Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Nala on January 06, 2011, 02:12:00 AM
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Hey all,
I would like to see how you all respond to this question. I am asking it because I am wanting to know how effective you all think folding knives can be for field dressing deer and larger game and what their drawbacks are?
I was surprised at the responses I received on another trad board. Seems folders are more popular than I once thought they were. We see some many pics of beautiful fixed blades from the artisans here that I just guessed that most would want and prefer a fixed blade on their side while hunting. Make no mistake, I am not trying to take anything away from these custom geniuses that sell their wonderous works of functional art here. I would love to have one or many.....someday I will. I just want to see what path some others have chosen with their knife choices.
So lets hear your thoughts on folders for hunting chores and what the + and - are in using them. Also post what folder you are using or thinking about buying for next season. Pics are always wildly popular too!!!
Thanks for your time and help.
Nalajr
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Nala , i always have a fixed blade on me when outdoors but My vintage Puma folder or Grohmann drop point folder get most duties whether camp or Field dressing.
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yeah whenever i am outside i have a Spyderco plain edge Endura in my pocket. Never used it on an animal yet.
nalajr
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A folder and a sharpener are everything I need for dressing.For camp use I like a fixed blade that has not the need to stay as sharp as my skinner.
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I always field dress deer with a Buck knife folder.
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I keep a Buck 110 in my pack all the time
great knife
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I've used a Buck 110 for years.Also use a buck fixed blade quite a bit.I don't really see pros or cons either way as long as you use a good knife.
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Buck 110 and 105 go hunting the most with me. A large Case Trapper does about all of my skinning duties.
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I am a knife addict and to be honest I love my Gerber and Benchmade folders. I never go into the woods without one. I just passed on to my son my first folder my Dad gave me, and when I took it out of the cabinet I realized knives are not made like that anymore. The knife weighs 4 times as much as the new ones,has a real thick blade(Steel that keeps an edge)brass ends and wood grain,with a lock back system that doesn't come loose or have play in it.The knife is designed to do business. I like the knives of today but they keep changing going down in functional purpose to serve the aesthetic needs of the main stream high tech hunter and IMHO they lost the true craftsmanship and quality they used to have.My fist lock back is 32yo and would still skin a deer and crack a pelvic bone like it did when my Dad gave it to me.Quality got lost along the way with the knives of today.Thanks Tim :campfire:
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I'm kind of a knife addict too, but I can (and have) take a deer from field to freeer with just a medium sized Case Trapper. My biggest beef with folders is getting them clean afterwards, but I have that figured out. Put 1/2 open knife in a coffee can 3/4 full very hot water and dish soap. Shake. Shake some more. Let soak for awhile. Knife should come out clean.
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Kershaw "Blue Mountain" 2 blade lock-back.
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I use both types. If you buy a lock blade be careful about the type of mechanism. My 31-year old son went to the emergency room a couple of months ago after inadvertently closing the blade on the side of his palm. This was an index finger under the front of the handle -- very common - Buck. He was using the knife though in a way that wasn't intended.
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I have used a Benchmade folder for my initial field dressing chores for many years now. I have a pile of fixed blade knives too but they seem to stay in camp or in the truck and only get used for skinning and butchering on occasion. I have a varied collection of fixed blade knives and it seems they come and go in many cases.
About the only drawbacks I find to using the folder instead of a fixed blade is that the mechanisms get a little fouled with tallow/fat/blood and when I put it back in my pocket I sometimes get a little blood on my bluejeans. These aren't real significant problems just issues that cause a little extra wiping of the knife before I'm done with the work.
I'm a dinosaur I guess in that I always have a folder in my pocket and I see little need to pack along a second knife while in the field hunting. I especially like the partial serrated blade on the folder for cutting through the brisket on deer while field dressing.
In this picture there are some I use (and one I just received as a gift and is yet unused - Mission Knives MPK). My years old Benchmade folder is in the middle and I have two other folders as spares. The fixed blade knives vary, one is a WWII Theater Made knife used by my father in WWII, there is another like it that I personally made, a couple Randalls (gifts) and a vintage Buck 105.
(http://davidking.us/shared/them-knives.jpg)
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Dave you may have to resize your photo.They should be no wider than 640.It may get deleted it takes up to much space.
