Looking to buy myself a nice multi purpose hunting knife. Prefer a compact to midsize fixed blade. Primary uses: Breasting waterfowl and cleaning other small game Gutting white tails Misc hunting related chores Considering a helle or bill Moran spyderco, but may be able to get a handmade knife in that range of $150 or below. Any suggestions?
If by handmade, you mean a custom knife, I think your price range would be a challenge. Instead, I'd suggest there are still a lot of fine knives being made by well established companies that would fit your needs.
I would encourage you to look for 2 knives instead of one. One with a smaller, more narrow (less than an inch wide) blade under 3" for waterfowl and small game, and one with a little more metal 3-4" long with some belly for gutting/skinning game. And you can do 2 knives and stay under $150 total.
You'll probably get hit by the "knife bug" eventually, so you just as well look at specific purpose knives now rather than general purpose knives that end up in the general purpose drawer somewhere.
There are good general purpose knives so don't abandon that idea, and you will get some good suggestions on here if that's the direction you decide to go. Nothing wrong with that. Most of us started that way too. However, many of us ended up with a bunch of nice knives, each having a specific purpose.
Listen to the advice on here. You chose the right place for help.
Up your budget. I know that can be tough, but if you think about it a custom knife, compared to the rest of your hunting equipment, is relatively cheap and will last a lifetime. For $300 you can get a really nice knife that will do both chores extremely well.
I've bought a few of those Victorinox paring knives and the larger F.Dick knives from BigDave. He makes an excellent kydex sheath for them too. Those 2 purposed knives would do about anything you want and keep you way under budget.
Here is a Dozier Semi Skinner that goes for around $260. There isn’t a pair of knives that will outperform it for the tasks described. For most it would last a lifetime.
I've bought a few of those Victorinox paring knives and the larger F.Dick knives from BigDave. He makes an excellent kydex sheath for them too. Those 2 purposed knives would do about anything you want and keep you way under budget.
Here is a Dozier Semi Skinner that goes for around $260. There isn’t a pair of knives that will outperform it for the tasks described. For most it would last a lifetime.
Dang... I love that blade shape...
very tempting to get that as my first custom knife
There's a gazillion knives of every configuration that can be had for not much cash outlay. I've had some fairly expensive knives, and they really didn't do a better job dressing game than the commercially available knives I use now. Get you some F Dick, Victorinox, Dexter Russell, Old Hickory, etc. and figure out what configuration suits you the best for what you do. If you lose or mess one up, you won't have to cry big tears. Just order another one or two Good Luck
There's a gazillion knives of every configuration that can be had for not much cash outlay. I've had some fairly expensive knives, and they really didn't do a better job dressing game than the commercially available knives I use now. Get you some F Dick, Victorinox, Dexter Russell, Old Hickory, etc. and figure out what configuration suits you the best for what you do. If you lose or mess one up, you won't have to cry big tears. Just order another one or two Good Luck
There's a gazillion knives of every configuration that can be had for not much cash outlay. I've had some fairly expensive knives, and they really didn't do a better job dressing game than the commercially available knives I use now. Get you some F Dick, Victorinox, Dexter Russell, Old Hickory, etc. and figure out what configuration suits you the best for what you do. If you lose or mess one up, you won't have to cry big tears. Just order another one or two Good Luck
And most in practice aren’t worth the steel they are made out of. In my opinion well designed and functional knives are as rare as hens teeth. Most, in practice, are functional garbage. Pretty, and trending, but useless. Which is fine as precious few people use a knife much anyway. I have used a LOT of knives alone in the field over the years. Most knives get the job done and most do everything they can to work against you while you are doing that job. A lot of guys pack two knives because they can’t abide either of them for the work they need done. Think about what your knife needs to do and find a knife that will do all of it well. Good luck with that.
There's a gazillion knives of every configuration that can be had for not much cash outlay. I've had some fairly expensive knives, and they really didn't do a better job dressing game than the commercially available knives I use now. Get you some F Dick, Victorinox, Dexter Russell, Old Hickory, etc. and figure out what configuration suits you the best for what you do. If you lose or mess one up, you won't have to cry big tears. Just order another one or two Good Luck
And most in practice aren’t worth the steel they are made out of. In my opinion well designed and functional knives are as rare as hens teeth. Most, in practice, are functional garbage. Pretty, and trending, but useless. Which is fine as precious few people use a knife much anyway. I have used a LOT of knives alone in the field over the years. Most knives get the job done and most do everything they can to work against you while you are doing that job. A lot of guys pack two knives because they can’t abide either of them for the work they need done. Think about what your knife needs to do and find a knife that will do all of it well. Good luck with that.
