LAST EDITED ON Jun-26-19 AT 09:49AM (MST)[p]Hey everyone quick question. What knife is the best to carry if you just want 1 for skinning and quartering? I will always carry my havalon too but looking for the best light knife that can easily be sharpened in the field. Right now I have the kodiak 3 knife set but want to try and cut weight for hiking so thought getting just one light knife and a stone. Any suggestions are appreciated even expensive knives are fine as last thing I want is to be several miles out and a knife that wont cut it per say. Thanks
Hunting Knife
- Thread starter Rnm5
- Start date
BIGJOHNT
Long Time Member
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- 5,175
Bob Hatfield on the forum here as RELH makes one of the finest Knives made. You can find him on Facebook as Hatfield Knives. I have used a Havalon as well. But they are not a do all knife. You have yo be careful with them. The blades break easy. I have taken care of a complete elk without needing to sharpen my blade. He has different metal types for different budgets. So you can ask him and he will explain the differences.
tailchasers
Long Time Member
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- 5,301
Buck 119. All I've used for 35 years.
"Courage is being scared to death but
saddling up anyway."
"Courage is being scared to death but
saddling up anyway."
hhunter23
Active Member
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- 512
i love my havalon, but ive recently bought the benchamde steep country. awesome knife and very balanced in the hand. makes quick work with skinning and boning out game. i still favor my havalon though. ive heard a lot about the RELH's knifes also but i have never used one or held one.
"Shoot Straight"
"Shoot Straight"
txhunter58
Long Time Member
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95% of the time I carry one like this:
https://www.cabelas.com/product/hun...ck-classic-folder-series/1408089.uts?slotId=2
Not that particular model, but that style/size.
I can quarter and skin an elk using nothing but this knife in about 45 minutes (gutless method) In the field it holds its edge pretty well, and just carry a small steel to resharpen the edge.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
https://www.cabelas.com/product/hun...ck-classic-folder-series/1408089.uts?slotId=2
Not that particular model, but that style/size.
I can quarter and skin an elk using nothing but this knife in about 45 minutes (gutless method) In the field it holds its edge pretty well, and just carry a small steel to resharpen the edge.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
I'd just stick with the one light knife you already have. You don't need a stone and it takes about 10 seconds to change to a surgical sharp blade should one dull. The whole thing with 10 blades weighs about 3 ounces. I've been skinning, quartering, and boning an elk with a single blade for the last 5yrs or so. But I can appreciate an excuse to buy another knife, or gun, or horse, or.....?
#livelikezac
#livelikezac
crownroyal
Active Member
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- 150
I carry 1 knife... Havalon Titan. Use the fixed blade for capeing down the neck and for pulling back quarters off. The rest is done with the replaceable blade. I always have a few extra blades just in case. I have no reason to pack another knife
Zeke
Long Time Member
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- 10,604
First of all, you need to decide if the knife is just a tool or contributes to your experience and give you delight to use it.
93.7% of the time I use custom knives...because I can and because I want to. There's nothing more that I can really say.
Zeke
#livelikezac
93.7% of the time I use custom knives...because I can and because I want to. There's nothing more that I can really say.
Zeke
#livelikezac
elkassassin
Long Time Member
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I'm gonna use them one of these days I Hope!
RELH/Hatfield!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
RELH/Hatfield!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
Buckjunkie
Active Member
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- 268
I used to carry a large Buck Knife and it worked well for many years. I bought a knife from a custom knife maker (Grey Cloud) 10 years ago and can't believe how long it stays sharp. I also carry a folding knife with changeable blades from Outdoor Edge for back up. It's light and the blades don't break like the Havalon.
Focoelkman
Active Member
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- 760
The Buck Vanguard.
I've used this for almost 25 years, pretty solid cutter. Holds a great edge.
My son the millennial has the Havalon.
Sharp and light but not my style.
I've used this for almost 25 years, pretty solid cutter. Holds a great edge.
My son the millennial has the Havalon.
Sharp and light but not my style.
Anza custom knives can't be beat! Well made,hold an edge and will definitely do anything you need a knife to do and then some. I own several and they are always on my hunting trips and have never let me down. Great customer service on top of a great knife. Check them out you will not be disappointed!
