But, I won't carry it--it's too purty!!! Love that wood handle and the brass fittings, plus the extra heft makes it feel real good to the hand--but, I have fairly large meat hooks, anyway.

No, the Spyderco is the general all around knock about knife, and it has the full serrated edge.

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Happiness is a 200 yard bughole.

I got a couple of them from "Smokey Mountain Knife Works" (1-800-251-9306), each for $14.00 US. It is listed as knife #F-40536 in their catalog.

There are two problems with this knife: It does not come with a sheath, and to get the sharpest edge you will need a Lansky sharpening kit (or some other that can hold the stone on the blade somewhere around a 25-degree angle). I can use this knife to skin two moose before I have to re-sharpen the blade.

I am not advertising for the company above, so if you see this knife at the store and its price is around $12.00, buy one and give it a try.

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One knife I always have with me, whether dressed in blue jeans or a tux, is my Trimfile Trio. This little stamped jewel can be found at the 5 & dime for about a buck (or sometimes for free as an advertising novelty). It weighs less than an ounce, has a knife blade (easily dulled but also easily sharpened), a file blade (good for cleaning spark plugs and for minor grinding jobs), and a bottle opener-screwdriver. The only thing it won't do is pull a cork from a wine bottle, Gato, so I make sure every vehicle I own is equipped with a cork screw.

I can't tell you how many times my Trimfile Trio has been the only knife-like thing available among 3 or 4 macho buddies when something needed cutting, prying, or scraped. And besides, Gato, if your tastes run to the better imported beers rather than Budwater, the cap always requires mechanical assistance to open. Set a cold 12-pack of Bass Pale Ale in front of thirsty but ill-equipped people, and a Trimfile Trio will make you a hero.

[This message has been edited by Stonecreek (edited 06-21-2001).]

I use a Green River with skinning blade. I can field dress two or three deer and by then the edge has gone off the knife but a couple of strokes with my steele soon puts it back again. This is the same knife as used in the Freezing Works and slaughter Houses throuh out New Zealand. I don't think they would use them if they were inferior to other knives

Steve H

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

My absolute favorite knife is a Loweless 4 inch drop point with black micarta. To my opinion knifes should be practical and not with engarving and gold inlays, but should be used properly and not abused. I also has a Puna Skinn master which is well used.

For slashing through rope and fabric I agree serrations are tough to beat, so any sort of rescue knife I'll make an exception to, regarding to what I would purchase. I must confess though, I do have quite a few serrated knives but they were all gifts for the most part....

I always carry my Leatherman with me, previously I always had my Swiss Army knife. The Leatherman doesn't have scissors or a corkscrew, but it does have pliers- a big plus, and it comes with a pouch for my belt so I won't lose it like many SA knives. I'm pretty good at opening wine without a corkscrew...

I've got this large, very well made SOG knife, that was a gift. For lack of a better word it's sort of a "Rambo" knife, but not cheesy- no serated edge, no hollow handle. It's really useful-you can use it like a hatchet or a knife, but when I have it on my belt I get funny looks sometimes, so mostly it's in my pack.

Gatehouse- Do you have any special trick for opening wine bottles without a corkscrew? I usually just push the cork down into the bottle with a finger but then of course you need to drink the entire bottle....

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If Elmer didn't say it, it probably ain't true.

They are such handy things to have on you, one strategy would be to remove the main blade for a month or so, just put a little washer in its place, then if anyone gave you a hard time give them the ol' blank stare and ask them what the heck they were talking about... I bet after a month nobody would ask anymore...

Todd

Chris