Who makes the packable meat hook?

[Gdpolk]

I can't seem to find what I'm remembering but there is a company that made a packable meat hook that collapsed down flat and more importantly had the handle protect the tip of the hook so you could toss it in a pack and not stab holes in all your stuff. Who makes or sells this product?

[Steve O]

Larry Hanify at Abowyer.

[Gdpolk]

Originally posted by Steve O:
Larry Hanify at Abowyer.

That was exactly what I was remembering and what I'd like to pick up.  Thanks.  Downside is he is out of stock.  

Do you know if anyone else stocks these?


I've started hunting deeper and want to set up a butchering backpack so I can just haul out my bow/stand/gear and grab a backpack with all my butchering tools to load meat, hides, and horns into.  That folding hook looks like just the ticket to keeping my gear and back protected from a bunch of meat hook punctures.

[Tajue17]

good idea never thought of the folding meat hook..


also GDpolk if I can ask this also has anyone seen who was making visegrip skin pullers many years ago?  someone was making them by welding paddles with spikes on the visegrips teeth and then a T handle on the back so you could lock down on the skin to pull it off while skinning,, really helped avoid the cramping hands,, been trying to find these for 20yrs now maybe a welder can make some??.

[Pete McMiller]

If you are going to butcher in the field, why would you need either one of those items?  

I understand the eastern white tail deer hunter convention that we drag the deer home, insert gambrel and skin while it's hanging - been there many, many times.  I have also been a participant in a couple of dozen elk butcherings on the top of a mountain and all we ever needed were several knives and a handful of game bags.  Take a look at the "gutless" method of butchering an animal - it's really very easy and you don't need to haul along an extra pack for butchering.

[RedShaft]

Have you ever tried a meat hook?
They are very handy!
 Think bloody slippery hands and the dirty ground. Even home butchering I use mine.

[Gdpolk]

Originally posted by Pete McMiller:
If you are going to butcher in the field, why would you need either one of those items?  

I understand the eastern white tail deer hunter convention that we drag the deer home, insert gambrel and skin while it's hanging - been there many, many times.  I have also been a participant in a couple of dozen elk butcherings on the top of a mountain and all we ever needed were several knives and a handful of game bags.  Take a look at the "gutless" method of butchering an animal - it's really very easy and you don't need to haul along an extra pack for butchering.

Need would absolutely be a strong word for this product.  This falls firmly in the   wants category.  However to answer your question the benefits of a meat hook are many whether at home or in the field:    

• It keeps your hands away from the meat making it a little quicker and safer to work through the meat.
• It can help you hold onto slick/slippery cuts when its really cold and your hands get stiffer and less sensitive from the cold.  I've dropped a hind quarters before just because I couldn't quite feel them slipping.
• It is more ergonomic to use as a pulling tool for separating out cuts of meat.

I've been keeping mine in a plastic pencil box but am just looking for something that's a little easier to pack without risk of damaging my other gear.  The Abowyer tool is pretty pricey for a simple tool but it appears to be well made, should last a lifetime, and certainly isn't any more expensive than a cheap meat hook and custom sheath to protect stuff from the point.

[M60gunner]

Using a meat hook takes a little getting used to. But as said it makes the job safer. The meatcutters on the disassembly line in packing plants use meat hooks all the time. Of course they are working fast and hands, fingers can get in the way.

[Pete McMiller]

I misunderstood, i thought you meant a meat "gambrel".  I've never used a meat hook but wanted one for some time.  Can certainly see the advantages.

[tracker12]

Thats a nice tool from Abowyer but $45 is a little to steep for me when I get them from a meat supplier for $6.00.