Daxter
Very Active Member
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- 1,425
I love knives and have way too many. I've cut up a lot of animals and have tried lots of different knife set-ups. It seriously hurts me to admit this, but lately I have been carrying a plastic covered scalpel handle and some high carbon scalpel blades and an inexpensive mora type fixed blade knife.
I use the Mora for hard work, prying around bones, etc. Mora's are light, easy to sharpen and hold an edge well. I use the scalpel for skinning, caping, and slicing meat so basically everything else. I bring a couple extra blades with the scalpel. Stay away from stainless and go high carbon. They will rust, but they are disposable to who cares? High carbon steel gets sharp and takes and holds an edge really well. I love the Bard Parker carbon steel rib back scalpel blades, they are a little tougher and less likely to break.
I can turn a big old elk into nice little bundles so easily with this setup.
Dax
Scalpel Handle
https://www.amazon.com/Excel-Scalpe...calpel+handle&qid=1561648989&s=gateway&sr=8-3
Scalpel blades
https://www.amazon.com/371122-Bard-...b+back+blades&qid=1561650804&s=gateway&sr=8-6
Mora knife
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Com...ds=mora+knife&qid=1561650836&s=gateway&sr=8-1
I use the Mora for hard work, prying around bones, etc. Mora's are light, easy to sharpen and hold an edge well. I use the scalpel for skinning, caping, and slicing meat so basically everything else. I bring a couple extra blades with the scalpel. Stay away from stainless and go high carbon. They will rust, but they are disposable to who cares? High carbon steel gets sharp and takes and holds an edge really well. I love the Bard Parker carbon steel rib back scalpel blades, they are a little tougher and less likely to break.
I can turn a big old elk into nice little bundles so easily with this setup.
Dax
Scalpel Handle
https://www.amazon.com/Excel-Scalpe...calpel+handle&qid=1561648989&s=gateway&sr=8-3
Scalpel blades
https://www.amazon.com/371122-Bard-...b+back+blades&qid=1561650804&s=gateway&sr=8-6
Mora knife
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Com...ds=mora+knife&qid=1561650836&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Zeke
Long Time Member
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- 10,604
>Zeke said..."93.7% of the time I
>use custom knives..."
>
>I don't doubt it for a
>second but I'm wondering what
>happened?
>
>Why not 93% or 94%?
>
>Just razzin you Zeke.
That's funny Eel.
My "93.7% of the time" comment was TIC and is just my way of saying that I use one of the customs dang near all the time.
It might be closer to 94.3%, I just don't know for sure but I'm sure the pack always has a custom knife in it....along with a light Havalon for the dirty little chores. LOL
Zeke
#livelikezac
>use custom knives..."
>
>I don't doubt it for a
>second but I'm wondering what
>happened?
>
>Why not 93% or 94%?
>
>Just razzin you Zeke.
That's funny Eel.
My "93.7% of the time" comment was TIC and is just my way of saying that I use one of the customs dang near all the time.
It might be closer to 94.3%, I just don't know for sure but I'm sure the pack always has a custom knife in it....along with a light Havalon for the dirty little chores. LOL
Zeke
#livelikezac
I like a lot of the comments above have used a variety of knifes. My ultimate favorite is a Cutco Double D edge drop point. I have worked through many elk with a single knife. The issue I have is the re sharpening gaurentee, they don't come back as sharp as new.
Maybe some day I will buy a custom knife.
DZ
Maybe some day I will buy a custom knife.
DZ
I can appreciate someone enjoying a nice knife.
But I'm not really one of them. I wind up cutting on 5-7 elk a year mostly bulls and I pretty much just use a havalon.
Blades do snap sometimes, I just put another one on. I'm really good at dulling knives and bad at sharpening them. So the havalon works great for me.
But I'm not really one of them. I wind up cutting on 5-7 elk a year mostly bulls and I pretty much just use a havalon.
Blades do snap sometimes, I just put another one on. I'm really good at dulling knives and bad at sharpening them. So the havalon works great for me.
elkassassin
Long Time Member
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- 36,972
What I've noticed in cheaper/less expensive knives for several years is this:
They are Perty Sharp when they are new!
They Dull Quickly!
And are a Real Bittch to Sharpen!