Opinions vary!
The O'Neill and the Ingram are A2 steel.
The Olt is CPM M4
The Music Made knife is 52100
Four Different Blade profiles, three different steels.
IMHO, they all serve the purpose for which they were intended.
Looking to buy myself a nice multi purpose hunting knife. Prefer a compact to midsize fixed blade. Primary uses: Breasting waterfowl and cleaning other small game Gutting white tails Misc hunting related chores Considering a helle or bill Moran spyderco, but may be able to get a handmade knife in that range of $150 or below. Any suggestions?
I had several suggestions after reading this before boarding a plane last night...
But!: A really good friend and knife aficionado sent me a text that Amazon has the Cold Steel Mini Lloyd Pendelton Hunter in DLC coated CPM 3V for $65... These are $120 MSRP and normally street priced at $95 on the big knife websites. I wholeheartedly suggest you grab one and bank the other $85 to apply to a custom lifetime knife by getting on the books of a custom maker you REALLY want.
And most in practice aren’t worth the steel they are made out of. In my opinion well designed and functional knives are as rare as hens teeth. Most, in practice, are functional garbage. Pretty, and trending, but useless. Which is fine as precious few people use a knife much anyway. I have used a LOT of knives alone in the field over the years. Most knives get the job done and most do everything they can to work against you while you are doing that job. A lot of guys pack two knives because they can’t abide either of them for the work they need done. Think about what your knife needs to do and find a knife that will do all of it well. Good luck with that.
Opinions vary!
The O'Neill and the Ingram are A2 steel.
The Olt is CPM M4
The Music Made knife is 52100
Four Different Blade profiles, three different steels.
IMHO, they all serve the purpose for which they were intended.
ya!
GWB
See that’s the thing. I just do not agree. For field work a knife needs to split hide well. When that hide is laying on the side of a mountain, or across deadfall, or in a knee deep bog, the snow etc. it needs to be able to gut, disarticulate, debone, skin and cape in those same conditions. That’s its purpose and it needs to do it well. VERY few knives do that. They just don’t. They are designed in an office or at a blade show for someone that guts from a pole, skins from a tractor bucket or capes from his couch. Most knives serve this purpose. But they suck at a real job. I don’t want a mitt full of knives. I want a good knife.
And most in practice aren’t worth the steel they are made out of. In my opinion well designed and functional knives are as rare as hens teeth. Most, in practice, are functional garbage. Pretty, and trending, but useless. Which is fine as precious few people use a knife much anyway. I have used a LOT of knives alone in the field over the years. Most knives get the job done and most do everything they can to work against you while you are doing that job. A lot of guys pack two knives because they can’t abide either of them for the work they need done. Think about what your knife needs to do and find a knife that will do all of it well. Good luck with that.
Opinions vary!
The O'Neill and the Ingram are A2 steel.
The Olt is CPM M4
The Music Made knife is 52100
Four Different Blade profiles, three different steels.
IMHO, they all serve the purpose for which they were intended.
ya!
GWB
See that’s the thing. I just do not agree. For field work a knife needs to split hide well. When that hide is laying on the side of a mountain, or across deadfall, or in a knee deep bog, the snow etc. it needs to be able to gut, disarticulate, debone, skin and cape in those same conditions. That’s its purpose and it needs to do it well. VERY few knives do that. They just don’t. They are designed in an office or at a blade show for someone that guts from a pole, skins from a tractor bucket or capes from his couch. Most knives serve this purpose. But they suck at a real job. I don’t want a mitt full of knives. I want a good knife.
Are you saying the Herron Model 2 type Semi is the only "good" knife pattern?
HA...knew you are a poseur... Come across all big time [bleep] expert and don't even know the history...
Got a clue for you pal...
Some of us use more than "one" to MULTITUDES of what your dripping little "experience" is...
I did almost 170 red deer on the Scots cull this year with a Mora Companion.
I also have the knife you "think" your semi is based on...Loveless Semi...which isn't even CLOSE! Also, the Crooked Skinner which is closer... The closest, I don't have, is the Parke skinner of which only 3 dozen were made.
So...[bleep]..go back to school and quit coming across so degradingly to some of the best guys on this website with more knife experience than you'll ever have...
