I would like to buy a knife for skinning/ dressing small game upland birds and waterfowl. I'm tired of cleaning my Leatherman and my serrated Spyderco is too difficult to work with. I want to stick with a fixed blade. What are the pro's and con's of a wood v. synthetic handle? I was considering the AG Russell Bird and Trout Knife. Does anyone own one, how do you like it. Thanks.
For small game, quail, and ducks, I use a plain old Schrade pen knife. ###It'll dismantle a squirrel or a quail in short fashion, and I can fold it right up and drop it back in my pocket. ###I carry it every day and everywhere.
I also have a lock blade (I think it's a Case) with a 2.5" drop point blade which I use for skinning almost everything else, including deer. ###I've been through so many skinning knives, and it always comes back to the lock blade for the majority of work, then to a heavier sheath knife when I need to do some heavy cutting. ###
That AG Russell does look nice, though. ###I've ordered several knives from them, and the service is always quick and correct. ###I just bought my girlfriend an AG Russell Gentleman's Skinner for deer. ###It's got the small blade, and an incredible balance. ###When I held it, I could practically feel it taking the hide off a deer. ###And it's small enough to use for other game too.
I like the Buck Zipper with the rubber handle. It has a nice sturdy blade and is not to costly around 50.00. I like the rubber because I feel I get a better grip and its cheaper than the wooden handle version.
It's really about what you get used to. ###The Bird and Trout is kind of a thin blade, so it might not be the best for large game, but then again... ###
If you have the AG Russell catalog or website handy, take a look at their little "Woodswalker" knife. ###It's a relatively tiny blade, but the design looks really perfect for most work skinning and gutting. ###Of course, at $20 without the sheath, it's real cheap...so I can't vouch for the quality of the blade. ###The Gentleman's Skinner is another great choice (I think I mentioned that one earlier), but it's ten times the price of the Woodswalker. ###
I find it easiest to skin and gut with a small blade that I can cover with my finger (for control in places where I can't see what I'm cutting). ###Then I use the heavier sheath knife for separating meat and bones...and occasionally cutting through joints. ###
Wildlife Designer mentioned the Buck Zipper. ###My little brother, who skins about 10 or more deer every season swears by his Zipper knife. ###I haven't used one, but the zipper blade idea makes sense, and seems like a really easy way to remove skin and open the body cavity without puncturing organs. ###
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