Knives for field dressing

[jdog300]

Hi folks, any recommendations for specific knives or brands for field dressing big game? I am brand new to the world of hunting/shooting and have not actually went hunting yet but would like to this fall. I am sure there are many other things I need to get but this one stood out. Any input is appreciated.

 

[bb76]

I use Mora knives. Once I get home I use Ontario knives and a LEM bone saw.

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[MADMAX]

I use a Gerber gator to gut
I also have a Havalon with me

Here’s some info as well



Essential Steps to Get Started
Complete a basic safety course. You can find both online and in-person options via the Hunter-Ed platform.
Acquire Gear: Invest in a reliable firearm or bow, hunter-orange apparel for visibility, and field-dressing tools (like a fixed-blade knife and game bags).
Practice & Scout: Spend time at a local shooting range to ensure your shot is accurate and ethical. Use state wildlife websites to scout public land boundaries.Review Regulations: Always download the official state hunting regulations pamphlet to verify bag limits, legal hunting hours, and permitted equipment.
Mentorship Programs
If you are an adult learning to hunt, many states offer specific programs to pair you with experienced guides or offer special "mentored" hunts. In Washington, you can look into WDFW’s Hunter Outreach Program, which provides beginner-friendly hunting clinics and regulated access opportunities.Digital ResourcesGoHUNT: Excellent for accessing western hunting maps, application management, and gear advice.
The New Hunters Guide:
A highly recommended YouTube channel offering basic tips, gear reviews, and fundamental skills for rookie hunters.

[jason stevens]

I use, outdoor edge with replacement blades. But i also usr a 4 inch sraight blade given to ne from famiky.

[jason stevens]

You dont need to over think your blade of choice. Make sure its sharo an you can get anything done. Ive broken down elk with a 3 inch blade.

[CP]

I use Mora knives. Once I get home I use Ontario knives and a LEM bone saw.

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Mora knives are great, and inexpensive but the steel is a bit soft and edge retention isn't so great.  Ontario RAT in S35vn is excellent. 

[bb76]

I use Mora knives. Once I get home I use Ontario knives and a LEM bone saw.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

Mora knives are great, and inexpensive but the steel is a bit soft and edge retention isn't so great.  Ontario RAT in S35vn is excellent.

I do have 2 RAT folders. Moras are easy to sharpen. An expensive knive is on my to do list one of these days.


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[hunter399]

I'm a buck knife guy myself.
Just buy a buck 110 ,last you a lifetime.
I do have a mora knife ,and other cheap knifes .
Mora knife is in my fishing bucket ,got a sog knife I use as a pickup/utility knife.

[WapitiTalk1]

Get yourself a good drop point fixed blade, lean towards a quality one… here’s a GREAT option.. and I believe he has a 20% off Memorial Day sale. https://wapititalk.com/Hunting/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10722  Add… a replaceable blade knife.. I favor the Outdoor Edge brand, much stronger than the Havalons. Happy hunting.

[Griiz]

Havalon or outdoor edge replaceable blade in pocket and a knives of Alaska fixed blade. Can debone an animal with either but usually use both when breaking animal down. Replaceable blade skinning and fixed blade for deboning. I like shorter blades and hard steel for edge retention.

[bkaech]

Any knife that you keep sharp is fine. I typically just use the same folding pocket knife that I keep in my pocket everyday. As long as it is sharp it will do fine. But I do carry an outdoor edge replaceable blade knife. Those are handy, especially if you aren't a knife guy who regularly sharpens knives. But half the time I don't use that, I just pull out my pocket folder and get to work...before I know it I am done and never even reached for my replaceable blade, or any other knife that I might have in my pack.  Also, You DO NOT NEED a bone saw, unless you want to cut the skull plate to remove antlers. Every joint on an animal has a gap in it, otherwise it wouldn't be a joint, and you can cut through it with a knife.

[fowl smacker]

I've been through a lot of knives looking for that perfect one.  I skin and break down approximately 5-6 deer/elk per year and by far my favorite hunting knife is the Benchmade Steep Country.  As far as Benchmades go, it's fairly inexpensive.  It stays super sharp for a long time.  I went through 4 deer last year before touching it up.  I do carry a Havalon as well, but it usually only comes out when caping the head.

[jdog300]

I use a Gerber gator to gut
I also have a Havalon with me

Here’s some info as well



Essential Steps to Get Started
Complete a basic safety course. You can find both online and in-person options via the Hunter-Ed platform.
Acquire Gear: Invest in a reliable firearm or bow, hunter-orange apparel for visibility, and field-dressing tools (like a fixed-blade knife and game bags).
Practice & Scout: Spend time at a local shooting range to ensure your shot is accurate and ethical. Use state wildlife websites to scout public land boundaries.Review Regulations: Always download the official state hunting regulations pamphlet to verify bag limits, legal hunting hours, and permitted equipment.
Mentorship Programs
If you are an adult learning to hunt, many states offer specific programs to pair you with experienced guides or offer special "mentored" hunts. In Washington, you can look into WDFW’s Hunter Outreach Program, which provides beginner-friendly hunting clinics and regulated access opportunities.Digital ResourcesGoHUNT: Excellent for accessing western hunting maps, application management, and gear advice.
The New Hunters Guide:
A highly recommended YouTube channel offering basic tips, gear reviews, and fundamental skills for rookie hunters.

Thank you for the additional resources, and thank you everyone else for your suggestions! I see a few recurring names, I will look into each of them as well as the more unique suggestions.

[Rainier10]

I use a Wyoming knife for starting my skinning and then I do all the rest with a havalon piranta folding knife. I use to use the Wyoming and a fixed drop point knife but found that the replaceable blades on the havalon were easier.

[Sliverslinger]

Don’t overthink this. I’ve done elk with random knives floating around the truck. That said, I pack a havalon with rounded tip blades in my bino harness at all times and a Benchmade Saddle Mountain skinner in my pack just because I like it.

[Pnwrider]

I went away from folders after a buddy kept sending my links of them failing and cutting off fingers. Had a nightmare it happened to me one night and I’ve only used fixed blades ever since Currently using a 4” benchmade.

[Wingin it]

I’ve been using a Buck 105 (Pathfinder) for years for pretty much everything big game. I do carry a Havalon too, but it very rarely gets used. The Havalon does come in handy for caping as someone else already mentioned.

[Widgeondeke]

I too use a Havalon with replacement blades, but my go to for decades has been this one:
              D.H. Russell Canadian belt knife

[follow maggie]

Don’t over think it. The only real important thing is that it’s sharp. I have the Gerber version of a havalon & I like it, it’s a good knife. I mainly use it for birds. You don’t have to spend Benchmade money to get a good knife, though if you decide to get a Benchmade you’ll have a really good knife. Buck & Gerber make good knives for reasonable money. I’m still using the Buck 110 folder I got in 1992.  Also consider Outdoor Edge. They’re the best value for money going.