Simply because every post you've made here is denigrating others who have earned their places here. Just because you can show a couple pics of dink moose doesn't mean that guys like MOGC, GWB, Dave, Jud, etc etc who choose to use a 2 or even 3 knife set don't know how to use a knife is hubris to the freaking Canadian Liberal limit...
If you'd like some answers to the questions you've posted on Bladeforums about Loveless Semi designs, or how guys WAY more experienced than you choose the knives they use, let me know...other than that, continue to be a hero on your little Canuck website... I'm out.
Simply because every post you've made here is denigrating others who have earned their places here. Just because you can show a couple pics of dink moose doesn't mean that guys like MOGC, GWB, Dave, Jud, etc etc who choose to use a 2 or even 3 knife set don't know how to use a knife is hubris to the freaking Canadian Liberal limit...
If you'd like some answers to the questions you've posted on Bladeforums about Loveless Semi designs, or how guys WAY more experienced than you choose the knives they use, let me know...other than that, continue to be a hero on your little Canuck website... I'm out.
You’re an idiot. Everything you just said here has ZERO to do with the topic at hand. ZERO.
Looking to buy myself a nice multi purpose hunting knife. Prefer a compact to midsize fixed blade. Primary uses: Breasting waterfowl and cleaning other small game Gutting white tails Misc hunting related chores Considering a helle or bill Moran spyderco, but may be able to get a handmade knife in that range of $150 or below. Any suggestions?
I had several suggestions after reading this before boarding a plane last night...
But!: A really good friend and knife aficionado sent me a text that Amazon has the Cold Steel Mini Lloyd Pendelton Hunter in DLC coated CPM 3V for $65... These are $120 MSRP and normally street priced at $95 on the big knife websites. I wholeheartedly suggest you grab one and bank the other $85 to apply to a custom lifetime knife by getting on the books of a custom maker you REALLY want.
Looking to buy myself a nice multi purpose hunting knife. Prefer a compact to midsize fixed blade. Primary uses: Breasting waterfowl and cleaning other small game Gutting white tails Misc hunting related chores Considering a helle or bill Moran spyderco, but may be able to get a handmade knife in that range of $150 or below. Any suggestions?
I had several suggestions after reading this before boarding a plane last night...
But!: A really good friend and knife aficionado sent me a text that Amazon has the Cold Steel Mini Lloyd Pendelton Hunter in DLC coated CPM 3V for $65... These are $120 MSRP and normally street priced at $95 on the big knife websites. I wholeheartedly suggest you grab one and bank the other $85 to apply to a custom lifetime knife by getting on the books of a custom maker you REALLY want.
Get in touch with Mr Tim Olt (Michiganroadkill) on here. I had a chance to visit with him this past summer and he had several knives on hand that may be of interest to you. Maybe that has changed as its been 6 months or so. Also take a look at his Michigan Slim pattern.I think it may be just what your looking for. Good luck in your search.
First, to Rusty75, I'm sorry your post is getting sidetracked. I hope you end up with a knife that is just what you were looking for.
Rusty75 came on here and made a very specific request for a knife and wanted to stay under $150.
The very first post pathfinder76 made was to tell Rusty75 to up his budget and get a $300 knife. The last post above from pathfinder 76 suggested a buy now $275 knife.
Maybe I'm judging pathfinder76 wrongly, but it seems to me that in between the 2 posts I cited, about all he has done is go off topic, stomp on Rusty75's post, and come across as someone far different than the character and manners of my friends. And, yes some of my friends are here on the campfire. Sorry, but I can not get used to this kind of behavior, nor do I want to.
If baffles me why people just can not pm someone they disagree with (especially when they make it personal) and just have a private conversation with that person and let the rest of us be ignorant of the ignorance.
Hold on. My suggestion was to stretch his budget and I gave the reason for it. If you or anyone else finds that offensive go somewhere else. Seriously. Are we that entitled to think that a discussion should remain within a certain set of parameters? Really? Are we also so fragile that disagreeing with someone’s approach to something creates so much anger that we start hurling personal insults? Give me a break.
HA...knew you are a poseur... Come across all big time [bleep] expert and don't even know the history...
Got a clue for you pal...
Some of us use more than "one" to MULTITUDES of what your dripping little "experience" is...
I did almost 170 red deer on the Scots cull this year with a Mora Companion.
