Recommendations for a skinning/gutting knife for hunting.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Hi guys.  I'm interested in getting back into hunting.  Haven't done any since I was a kid with my grandfather, and I would go frog-gigging in the pond out on the back section of my grandpa's farm.

I'd like to find something that won't be too expensive, yet will grow with me as my range expands.  I'll be starting with smaller game, like birds and rabbits, and eventually working up to animals like deer and wild pigs.

This would be a dedicated tool for me, used only for cleaning / processing an animal.  I've worked in restaurants as a prep cook and have done large butchery before, but I will also be learning new aspects of this as well as I've never skinned a fresh animal. 

So, I'd like a tool that can handle as many different aspects of the process as possible.  I'd like to avoid 'combo' sets if possible, so a single tool that can both skin and gut, and maybe even chop, would be preferred.  I was considering a Ken Onion Shakaulu, as an example of the kind of tool I find appealing.  But, any info on the pro's/con's of this approach would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance!

[Syph007]

I like the Buck Packlite Skinner.  Its cheap and one piece metal so its easy to clean up after you get it all gross from animal processing.   Im no expert on this type of thing though, so I dont know what else is good or comparable.

[django.cj]

I personally use a Mora for gutting deer. Inexpensive, razor sharp, easy to clean, and if lose it in the woods, no big deal.

[Santos]

Something i'd like to get into myself. No real experience but i thought i'd throw in some pictures   




i have a china clone of this second one, definatelly won't be 'chopping' with either but they are probably small game only affairs.  Most videos of seen with butchering/skinning people used the knife they had,hopeffully razor sharp

[Santos]

 

[Steinar]

How about an EKA Swingblade? I have heard good things about it. Not as good a set of dedicated tools, but good enough and a good allrounder. Sounds like something for a multi-tool fan.

http://eka-knivar.se/en/products/2/hunting/

(I haven't got it myself, and I don't hunt, but I have good things to say about EKA products. The comments on the tool's use for hunting is what seemed the consensus on another forum.)

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!  Steinar, that EKA looks very appealing!  I like the fact the blade doesn't have the gut hook built in.  I can't help but thinking the design of a gut-hook will be problematic.  If they're not designed with a low profile that promotes slippage of tissues over the hook, seems like they could inadvertently pull stuff into the hook while using it, and end up opening up organs and the like in the process.  The swing blade design seems to limit the chances of something like that a lot.  Thanks again! 

[scattergun13]

Actually Heinz, once you get used to using a "guthook" you'll be amazed at how much they simplify the gutting process. I've "unzipped" loads of deer and hogs with one. Works great on bunnies too, give it a try.
Stew and Ajo...