Best skinning knife?

[allboy]

So what is everyone using, and why do you like it? I'm looking to upgrade to a good fixed blade skinning knife that is under $100.00, and American made. I read alot of good things about about knifes of Alaska, older Shurade knifes, Bark river, Buck 103's just to name a few. Those that do more skinning than I will ever do seem to perfer a 3"-4" blade, not the big Rambo knifes I some hunters packing. Your thoughts?

[predatorpro]

i use an outdoor edge with a guthook, works good! im sure not the greatest in the world but it does just fine for skinnin coyotes!

[JimmyHoffa]

I use a homemade thingy that has a large handle but the blade is only about 3 1/2" long and rounded. Really thick blade too.  Don't like the flimsy pointy things for skinning, use those for butchering.  I tend to use it more in a wedging/pushing motion and don't want to puncture the hide/meat in the process.

[Bshiftbc]

I carry the Alpha Wolf (Knives of Alaska) and I also bought a Havalon this year. The Alpha Wolf is a workhorse and I love it. The Havalon is also very impressive and scary sharp. Both very good knives (my opinion) and worth looking at.

[JoeE]

I like the outdoor edge swing blade and I also carry a SOG swing blade knife/saw combo.

[scottfrick]

I too carry the outdoor edge swing blade and a havalon. Both are great knives 

[splitshot]

i think  the bigger the better.  i like the buck 119, the biggest they make, but it should have a gut hook.  when i got the big boy gut hooks were not popular .  i am knife poor as i have at least 15 bucks and a few others.  it is like guns and fly rods you cant have enough.    you gotta keep them very sharp!  mike w

[ellensburgpo]

This year I've used the knife I bought from Rainshadow made from and old bandsaw blade. It's earned a permanent spot in my pack.

[Griiz]

I love my knives of alaska knives with D2 steel. All you really need is a havalon. They are small, light and make fieldressing, caping, skinning, and deboning a breeze.

[400out]

My truck 

[DoubleJ]

I love my Buck knife.  $30 at wal mart



Takes a few minutes to get it sharp out of the box but once sharp, the edge just doesn't go away.  It's my skinning/boning knife.  I crash the thing into rib bones and pop ball sockets with ease and it stays super sharp.

So sharp in fact that it did this with just a small brush with my hand:

[400out]

  I hate that!!!!!!!! bet it still hurts 

[ribka]

Started using these a few years ago for skinning and boning out

Cheap and work well

http://www.askthemeatman.com/knives.htm#3%20inch%20paring%20knife

[Austrian Hunter]

"Cutco" I got one from an outfitter he spoke very highly of them.  I've skinned three bears, three deer and an elk.  This year was the first time I sent it in to cutco for free sharpening.   

[carpsniperg2]

Outdoor edge skin and bone is a great set! You can pick up the pair on ebay for about 30.00.

I use my havlon knife a lot for skinning as well.