Hi folks,

Can anyone please recommend a skinning knife for big game? I would prefer a dedicated skinning knife as opposed to a hunting or survival knife. But a hunting knife that is excellent a skinning could be considered too.

Thanks.
Nas.

Quite a few hunters that I know like the Wyoming Knive. Kinda silly looking, but reportedly effective...

If 10 reply, you should have 10 good options. IMHO - The BUCK SKINNER 103 is a good choice. I like the blade length and contour.

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This is my dedicated skinner. The Gerber Gator XDP (plain edge with a drop point blade). There is a version with a gut hook as well. It holds a razor sharp edge ideal for skinning and the grip is second to none (especially when the knife is bloody and wet) Also, it won't break the bank at around 50 bucks. The sheath is well designed. I use a different knife for general camp chores like chopping etc and keep this one sharp for the actual field dressing and skinning. I have friends with far more expensive blades that don't cut nearly as good. The Gerber Freeman hunter is also a good choice. If a folding skinner is more your style then check out the cold steel ultimate hunter.

My leatherman Wave has a pretty good blade I use for skinning/field dressing big game.

I prefer an ULU or a thin blade short handled hatchet for skinning. It is much more ergonomic than any traditional handled skinning blade I've used.

A sharp, curved blade is best. And note that some professional big-game hunters use knives that are much smaller than many would suspect. I saw a writeup of a African hunt going after large game and the local guides, the guys who did all the skinning, all used knives that had blades roughly 3" long.

I like Bark River's Highland Special and Fox river... both good knives for skinning AND general camp work. For smaller work, their mini-Skinner, in my opinion, can be equaled but not bested. Buck's Alpha Hunter is nice. Coupled with a good saw, any nice bellied blade of good steel and design, ought to work well.

What do you need a saw for in reference to game prep?

Just curious cuz I've never had need for one.

I would recommend the Buck Skinner 103, or the Hen & Rooster Drop Point Hunter.

Cut through the Pelvic Bone, cut the head off and cut the lower portion of the legs off.


Are you looking for a knife for just skinning or dressing and skinning?

Dressing – I like a small, sharp knife. I’ve got an old frame lock Old Timer (<2” blade) that I really like. Its easy to manipulate inside the cavity.

Skinning – If you can hang the game other than to get started you’re going to pull the hide off (Minus a couple of trouble spots) Any sharp knife should work, curved blades are probably the best, Gerber Freeman is a good choice.

The "best" of both worlds and probably most popular is the Buck 110