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Buck Trapper and Buck Canoe folder, then my Buck Vangaurd with rubber handle.
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My Good old Buck 110......
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I have a Buck Crosslock folder that has field dressed almost all of the deer I've killed in the past 15 years. I like custom sheath knives too and have a couple really nice ones. I also have a couple really stout custom fixed blades that are great camp and stumpin' knives.
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my dad makes knives and Im currently learning how to, when I started hunting I carried big fixed blades everywhere but now i just like carrying a fixed blade in my pack for skinning and use mostly a folder or neck knife for everything else
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Cleaned two deer out of three this year with a Wayne Clay folding Walker Special. Folding knives are more than sufficient they are just hard to clean.
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Mason has gutted 4 deer this year with old faithful, Buck 110 folder. Robtattoo let us borrow his KME knife sharpener to try and guess it works, haha ! This Buck will still shave the full length of the blade after 4 deer ! Testament to the quality of Buck's steel and the KME sharpener. Simply soak it in hot soapy water when we get home, dry and strop on leather. No need for a serrated brisket saw for the ribs. Butcher showed me long ago how to scoot over beside the sternum where the ribs attach with cartilage. Ribs pop loose from the sternum easily and will not tear up your blade. JMHO
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This may sound primitive, but I will always use a fixed blade at my side after walking into a pack of coyotes one night on the way out of the woods. They were goofing off I think, and running all around me yapping but scared me to think I was about to fight for my life. I keep it on my waist, not in my pack. That night I had my fixed blade in hand ready for the worst in seconds. I don't think I'd be as comfortable unfolding a knife in that situation. I do keep a Buck 110 as a spare in my pack for skinning cleaning, miscell. use. if the fixed dulls up.
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I have a Buck folder that I always have with me. I usually cary a fix blade also, but the folder is the one that I normally use on deer. I just like the way it feels in my hand.
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For you guys with folders.
If you put some die sizing wax in the action of the knife, it will make it work better and offer some protection from blood and grit and make it easier to wash off. This type of wax is not bad about collecting lint. Cheap too. Lin
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I have cleaned many deer with a Puma folder. I still use it mixed in with a fixed blade. The Puma has broke many a pelvic bone aided by an old Stanley thermos!
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I am a fan of big fixed bladed knifes , but I always have a med. size folder with me. I don't leave home without one. Bucks, Gerbers, Schrade, Puma, don't matter and just like a good broadhead they are all shave'n sharp!!
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Have sorted out a few with a Buck 110, or a Kershaw 1050, thru the years. Always pack a folding lock back fillet knife. They are excellent for reaching up in there, and taking care of those hind end jobs.
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I have both, usually have fixed in my pack, and folder clipped inside pocket.
They both get field use, as well as camp use.
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i havent skinned any big game , but i always have a large (7" blade) fixed on me or close at hand in case i need to improvise. i have a couple bigger sized folders i have always kept in a pocket , and i have my trusty victorinox on a paracord lanyard that is ALWAYS on me.
i like knives , but i dont buy expensive ones because i lose stuff easily. the vic was a find at my old job , and its one of the old ones , thuss the paracord lanyard.
the last knife i spent more than 50$ on was a gerber folding knife. it held an edge like i had never seen , and of course i lost it somewhere...
-hov
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I use my old timer 3 blade pocket knife to field dress and skin my deer. I have a buck 110 in my pack but the little pocket knife gets all the action.
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I use a folder to field dress.
It is easier to fit in my pack.
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I use both, I started carrying a Havalon folder that uses scapel blades. Very light weight and when a blade gets dull just change it out. It is great to do all the fur cuts on the animal. Then I use a fixed blade to do my quartering etc. I carry knives of alaska and a cold steel fixed blade.
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I used a Schrade sharp finger for years, but put it away after a guy offered me a hundred bucks for it. Now I always borrow my son's Buck 110, I like a drop point, but the old Buck holds an edge longer.
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I carry Both fixed and folding.. Never have enuff knives with Me when I'm in the field hunting..
