Recommend a good field dressing knife

[Jcalder]

I like a small knife to gut with. I have a piranta and I like it pretty good. For skinning and deboning I like a bigger knife.

 

[mike243]

My hands are never out of my site, rib cage is held open with 1 hand and the other cuts

 

[Tenntrapper]

I just use my regular hunting knife (avg 3.5-4" blade) to gut with. I don't split the sternum...just go elbow deep up in the ribcage to cut esophagus. I choke up on the blade to put my right index finger on the blade tip...so I know where it is. 40 years of gutting deer, never any issues....knock on wood...
I do use a longer/thinner blade to cut around the anus, and up into the pelvis. Plus, using a second blade for that chore prevents contamination.

 

[Longbow2240]

Esee AGK or an Esee Izula. .
Honestly about any knife is a good field dressing blade. I have a cheap Walmart gift set mossy oak knife that I've skinned and dressed most of our deer with over the years. Sharp and holds an edge is the main thing.

 

[Tenntrapper]

Esee AGK or an Esee Izula. .
Honestly about any knife is a good field dressing blade. I have a cheap Walmart gift set mossy oak knife that I've skinned and dressed most of our deer with over the years. Sharp and holds an edge is the main thing.
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Agreed. Just like it doesn't take a belted mag to kill one, it doesn't take a 2-300.00 blade to process one.
Enjoy the hunt and stop worrying about what "the best" is. Most any will work.

 

[Dbllunger]

I also carry a filet knife for cutting our anus

I don't think you're doing it right

 

[CliffordN]

Outdoor edge razor lite edc. I have that and the piranta and find myself using the outdoor edge the most.

My OE blades are not nearly as sharp as the Havalons. But they can handle a side load much better. I end up using both, plus a saw to open up the brisket and pelvis bones. We rarely field dress deer, but carry an assortment of knives for when we do.

 

[iowavf]

I don't think you're doing it right

You must have a pretty close hunting partner?

 

[Stalkhunter]

All I use is this one have been for a long time now. Love it

 

[EastTNHunter]

All I use is this one have been for a long time now. Love it

I use one just like it for caping, but those blades really don't like a twist or side load. I use something with more spine for field dressing and then the havalon for the finer parts of caping

 

[Kevin Snook]

Picked this up at SMKW a few weeks ago-feels great in my hand..

 

[Yota]

I have had a Gerber gator folder for a long time. It has been my most used knife for gutting and skinning. Stays sharp and has a good feel.

I had a rite edge gut hook given to me that I have been using lately.
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I bought a pack of 3 Gerber knives at Sam's not too long back, one got used on the deer I killed yesterday. I like a smaller knife inside the cavity.

The old USA gators were good blades. Was sad to see them go Chinesium.

 

[Maude]

Got this free for joining Buckmaster back in the 90's best deer hunting knife I could ever want, i split the ribs all the way to the neck with ease. Rubber handles so not slippery a bit when wet.

I have this same knife and use it and the smaller one that came in the sheath almost every time in the field. They don't hold an edge like my better knives but you can sharpen them easily to a razor edge.

 

[Wolverine72]

The edge has been great on this knife. It was used to quarter 8-9 deer (w light touch ups) before sending in to be resharpened. Did not really need it, but wanted a fresh sharp knife for the following season.
I have a benchmade bugout for edc that is pretty good. I also have the meatcrafter with orange handle. It's sharp but terrible for processing meat. Sent it in to be resharpened because I thought maybe did not get the best sharpen from factory. It's super sharp, but for some reason not great for processing.
I have another benchmade fixed blade that is as awesome as the hidden canyon, but I just prefer the smaller fit.

To update the crappy benchmade meatcrafter I mention above (the orange handle one)
I complained and sent it back for inspection. They mush have determined something was wrong with it. They sent me a brand new meatcrafter (green handle)... the new one is incredible sharp and I love using it. I don't know what benchmade found, but I can tell you it's night and day between the 2 knives. Benchmade made it right.