Best knife for small game skinning?

JimT

JimT

New member
My neighbor and on-and-off calling partner uses a knife with a triangle blade. Straight edged, very pointy tip. Skinning a coyote last night, it seemed impractical. The sharp tip is nice when I need to puncture (under legs or tail for instance) but the straight edge wasn't really working for me. So, what's your favorite skinning knife? Or what would it be if someone made it? I'm thinking the blade needs to be shallow to allow you to get it under the skin to split. I'd want it curved because that seems to work a lot better for separating hide from meat. Still needs a pointy tip. Suggestions?
 
How about a Bob Dozier Semi-Skinner? I have this knife and it's a jewel, D2 steel and Gold Micarta handles.

315079.jpg
 
Personally I don't think the right knife has been made yet for what we need. I have tried several diferent trapper models and small game knives, a few drop point skinners too. I am thinking a semi drop point design,4 or 5 inches long 3/4 inch wide and 1/8th inch thick at the back. Been looking for something like this and haven't found it. Saw one the other day that came close but it didn't feel right in the hand. Like all good tools they have to fit properly.Jimmie
 
I have a little buck knife... I'll post a pic if i get a chance, and I skin everything with it, from rabbits and foxes right up to huge deer and things. Works for me
 
That Dozier skinner looks nice. I'm never happy with one knife, better with two or three. Every time I turn around my wife puts hers down and grabs one of mine. Here is a pic of three of my most used. A Gerber, Knives of Alaska, & Ka-Bar.
a335eb55.jpg
 
I use cheap paring knives to skin everything from muskrats to fox.They are not the sexy name brands but I have better control with them and if I loose one I got another on the bench ready to go.I use a bigger knife for bigger animals like beaver.Try the the supermarket cheap knives and get a sharpner that you pull the blade through and you might find that it works fine.
 
I found the best thing is a scapel. I skin anything from mink to deer heads with them. Maybe im just used to working with the scapel from being in the taxidermy business. You have to be careful cuz they are so shape but they get the job done quickly.
 
I have a Buck muskrat pocket knife that works very well for skinning small game. Unfortunately, Buck discontinued that model, I found mine at a flea market. The steel takes and holds an edge very well.
That knife was my dad's choice for skinning when he was trapping in the 80's.
 
Not ideal, but the best I've found is a single edged razor blade. Maybe if I ever learn to put a good edge on a knife...
 
I've had excellent luck with the Old Timer Muskrat Model

schrade770t.jpg


I do have a scalpel which I'm going to try out this year too. Scary thing with those scalpels is pressing on those blades. I'll have to use the leatherman because the hands don't function too well at -20 to -40 below.
 
I like the small fillet knife that Wal-Mart carries. It has a wooden handle and may be marketed by Rapala. This knife is about $10 and comes with a sheath and ceramic sharpener.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top