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#13828383 05/17/19
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I love knives. They’re cool.

Saw a beautiful knife today, Damascus steel. But only a 2.5 inch blade got me thinking, how big a knife do you prefer for elk?

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That will work for dressing but for skinning, I like a longer one, closer to 4" with a good curve.


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I have a pair of folding Gerber 3 1/4" stag handles that do the field dressing and skinning. I carry one in the pack for the preliminary work.


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I think 3 and a half is just about right (for an elk knife, that is).
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Worked over many bulls with knives with 2.5-2.75 inch blades.


"I used to be a tired hunting guide, now I'm just a re-tired hunting guide"


"No eternal reward will forgive us now, for wasting the dawn" JM

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Victorinox 47606 2 1/4" Bird's Beak Paring Knife.

5 bucks, butchers use them.

If you are real cheap a 2 dollar pack of paring knives will skin an elk fast then toss'em, weigh nothing in the pack. another old butcher trick.

Or just use what you have.

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I’ve used a havalon for 4-7 elk mostly bulls every year for awhile.

I’m bad at sharpening and real good at dulling.

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This one is my favorite. A 4" blade out of ATS10 and I like the shape.



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Originally Posted by Ralphie
I’ve used a havalon for 4-7 elk mostly bulls every year for awhile.

I’m bad at sharpening and real good at dulling.


The Havalons have been working great for us as well.


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Most of my blades are 2.5” to 3”, never felt like I needed more.

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Originally Posted by SLM
2.5” to 3”, never felt like I needed more.


That's not what she said.


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I took 3 elk, 2 deer, a moose and an antelope completely apart, plus part of a bison last year with just my havalon and 8 or 10 standard blades.

I still carry a fixed blade out of habit, but have not used it for several years. I am sold on the havalon.



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the sharade woodsman
http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expan ... e=SCH165OT

[Linked Image]

two decent values in less expensive hunting knives
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SC...ept-blade-delrin-handles-brown-leather-sheath

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SCH152OT/schrade-152ot-old-timer-sharpfinger-fixed-delrin-handles
this woodsman (above) and the sharp finger (below),are both a darn good value in a skinning and dressing game knife,
both work, you may prefer one vs the other,
but both get the job done and at the very low price,
you could buy both and give the one you don,t prefer to a son or friend

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...ess-steel-blade-sawcut-slab-handle-black

http://www.survival-gear-guide.com/schr ... inued.html

http://www.amazon.com/Schrade-Timer-Sha ... B000IE3ZKA

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...tainless-steel-blade-sawcut-slab-handle-black



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now if your looking for a dirt cheap knife of above average quality for its price both of the knives above do a decent job

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SOG Huntspoint with S30V steel @ about $80 (less when on sale) is a great choice for a 3.6" blade that can last a whole season without being sharpened.


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I used a Buck 110 folder exclusively for about the first 15 years of my hunting career. I also used it for a lot of field dressing and necropsies while we were collecting deer during that period.

In 1977, before my first trip to Wyoming, I bought a Kershaw Folding Field with a 3" blade. I loved that knife and it was on my belt for all of my outdoor work and play until it vanished about nine years ago, while I was helping a hunting buddy break down a big bull elk. I bought another one before the next elk hunt, and it is still the one on my belt when I am hunting.

(I know right where I lost the first one and I have returned several times since to see if it has magically resurfaced--unfortunately, it has not.)

However, I now own a half-dozen or so hunting knives, including another 110 folder with the S30V steel. There are at least two of them in the day pack when I am hunting.

So far, I haven't been able to convince myself to try a Havalon or one of its clones. Maybe next year...

Last edited by mudhen; 05/19/19.

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Not to hijack, but for those using replaceable blade knives like the Havalon (or similar), which models are you using? Are you using it in conjunction with anything? How many blades are you packing?

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MIne must be the piranta. Like T I've carried a fixed blade still but rarely use it. I carry plenty of blades. They weigh nothing and take up little space. And the orange color is nice too. Last time I bought blades I got the 100 pack off amazon.

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Originally Posted by Ralphie
MIne must be the piranta. Like T I've carried a fixed blade still but rarely use it. I carry plenty of blades. They weigh nothing and take up little space. And the orange color is nice too. Last time I bought blades I got the 100 pack off amazon.


This.

I use the piranta. I have an orange one and a black one.

I carry about 20 or so blades with me. I can't remember the blade model but they're just the standard blades. I have some of the 20% thicker blades and some guthook blades too. I do break some blades occassionally when seperating joints, but not too often.

The only negative that I can think of is that when a blade does break off you have to fish it out so that you don't jab yourself with it accidentally. It is a small negative compared to all the positives of the havalon though.