I also have the knife you "think" your semi is based on...Loveless Semi...which isn't even CLOSE! Also, the Crooked Skinner which is closer... The closest, I don't have, is the Parke skinner of which only 3 dozen were made.
So...[bleep]..go back to school and quit coming across so degradingly to some of the best guys on this website with more knife experience than you'll ever have...
First, to Rusty75, I'm sorry your post is getting sidetracked. I hope you end up with a knife that is just what you were looking for.
Rusty75 came on here and made a very specific request for a knife and wanted to stay under $150.
The very first post pathfinder76 made was to tell Rusty75 to up his budget and get a $300 knife. The last post above from pathfinder 76 suggested a buy now $275 knife.
Maybe I'm judging pathfinder76 wrongly, but it seems to me that in between the 2 posts I cited, about all he has done is go off topic, stomp on Rusty75's post, and come across as someone far different than the character and manners of my friends. And, yes some of my friends are here on the campfire. Sorry, but I can not get used to this kind of behavior, nor do I want to.
If baffles me why people just can not pm someone they disagree with (especially when they make it personal) and just have a private conversation with that person and let the rest of us be ignorant of the ignorance.
MontanaCreekHunter ( or whatever it was) would do the same thing.
That’s why I’m shocked at the vitriol over a $300 knife. That is the whole point. For a relatively insignificant budget increase you can return significantly better. On an asset that will last 50 years.
That’s why I’m shocked at the vitriol over a $300 knife. That is the whole point. For a relatively insignificant budget increase you can return significantly better. On an asset that will last 50 years.
No vitriol.
Its the way campfire “what can i get” threads go.
OP - ive got $ money to spend. What do you recommend?
Ive got $500 to spend on a rifle - campfire - you gotta spend $2k to kill a deer. Ruger anerican is junk Ive got $500 to spend on a new computer - campfire - you gotta have a $2500 macbook pro
On and on. From boots to packs to knives.
OP asked about what to get for his $150.
Easily doable with factory knives. Custom ? Maybe a nice second hand custom. Which ive bought also.
That’s why I’m shocked at the vitriol over a $300 knife. That is the whole point. For a relatively insignificant budget increase you can return significantly better. On an asset that will last 50 years.
I typically subscibe to the 'bromide' that "inch by inch" it is a cinch. I do lay-aways and 12 month no-interest purchases quite often and find that to be effective.
Perhaps the OP might rejoin the conversation and indicate whether any of the different blade styles of the particular knives illustrated would tend to serve his purposes, and whether he had an interest in upping his budget for a single knife or maybe a set.
There is a big difference between $1500 and $150. And no one is forcing anyone to do anything. It is a nothing burger about nothing important and deserves no tears.
That’s why I’m shocked at the vitriol over a $300 knife. That is the whole point. For a relatively insignificant budget increase you can return significantly better. On an asset that will last 50 years.
I typically subscibe to the 'bromide' that "inch by inch" it is a cinch. I do lay-aways and 12 month no-interest purchases quite often and find that to be effective.
Perhaps the OP might rejoin the conversation and indicate whether any of the different blade styles of the particular knives illustrated would tend to serve his purposes, and whether he had an interest in upping his budget for a single knife or maybe a set.
I have no dog in this fight. But I will say this, who cares if someone suggests something slightly more? Lots of us, myself included, have reconsidered purchases where we had a set budget because someone sparked an idea in our heads for something better for not much more. I think that’s all that was being done here.
Now if someone was saying all you can get is a steaming piece of chit for that $, then sure, give him a blast, and tell him to scram.
There’s enough angst in the world as it is, let’s keep this sub-forum drama free. I’ve been on the Campfire for a while, and was a lurker for many years before joining. It can be the Wild West for sure, but I was attracted to his sub-forum because 99% of regulars are true gentlemen, and helpful to a fault.
If you wanna argue, there is a guy on the fire who lives up in Alaska who will oblige anytime. Think his handle is Big Stick or some such thing. Tread lightly and put your fireproof jammies on:)
Now, I will give you my two cents. This fall, I used a Grohmann Bird & Trout that was given to my son. I skinned out a calf moose, a mulie buck, and hundreds of geese and ducks. Easy to keep sharp and touch up. Easy on the pocketbook too, especially considering the exchange rate for you folks in the US, as it’s made in Canada. It is a very ergonomically efficient design. It’s not a super steel, but it’s also easy to sharpen. And, for your price range, you could even order it with a nice stag handle and have a beauty knife that you can be proud of.
