This is topic What Knife?. in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000027
Posted by varmit hunter (Member # 37) on February 10, 2003, 10:55 AM:
What knife do you carry?. Is it the one you use for skinning?.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 10, 2003, 11:13 AM:
I don't think I'm much of a collector, I have a high regard for Case knives, but don't actually own very many. Everyday, I carry an Uncle Henry #885, and use it alot. For skinnng, I have a custom made drop point 3½" caper with oversize micarta slab handles that gets most of the work. I have three Bucks that have never been used.
Good question, Ronnie. I bet there are a lot of opinions out there.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on February 10, 2003, 12:03 PM:
Yep, I have a weakness for custom knives, although I cant afford any. I do have a acouple of Dunn knives,a Gordan drop point ats34 I use for all my predator hunting and a Ruana custom drop point for big game.
I have a ton of Bucks and others I have gathered over the years, some never used.
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on February 10, 2003, 03:17 PM:
I carry a custom Dawson on my calling belt. Skinning and dressing only, no bone or utility work. It has the synthetic snakeskin grips that are non-slip when wet or bloody. I have a Draper and a Vlicek. A Marble is probably the best of the production knives I own. Several Bucks, Gerbers, Schrades, and Cases. I like a good knife, too.
Posted by Greenside (Member # 10) on February 10, 2003, 05:58 PM:
Schrade Old Timer Muskrat. My work requires me to have a knife for everyday tasks. Have used one for everything from cutting rope,field dressing deer,breasting wild turkey to taking the hind quarters off a caribou. Never leave home without one. I never have owned a custom knife.
Dennis
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 10, 2003, 06:11 PM:
Dennis, I don't think it's that big a deal. Factory knives work fine, when you find one that fits you. I could do nicely, without a custom blade.
I acquired a memento from my Africa trip. The grips are warthog ivory....and I doubt that I'll ever use it.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Jack Roberts (Member # 13) on February 10, 2003, 07:28 PM:
A locking, 1 7/8" blade Klein pocket knife handles 99.9% of everything for me very well. It is extremely rare I ever feel a need for anything else. It is rather hard, so is difficult to sharpen without a diamond hone, but diamond hones are pretty cheap now.
A long time good friend, who is well known in the guild, made me a skinning knife 25 years ago. It fits my hand perfectly. Both blade and handle have to be balanced to the hand, and it is perfect. I have used it one time. If I did much skinning, I might use it more.
When we figured out a perfect utilitarian design for my hand, the product was just that. However in the intervening years, both in the marketplace, and to me, it has become more art.
Jack
Posted by varmit hunter (Member # 37) on February 10, 2003, 08:29 PM:
Dennis you caught me by surprise on that one. Did not expect to see my old favorite.
Back in the early 60 s when this country was covered with Nutria rats. We would kill up to 150 per night. The Schrade Muskrat skinner did the job then. The improved Muskrat gets it done now.
No fur value around here any more. Even though I have a passel of knifes, Some custom.. I still go to the old muskrat.
[ February 10, 2003, 08:31 PM: Message edited by: varmit hunter ]
Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on February 11, 2003, 12:18 PM:
I've used a pile of different knives for skinning purposes.
I have a couple different varieties of Dunn skinning knives. They're great knives that hold an edge for a long time, and I really like them. I have one in the shed, and one in the truck.
I started using Chicago Cutlery Knives and have been very impressed. For being so cheap, they hold an edge well enough for me (I keep several so when one gets dull, just grab a sharp one), so I have quite a few in the shed, in the truck, etc.
I typically use the Dunn or Chicago for the opening cuts, and then use a Dexter-Russel for the head work when the blade will be contacting bone.
Posted by 20t-n-t (Member # 46) on February 13, 2003, 08:06 PM:
V-H,
For years I carried the old timmer muskrat and still have two new ones still in the box, but one of my sponcers is Knives of alaska and they sent me some knives to try and one of them is the folding Alaskan Super Cub and I have put it to the test. My son broke one he bought, sent it back and they replaced it and reinbursed him the 4.00 dollars for shipping. On my last trip to Texas I sent one flying after it hit a handle on a hand wench gone wild, well it broke the knife and so I sent it back. when they sent a new one to me they also sent me a check for4.00 dollars for shipping. Hard to beat a warrenty like that. The knives hold a edge also and are fairly easy to sharpen.
I also like Marbels and I collect Puma cutlery.
Like I said befor, the old timmer muskrat or the super cub are great knives.
Thats my 2 cents
Slydog
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on February 13, 2003, 08:26 PM:
Im bitten with the knife bug too. Have several really nice custom jobs,Baskett, Tomes,and a couple others, trouble is they are so nice looking, they will never see the field use. My mainstay skinning knife for predators is an Anza, the ones made from draw files. Mine is a tiny thing, blade is maybe two inches? this knife has skinned everything from lion,bobcat,fox and coyote. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on deer, great knife, and easy to put an edge on.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on February 14, 2003, 07:44 AM:
Had the same experience with Knives of Alaska. Cracked the tang on one of mine, they replaced it and sent me the check too. Use a Cub Bear for most everything.