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I also use either or both depending on my mood. :)
None of my regular knife blades are over 3" though and I prefer about a 2 1/2" or 2 3/4" blade for deer and smaller. My favorite folder is a Puma 2 3/4" clip blade and my favorite fixed is a blade the Jeremy made me. The Puma was "lost" for 2 years in a rutt made by an ATV on my property. Found it with a metal detector. Kind of like a needle in a haystack. I think we were made to be together. :D
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This one got new scales. It is a no-name knife, made in Italy. Takes a wicked edge. It lives in my front pocket, until hunting season, when it goes into a mini-maglight sheath. I carry a Buck Vanguard in my pack for other, heavier work. This one opens up a deer just fine, though, and is a whiz on squirrels.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Everready2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Knives/Img_Everready1.jpg)
Killdeer :)
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Great thread!
My whitetail go-to blade is a Buck Crosslock (by Cabela's) Alaskan Guide. I use all 3 of its tools, & it is perfect on deer. Cleans easily too.
For bigger game, I've come to love my Spyderco fixed blade Bill Moran drop point. Completely 100% about function and sharpness. I'm also currently looking at a Cutco 5718H drop point. These knives have a blistering-sharp double serrated edge, and are reputed to be one of the best big game knives in existence. Cutco resharpens them forever...for life...for free!
For me, knives and bows are the same. Part tool, part art, part love. I like having some of each in my knife. I'm a wanderer though; no knife or bow is going to stay with me forever.
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I like folders (SAK small blade) for small game and while I'm dead certain they are effective for big game, the goop and clean-up makes me choose a fixed blade for bigger stuff.
This would be an even better thread with more pics. Where are all the blood covered Buck 100s? :D
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Well. I used to use an old german army pocket knife. After Victorinox came out with their new locking folders, that is all I use. One in the pocket, one in the pack. One morning I had to dress 4 deer with them. No problems. The locking mechanism makes a big difference in safety.
The models I use are Trailmaster and Rucksack.
The locking mechanism is slightly different. The trailmaster has the better mechanism in my opinion. http://www.victorinox.com/category/1/100/1004
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Folders
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Yep, love 'em all! My Pumas have had alot of use over the years. Schrades, Cases, too!
Love of "Real Bowhunting" and knives go hand in hand!
Heck, we carry some of the best steel with us in the woods, Broadheads! I field dressed a deer and squirrels with a Bear Razorhead just to say I could! :bigsmyl:
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I have a case trapper and mini trapper that I use for almost everything. I have a couple nice fixed blade knives but they don't do anything but collect rust for the most part.
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Here's some of mine that have field dressed deer. Of these the bone handled Russell "toothpick" and the Victornox work best and are both lock blades (the SAK I carry as a backup in my day pack). The guthook really unzips the belly nicely. But, I still prefer a small fixed blade if for no other reason than clean-up.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM1961.jpg)
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Almost always use a folder.
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I prefer a fixed blade knife if for no other reason than ease of cleaning. That said, I used a Gerber Gator folder for a number of years and it worked just fine.
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Killdeer, your old folder has karma.
I carry a Buck titanium folder for rifle season and an old Puma Skinner for bow season. Go figure. It may be because I'm lazy and wear different pants and belts for each season and don't feel like switching knives between the two.
I'd like to give this old Puukko knife from Finland a ride some day.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Hunting/IMG_1250.jpg)
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reddogge
That is a very nice Puukko, quite unlike the normal in grind and appearance. Is it a regional variant?
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I always carry two folders with me, an improved muskrat skinner by Olsen Knife company (havent been in business for years) and of course my leatherman which has a blade as well. When hunting I also carry a fixed blade Olsen knife that belonged to my Grand dad. Most of my field dressing chores on deer fall to the fixed blade knife, small game falls to the folder. Of course this is not exclusive as I dressed a doe this year with my folder when I discovered I didnt have my fixed blade with my and Ill gladly dress a squirrel with my fixed blade if its handy. As stated above the only drawback I can see with the folder is the clean up and that is at best minor and easily offset by the fact that I literally always have it with me unless on a plane and then %$^&*(^*%$ wont let me carry it! What am I supposed to do if we hit a deer?
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Schrade "Old Timer" folder here.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j456/jalariso/Schrade.jpg)
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Just bought a Buck 110. Classic and will do about everything I need. Lifetime Guarantee to boot.
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If I'm hunting close to home I usually have a good sized fixed blade of my own making on my belt for fun. I'f I'm on a trip I usually am packing a tree stand/steps on my back with all the other stuff necessary for that type of hunting. Then I just put one of my case trappers in my pocket. It's nice to have 2 sharp blades with half the weight.