This fall, I used a Grohmann Bird & Trout that was given to my son. I skinned out a calf moose, a mulie buck, and hundreds of geese and ducks. Easy to keep sharp and touch up. Easy on the pocketbook too, especially considering the exchange rate for you folks in the US, as it’s made in Canada. It is a very ergonomically efficient design. It’s not a super steel, but it’s also easy to sharpen. And, for your price range, you could even order it with a nice stag handle and have a beauty knife that you can be proud of.
Quit second guessing the OP. You have no idea why he wanted what he wanted.
For instance, he might be quite wealthy and has a bunch of nice expensive knives he prefers not to use. He might want to try a nice $150 knife and not worry about dings and scratches for a change. Who knows? He might have secondary reasons as well for asking---young relatives or friends that he is looking to gift with a knife. Who knows his means or intentions?
Just answer him with your best answer that fits his request and quit trying to make him into you or someone else. Geeesh.
Now if he said, I'd like this, but do I need to reconsider this, or do I need to go in a different direction, etc, etc, then I get it. But, he didn't ask for anyone's accomplishments and exploits. He asked for a response to his specific question.
Now we have to sit here and listen to all these excuses and justifications, but meanwhile,,,,,,,,,
I have followed along on all of the comments and have taken no offense to suggestions outside of my stated price range. After doing some more research I think I have decided to go with a quality factory knife for now and wait on a custom. My outdoor edge replaceable blade knife works great for gutting and skinning now, but it has no soul. It’s simply a tool for the specific task. I think that a fine factory knife will fill my desire for something nicer while I decide if I’m truly interested in a custom.
I have decided on the Helle Eggen. I was able to handle one and it felt better than any knife I’ve held. It should serve my purposes well and may be all that I ever need. Not sure if I’m ready to go down the custom knife “wormhole” just yet. Thanks all for the input.
Quit second guessing the OP. You have no idea why he wanted what he wanted.
For instance, he might be quite wealthy and has a bunch of nice expensive knives he prefers not to use. He might want to try a nice $150 knife and not worry about dings and scratches for a change. Who knows? He might have secondary reasons as well for asking---young relatives or friends that he is looking to gift with a knife. Who knows his means or intentions?
Just answer him with your best answer that fits his request and quit trying to make him into you or someone else. Geeesh.
Now if he said, I'd like this, but do I need to reconsider this, or do I need to go in a different direction, etc, etc, then I get it. But, he didn't ask for anyone's accomplishments and exploits. He asked for a response to his specific question.
Now we have to sit here and listen to all these excuses and justifications, but meanwhile,,,,,,,,,
I have no idea what he is thinking. He might be a troll for all I know. That is why I made the suggestion. He is free to do with it what he wants. Again. It’s a NOTHING burger.
I have followed along on all of the comments and have taken no offense to suggestions outside of my stated price range. After doing some more research I think I have decided to go with a quality factory knife for now and wait on a custom. My outdoor edge replaceable blade knife works great for gutting and skinning now, but it has no soul. It’s simply a tool for the specific task. I think that a fine factory knife will fill my desire for something nicer while I decide if I’m truly interested in a custom.
I have decided on the Helle Eggen. I was able to handle one and it felt better than any knife I’ve held. It should serve my purposes well and may be all that I ever need. Not sure if I’m ready to go down the custom knife “wormhole” just yet. Thanks all for the input.
I like my B&T style. Just got this one the other day, tough to beat for $150. Arno Bernard outta South Africa did a run for beretta. Very nice for the scratch.
Warthog tusk scales, N690 @59-60, very nice sheath, should be a dandy. 👊🏻
This fall, I used a Grohmann Bird & Trout that was given to my son. I skinned out a calf moose, a mulie buck, and hundreds of geese and ducks. Easy to keep sharp and touch up. Easy on the pocketbook too, especially considering the exchange rate for you folks in the US, as it’s made in Canada. It is a very ergonomically efficient design. It’s not a super steel, but it’s also easy to sharpen. And, for your price range, you could even order it with a nice stag handle and have a beauty knife that you can be proud of.
and a couple customs that were fashioned by Gary Dukeman, Squawsatch Knives.......
IMHO, the possibilities as to the particular blade style and price one might decide upon is almost infinite.
ya!
GWB
GWB,
I've been thinking of a Canadian belt knife for quite a while and considering the grohmann #1 or the Knives of alaska yukon or possibly the LT northern hunter large..
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