Skinning Knives

Using your tactical tanto knife to skin game is akin to using a hammer to open an Amazon package — it can be done, but it’ll be frustrating and could ruin the goodness inside. Skinning blades are designed to precisely separate the, well, skin of an animal from its meat. No pierced hide, no burst innards. Just a smooth division between fur and flesh so you can eviscerate your trophy and get it on ice as quickly as possible.

What makes a good skinner? Knife nuts debate whether the blade should be stainless steel or high-
carbon steel. Each has pros and cons, revolving around ease of sharpening, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Like firearms, it boils down to personal preference.

However, a skinner has three requisites: it needs a nonslip handle, a blade profile with a generous belly, and a razor sharp edge (since most of the work comes from pulling the hide back and letting the knife slice, not saw).

With this in mind, we’ve assembled a handful of the latest models available today. Read on to find the right tool for your game.

Browning
Buckmark Hunter

OAL: 7 inches
Blade Length: 3.125 inches
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
Weight: 3.7 ounces
MSRP: $35
URL: www.browning.com

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.
Patriot Kirinite Trapper

OAL: 7.125 inches
Blade Length: 3 inches
Blade Material: Tru-Sharp surgical steel
Weight: 4 ounces
MSRP: $72
URL: www.wrcase.com

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