JUNK F'N Metal I'm sure!
My Gerber did it!
My recent Bucks have done it!
My NWTF Knife done it!
My Kershaw did it!
The Only Way I've Found to Sharpen them is on the Side of a Blade on a 14" Chop Saw that Cuts Metal!
I Don't Know What kinda JUNK Metal they are using but it's Total TRASH!
A Few Years Back Buck Knives were being Made Else where!
They found out that didn't work!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
They are Perty Sharp when they are new!
They Dull Quickly!
And are a Real Bittch to Sharpen!
JUNK F'N Metal I'm sure!
My Gerber did it!
My recent Bucks have done it!
My NWTF Knife done it!
My Kershaw did it!
The Only Way I've Found to Sharpen them is on the Side of a Blade on a 14" Chop Saw that Cuts Metal!
I Don't Know What kinda JUNK Metal they are using but it's Total TRASH!
A Few Years Back Buck Knives were being Made Else where!
They found out that didn't work!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
eelgrass
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 31,437
When it comes to big game hunting I'm not a high volume guy. In fact I've probably only averaged about 1 a year. I enjoy making a ritual out of it, so I enjoy a custom knife.
A custom knife is totally worthless if it's not sharp, but if it is, it makes that part of the hunt almost fun. Almost.
A custom knife is totally worthless if it's not sharp, but if it is, it makes that part of the hunt almost fun. Almost.
DeerMadness
Long Time Member
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- 5,419
Best knife I have ever used. Work to get it very sharp then it will really work. I have a Havalon for caping.
BIGJOHNT
Long Time Member
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- 5,175
>Makes me wonder how many havalon
>throw away blades litter the
>mountains.
>
On my Bison hunt. We had a few disposable knives with our custom knives. Made it a point to put each old blade in the new blades cover and pack them out. But I was wondering how many butchers find broken blades when butchering a animal? But I bet there are a few blades out there on the ground. Some of our hunters don't clean up after themselves as good as others. I have come up on gut piles with plastic gloves and trash left all around.
>throw away blades litter the
>mountains.
>
On my Bison hunt. We had a few disposable knives with our custom knives. Made it a point to put each old blade in the new blades cover and pack them out. But I was wondering how many butchers find broken blades when butchering a animal? But I bet there are a few blades out there on the ground. Some of our hunters don't clean up after themselves as good as others. I have come up on gut piles with plastic gloves and trash left all around.
stillhunterman
Active Member
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- 608
>Makes me wonder how many havalon
>throw away blades litter the
>mountains.
>
Haha, good point. But a lot less than beer and soda cans I would imagine...
>throw away blades litter the
>mountains.
>
Haha, good point. But a lot less than beer and soda cans I would imagine...
NVBighorn
Long Time Member
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- 9,458
>>Makes me wonder how many havalon
>>throw away blades litter the
>>mountains.
>>
>
>
>Haha, good point. But a
>lot less than beer and
>soda cans I would imagine...
>
Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired bullets... not to mention 1911's non-biodegradable crap piles.
>>throw away blades litter the
>>mountains.
>>
>
>
>Haha, good point. But a
>lot less than beer and
>soda cans I would imagine...
>
Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired bullets... not to mention 1911's non-biodegradable crap piles.
Tikka
Long Time Member
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- 4,850
The throw away blades we use come in an aluminum wrapper, new one comes out and the old goes back in its place and into our packs...
I would hope that would be the norm, but like was mentioned before about the beer and pop cans, some people don't have common respect for the land...
I would hope that would be the norm, but like was mentioned before about the beer and pop cans, some people don't have common respect for the land...
elkassassin
Long Time Member
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- 36,972
>>>Makes me wonder how many havalon
>>>throw away blades litter the
>>>mountains.
>>>
>>
>>
>>Haha, good point. But a
>>lot less than beer and
>>soda cans I would imagine...
>>
>
>
>Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired
>bullets... not to mention 1911's
>non-biodegradable crap piles.
How Bout the Piles of Coal that NVB has left layin around?
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
>>>throw away blades litter the
>>>mountains.
>>>
>>
>>
>>Haha, good point. But a
>>lot less than beer and
>>soda cans I would imagine...
