What type of hunting knife?

[blicky123]

What type of knife do you like for Backcountry hunting? I'm a knife maker and hunter and always experimenting with new steels and designs. Started with high carbon steel and moved up into premium steels for edge retention as I don't enjoy sharpening my knife midway through an elk on a 45° slope with a storm rolling in. My last steel I tested skinned and quartered two cow elk without sharpening and still shaved (cpm10v). Trying CPM S90V this year. Is there a better steel choice? What do you like? Steel? Blade length? Blade shape? Handle?

Another excellent brand to consider for backcountry hunting knives is Benchmade. They are well-regarded for using premium steels like CPM-S30V and S90V in their hunting knives, which offer excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Their Benchmade Altitude is a standout model for backcountry hunts. It features a minimalist design with a fixed blade, making it extremely lightweight while still offering toughness with a CPM-S90V blade. The knife has a full tang construction and comes with carbon fiber or G10 handle scales, which keep the weight down while ensuring durability and grip. It's a great option when you need a reliable, high-performing knife without added bulk in the backcountry.

 

[Texfan91]

A lot of good info here

 

[Siege009]

What type of knife do you like for Backcountry hunting? I'm a knife maker and hunter and always experimenting with new steels and designs. Started with high carbon steel and moved up into premium steels for edge retention as I don't enjoy sharpening my knife midway through an elk on a 45° slope with a storm rolling in. My last steel I tested skinned and quartered two cow elk without sharpening and still shaved (cpm10v). Trying CPM S90V this year. Is there a better steel choice? What do you like? Steel? Blade length? Blade shape? Handle?

I am a huge fan of the gerber exchangeable blade system but would love to have those with an edge that holds better than them.

 

[noharleyyet]

Lucas Forge

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

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

Aside from a Cutco, the LF's are what I have. Think I've purchased 3 of NDGuy's builds but gifted em to deserved others. The Forges also came from him...hella well made blades.

 

[6mm Remington]

I love the simplicity, weight and sharpness of havalon and that's what I have carried for the last several years. At first, I broke blades but now can disassemble an elk with one blade easily.

That being said, I love a good knife. I have 4 Ruana knives with an original M stamp I got in 1981 for my 12th birthday. I beat the crap out of it before putting it away. I wonder if i can send it in to be refurbished. I've used the smaller ones a couple times. Love the feel of the 5AD but simply can't bring myself to use it.

View attachment 306270

They can refurbish it for you if you contact them.

 

[hank4elk]

I have 2 new ones to try this year.
A beautiful small custom from a friend, looks perfect for tight places.
I bought a gift for myself. A MKC camp knife. Modern K-Bar. Tactical & leather sheaths.
Should break an elk down quick, including neck hide.

 

[Dirtybird552]

I bought a havalon and I love it. So much easier to just swap out a blade instead of sharpening