- DAA
Posted by pup (Member # 90) on February 14, 2003, 11:10 AM:
I carry a Uncle Henry 285uh, I gave my first one to my dad, it was sharp and and we were working calves, and he liked it. I had to go and get another one the same day. My uncle took the time to teach me how to sharpen it, he learned from my great grandpa. Stays sharp.
later pup
[ February 14, 2003, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: pup ]
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on February 14, 2003, 04:15 PM:
A few years before grandpa passed away, he gave me a really nice Schrade bone handle and a cool 30.06 pump action. The only contingency was that I never sell it. I had to keep in the family. Neither are the best of field tools, but they are my favorites!!!!
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 14, 2003, 08:15 PM:
Let me ask a question about Knives of Alaska. We have a very small sample and three broken knives. I have worn out knives, and lost knives, but I can't remember breaking one. Of course, if forced to use one for a purpose not intended, I understand that. And, their warranty is commendable. So, may I ask in what way have these, not inexpensive, knives failed?
Good hunting. LB
edited for spelling
[ February 14, 2003, 08:16 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on February 15, 2003, 06:15 AM:
I think mine was that way when I got it. And I just didn't notice it for awhile. If I did the damage, I don't know how.
- DAA
Posted by Maineiac (Member # 21) on February 15, 2003, 07:02 AM:
I have a set of the Knives of Alaska, I have had them for about 5 or 6 years. I like these knives so well that I plan on buying a set for my father and brother. The set I have has the skinner with gut hook and the bear cub, it also has a sharping still that I replaced with a fine diamond hone and a small ceramic rod. I have used them quite a bit. They sharpen very fast and hold a edge better than any other knive that I own. I highly recomend the Knives of Alaska. Before it is all said and done I plan to own every knive that Knives of Alaska makes.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 15, 2003, 07:25 AM:
There's as good a testimonial as you will see, I may want one?
Also, thanks for the quick response, Dave. At least you didn't snap it changing a tire! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I have made note of a lot of things written by AzHunter; attitude and habits. Many of them strike home with me, I think we have a lot in common. I have a couple of those Anza file knives, one of which has a wide blade that is less than two inches long. It always held an edge, but for some reason I haven't used it in years? Maybe it needs to be taken for a ride, more often?
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Maineiac (Member # 21) on February 15, 2003, 09:09 AM:
I just saw a picture of an Anza knive. It was in a Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement (just thombing through an older issue while on the night shift) The article was about custom .45's and in the picture with the gun was this knive. It had a laminated handle that was red, green, yellow and blue. I would say that it had a 3-4 inch blade (looks like made from a file) they said that it was an Anza but no info. on the knive. That knive in a word ((( AWSOME)))). A statement in 4 words " where to get em"?
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on February 15, 2003, 09:15 AM:
I saw a dealer on the web for em, cant remember what it was called though.Shouldnt be to hard to find though.Ive seen em for years but never got one.I was at a gun show in Denver this past summer and a knife dealer had a big display of them, it was all I could do to move on without buying.Wish I would have.Pretty good prices.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 15, 2003, 09:52 AM:
Yeah, the only place I ever see them is at Gun Shows. Endless variety, if you can't find a style that you like, you are extremely hard to please.
It's a great idea, old files, every one different, paka woood grips, decent sheath and a very modest price. I doubt if I paid much over four or five dollars for the 2"; years ago, of course.
Good hunting. LB
edit: if I had to guess, I think they are located in the San Diego area?
[ February 15, 2003, 09:54 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Maineiac (Member # 21) on February 15, 2003, 10:44 AM:
Useing your search fuction for your browser type in "anza knife" I had about 45 Hits There are so many different knifes you will be confused. I figure about 7,000 and I can have every one of them.
Posted by catskin (Member # 51) on February 15, 2003, 04:27 PM:
Anza Knives
The price has gone up some I think from what I remember.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on February 15, 2003, 08:54 PM:
OK I'll admit it... I just don't get it... but then I ain't ever skinned anything but squirrels, rabbits, and a goose or two.
So far I have yet to need a knife for predator huntin', and Red blew the pelt on his first one up so bad it wasn't worth skinnin'.
I have always been a Victornox fan... my favorite knife I ever owned fell to it's death during a lunch break, it actually cut it's own keeper string when I dropped it... it was my Swiss Army Super Camper w/ spoon and fork (I know go ahead and tease me, but it was my good friend lol).
When I finally get somethin' worth skinnin' I'll be so sprung I'd chew it's hide off it if I had to!!! LOL
Jeff 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 15, 2003, 09:31 PM:
If you are looking for a couple hours of pure entertainment, try watching a guy skin a coyote that has never done it before....clear down to the toenails.
Good hunting. LB
edit: oh yeah, the bigger the knife, the better the show. Especially with the A types that resent suggestions.
[ February 15, 2003, 09:33 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on February 15, 2003, 10:24 PM:
Well then I'm sure I am gonna be a riot... lol
At least there won't be anyone around to give me any advise... just me and Red... the blind leading the blind... ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
And I'm totally squeemish on top of it, if I don't puke it'll be a big suprise! lol
Hey, that might make a good topic... has anyone out there had to learn everything on their own without ever being taken into the field with a more experienced partner?
Jeff
UBB.classicTM
6.3.0