>>
>
>
>Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired
>bullets... not to mention 1911's
>non-biodegradable crap piles.
How Bout the Piles of Coal that NVB has left layin around?
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
BIGJOHNT
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,175
>>>Makes me wonder how many havalon
>>>throw away blades litter the
>>>mountains.
>>>
>>
>>
>>Haha, good point. But a
>>lot less than beer and
>>soda cans I would imagine...
>>
>
>
>Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired
>bullets... not to mention 1911's
>non-biodegradable crap piles.
I don't know why anyone would leave spent cases on the mountain?
. Those are money.
Fired bullets ether,that's research!
We dig those puppies out. As far as 1911?s crap piles. When I saw him. He was always close to the trailer shitter.
>>>throw away blades litter the
>>>mountains.
>>>
>>
>>
>>Haha, good point. But a
>>lot less than beer and
>>soda cans I would imagine...
>>
>
>
>Or pull tabs, spent casings, fired
>bullets... not to mention 1911's
>non-biodegradable crap piles.
I don't know why anyone would leave spent cases on the mountain?
Fired bullets ether,that's research!
hawkbill
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,931
I've carried a Case XXX folding hunter for 35 years now, I love this knife and the three interchangeable blades. I was looking at the Hatfield knives yesterday, and I have been wanting a custom knife for a long time, I am going to give RELH a call after the 4th of July and order one up.
elkassassin
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 36,972
Hey BIGJOHN!
I Hate Tripping over Empties that are Big enough to make a Guy Trip & fall!
Thanks for Gathering them up!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
I Hate Tripping over Empties that are Big enough to make a Guy Trip & fall!
Thanks for Gathering them up!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
BIGJOHNT
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,175
Elkass has a sharper blade tip then mine. Here is a picture of my Hatfield.
I also sharpen it with a work sharp sharpen per Bob?s instructions. The steel is to hard for a traditional stone. He sent me a diamond hone I carry in my pack. But I have never had to sharpen it in the field.
BIGJOHNT
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,175
>Hey BIGJOHN!
>
>I Hate Tripping over Empties that
>are Big enough to make
>a Guy Trip & fall!
>
>
>Thanks for Gathering them up!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I know so many people in
>so many places
>They make allot of money but
>they got sad faces
>
>It Ain't Easy being Me!
? I don't leave my copper laying around ether !
>
>I Hate Tripping over Empties that
>are Big enough to make
>a Guy Trip & fall!
>
>
>Thanks for Gathering them up!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I know so many people in
>so many places
>They make allot of money but
>they got sad faces
>
>It Ain't Easy being Me!
? I don't leave my copper laying around ether !
hawkbill
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,931
Thanks BIGJOHNT- that is a beautiful knife, I got on the Hatfield face book page, he really makes some beautiful knives and the fact all you guys are using them in the field and they really hold an edge is impressive. I turned 60 this year and have always wanted a custom knife, I have been using a case xxx for 35 to 40 years and I love the interchangeable blades, because one blade won't hold an edge to finish an animal so I have to change them. I already pm RELH this morning I'm getting a new knife and it's not going to be plastic. Thanks guys for sharing.
elkassassin
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 36,972
>>Hey BIGJOHN!
>>
>>I Hate Tripping over Empties that
>>are Big enough to make
>>a Guy Trip & fall!
>>
>>
>>Thanks for Gathering them up!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>I know so many people in
>>so many places
>>They make allot of money but
>>they got sad faces
>>
>>It Ain't Easy being Me!
>
>? I don't leave my copper
>laying around ether !
HELL!
You Even Dare Install any Copper in today's World?
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
>>
>>I Hate Tripping over Empties that
>>are Big enough to make
>>a Guy Trip & fall!
>>
>>
>>Thanks for Gathering them up!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>I know so many people in
>>so many places
>>They make allot of money but
>>they got sad faces
>>
>>It Ain't Easy being Me!
>
>? I don't leave my copper
>laying around ether !
HELL!
You Even Dare Install any Copper in today's World?
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
HIcountryman
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,368
Gerber, made in USA, and Smith sharpener. Both inexpensive but man, they do the job! Not paranoid about losing or breaking them - they are tools not heirlooms! I have a couple Bucks that are heirlooms, too heavy to pack anyway.
