Author Topic: Recommend a Folding Knife for Hunting Chores (Read 2535 times)

teamnelson · « **on:** February 16, 2011, 12:18:51 PM »

I have a bunch of folders, but I recently have been missing a Buck 55 in nickel that my Grandpa gave me 30 years ago - it got lost somewhere when I went off to boot camp and my folks moved. But in my research I figured out what I am really looking for is a good folder for field dressing small game, fish, fowl to deer, and all around general purpose. That's a little more than my daily carry boker is probably up to. What would you recommend as good quality folding knife for all your hunting uses as well as daily carry?

Mahalo,
Chaps

Hooker · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:21:14 PM »

TN I've been carrying a Buck 110 folding lock back hunter since I was 10 the same one actually.
Two years ago I bought a new one it has a stainless blade and so far it is as good as the old one with a carbon blade.
They are still reasonably priced and if you take care of them you can't wear one out. Plus they are American made by good Christian folks.
I wouldn't step into the woods without one.

Pat

teamnelson · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:32:20 PM »

Quote from: Hooker on February 16, 2011, 01:21:14 PM

TN I've been carrying a Buck 110 folding lock back hunter since I was 10 the same one actually.
Two years ago I bought a new one it has a stainless blade and so far it is as good as the old one with a carbon blade.
They are still reasonably priced and if you take care of them you can't wear one out. Plus they are American made by good Christian folks.
I wouldn't step into the woods without one.

Pat

Thanks Pat!

Dee · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:44:07 PM »

For years I have been carrying a Benchmade McHenry & Williams 710. It absolutley the best knife I have ever carried. Easy to sharpen, and holds a edge. I laid one down once for a minute, and when I turned around it was gone. Not sure who took it, but after the mad wore off I ordered another. It's a knife that would be good in the woods, a fight, church, or a funeral.

chefjeff · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2011, 07:20:53 PM »

I used to carry a 110 as a youngster and still own it. They are a little heavy and get slick when wet or bloody.These days its mostly a Wayne Goddard spyderco ATS-55. Slim,light,plenty of belly for skinning. Also a couple of ATS-34 gerbers, cheap price for such performance. I don't dig serrated,but the combo edge is workable,especially cutting certain things like rope or seatbelts.Folders have evolved a lot.

pastorp · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2011, 02:08:38 AM »

I too carried a buck folding hunter. Don't remember my first having a model # but then my memory isn't what it used to be.

I much prefer a large lock blade, folder to a sheath knife. Really any large lock blade, that will hold a edge will work. One of the best I have is a "Silver Falcon" Jap steel and it really holds a edge well.

Regards,

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2011, 02:21:22 AM »

I carried the Buck 110 with finger groves for years but now its a Benchmade . There are several styles that work and all are lighter and stay sharp longer.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2011, 02:45:21 AM »

I like my Kershaw, soft enough to sharpen easily, but hard enough it holds its edge well. I am not a fan of Buck knives I have trouble getting them sharp.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2011, 02:57:56 AM »

Quote from: billy_56081 on February 17, 2011, 02:45:21 AM

I like my Kershaw, soft enough to sharpen easily, but hard enough it holds its edge well. I am not a fan of Buck knives I have trouble getting them sharp.

I find it better to file a buck flat at the edge before using a stone as it gives a better surface to work with.

teamnelson · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2011, 07:36:00 AM »

Wow, lots of great suggestions gents. Appreciate it!

Dee, that 710 looks really nice. A bit outside what I was thinking to spend, but sounds like it might be worth it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2011, 07:39:06 AM »

Benchmade on a budget Griptalion , carry one everyday. Lost one that laid in the driveway being run over for more than a year. The side that faced up was faded . And it had done hunting skinning duty

bobg · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2011, 08:15:19 AM »

I carry a Case. Does any thing i want it to. Most people don't seem to like Case but i will take one over a Buck any time.

Dee · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2011, 09:24:18 AM »

Quote from: TeamNelson on February 17, 2011, 07:36:00 AM

Wow, lots of great suggestions gents. Appreciate it!

Dee, that 710 looks really nice. A bit outside what I was thinking to spend, but sounds like it might be worth it.

