Can You Help Me Pick a Knife??

[Nala]

Hey all,

I'd like to get some opinions from you all, if you don't care.

I am going to start hog hunting down here in southern Florida in a couple of months and I need a knife.  I am not going to hunt them with a knife, strictly bow for me.

As for what I am looking for, I like knives with blades say 4 to 6 inches that can perform field dressing duties as well as camp and everyday chores.  I know there are LOTS of great 'smiths on here that make absolutely beautiful knives, the problem is that I can't afford to spend very much.  I would say my limit is $75-$100.  I know that pretty much takes me out of having one made for me, but that's what I have to work with.

So can you all give me some recommendations on what knives to check out that would work great for what I am wanting to use it for?

Thanks for your help and time.

Nala

[Chester Thompson]

I have always like Ka Bar knives for just want you are talking about, get the short one and you have a nice solid knife. I have had mine about 10 years now and it is still great.

I don't know your exact needs, but unless you cut a lot of rope and stuff, I would not get a partial serrated knife blade.

[OkKeith]

Nala.

I certianly agree with Chester, Ka-Bar kinves are good choices. I also agree that serrations on a blade (unless you have a specific need for them) are a pain in the neck. I have never found a good way to sharpen them or keep gunk from colleting in them.

I have a few knives by Kershaw and Gerber. I like my old Kershaws the best. The one I use the most is called the "blade-trader". It has a skinning blade, a filet blade and a good saw blade that lock and unlock on the handle. For space/weight saving it is hard to beat. I have had it for nearly 25 years.

For a simple sheath knife to wear on your belt, some of the less expensive Gerbers work fine. I have one I bought about ten years ago that is still in near new shape (and not because it hasn't been used).

Good luck and enjoy your search.

OkKeith

[longbow55]

Nala I bought a Highpockets knife on this site for $65 about 2 month ago, and I'm very proud of it. Look on the knife classifieds and sponsors list, you my get lucky. There are a lot of good knife makers on this site, Skullworks make some beauties that are not far  
from your price range. Mlknives.com, Matt makes fine knife also. You might try saving for a little longer and buy one of Karl Anderson knives. That's what I'm doing at the present time. My father bought a Buck pathfinder knife back in the '50's and it's still skinning deer.

[skullworks]

Depending on blade shape and whether I have it or not I could do a carbon blade in that price range for sure.

[PrarrieDog]

Cold Steel Hunter

[skullworks]

I use a old hickory knife that has been reprofiled to roach belly type design.

 
 

[Steve Nuckels]

Longbow55, gave some great advice!

Karl's knives are top notch (I got me one)
Highpockets too (I got me several)
or a "Stic" knife by Frank (I got me one too)
Skullworks...
Rooster makes an awesome knife
Skyler
Longbow Kid

I'm leaving several others out!  Sorry

or a Cold Steel is another good choice if  you choose a production blade.

This is fertile ground for choosing a knife.

Let us know which way you go!

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IN GOD WE TRUST

[LONGBOWKID]

Aw shucks Steve, Haha! Thanks for the reccomendation buddy.

Steve himself makes some lookers as well.

Great advice has already been offered, now comes the tough part of picking one!

Kid

[Ray Hammond]

You should call and get the A G Russell catalog.

There are many many knives available to you for 200 dollars and under that are extremely nice.

You should determine which steel you want-

Do you need stainless, because you are one of those people who doesn't want to or doesn't have time to take care of carbon steel knives?

Is damascus your thing? Folder...or not?

One of my favorite knives is the Benchmade big folder called the Rift. It's around 200 bucks..and an awesome production knife. It will handle nearly any task you need to accomplish on N.A. game save the moose.

The world is your oyster...save the high end custom stuff and fancy damascus.

[Chester Thompson]

Let us know what you end up with.

[tippit]

First you have to determine what feels right in Your Hand.  Do you like a big blade or one that just come to the end of your index finger.  Then do you want a true curved skinnin' or more a general straight caper blade.  Once you have that figured out then there are numerous examples here and in catalogs like Ray mentioned...AG Russell or look at a few Blade magazines for ideas.

I for one just seem to make blades that I like.  But you can come up with a creative idea that might just turn on one of the makers to be creative   :D  Good luck and remember this is just the first!  tippit

[JL]

Heck, if Skully can put one together for you, I would hit him up. I have a few of his knives and I don't think you can find a better deal out there.

As far as a production knife goes, I would mention a Buck vanguard. 4" drop point and rubber grip. These Bucks sharpen up real, real good with a simple set of crock sticks (spliting hair sharp, mind you...) and hold a edge real well.

Jerry