Fixed blade for the field

[Gut Shot]

I'd focus on materials rather than brand. S90, S30, or ATS34 are hard "stainless" steels. That means they'll hold an edge better than, say 440 or 420 steel. There is no such thing as a free lunch though and those harder steels will be harder to sharpen. Micarta and G-10 are pretty tough to beat for durability but stabilized wood is prettier. Just pick a blade profile you like and find a manufacturer that makes it in the materials you want.

Then again, if you take care of it, it's really hard to beat a plain old O1 tool steel blade and a walnut handle.

 

[jpc01101]

Will preface this with the fact that my only other experience is with Gerber Havalon type knife and the Gerber 3 blade set that Randy promoted. I skinned a bobcat tonight and was pretty impressed with the Montana Knife Co Stonegoat. Held an edge really well and the sharpness out of the box is scary. From skinning to fine caping work (eyelids, ears, lips, paws) it worked great. Really impressive, but, like I said, I only have experience with cheaper blades.

 

[ploxwithblox]

I got the Benchmade Hidden Canyon with an RMEF donation a year or two ago. I didn't really think to use it, but decided to try it out after some time in a drawer. It was surprisingly excellent. I was worried it was too small for elk, but it actually worked better than my other knives due to its smaller size. I could really get into the joints and backstrap areas well, and boy does it skin! It also holds an edge quite well. Lot of great knives out there, but I think I'm sold on this one for the long term.

 

[DKenny]

I have the Benchmade Hidden Canyon and Steep Country. I have used them both on several whitetails and they hold an edge and their handles fit my hands great. Previous to these I used the Havalons and a Buck 113. I do have a MKC Stoned Goat that I have not used yet.

 

[TheGreek]

I love my benchmade steep country for big game and flyway for upland, ducks and small game. Send em back once a year for a sharpening and they are good as new. I’ve done multiple big game animals in a single season with the steep country and have been happy with the edge it keeps.

 

[JAG]

1st Generation MKC Speedgoats are available on TEMU for $21ish bucks. These appear to have the ball bearing/spring steel and a little over an inch shorter than 2.0.

The ad says stainless steel, but for $21 bucks, I plan to enter the field with the same hubris as the rest of you studs at a fraction of the cost.

EDIT: I realize this could seem to be an insult, but I don't intend that. I tend to be an 'all hat, no-cattle' kind of a guy.

 

[JAG]

Life is short....Lucas Forge

https://flic.kr/p/2oBhpov

That's a gorgeous knife!

 

[NDGuy]

I have been using the Gerber model that has three blades for a few years. Overall, it's a great knife except for one thing. I trip the release button when I place my index finger or thumb on the backbone of the blade.

So it's time for a new fixed blade. I've been eyeballing the Benchmade steep country and the MFC whitetail or blackfoot.

Thoughts? The Benchmade is quite a bit less. Those g10 handles really start to push the price up.

I listed a few great makers in the classifieds. Might be a little more for your budget but all would be great scoops.

 

[JAG]

Banter on reddit regarding TEMU knives:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Spooncarving/comments/17gb2u3/temu_knives_any_good

I saw a Benchmade butterfly logo on a knife in TEMU, but can't find it again. I wonder if Benchmade would sharpen it if I sent it in?

 

[SFC B]

$20, used it along side a skinning blade too. Not casting shade on these more expensive blades, I have some incredibly expensive knifes as well.
View attachment 359014I've got j

I've got a 6" version that is one of my favorites. The only thing the Scandi grind doesn't like is the heaviest of work (joints and bone). I have a couple of the smaller ones around for other work too. I do have a BIG Benchmade fixed blade that was given for a deployment but that joker is for "other" work.