All-around knife? - Old resurrected thread

[Rusty Snuffers]

 
If I were to look for one knife to keep in my pack for field-dressing, skinning, deboning.... If you could have one knife to "do it all", what would it be?

I'm not looking to spend "my next bow" kind of money, but I'd spend a few extra dollars to get something nice.

Thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks folks,
Rusty

[awbowman]

Gerber, Buck or Kershaw would be the brands I would look at.

Not sure your budget, but if you can handle $50-$60, the Outdoor Edge's swing blade is another great choice.

Just like most anything these days, you don't have to spend a lot for adequate quality.  Don't get cuaght up too much on the fancy things.

BTW, do as I say, not as I do! hehehehehehehe

[Justin Swim]

I can highly recommend the knives at BlindHorse Knives. I've been using them for a couple years. Their work horse is an all around great knife and would suite your needs just fine. Don't know what you're planning on spending but their knives are roughly around $130. Did I mention... 100% AMERICAN MADE!

[pumatrax]

Blackjack in A2 tool steel.....micarta handle and made in the U.S. My current favorite...about $160

[Ragnarok Forge]

A 4 inch drop point hunter is what I carry.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Swing-Blade from outdoor edge...

[ron w]

Everybody likes something different. Some like small drop points, others like up swept skinners. I really like a large knife, not a bowie but something with some backbone. Like a Ka-Bar Marine. I also carry more than one knife!

[Stumpkiller]

Hmmmm.  Skinning is a lot different vs. deboning.  The closest I have to a do it all is a dumb little Uncle Henry 154 UH "Staglon" scaled Badger.  3-3/16" blade that holds a great edge.  

 

And the reason it works well for field dressing and skinning . . . .

 

[Rusty Snuffers]

Thanks for the input, folks.  That swing blade looks pretty darn cool.  Does the handle feel better than it looks in the photos I've seen?  And how does it hold an edge?  I see it's made in the USA (Very Important IMO).

Anyone have experience with the Buck Omni Hunter or Vanguard?

As for my price range, I'd prefer to stay under $100 but again, if I'm spending more than that on something I can give to my kids, I don't have a problem spending a bit more.  And if I'm spending $50-60 on something I'll replace in a couple years, I'd rather not.  

Thanks again for all the input.
Rusty

[GRINCH]

Case makes a nice hunter model for around 50 bucks

[Soilarch]

My favorite:
   

My definition of "do-all" may be different than yours, but this is by far my favorite knife to carry outdoors (In a pack, on my belt, or around my neck)  

I've seen these called Sypderco Morans or Spyderco Featherweights.  They are light, have an extremely comfortable handle, and the blade is VG10.  Less than $70 when I bought mine. Comes with a great Tek-lock sheath as well.


A "Fingerling" type knife, such as suggested by stumpkiller, would be a great all-around choice as well.   Schrades is a popular maker, but I'd stay away from the new ones *IF* your willing to put down some money.  The new Schrades just aren't what the old ones use to be IMO.  Not a bad knife...but not what made Schrade famous either.

[L. E. Carroll]

For a great knife that can do it all, I prefer a 3-4" drop point. However, some can be pretty pricey.. Therefore, I would recommend a "Knives of Alaska" Yukon model as seen in this picture [knife on left] these are my favorites. L-R:
The Yukon, a custom by Ed Schempp, a 3" damascus drop point By Doug Campbell, a 1915 Pat. Marbles and my Jeff Springer [aka, Tippit] arm guard knife [ with A/G by Tim Roberts of Farr West Leathers ]

A great alternative is knife or a set of 2 hunting knives by "Outdoor Edge"... Very reasonable price-wise and take and hold a good edge. [ Look very simialr to the "Knives of AK.]

BTW, no matter what knife is on my belt, that Yukon is "Always" in the day pack.        

Hope this helps
Gene
 

[JimB]

I can't tell you how many custom knives I have.A bunch,maybe a dozen or so.I'm a taxidermist by trade and have been one for over 4 decades and a trapper longer than that.I use knives almost daily.

All those hundreds of dollars worth of custom knives are gathering dust in a cabinet.This is what I use now and carry hunting to skin and cut up big game.The Piranta.
 

[Ben Maher]

I have many many knives . Many of those are customs , some semi production and others out and out production. I always seem to have a couple on me for various tasks but know full well the reality that a well made drop point folder would likely cover all bases .
Many of our sponsors carry and/or make knives .

Myself i always carry a Grohmann drop point folder and custom Gossman Tusker 4". allthogh lately I have been putting all the ESEE knives through their paces and man do they stand up ! brilliant warranty too .

spend the extra , get something you like toting afield and will want to hand on to your kids .

[Smallwood]

Ray Hammond Knife...
 

[saumensch]

My favourite all around knive is the Eka JoF7 from Sweden. Holds a great edge, versatile blade and the little depression in the back of the blade is great for youre finger while skinning.

(blade is only 7 cm)
   

[Ydanny]

My favorite is a USA made Schrade ph2.  They can still be found for sale for less than $50.  Once in a while you can find one new in the box.

[adkmountainken]

K-Bar

[GingivitisKahn]

For about $35, you can get either of these KaBar Becker neck knives (shown in varying stages of newness / customization).  As far as I'm concerned, this is the ideal size for cleaning deer.  Also use them all the time for ... whatever you need knives for.  I have larger knives and smaller but man, are these useful.

New (BK14 on left and BK11 on right)...
   

Unwrapped BK11 with freshly cleaned doe...
   

Wrapped and stripped (well - BK11 is stripped)...
   

Becker family picture. Thats a BK14, two BK11s, BK2 and BK9...
   

Can't go wrong with Becker.  By the way - if you want the perfect all-around camp knife, BK2 is (IMO) the answer.  It wouldn't be my top pick for cleaning game - though it obviously could - it's fantastic for general camp life.

[Smilingg]

The experience of the guy using the knife is a lot more important than the knife. A piece of unhafted broken rock works fine if you know what you're doing and a $400 Randall will make an ungodly mess if you don't...