8 Best Skinning Knives

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Best skinning knives on the market, features, advantages, disadvantages, and the best criteria to use in choosing the best skinning knives for you.

Best Skinning Knives

 

Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade

 

Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade

Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife, 2.75" Blade

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Black Zytel military plastic handle
  • Top-quality
  • Easy Grip Handle
  • 60XT blade
  • 7 1/4″ open length

 

 

 

 Features and Specifications

  •  Black Zytel military plastic handle
  • Top-quality
  • Easy Grip Handle
  • 60XT blade
  • 7 1/4″ open length

 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Can be used both at Home and in the Field
  • Great quality skinning knife
  • Perfect Control which is enhanced by the easy-grip handle
  • Plastic handle

 

Cons

  • Dangerous when changing blades

 

 

 

Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife in Action

 

 

Victorinox Beef Skinning, 6″ Blade

 

 

Victorinox Beef Skinning, 6″ Blade

 

Victorinox Beef Skinning, 6" Blade, Black Fibrox Pro Handle

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Compact
  • Easy Grip Handle
  • Sturdy
  • Top quality

 

 

 

Features and  Specifications

  • Compact
  • Sturdy

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The Skinning knife is made in Switzerland
  • Compact and Strong

Cons

  • Has no Sheath

Victorinox Beef Skinning, 6″ Blade Skinning Knife Video Review

 

 

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series

 

 

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife, Tanto Blade, G10 Handle, 11-Inch Overall

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Fixed blade
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Black tanto blade
  • G10 handle
  • Has a black nylon sheath
  • 5.5mm thickness

 

 

 

 

 The MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife, Tanto Blade, G10 Handle, 11-Inch Overall is one of the best skinning knives in the Market.

Features

  • Fixed blade
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Black tanto blade
  • G10 handle
  • Has a black nylon sheath
  • 5.5mm thickness

Pros

  • Used for skinning, camping, and Tactical Expeditions
  • Superior Grip even in wet conditions
  • The Sheath makes it Easy and Safe to carry

Cons

  • Can be dangerous if not safely stored and Carried.

 

Havalon Baracuta-Blaze Skinning Knife

 

 

Havalon Baracuta-Blaze Skinning Knife

Havalon Baracuta-Blaze Skinning Knife

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Origin: Taiwan
  • Locking Knives category
  • Stainless Steel

 

 

 

Features and Specifications

  • Origin: Taiwan
  • Locking Knives category
  • Stainless Steel

Pros

  • Made of stainless steel eliminating rusting
  • Durable
  • Reduced need for sharpening because of the multiple blades
  • Visible even from a distance

Cons

  • Dangerous especially when changing blades

 How to use Havalon Baracuta-Blaze Skinning Knife

 

 

Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Knife

 

 

Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Knife

Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Knife Exchangeable Blade [31-002736]

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Replaceable razor blade
  • Orange Handle
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Larger finger choil

 

 

 

Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Knife Exchangeable Blade [31-002736] is one of the best skinning knives in the market. Looking for a Beer Skinning Knife, Look no further!

Features and Specifications

  • Replaceable razor blade
  • Orange Handle
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Larger finger choil

Pros

  • Easily Visible, the orange rubber makes it visible and easy to spot
  •   Firm grip
  • Safe switching  of razor blades
  • Comfortable to use
  • Large safe finger choils

Cons

  • Switching of blades maybe dangerous

How to use Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Knife skinning knife

 

 

Buck Knives 113 Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife

 

 

Buck Knives 113 Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife

 

Buck Knives 113 Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Made in the USA
  • Resistant to  corrosion
  • Ergonomic design
  • Optimized for skinning

 

 

 

Features

  • Made in the USA
  • Resistant to  corrosion
  • Ergonomic design
  • Optimized for skinning

Pros

  • Long-lasting and durable, this is enhanced by its corrosion-resistant feature and excellent strength making it one of the best skinning knives on the market
  • Skinning like you are a pro, this is made possible by the narrow tip and wide curved belly which makes it easier to skin through the thick layers.
  • Classic functional skinning knife.
  • Comfortable ergonomic design
  • Lifetime warranty

 

Cons

  • Requires to be sharpened often
  • Dangerous during sharpening

 

How Buck Knives 113 Ranger Skinner Hunting Knife works Video

 

Outdoor Edge SwingBlade, SB-10N

 

 

Outdoor Edge SwingBlade, SB-10N

 

Outdoor Edge SwingBlade, SB-10N, Double Blade Hunting Knife with Rotating Skinning and Gutting Blade, Black with Black Sheath

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Two in one blade- Skinning blade and gutting blade
  • Rubberized TRP handles
  • Stainless steel

 

 

 

Outdoor Edge SwingBlade, SB-10N, Double Blade Hunting Knife with Rotating Skinning and Gutting Blade, Black with Black Sheath

Features

  • Two in one blade- Skinning blade and gutting blade
  • Rubberized TRP handles
  • Stainless steel

Pros

  • The firm grip which is enhanced by the Rubberized TRP handles
  • Long lasting
  • Two specialized blades
  • Great design

Cons

  • Blade fixing can be dangerous

 

Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set

 

 

Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set

Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set, 7-inch Straight Edge 6.5-inch Gut Hook Blades

 

 

 

 

        Features

  • Compact
  • Easy Grip Handle
  • Sturdy
  • Top quality

 

 

 

Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set, 7-inch Straight Edge 6.5-inch Gut Hook Blades as one of the best deer skinning knives in the market.