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I usually carry a folder with me. It is a Condor folder that I have had for years.
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I carry my thirty year old Buck 110 on my belt. It has done quite a bit of work over the years.
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Fancy fixed blades are nice to look at, but for really USING a knife I'll go with my Buck "Trio" folder. I use the sheepsfoot for utility/rough work, the longer blade for general cutting (field dressing) and the small spey blade for fine work like caping the face of an animal. For field butchering on "big" game hunts - like elk and larger - I take a 110 folder for heavy work.
You can take an elephant apart with a penknife if you know where the joints are. My Trio weighs like 2 ounces and rides nicely in the pocket.
Personally I've NEVER seen anyone use a "big" knife for anything but show.
Ryan
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Almost forgot - as far as cleaning off the folder after using it - peeling and cutting up an apple to eat the next day works just fine!
Dad taught me that one years ago, and it still works every time.
;)
R
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I posted this on another thread a couple weeks ago. My old Case Buffalo (circa 1970) with cracked wood scales:
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0900.jpg)
and the same knife after skullworks did a little fine tuning on it.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_1515.jpg)
The blade is tight (don't have to worry about it closing up while working inside a critter) and will take and hold an edge.
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Originally posted by Ryan Rothhaar:
Almost forgot - as far as cleaning off the folder after using it - peeling and cutting up an apple to eat the next day works just fine!
Dad taught me that one years ago, and it still works every time.
;)
R
Lol gross. Probably effective but the first couple of apples are liable to taste mighty funky.
:biglaugh:
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Used a Buck 110 folder for 20 some years til a pine marten took off with it while on a sheep hunt 2 years ago. I spent hours looking but never did find it. My kids replaced it with an Buck Alpha Hunter. Nice knife! My only complaint is a folder is a little hard to clean.
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I'm a fixed blade guy for the hunting chores. I have a stag handled Beretta/Loveless, that's beautiful in all respects. Second choice is a Schrade/Loveless. Not as pretty, but Bob Loveless designs a good knife. A Walker design Boker folder is always in my pocket.
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I like my Case folders, the old Trapper is in my front pocket 24-7
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Old_Case_Folders.JPG)
When I'm hunting my Skinner is on my hip, it dresses critters for a livin.. ;)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/LaClair_Skinner1.JPG)
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Got an old Schrade folder, pretty much all I've ever used. Dont' need much more for a deer. Some of the old timers in camp use small folders that aint much more than a pocket knife.
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Nice looking skinner Ron!, The only folders that I use are a Buck 110, and a small case(saddlehorn trapper). My fixed blades are an old schrade sharpfinger, a boker arbolito, and a crkt browtine. :thumbsup: :campfire:
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Sometimes it's hard to choose...and this isn't all of them... :dunno:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/knives.jpg)
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I have only used folders all my deer hunting career and have cleaned a lot of animals for other people. My favorite used to be a Schrade Uncle Henry , cleaned a lot of mule deer and antelopes with one. Then the tip was broken getting into an old hunting vehicle when my buddy locked the keys in it. About 20 yrs ago my BIL bought me a Buck folder that has been my hunting companion since . When I sharpen it at the beginning of the season I can clean at least 4 deer before it needs sharpening again.
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Generally carry a Browning folder or a Case Sodbuster. Sometimes, though I carry a fixed blade Gerber.
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Have several OLD Bucks, a Puma and four Gerbers.
Like em all but the two that do the most damage are my Dad's old grafting knife (Soligen(sp) steel made in the 1950's) and a forged small finger kinda knife. The grafting knife has a 2 1/2" blade.
Don't need anything big to get the job done. I have gutted moose, elk, deer and lots of other stuff with these two knives.
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DaveKing, Sorry I've been out of touch the last couple of days helping my mom move. The Puukko was given to me by a friend who knew nothing about it. I've asked online but never got any answers. It looks old though and has a very stiff blade unlike the Rapala filleting knives. It's a pretty neat knife and sports a Finnish lion decal, hand engraved diamonds surrounded by squigglys on the brass hilt and handtooled designs on the sheath.
