help me find a blank!

[Dave223]

Ive decided the time has come to purchase my first knife and get this hobby(addiction?) started but Id like your opinions on which to build.   Im looking for a good skinner to build. Something that I can use for skinning but also as a carry knife when hunting. It would be used mainly as a skinning knife but second would be as a defensive knife. After doing some looking, I like the looks of Joels Alleghany Butcher, would this design be good for what Im trying to do?
  Where I will be hunting this year, there are lots of wild hogs and Id like for it to be big enough to defend against that if it came down to it. Maybe something with a 4-5 inch blade and some sort of guard to protect my hand from slipping if I had to stab. What would you recommend in a blank thats available ?  What would you suggest and why?  Dave

[Dave223]

How about something like this: http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=119_299_381&products_id=630     Is this a good quality blank?

[Joel]

Actually it's very good.  Those Russell/Green River knives have been made continuously since around 1835 are quite thin so they make good slicers/skinner.  I make up a Russell Dadley every so often as a gift .

[Dave223]

Thanks Joel, your opinion means alot! I think I will order this one soon as my first.
One dumb question though, it says 5/32 holes for pins, Im assuming 5/32 pins, correct? Dave

[Joel]

Yes, it's 5/32 inch.  TKS lists rod stock under  the knife making steel heading.  They've both brass and nickel silver in that diameter.

[gcrank1]

In my experience that is a fine design and will serve a lifetime. Im a little more partial to their 'Camp Knife' blade; to see a deluxe finished version, check the 'Crazy Crow' wesite, (for ideas) they have fancy models in wood or bone handles c/w leather sheaths. Not quite as much 'skinner' in the tip, but enough, and a good all rounder.