TN it's the slickest action I've ever seen, and a one of a kind action at that. As fast as a switch blade and it's not assisted opening. Spend the money and never need another knife. I promise.

p.s. most will give a discount on line if you ask. especially to military. If things were they way they used to be here at home, I send you one.

teamnelson · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2011, 09:46:08 AM »

Dee, appreciate the tip on the military discount - I will definitely check into that. Things are definitely tight all around even for us in the military. Learned the other day that our "facility" was underfunded $2million for utilities as a result of across the board cuts in DOD (never understood unilateral cuts to fixed costs). PCS orders are on hold until further notice ... I know you've got family in uniform. Stuff I'm hearing leads me to advise people to get ready to hunker down wherever they're stationed, and dig in, stock up and fortify. Things like a good pocket folder are on my check list of items to pick up while we can.

Dee · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:21:20 AM »

I hear ya TN. Luckily my youngest has parted company with the 82nd and is in college, and part time job at Home Depot. He done his reserves and everything. He's OUT!

Pat/Rick · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2011, 12:48:17 PM »

I'm partial to the older Schrades. I just like the steel better.Have done everything from dress small game to deer, as well as prep kindling for a fire. I don't know if all of their new stuff is now china made or not

billy_56081 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2011, 01:01:25 PM »

The Kershaw I have is the black colt II. Pat/Rick is on target with the older Schrades, great steel in them. The kershaw I have reminds me of them. The Black colt II has allen screw bolsters and you can take it apart for cleaning.

burntmuch · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2011, 03:20:12 PM »

Ive been using a Victorinox for a lot of years. One of the bigger ones with the locking blade. Seems to hold an edge real good & is easy to sharpen. The blades not real heavy, but you would be surprised how strong they can be. The saw comes in handy, too. Plus an extra one in the bottom of my daypack, glovebox, plus a couple around the house.

teamnelson · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2011, 05:01:45 PM »

Anybody seen one of the Benchmade Lone Wolf Tailout knives?

Victor3 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2011, 09:02:01 PM »

I'm picky about EDC knives. Never had one that suits me better than the Mini Griptillian. Since I got it about five years ago I've bought several that I thought might be better, but always go back to it. I'm sold on the Axis lock. So easy to open and close with one hand. I thought it might get get jammed up with gunk doing messy jobs but found that it's easy to flush out under hot water. Never had to take it apart to clean and it's still as tight and smooth as the day I bought it.

I've also got this one for when I want to carry a bigger knife, but it's a little heavy...

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-950-Osborne-Design-handle/dp/B001DBLPJK

powderman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2011, 04:49:42 AM »

I have 2 folders I really like. One is a Buck xchanger, the other is an older Schrade that is a REAL schrade, before going to china. The buck is not made as heavy but takes and holds a great edge, I've cleaned a lot of squirrels with it. I don't think I could really pick a favorite because they both serve different purposes. POWDERMAN.

Dee · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2011, 04:50:47 AM »

The axis lock is truly amazing, and amazingly fast.

Couger · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2011, 06:01:59 AM »

I used to be a big fan of Buck knives.

Somewhere have a #501 "Prince" or "Duke" that has served me well! Need to make a new 'holster' for it to carry on my belt instead of in the pocket.

I always thought the #110 and other Buck-design ka-nife similar to it were HEAVY and with their bowie style tip too dam much "blade" even for dressing a deer. Easy to nick bladders and other organs.

I have enjoyed and used that #501 on countless deer, elk, antelope, fish, birds and only a few "chores." Nowadays prefer a fixed sheath knife. Have a Cold steel Pendleton Hunter (big one) for dressing BG and cutting their legs off at the knee inspired that buy.

The CS Pendleton Mini Lite Hunter looks like a really nice design for everyday carry and light chores like birds and fish! It will be my next 'hunting knife buy.'

Buck makes a blade easily sharpened that will stay sharpened. If I was to buy a new Buck it would be the fixed Mini-Alpha sheath knife.

For folders consider looking at Benchmade! them are GOOD knives!

teamnelson · « **Reply #23 on:** February 18, 2011, 07:14:44 AM »

Couger,

You mentioned that you thought the 110 was too much "blade" for dressing, nick a bladder, etc. But then you've switched to an even bigger sheath knife - is it the shape of the 110 blade find too big?