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I love my spyderco folder C41 with the plain edge for just about anything. I field dressed an elk with it. God ergonomics and good steel for the money,
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41 years ago my wife gave me a Schrade LB7 for Christmas (1st year we was married). We didn't have much money and she got it for 1/2 price cause the case was missing. Takes a good edge and seems to stick with me (just like the old women).
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I've discovered that I usually carry a SAK Rucksack in the field, and either a Dozier personal straight or small game, or a Loveless-style custom made by a local maker. For Christmas I got a Scagel repro. "personal" from Knives Ship Free," and I've been carrying it as a neck knife. The loveless-style custom is the only one that has been used on game.
Richard
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SS Snuffer looks like you have a winning combination.
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If I travel by commercial airliner, I only take folding knives with me, because they have to be packed in my checked baggage, and they do not have shapes that are as obvious to baggage handlers who might feel they need my knife more than I do. Folders do an excellent job of cutting up animals and are very easy to carry around. I normally have 3 folding knives on my person every day and have carried a folder on a daily basis for almost my entire life. With all the regulations and metal detectors around today, I sometimes have to leave my knives at home or in my car and always have to pack them in my checked baggage when traveling by airline.
One time in Africa, my son had just shot a cape buffalo. My professional hunter looked for his knife and realized he had left it back at camp. He asked the trackers if any of them had a knife, and they didn't. He then asked my son and me if either of us had a knife. I pulled a little $20 Gerber folding knife with plastic handle out of my pocket and the trackers proceeded to cut open up the buffalo, take out all its internal organs, cut the buffalo in half around the middle so we could load it in the truck, and then make biltong out of the buffalo's heart. When they handed the knife back to me it was covered with tallow, dirt and blood and was getting pretty dull from cutting through inch thick hide and other tissue. I had to scrape off all the gunk and then clean the knife up really well in hot water and soap when we got back to camp. That's the day I learned how effective even a cheap little pocket knife was on big, tough animals. I will say that my little Gerber would have failed miserably if it had been an elephant rather than a buffalo that we were trying to cut up.
I have used a folding knife a lot for cutting up game animals, but they are not as comfortable or strong as a good fixed blade knife and are much harder to clean up. Because I always carry a folder in my pocket and sweat on it a lot, I prefer stainless steel for the blades. I have been especially happy with S30V knives I have been using the last few years and find the Lone Wolf Harsey T1 plain blade to be my favorite for hunting and daily carry.
Given my choice, I would always prefer to use a fixed blade knife to cut up an animal. I agree with the people posting above who say shorter blade knives are better to use. I like blades from 2 1/2 inches to 4 inches long, with a 5 inch blade being as long as I want to carry with me in the field. Longer knives have their place when butchering the meat for packaging, but they are not so good when you are working on the body of the animal. Something along the lines of Ron LaClair's Skinner knife is hard to beat.
Allan
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I use both a fixed and a folder.Dont laugh,but my folder is my lucky knife.Given to me by my grandad when i was 14yrs old.Im 50yrs old now.It wasnt new when i got it.I would bet its better than 60yrs old."After all,its a Ol Timer"
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This may sound crazy, but for years I have used a Leatherman, the one with the regular and serrated blades. I have dressed several Elk and have not found a blade more up to the task then the Leatherman serrated blade. And also has the saw blade for opening the chest cavity. It is very compact and has many other high quality tools on board when needed. DK.
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Carry both. Fixed on my belt and a Buck 110 in my pack.
Earl
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I used to a fixed blade Buck knife. Now all I use is a folding "8 1/2 Boker. I ounce forgot my Boker and had to use my little 5" folding Kershaw. That took a little more time but it worked and I had that doe gutted in no time.The only problem I really had with that is the knife was EXTREMELY hard to hold onto because of the blood. But it just goes to show you that you can field dress them with something that small if your in a pinch ;)
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/002.jpg)
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I agree with Frassettor and amar911, a small blade can do things in a pinch that you wouldn't expect it capable of. Last summer I cleaned a dozen bluegills with my "Lil' Shaver" neck knife with a 3" blade. I am very seldom caught without a pocket knife but the neck knife was the only knife I had at the time. I was surprised at how well it performed on those little fish's... :)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Lil_Shavers2.JPG)
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I have a folder that contains a gut hook, saw and blade. I like it for convienence, but I usually take a fixed blade since they are easier to clean.