I hear those who say it is nice to have a really great custom made, expensive knife... i just have too much other stuff to buy! And to carry a "beater" knife for the dirty work of popping ball joints... keep the heirlooms on the shelf and carry your tools!
HIcountryman
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,368
Gutting, caping, quartering, deboning... that Gerber and Smith sharpener have done it all for me for about 10 years. 5.7 oz for the both of em. Less than $50.
elkassassin
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 36,972
>Gutting, caping, quartering, deboning... that Gerber
>and Smith sharpener have done
>it all for me for
>about 10 years.
>5.7 oz for the both
>of em. Less than $50.
>
Hey Highcountryman!
That Knife was one of My Favorite Pocket Knives!
Liked it so Well I Bought a couple More!
1st one was made in USA!
The next 2 I don't know where made?
I'm Guessing F'N China?
After I lost My first GERBER it wasn't hard to tell something had changed!
JUNK F'N Metal you can't Sharpen after you Dull it!
Don't Lose the GERBER you have!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
>and Smith sharpener have done
>it all for me for
>about 10 years.
>5.7 oz for the both
>of em. Less than $50.
>
Hey Highcountryman!
That Knife was one of My Favorite Pocket Knives!
Liked it so Well I Bought a couple More!
1st one was made in USA!
The next 2 I don't know where made?
I'm Guessing F'N China?
After I lost My first GERBER it wasn't hard to tell something had changed!
JUNK F'N Metal you can't Sharpen after you Dull it!
Don't Lose the GERBER you have!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
elkassassin
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 36,972
I Believe the GERBERS like that were 500 & 600 Models?
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces
It Ain't Easy being Me!
HIcountryman
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,368
I see no model # on it... closest thing i can find is gator folding , drop point knife. Search for USA -made gerbers and they are available on the internets.
I have heard many peole crap on gerbers, due to the models NOT made in usa, but this is a great knife. My bro gave me a fixed blade, said it was crap... it is USA-made and works for me. I sharpened it up with same Smith tool. I think he did not sharpen it? Or is overthinking the sharpening process and thinks my tool cant do the job? Dont know. He has a fancy expensive one he likes now. He damn sure doesnt use it as much as i use mine!
I, too, would love to have some expensive tools, weapons, clothes, etc. for hunting. I just know its not a fashion show and the tools i have get the job done! I wont be pimpin' anyone's gear on my (nonexistant) facenet site so i probably won't be getting anything for free either.
All is good. I hunt for myself, to feed my family and my soul and to remember my Dad - who taught me how to love the woods and how to be successful in hunting any game i pursue. He wore ancient camo and a goofy old hat with a brim all the way around. He had my Mom sew a piece of the old camo's fabric into each new garment to keep part of the old LUCKY gear with the new!
I have heard many peole crap on gerbers, due to the models NOT made in usa, but this is a great knife. My bro gave me a fixed blade, said it was crap... it is USA-made and works for me. I sharpened it up with same Smith tool. I think he did not sharpen it? Or is overthinking the sharpening process and thinks my tool cant do the job? Dont know. He has a fancy expensive one he likes now. He damn sure doesnt use it as much as i use mine!
I, too, would love to have some expensive tools, weapons, clothes, etc. for hunting. I just know its not a fashion show and the tools i have get the job done! I wont be pimpin' anyone's gear on my (nonexistant) facenet site so i probably won't be getting anything for free either.
All is good. I hunt for myself, to feed my family and my soul and to remember my Dad - who taught me how to love the woods and how to be successful in hunting any game i pursue. He wore ancient camo and a goofy old hat with a brim all the way around. He had my Mom sew a piece of the old camo's fabric into each new garment to keep part of the old LUCKY gear with the new!
fleshy_thump
Member
- Messages
- 34
https://www.knivesofalaska.com/Store/skeletonized/xtreme-model-v
KOA. high carbon steel holds an edge better than any. skeletonized model weighs 3 oz. wrap it w/ fire starter core 550 cord and you have 3 feet of rope and fire starter with you at all times.
KOA. high carbon steel holds an edge better than any. skeletonized model weighs 3 oz. wrap it w/ fire starter core 550 cord and you have 3 feet of rope and fire starter with you at all times.