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I like, and use, my own knives.
[Linked Image]

Here is one I'll be using this fall:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I utilize CPM154 stainless steel. Both knives have desert ironwood handles.

https://www.instagram.com/doublehknives/


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Count me in for the havalon. I use the 60A blades, same shape as the original 60xt, but a bit thicker/stronger. I've only broken one blade out of ~3 dozen that I've used for skinning/butchering. And that one broke because I was being careless on a leg joint. The havalon helps me to cut correctly, rather than hack or pry. Something I do while changing blades in the field is to run the edge on a rock a few times to dull it, then rub it in the dirt to degrease it. It's safer to change a blade when it's not slippery. I carry about 10 blades, and one of the saw blades for taking skull caps off.

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Nicely done sir 👍. I have been making some knives also and utilizing the great supply of good blade blanks on the internet, I have made some knives that I can be proud of. Haven't had to pay hundreds of dollars for either.

Again, nice work on the knife.

W. Bill


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Originally Posted by Godogs57
I like, and use, my own knives.
[Linked Image]

Here is one I'll be using this fall:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I utilize CPM154 stainless steel. Both knives have desert ironwood handles.

https://www.instagram.com/doublehknives/



That’s a beauty!

“Razor blade” knives may work well but they have no class.😀 Let ‘er rip; I’ve got my kevlar on...


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Originally Posted by navlav8r
Originally Posted by Godogs57
I like, and use, my own knives.
[Linked Image]

Here is one I'll be using this fall:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I utilize CPM154 stainless steel. Both knives have desert ironwood handles.

https://www.instagram.com/doublehknives/



That’s a beauty!

“Razor blade” knives may work well but they have no class.😀 Let ‘er rip; I’ve got my kevlar on...




Absolutely gorgeous !

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Hank’s knives are top notch.

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I’m trying SLM...


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Godogs57 makes an excellent knife...Nice to have a good blade for field work.

Combo knife Hank made for me.

Note the ugly yellow handles...That was my idea so I could find them in the dark on a mountain floor. 😎

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


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Originally Posted by Clynn
Originally Posted by navlav8r
Originally Posted by Godogs57
I like, and use, my own knives.
[Linked Image]

Here is one I'll be using this fall:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I utilize CPM154 stainless steel. Both knives have desert ironwood handles.

https://www.instagram.com/doublehknives/



That’s a beauty!

“Razor blade” knives may work well but they have no class.😀 Let ‘er rip; I’ve got my kevlar on...




Absolutely gorgeous !


Yes they are, and Hank treats em right so they hold a damn good edge as well...


Ping pong balls for the win.
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My latest from Hank
[Linked Image]


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Another
[Linked Image]


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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And another
[Linked Image]


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Another
[Linked Image]


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Fancy stuff! I’m still using the same Western F66 “black beauty “ I’ve had most of my life along with the basically disposable Vicki’s and Havalon .

Any of you ever use Westerns Boulder Co made knives? Not sure what steel they used , but mine are carbon steel and quite nice knives, especially for the price. I’ve seen black beauty’s for under $50 on eBay.

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An uncle(actually my dads cousin) worked at Western. And my little brother worked at Spyderco until the Navy took him....

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[Linked Image]

I think they’re a little underrated, never hear mention of them anyway.. I picked up the top two at a thrift shop for under $10 each. A little rough but a lot for under 10 bucks.

Top one is a west-cut K5, westerns economy knife I believe, doesn’t have the double split/double pinned tang like the westerns, but still nice.

Then one marked western, not sure what model

And of course the black beauty. They made black beauty hatchets as well, don’t have one of those yet

Last edited by rosco1; 05/21/19.
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Rosco, here’s one my Ol man bought at the local true value before I was born, so over 44 years ago. He made a lot a meat with that blade...
[Linked Image]bp gas near me


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Damn dog wants to be in all the pics... grin


Ping pong balls for the win.
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I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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chocolate labs love to be photographed...at least mine does.


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Haha so does mine!!🤣


Ping pong balls for the win.
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My 71# kissing machine, Missy. Loves them birds....

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Evening, Judman could you please tell me the blade size on the antler handled knife. It's perfect in my eyes. If it's one that's from Godogs 57 I need his contact info please. I make knives on the side but not that good, when ya only make 3 to 4 a year it takes awhile to get that good. Would love to have that knife in 154 or S30v or d2 or or or.??? Like about a 3 5/8 to 3 3/4" blade that style. Handle,,, oh about 4-1/2 to 4-3/4. It's a lot like George Herron, Wayne Hendrix style. I got into making a few when I trapped, thought I could come up with a design that would work for everything, we all know that's impossible but hey I was young & stupid back then!!! Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance. Bill out, 🐾👣🐾👣🐾🐾🇨🇦

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Originally Posted by Judman
Rosco, here’s one my Ol man bought at the local true value before I was born, so over 44 years ago. He made a lot a meat with that blade...
[Linked Image]bp gas near me


Nice, looks like the skinner brother of the middle one in my picture. You ever use it? Mine seem to have quality blade steel and are built to last awhile.