Features

  • Two hunting knives: Edge hunting and Skinning knife
  • Stainless steel Blades
  • Dual carry sheath

Pros

  • Easy and safe to carry
  • Ease of handling

Cons

  • Needs constant sharpening

 

How to use Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set Skinning Knife

 

 

Guide to Choosing the Best Skinning Knives

Hunting may look like the toughest skill, but skinning is the hardest part of it. It needs a high level of precision and skinning skills which are enhanced by the use of the best skinning knives.

A wrong turn could create a very huge mess. However, having the right equipment to do the job makes it very easy. A good quality, sharp skinning knife lets the hunter have control of the job and gets the job done neatly.

Getting the best skinning knife in the market is the secret to the best skinning experience. This is the best guide in choosing the best skinning knives in the market.

The most important part of skinning, however, is using the skinning knife as little times as possible. For instance, a medium-sized animal would take approximately twelve strokes of the skinning knife.

You need to hang the animal by its hind legs, open up the hide freeing it from the extremities of its legs and this way the skinner will be able to pull the skin away from the carcass.

Guide to Choosing the best Deer Feeder

The skinning knife will only be used where the membrane holds very tightly and to remove the head of the animal. A fairly small animal requires no work as cutting the gut cavity, the head and the feet are the only things the skinning knives will be used for.

Blade design

The blade design is the main feature to look out for when buying a deer skinning knife. There are different blade designs namely:

The traditional skinning knives blade design. These skinning knives have a trailing point design. This design has an upward curved blade with its point extending above the spine of the blade. This gives an increased cutting area along the curve of the blade, meaning that fewer strokes will be needed. The traditional blade design is best suited for animals that have already been opened up as it can be an “awkward tool” in the initial stages of skinning.

The drop point blades design.  This blade design is best suited for performing the initial stage cutting of the animal including the skinning part and opening up of the animal. These blades are also very useful for skinning knife work associated with capping animals for mounts.

Fixed blade knives. They are traditionally preferred for skinning. As one of the best skinning knives in the market, most people prefer this skinning knife because it is easily foldable when not in use, This is very effective in storage because of its reduced size and increased safety. A skinning knife with a blade locking mechanism is the safest choice for folding deer skinning knife for safety purposes.

Handle-The skinning knife market offers several handle types that include: Wooden plastic, Micarta, Phenolic, Rubber, and Dymonwood

The most important component of a deer skinning knife is an ergonomic handle. You have to first get one that is comfortable and non-slip. The handle is also better if it is thicker as a thin handle can result in the hand running down to the blade when hitting the hard surface. Also, you should get a blade that is made of durable materials to prolong usage. In short, the handle should be ergonomic, non-slip, weatherproof, durable and comfortable.

Weight-When buying a deer skinning knife, it is important to consider the weight of the tool as carrying a heavy one is very unfavorable for the hunter. When the knife weighs more, it makes it difficult to hold and handle. The extra weight will possibly weigh down the hand leading to fatigue causing personal injuries. A heavy knife is also a burden when walking in the woods. The best skinning knives are easy to use and have the weight that you can handle.

Features of the Best Skinning Knives

Sheath

A deer skinning knife with a sheath is preferred than that without a sheath. This is because a sheath is very important for containing the knife when it is not in use hence keeping the owner safe. A belt sheath is the most practical in most situations but it may get lost when pushing through the forest thickets. Get a sheath that is fastened by a lanyard or clip, or one that is held snugly.

Size

A shorter or smaller blade is preferred for skinning knives. These smaller deer skiing knives are the most practical and easy to use as they are very flexible. They also offer good control for fine work especially around joints and when capping the animal. A small blade skinning knife also requires less work in sharpening and honing.

When skinning a big animal, a longer blade may become useful as it reduces the number of cuts. If you are using your deer skinning knife for other animals like rabbits or squirrels, a good blade size for that is 3-4 inches. It is more likely to weigh between 15-50 pounds.

Components

A deer skinning knife with good quality steel is the best for skinning. Poor quality steel may never attain great sharpness, may become very hard to sharpen and may also become dull quickly. High-quality carbon stainless steel is a good choice for most situations as its edges hold on well, has a fine sharpness and is less prone to rusting or blemishes. High carbon steel may be softer and easier to sharpen, but will rarely retain it’s edged and may also rust when not properly cared for. The best skinning knives in the market are made of the best materials and will serve you for years.

A replaceable blade is also preferred for deer skinning knives, it gives the hunter the option to access sharp blades without the effort of sharpening and honing. One can also change the blades depending on the size of the animal being skinned.

Support and Customer Care

It is advisable to choose a  deer skinning knife from a well-regarded manufacturer, as he is likely to offer great customer support. Many well-constructed folding skinning knives and fixed blades have fewer ways of malfunction. Faults are likely to occur on sheaths or in the handle, especially when carrying out difficult work. Go for the best skinning knives, which offer a lifetime warranty, and a supplier that has great customer support and a website.

Conclusion

Choosing a skinning knife generally depends on the type of animal that one will be skinning and the amount the buyer is willing to pay for the skinning knife. It is advisable to choose a skinning knife that is best ranked in the market for a better experience.