Here a while back when Gary Music first started posting his knives he posted a pix of a skinner with walrus jaw scales. I decided right then and there I ought to see if I could be the proud owner of one of his knives. He suggested buffalo horn. Well I had one from Tim Olt(MichiganRoadkill) with buffalo horn scales that I really liked so I said "do it"!!!
He did.
I've had it with me on several occasions and folks rave about the scales, but this weekend was the first time I had/took the opportunity to try it out.
When it comes to un-zipping hoglets, its the right tool for the job.
As always, nice post GWB. I had Mr.Menefee and Mr. Music in the same elk camp two years ago. Both tagged 6x6 bulls and both men understand the importance of functionality in a skinner. Those buffalo scales on Gary's knife do look outstanding. Did you go with S30V? I've been using one of Rick's S30v skinners for over a decade now. I refer to it as the gold standard. Let us know how well your new knife holds an edge please. Congrats on the knife, a successful hunt, and thanks again for sharing the pictures. Well done.
I do like that type of blade shape. Plenty of belly and work well.
Here are several by 4 different makers.
Left to Right,
First is by Dale Howe. He called it a Buffalo Skinner. It is rams horn and 3V.
Next is by Rocky Menefee. IIRC it is rams horn and ATS-34.
The next four are by Ricky Bob. The first knife with micarta scales is in A2. It is the second knife of Rick's I acquired when I first started collecting. The next is in AEB-L with stabilized pine-cone scales. Sweet! No.3 is red linen Micarta and A2 steel with Ricks smoky finish. The last one is part of a two blade set. Black micarta scales and IIRC 154CM steel.
And of course, the knife under the ceramic rod is the one that is the subject of this post. It is 52100 steel. IIRC, when I spoke to Gary about acquiring one of his knives we decided on 52100. I like carbon steel knives and have had good luck with 52100, and I don't mind a patina at all.
I have knives out of S30V, but not from Rick or Gary.
I have heard that Phil Wilson sez that Rick's heat treat on his 154CM knives is some of the best he's ever seen.
Anywho, I do know I've skinned at least a dozen critters with the Black/A2 skinner and have not had to sharpen it yet.
Typically I give a few swipes on a ceramic rod I got from VinceM or use a strop with jewelers rouge, when touch-up is necessary. I prolly ruin the collector value of all my knives as none go unused.
JAPPFT,
GWB
PS: The braided lanyards are by Gies340, who posts here. Ya' ought to check his stuff out.
I'll second Jason's lanyard work. Been using them for several years now and in fact I just took delivery of another bunch. The work is top notch and you'll not find a better guy to deal with anywhere.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
I can't tell if that knife was made for a leftie or rightie.
No offense to the fine gentleman that made the blade, but I just can't resist..........
Since it came from the "left coast", I'm sure it goes "both ways". LOL
BTW, I'm ambidexterous when it comes to skinning. Seems there's a left side and a right side on a critter. I find that being able to use either/both hands when skinning works well.
Thanks for the reviews Glenn! The pictures and video are cool as usual, only this time it was one of my knives. I cut a bunch of sisal rope with that blade I just don’t recall if I got up into the radius where all of the skinning is done. I imaging that hog hair/ hide put it to the test.
Here in “Northern Mexico”, I’m two hundred and fifty miles from the leftist fools in the Bay Area (not you Phil Wilson.) Our county is one of the last conservative counties in the state. The bangers from L.A. won’t even come up here because our Sheriff has a shoot first ask questions later policy when it comes to hood rats.
Thanks again Glenn, I’m glad you’re happy with it.
I'll second that compliment on the lanyard work of Jason Gies. Many of my knives have his well done lanyards. I consider them to be essential for safely removing a knife from its sheath. I don't like to lay a knife down at any point during skinning or dressing game, so the lanyard comes in handy to hang the knife from a branch or nail while in between tasks. I never put a bloody knife back into a sheath unless it is absolutely the only option. I prefer Jason's removable type lanyards because they can be detached and tossed into the washing machine. Fish entrails are absolutely disgusting on a lanyard if not properly cleaned. GWB it looks like you have a dream collection of quality skinners to choose from. Well done by all. I look forward to seeing GWB's pictures from his next adventure.
Gary that looks great. Makes me proud to see one o' mine amongst a group of that quality. I'll also say Bobby's on the money as per usual, Jason's lanyards are the berrys.