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Originally Posted by GWPGUY
Evening, Judman could you please tell me the blade size on the antler handled knife. It's perfect in my eyes. If it's one that's from Godogs 57 I need his contact info please. I make knives on the side but not that good, when ya only make 3 to 4 a year it takes awhile to get that good. Would love to have that knife in 154 or S30v or d2 or or or.??? Like about a 3 5/8 to 3 3/4" blade that style. Handle,,, oh about 4-1/2 to 4-3/4. It's a lot like George Herron, Wayne Hendrix style. I got into making a few when I trapped, thought I could come up with a design that would work for everything, we all know that's impossible but hey I was young & stupid back then!!! Would appreciate any info. Thanks in advance. Bill out, 🐾👣🐾👣🐾🐾🇨🇦


PM sent


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Thanks hank..


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Originally Posted by rosco1
Originally Posted by Judman
Rosco, here’s one my Ol man bought at the local true value before I was born, so over 44 years ago. He made a lot a meat with that blade...
[Linked Image]bp gas near me


Nice, looks like the skinner brother of the middle one in my picture. You ever use it? Mine seem to have quality blade steel and are built to last awhile.


I've used it before but she just sits in the gun room mostly. I'll give it to a grandson someday..


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Lil chub in snakewood, sadly its no longer mine. The old man glommed onto it, so it’s his now... 🤣🤣
[Linked Image]


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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B&T snakewood, lil chub in 70’s vintage micarta and a ultra light skeleton knife, all from uncle Hank
[Linked Image]where is the closest shell service station


Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

Ain’t easy havin pals.
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One of the best/fastest dressing knives I ever used was the Cold Steel Recon 7" blade! I gutted, ripped up the brisket/neck for the windpipe, reamed the bunghole and all. It still shaved when I was done! I was way disappointed in the ?Cold Steel master Hunter later on. It wouldn't hold an edge worth spit. My Wegner Clipit is awesome, as is the Cold Steel Outdoorsman San Mai. Buck/Shrade folders get carried in the pack or belt pack. I just take a good handful with me, ha. I like Gerbers too, but just never used a Havalon type. My friend in south Africa uses the cheap box cutters! ha. I suppose everyone has something they like, or several!

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REALLY like this one!!

Thanks for posting.


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Ingram Lite Combo Dropped in S30V in my pack. I've worked through parts/pieces of 17 elk, 1 moose, 5 caribou, and a LOT of deer.

Used a rubber handled Buck Vanguard 692BK for while before the Ingrams. Grew up on a Schrade LB7.


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I pack both a 3 1/4" and a 4". D2 metal.
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Drop point or semi skinner is my favorite too. Some nice looking knives.


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Whatever size comes on the Havalon Piranta😉


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Originally Posted by Talus_in_Arizona
Whatever size comes on the Havalon Piranta😉


Think that’s my pal Judman’s favorite as well. 😛


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Knife choice is based on individual emotion, most any knife can field dress and break down an elk... handed down or a present, what you were taught with or just catches your eye.

My first field knife was an Uncle Henry brass and wood, still have it somewhere in my stuff. Then my daughter when she was 10 gave me a buck protege rubber handled knife from Kmart for Christmas, I was skeptical as it wasn't as stout as my UH, dressed my next deer with it and it did well, I've used it on more than 50 animals and still carry it in my pack.

During my backpacking years I went to cheap light paring knives, back then 1 dollar for 4, 50 cent worth of knife would skin an elk on the ground slicker than snot, toss them when you get home... pre Havalon disposables I guess.

A butcher turned me on to the paring knives both cheapos and the birds beak Victorinox, which I used next, nothing beats it for skinning.

The last elk 2 years ago I used an old lambs skinner I keep in my butcher box, just because I wanted to... emotion... It worked well just like any other knife.

The birds beak in the picture is a henckel, same profile as the Vics which are packed away.

The only Havalon I witnessed in use on an elk broke a blade early on by the user, I had to find the piece then continued with my knife... so because of emotion I wouldn't use one again.

I have old skinners in my box and if someone brought an elk into camp whole I would use one for nostalgia sake, but not carry in the pack.