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You look to be a Stag handle man, Ron. I'm a sucker for them as well and agree with the smaller blade for surgical chores.
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You look to be a Stag handle man, Ron
Stag is to knives like chocolate is to candy.. :readit: ... :goldtooth:
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For years i used a Schrade Uncle Henry folder with a 3" blade. sometimes I take my buck Personal fixed blade, as well as a Case 16-5 SS and a 3 finn SS in a double sheath, my buck 110 folder, and my Western 648 fixed blade, that I want to make a "Bear Bowhunting Kit" sheath for.
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Great thread, I have used both fixed blades and folders for field dressing. I (like many here) usually have a Buck 110 in my pack for field dressing simply because it is compact and does a very nice job. I like the "hefty" feel to the 110. It is harder to clean up than a fixed blade but some hot water, dish soap, an old toothbrush and 10 minutes usually takes care of it.
I also have a custom fixed blade that was a gift from my wife, I use more for skinning (once I'm back home) as I do not want to loose it in the bush. This year I also carried a small neck knife which I found very handy.
Here is a picture of all three knives.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_0878.jpg)
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I have a quick question for those who use Benchmade knives with Axis locks for field dressing. How do you get the Axis lock mechanism clean? I resently bought a full size griptilian but did not use it for field dressing because I didn't know how to clean it.
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Originally posted by Ben Maher:
Nala , i always have a fixed blade on me when outdoors but My vintage Puma folder or Grohmann drop point folder get most duties whether camp or Field dressing.
Yep...Puma.
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I have alot of knives but the frist one I bought has been the most functional. I have a shrade folding knife and it never fails. I have light ones and some that have more features but my shcrade folding is the best all aound knife I have.
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I'm a folder guy. I own a buch of fixed blades, but usually don't carry them when afield. I have a small "electrician" made by Victorinox in my pocket that has probibly field dressed more deer than all my other knives together. I've found over the years that I can work w/ a small knife while field dressing deer easier than I can a large blade and this knife fills that order. That and it is just one great hunk of steel! Sharpens easily and holds an unbelievable edge!
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Originally posted by Hunter 709:
I have a quick question for those who use Benchmade knives with Axis locks for field dressing. How do you get the Axis lock mechanism clean? I resently bought a full size griptilian but did not use it for field dressing because I didn't know how to clean it.
I don't know anything about the Axis lock, but to clean my folder, I bring a generous amount of water to a boil and pour it on the knife. The water melts all the tallow and washes it away. The knife comes out (after you let it cool) totally dry and sterile to boot. Using this process doesn't even require any soap.
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Originally posted by creekwood:
Originally posted by Hunter 709:
I have a quick question for those who use Benchmade knives with Axis locks for field dressing. How do you get the Axis lock mechanism clean? I resently bought a full size griptilian but did not use it for field dressing because I didn't know how to clean it.
I don't know anything about the Axis lock, but to clean my folder, I bring a generous amount of water to a boil and pour it on the knife. The water melts all the tallow and washes it away. The knife comes out (after you let it cool) totally dry and sterile to boot. Using this process doesn't even require any soap. [/b]
Best method I have found for all folding knives also. We have a "instant" hot water device on our kitchen sink that puts out 190 deg hot water at the turn of a knob. Great for making tea, etc....but it cleans a knife sooooooo fast. Just melts everything away!
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This is a custom folder that I've had for many years. It was made by a man out west called "Whiskers" it has a 4" blade with a walrus oosik handle. It has dressed out many deer and a couple bear but because of the hard to clean factor I now use fixed blades for field dressing.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/custom_folder.JPG)
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I used a Buck 110 for close to 30 years of moose hunting until I never put in its case but just dropped it in my pocket. We were getting a moose out of a bad swamp and there it stays.
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Although I'm always captivated by the beauty of a fixed blade, folding knives are predominately what I use. The 3 I use most often are a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter, an Outdoor Edge caper, and a medium size Outdoor Edge. I'm really impressed with the OE knives-they take and hold an edge well and are affordable. This last year I used an OE Swingblade on several animals and loved it. For some reason I don't really like a knife on my belt, so the swingblade stays in my pack. If it were a folder, I probably wouldn't carry anything else.
