Looking for a new knife for hunting & general use. I've narrowed it down to the

• Fallkniven F1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JA9Y66/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MPKNub0XA58E4
• Cold Steel Master Hunter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011MYRN2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ZgKNub0CB9W8C
• Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIVGBR4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_nOKNub0KESX8S

Any recommendations between those three or another that may be similar?

Would you consider a folding knife? I just got a SOG Salute folder and it seems like good quality.

I have folders. Looking for a good fixed blade knife, hence the three I posted.

If you're looking for a cheap knife, Academy had an Old Timer skinning knife for $14.99.

Cdonlee, I have a strong Benchmade bias. I own three and love every one of them. But the other two look pretty sweet. Don't think you can make a bad decision here.

And to keep in line with the other two posters... I saw a nice folding blade at the Valeros gas station down the street. Only 9.99

I have the cold steel master hunter. Great knife, very sturdy, it is a great tool. Heavy duty blade , holds it's edge and has a nice non-slip handle.
good Luck

Get the F1. Great knife.

When I was looking into this earlier, I ultimately went with the Elk Hunter Trekker from Knives of Alaska. They are all made in Texas (Denison) and use D2 Tool Steel and come with a really nice leather sheath. You can buy from them or even Amazon. I really encourage you to look into them.

There are better choices for the money. As has already been mentioned knives of Alaska are very nice, I'm partial to bark rivers myself. Spend some time on www.knivesshipfree.com, you might get some more ideas. Of the three you posted I'd probably go with the F1.

I always like Benchmade knives. Can't say it is better than the others listed but if I were given that choice I would go with the Benchmade.

The key for me would be strictly the blade steel. I know very little about the differences of these 3 blades but my favorite knife at home is Swedish and has "laminated" steel, which is described in the Fallkniven F1.

I have quite a few knives and the laminated one just has the best combination of being able to sharpen it and have it hold that edge for a considerable time.

The review by the guy on the Benchmade does sound like he knows his steel, so without having specific blade steel knowledge, I would rate them in the order in your post Fallkniven, then Benchmade.

I went to Bass Pro and checked out their knives, which included the KoA Elk Hunter. It really felt great in the hand and the price was right, so I pulled the trigger on it. I think I will be really happy with it, but I am concerned with the D2 rusting. Would you recommend putting oil on it? If so, what kind would be best?

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I went to Bass Pro and checked out their knives, which included the KoA Elk Hunter. It really felt great in the hand and the price was right, so I pulled the trigger on it. I think I will be really happy with it, but I am concerned with the D2 rusting. Would you recommend putting oil on it? If so, what kind would be best?

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I treated mine with an oil/anti corrosive know as Eezox. I got it at a gun store in Euless. Per their webpage they make a knife specific version, but I'm not sure the difference. I'm sure someone will tell me its not good to use on a skinning knife, but whatever small trace of residue that may come from the treated blade is nothing compared to what the meat will be exposed to from the time it gets killed, field dressed, butchered, processed and ultimately eaten. If you are concerned about that, use mineral or vegetable oil.

Oh, nice purchase!

I've got a Falkniven S1...solid knife, would definitely recommend any of the Falkniven knives.

Like this one quite a bit:

">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T7HY8O/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687742&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003U92WB8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=194FRGX9X5J3RWYMY5SK

Was given this knife by a hunting buddy/friend of my dad shortly before his passing as an engagement gift from him to me directly. He gave his son one the same time he purchased his years before. Went on two Colorado elk hunting trips with him.

Sentimental value: Yes
Badass knife quality: Yes

About the same time, I gave my Dad for Christmas back in about '93 an Eye Brand version of this style knife. After Dad's passing in January of this year, my young son will get his for his hunting knife when he is old enough to hunt on his own.

http://www.cmforgeknives.com/

Take a look at a College Station handmade knife. These knives are nothing short of incredible.

You do need to rear their disclaimer,
"Disclaimer

I am sure that most of our customers would agree that our planet is seemingly overrun with idiots. While we are sensitive to those with below average intelligence quotients, idiots are not part of this group thus undeserving of empathy, sympathy, or anything else except for utter disdain and contempt. Idiots, well, are just plain stupid. They are the perpetrators of stupid acts. These stupid acts come in many forms, such as: using a lawnmower to trim hedges, looking down the business end of a loaded firearm, sticking an arm in a running washing machine, using a microwave as a pet dryer, and the list goes on and on. But, no matter how stupid an idiot's actions are, even when entirely void of all common sense to the point of vacuous, there is an endless cadre of civil advocates who clamor at the opportunity to represent the idiot, thus exacerbating the original stupid act to the point of ludicrousness. That being said, the following legal disclaimer is intended for members of the idiot sub-species and their attorney friends. Those individuals who are endowed with common sense need not read further."

I don't know how to post a link, but check out Helle. I just bought 3 of these as Christmas gifts and everyone has used them and loved the knives. ( I gave them early)

I bought the GT knife.

Backwoods in Austin beec cave area stocks them

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http://www.cmforgeknives.com/

Take a look at a College Station handmade knife. These knives are nothing short of incredible.

You do need to rear their disclaimer,
"Disclaimer

I am sure that most of our customers would agree that our planet is seemingly overrun with idiots. While we are sensitive to those with below average intelligence quotients, idiots are not part of this group thus undeserving of empathy, sympathy, or anything else except for utter disdain and contempt. Idiots, well, are just plain stupid. They are the perpetrators of stupid acts. These stupid acts come in many forms, such as: using a lawnmower to trim hedges, looking down the business end of a loaded firearm, sticking an arm in a running washing machine, using a microwave as a pet dryer, and the list goes on and on. But, no matter how stupid an idiot's actions are, even when entirely void of all common sense to the point of vacuous, there is an endless cadre of civil advocates who clamor at the opportunity to represent the idiot, thus exacerbating the original stupid act to the point of ludicrousness. That being said, the following legal disclaimer is intended for members of the idiot sub-species and their attorney friends. Those individuals who are endowed with common sense need not read further."

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Wow! Those are some nice looking knives!

Google Richard Epting and look at his knives. He is in College
Station.
Expensive but worth it. I've owned several of his knives
for many years.

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I went to Bass Pro and checked out their knives, which included the KoA Elk Hunter. It really felt great in the hand and the price was right, so I pulled the trigger on it. I think I will be really happy with it, but I am concerned with the D2 rusting. Would you recommend putting oil on it? If so, what kind would be best?

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I think you made a fine choice. I put frog lube on my knives when I know they aren't going to be used for a while, seems to work well, although I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell us why that's a bad idea.

Curtis @ CM Forge builds a great knife. He can eloquently explain why he does every single thing to build a quality knife.

If you look through my post history you'll find the knife he built my dad. He's currently building me a santoku kitchen knife. I can't wait to get it!

It'll takea month or 2 (or 3) if you get a full custom one made