Thanks,
Chaps

myronman3 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 18, 2011, 10:20:27 AM »

i have had alot of knives over the years, and when i was in the military i carried 5 at one time.
the one i found i used the most, was the smallest one. it took an edge easy, was light to carry and didnt cost much. it doesnt have bells or whistles, it dont open fast and it isnt especially purdy to look at. it is about $13, and it is made in the usa. for field dressing game, and most other normal chores (great for digging out slivers), these knives work great.
http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage=itempage&xid=358

Couger · « **Reply #25 on:** February 18, 2011, 12:38:36 PM »

Quote from: TeamNelson

You mentioned that you thought the 110 was too much "blade" for dressing, nick a bladder, etc. But then you've switched to an even bigger sheath knife - is it the shape of the 110 blade find too big? Thanks, Chaps

Have you looked at a Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter? Even held one?

The blade is [literally] 3 1/8th inches long (and veeerry STOUT). And clearly a drop point with a VERY CONTROLABLE TIP!

What I like about that knife besides that it's made from a solid [one] piece of steel is its very thick, very strong blade is the drop point, plenty of "belly" to the edge and blade width (would make a firly good skinner I'd think). The one thing I don't like about the knife is the handle that it's 1/2 - 3/4inch too long!

The mini Pendleton Hunter and Mini Pendleton Hunter Lite are two well-balanced/proportioned designs in my opinion!

What inspired me to get that Buck #501 "Esquire" folder (20-plus years before I bought the CS Pendleton designs - tastes change!) was I went deer hunting with a fellow much more [hunting] experienced than me - who carried a Browning floder that was barely longer (folded) than the width of his belt, when he wore it on his belt in its holster (in the small of his back!). The knife NEVER got in Kyle's way, was secure and ALWAYS THERE where he put it (putting on his pants or belt!) when he needed the knife! Blade was PLEENNNTTY long! I learned a 3inch ~~to 4inch~~ blade is more than enough for gutting/dressing a deer. And have observed ~~many~~ several other [Western] hunters who liked similar knives. Another fellow employee once forgot his knife when he went out for Utah's opening day of the bow hunt (around 1980). He scored a buck that AM, and dressed it by disassembling one of the Sathillite broadheads he was using and used one (portion) blade on that broadhead shank to field dress his deer!

If I was allowed to have ONLY ONE knife for all my hunting chores, it would be a similar desegn to the mini Pendleton Hunters. Benchmade makes such a [fixed design] knife I find esp attractive! Can't remember its name, but its a popular model.

Gerber makes a nice (not too hard to sharpen-steel) and their small LST "pocket floder" is not too small to dress a deer with! I see those smallish L.S.T.'s frequently listed on eBay.

After checking, that #501 Buck folder is the "Esquire" not the "Prince" (with a still-shorter blade. The #500 "Duke" has a 3 1/2inch blade, the #501 has a 2 3/4inch blade, and the "Prince" a blade of 2 1/2inches). On eBay three "Esquires" were listed at $32 to $38 NIB. The Gerber LST also has a blade around 3 inches and frequently listed starting at $10.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #26 on:** February 21, 2011, 01:18:06 AM »

With todays materials and knives like Benchmade why tote a Buck 110 that weighs twice more what a better knife weighs ? Also there are locking systems that make a quality folder ridgid as a fixed blade , before saying impossible test a Benchmade or other quality folder . As for knife size it depends on the user and his skill. Some can control a lot more knife than others.

jackruff · « **Reply #27 on:** February 21, 2011, 01:38:21 AM »

I like my Columbia River Knife and Tool Company (CRKT) locking folder.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2011, 03:11:09 AM »

Quote from: jackruff on February 21, 2011, 01:38:21 AM

I like my Columbia River Knife and Tool Company (CRKT) locking folder.

I did also until the lock broke

teamnelson · « **Reply #29 on:** March 02, 2011, 01:05:43 PM »

Appreciated all the input gents. I wound up ordering a Buck Vantage Pro, for the Buck reputation and the S30V steel. Should be in by Friday, Lord Willing!