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I ring the bung hole with a 9" blade filet knife then grab my 3.5" fixed blade or my 4" blade folding Gerber to do the rest. I actually like the Gerber as the grips are rubber and it doesn't slip with blood all over your hands. The extra gripping is also good when cutting through the ribs on initial open up.
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Why woul you ever go anywhere in the woods or outdoors with just one knife :bigsmyl:
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A lot of folks prefer folders over fixed blades, and many that do use fixed blades carry them in their pack instead of on their belt. There are times when a fixed blade on your belt can be a life saver.
Lets say you were hanging by your safety belt after falling off your tree stand, the belt is constricting your breathing and you need to cut yourself loose as quickly as possible. Where's that folder, in your pocket or in your pack above you? A fixed blade in a handy belt sheath could be a life saver.
Some years ago a friend and I floated the Moose John river by invitation from Jay Massey. We were in separate Avon rubber rafts with our separate bows and gear. The river was very swift and treacherous in some parts with sweepers (logs) just under the surface so you had to be on guard at all times..
We had stopped for lunch, beaching our rafts, making lunch and resting a bit. Then we shoved off back out into the current to continue our float down the 100 mile + trip. I had gone first and was down stream about 50 yards when I happened to look back and see my partners raft on edge at the verge of capsizing. After he had shoved off he decided he wanted to take a picture of the mountains in the background so he was digging in his pack for his camera. He didn't see the sweeper that snagged a trailing rope attached to the side of the raft. Quicker than you could say #@$% the strong current had him on the verge of flipping over. If he went over several things could happen, the worst of which he could have drowned. If he survived drowning, he definitely would have lost all of his gear plus HIS raft carried all of the food for our 2 week trip which we were only half way through.
We came out of this near disaster because my partner had a small fixed blade knife in a pouch type sheath on his belt where it was within quick reach. He had been using that knife many times a day for various cutting choirs until it became automatic to reach for it when it was needed. His split second decision to grab the knife and cut the fouled rope saved the day.
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Originally posted by chopx2:
Why woul you ever go anywhere in the woods or outdoors with just one knife :bigsmyl:
I'm with you. Typically I have a large sheath knife (if still-hunting or small-game. Tree trimmer and coup-de-merci with a head smack using the back/spine of the blade for wounded little critters), a neck knife, a spare sheath knife in my haversack or a folding knife in my belt pack, depending, and a Swiss Arm Knife in my pocket I always carry everywhere.
And just possibly a Benchmade Osborne Rift tactical somewhere whether hunting or not, just in case. ;-)
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I prefer my knife(on my belt), compass and waterproof matches on my person when afield. If I somehow become separated from my other gear, these lifesavers(as per Ron's story) are close at hand. It's the law here in Nova Scotia to have these 3 items with you when hunting.
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Tom, you're right those three items are essential to have on you when you're in the bush.
Another story....
I was on a short float hunt with a novice in a canoe...short story, we went over...it was mid November, snow on the ground, ice in the water. We lost bows and other gear that wasn't tied down. Everything including us was soaked...except the matches in a waterproof container and tea bags in a ziplock in my pack.
A roaring fire thanks to the shavings made with my belt knife warmed us on the outside and lots of hot tea on the inside saved our bacon that day.
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Nala, Lately (private property) I carry and use a folding lock blade when field dressing, a Case Sharks tooth. Have used Fixed blades and still have them but wear suspenders for the most part while Bow Hunting with stick and string. If I wear a belt a side arm is on it. Always use fillet knife (Rapala folding lock blade camp fillet knife)to de bone venison. Very understandable to have access to ones tools quickly as noted above.
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I DO LOVE THIS WEB SITE
YOU ARE A GREAT BUNCH OF GUY (and girls)
I have been using many fixed different blade knives in the field for years. ( I liked the ability of hitting the back of the blade with a rock to split the pelvic bone in order to split it.) ( Did it once with a folder and broke the lock)
I am amazed at the number of guys using buck 110's. I got my first in 1976 and was not happy with it. I still have it and I will think about it again.
Today I was over at a friends house. A pre army days, friend from the early 1970's. He recently bought a laser etching machine ($30,000) and was doing lots of different items , glass, leather, wood, metal, and knifes. Made me wonder about quivers, arrows, bows, and knifes, as far as what could be done.
GOT TO LOVE IT.