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[Linked Image]

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The Havalon has no cool factor. I just inferred a backpack scenario. All my cool knives stay home, except for Campfire meetups 😉


I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Originally Posted by Talus_in_Arizona
The Havalon has no cool factor. I just inferred a backpack scenario. All my cool knives stay home, except for Campfire meetups 😉


Jeff, a couple years I carried 2 paring knives and a 4" rapala for boning, which isn't a cool setup but very effective.

Thanksgiving weekend on 'kill the son in law hunt' aptly named by my SIL. First day was heavy rain, foot of snow over night, raging creeks and he killed a spike the afternoon of the second day. We had less than 2 hours to get back 2 miles. I wanted to be on the flat trail by dark not still in the rough. I skinned one side and boned the meat, he loaded a pack, then flipped it and did the other side. All packed in 45 minutes, made it to the trail and then the miles back to the truck right before dark, no headlights needed. Weighed my pack on the bathroom scale and it was 87lbs.

I admit to using a certain knife because of cool factor if time permits, otherwise it's get out of the way, peel this critter now.

Kent

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That sounds ... memorable. To be honest, I have a small folder that goes with me most places, including with the Havalon. I remember a night on Kodiak when leaving everything but my clothes, headlamp, and rifle was sounding better and better☺️


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Originally Posted by Godogs57
Originally Posted by Talus_in_Arizona
Whatever size comes on the Havalon Piranta😉


Think that’s my pal Judman’s favorite as well. 😛

😂😂


Ping pong balls for the win.
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I left out that I did this with a Carbon V Recon Tanto and it was on a big cow elk. I've always been curious about one of the DiamondBlade knives. I just can't make myself spend the $400 or so they ask for them, ha.

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Originally Posted by Judman
B&T snakewood, lil chub in 70’s vintage micarta and a ultra light skeleton knife, all from uncle Hank
[Linked Image]where is the closest shell service station



Where might one pick up one o’ them skeleton knives?


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Originally Posted by Reloder28
Originally Posted by Judman
B&T snakewood, lil chub in 70’s vintage micarta and a ultra light skeleton knife, all from uncle Hank
[Linked Image]where is the closest shell service station



Where might one pick up one o’ them skeleton knives?


Send aPM to Godogs57, he makes em.

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Originally Posted by Capt_Craig
Originally Posted by Reloder28
Originally Posted by Judman
B&T snakewood, lil chub in 70’s vintage micarta and a ultra light skeleton knife, all from uncle Hank
[Linked Image]where is the closest shell service station



Where might one pick up one o’ them skeleton knives?


Send aPM to Godogs57, he makes em.


Think I have one left from my most recent run with the laser cutter...


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My first deer was cleaned, skinned and boned with an old timer junior pocket knife.
Was is the best choice ? No. Just what I had with me at the time.

That was 40 years ago.

[Linked Image]


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Originally Posted by Godogs57
Originally Posted by Capt_Craig
Originally Posted by Reloder28
Originally Posted by Judman
B&T snakewood, lil chub in 70’s vintage micarta and a ultra light skeleton knife, all from uncle Hank
[Linked Image]where is the closest shell service station



Where might one pick up one o’ them skeleton knives?


Send aPM to Godogs57, he makes em.


Think I have one left from my most recent run with the laser cutter...


RL28...I had to have one. It’s a handy knife that rides in the SUV at all times. I consider it my truck knife to compliment my truck gun for opportunities that arise from all the road hunting I do...Grins 😎


[Linked Image]

Top blade is a custom design Hank made for me we named the “Boner”...I wanted a longer, thinned blade that was still firm for reaching into the cavity to release wall membrane. Works like magic!


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Originally Posted by wageslave
Originally Posted by SLM
2.5” to 3”, never felt like I needed more.


That's not what she said.


Anything 3” long, going 100mph is gonna do some damage

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Originally Posted by Godogs57
I like, and use, my own knives.
[Linked Image]

Here is one I'll be using this fall:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I utilize CPM154 stainless steel. Both knives have desert ironwood handles.

https://www.instagram.com/doublehknives/


Good Mother Of God those are beautiful. I’ll be contacting you soon.


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Gimme a holler.


You only live once, but...if you do it right, once is enough.
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2.5 to 3.5 will work great. Lots of great knives out there from cheap to $$$$$, whatever floats your boat will get the job done. The Havalon works very well, is cheap, fast and easy to replace blades, and has no soul so if you should lose it no big deal. Leave a $$$$$ knife in the field and you might be making another trip back in, leave a Havalon and you'll be in your bed dreaming about your hunt you had. With that said there is nothing like fine custom made knives.


Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
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