I'm looking for a good deer skinning/cleaning knife. After cleaning multiple axis and deer this weekend I'm tired of my old cheap o knife and ready to invest in a quality knife.

What's yalls go to knife

Havalon

Yep. Havalon or Outdoor Edge. Either is great!

My brand new outdoor edge lasted half of a skinning. Can't say I highly recommend. It's not terrible... but I wasn't wildly impressed.

Really like my Benchmade Hidden Canyon.

Also check out the Buck 113 Ranger.

I have a havalon, but prefer fixed blades.

Havalon. No question

A few options from a couple of brands that I really like:
Buck 113 [url]https://www.buckknives.com/product/113-ranger-skinner-knife/0113BRS-B/
Buck[/url]

Buck 103 https://www.buckknives.com/product/103-skinner-knife/0103FAM01/

Bark River Classic Drop Point Hunter https://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-classic-loveless-models/

skinning multiple deer with any knife will do a number on it. invest in a better sharpener or a knife where you can just swap the blades.

unless i am not understanding and you just dont like the feel of your knife anymore.....if thats the case then get your hands on some different ones and pick the one that feels the best to you.

Gene Ingram , custom skinner. Best knife you will have. ( about a year waiting list ) $

Alaska guide makes a nice skinner

I just keep a rod handy and hit it occasionally, and keep going.

Find a good fixed blade that has a good curve on the blade. Keep it sharp, and have a honing rod with you.

The concept of the replaceable blade knives is cool, and they definitely work, but to me there is nothing better than something like the Old Timer Sharpfingers. The newer mfg ones from Schrade aren't as good from what I have heard, but a lot of good knife makers make quality designs that copy the layout.

Here is the one I have carried for about 20 years (the sheath blew out on me a few years ago during an elk hunt, so forgive the duct tape). Similar profile to the sharpfingers, but scaled up and with a much heavier handle.

Arkansas Dozier

Schrade/Old Timer sharpfinger works just fine for me. Sharpen, skin, clean, sharpen.

I second the Buck 103. I have had one for over 35 years. Great knife. Sharpens easily and holds its edge.

schmellba99 said:

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Schrade/Old Timer sharpfinger works just fine for me. Sharpen, skin, clean, sharpen.

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Condor makes a knife in that same profile, but with a much upgraded steel - 440C. I bought one and really like it. Lots of belly on the blade, and perfectly shaped to get either a thumb or finger up really high on the spine.

Dexter sanisafe sheep skinning knife is my favorite. Great blade, shape and sharpens easily and holds an edge.

havalon knives are nice but that is such a waste of money and resources.

I use a warthog sharperner and the Dexter Sanisafe knives are great.

Victoronix makes one too.

https://www.dexterrussellcutlery.com/dexter-russell-traditional-5-1-4-sheep-skinning-knife-6371-l012g-5-1-4/

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/victorinox-5-7903-12-5-lamb-skinning-knife-with-fibrox-handle/35340532.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAv4n9BRA9EiwA30WND0mbsNosehQ9n3MuU7_80uKOHlnyZpoaSuAyIEAldtucdD8YyQpbChoC2ioQAvD_BwE

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think y'all just confirmed my latest thoughts. I would be better off getting quality sharpener and just go that route with my current knife.

I do have an older havalon knife I'm just not to much into the handling of it. It's very thin/small to hold on to. I see they make different styles now.

Once again thanks for suggestions

ursusguy said:

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I just keep a rod handy and hit it occasionally, and keep going.

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This. Most "dull" knives just need a quick hone to be sharp again. It will greatly increase time between sharpening

skinny2001 said:

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Dexter sanisafe sheep skinning knife is my favorite. Great blade, shape and sharpens easily and holds an edge.

havalon knives are nice but that is such a waste of money and resources.

I use a warthog sharperner and the Dexter Sanisafe knives are great.

Victoronix makes one too.

https://www.dexterrussellcutlery.com/dexter-russell-traditional-5-1-4-sheep-skinning-knife-6371-l012g-5-1-4/

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/victorinox-5-7903-12-5-lamb-skinning-knife-with-fibrox-handle/35340532.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAv4n9BRA9EiwA30WND0mbsNosehQ9n3MuU7_80uKOHlnyZpoaSuAyIEAldtucdD8YyQpbChoC2ioQAvD_BwE

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Victorinox is the correct answer. It is the preferred knife in slaughter houses for skinning and boning. Believe me, that is where the most experience on this topic is. They keep their edge and they are easily sharpened. Funny thing is that you tend to see a few lamb skinners in the dehiding area but also see quite a few boning and steak cutting knives also used for dehiding.

I prefer the original Outdoor Edge Swingblade. The folding version is nowhere near as good IMO.

I think I must have learned to clean deer incorrectly - I've never had any use for the large, traditional "skinning" knives.

My go-to is a case mini-trapper with chrome vanadium blades. It's good for skinning out at least two deer without sharpening or honing, and fits me perfectly. The pointed clip blade is perfect for starting cuts and finework, and I use the spey blade for the skinning - no sharp point to accidentally puncture skin/tissue.

Havalon

I picked this one up. No use yet.

https://www.firstlite.com/products/argali-carbon-knife

If you are looking at sharpeners, I cannot recommend the edgepro enough. I really like the system and have made a side job out of sharpening knives for people with it. I also hear good things about the Wicked edge, if you are confident you will only be sharpening knives that will fit.

Bushmonkey Shawshank

I have never had a quality knife for field dressing and skinning deer but have always bought cheapy knives from Academy. My wife wants me to pick out a good knife for my birthday. Would like to keep it under $200 so probably not looking for custom.
Please discuss important features like blade length and style, steel and handle features.
From another thread I am looking at the Bark River Classic Drop Point Hunter.
Edit: After some looking I may have to go up in price but would like to keep under $250 is possible

I have found the havelon stays sharper slightly longer. Both great knives

Whatever you choose, having this in your back pocket is equally as important IMO. Been running a Benchmade Steep Country for 3 seasons now.

Bench made saddle mountain skinner I bought a few years ago has been great if you want a well balanced knife that stays sharp and is easy to add edge to. Have several hunting knifes I've had for years- buck, case, gerber, puma, etc but the newer benchmade is a much better knife imo.
I've tried the razor sharp havalon and outdoor edge knives over the years but much prefer a classic type skinner with some size and weight to it.

Check out all the benchmade fixed blade knives as they have different blade lengths and weights and sheath types.