The 'perfect' knife?

I'm seeking advice and opinions. A knife-making friend asked me what I was looking for in my next knife. Since I own many knives (mostly military) I really don't need any additional collector pieces. In fact, I am in the process of selling most of my collections. It's just time.

What I really want is something to be used for a camp knife; mostly skinning of small and medium game and as a small utility knife for the field. Don't think I like the idea of a 'gut hook' however, to be fair, I've never used one. I'm thinking of a fixed blade of no more than 4" in a drop point, but not sure if this style is best for my purposes.

When I check out the internet I find so many conflicting recommendations, I stopped looking there (even though I know that if it's on the web it must be true, right?). I have gutted and skinned deer, antelope, squirrels, rabbits, but always with whatever knife I had handy at the time.

How about feedback from those knowledgeable about this type of knife. Blade style, material (carbon or stainless steel), grind type and anything else that is relevant. Since he makes knives, I think he may be flexible in a creation that fits my requests.

Thanks!

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  • up

    Mario

    Wow. Thanks Gus and Lars for the replies. Much to consider. I will take my time and mull these over.

    I have had a rather large military knife collection that has taken me years to assemble. Although I have been selling off most of the more scarce edges for a while, there are still many that remain that are in VG to EX condition. I am thinking of adapting one of these for my all-around knife concept, but it is hard for me to actually use one of these historic blades in a mundane,  daily way (unless it has been previously damaged or otherwise marred in some way).

    So here I am, a man with dozens of knives justifying just one more purchase (it is always just one more). Decisions, decisions.

    Thanks again for the great advice. Appreciate you and this site!

  • up

    Mario

    Forgot to add this: I also tried a gut hook on an antelope. I wanted it to work, because it seemed so 'right' for the intended purpose. Well, I couldn't make it work either (for me, at least). Found it much easier doing it the old fashioned way.

    Truth be told, I don't know if I'll be hunting big game any longer. I want to, but time and my back are enticing me to stick with more sedate targets, like paper and tin cans. But just in case...

  • up

    Lars Ray

    Adapting an existing one you already own eh....not a bad thought. There's always going to be pro's and con's on that kind of move....let alone discussions about altering a "historical" piece for present pursuits. Well I can't imagine you taking an FS dagger and making a camp knife out if it, so what are your thoughts.... a Ka Bar or Camillus Marine knife perhaps? A Pilot Survival Knife (PSK)? 

    I absolutely understand and appreciate your thought process on this....many of us have been in the same or similar situation coming to similar conclusions. For myself...and in my own mind....I find it easy to create a perfectly rational case to justify in my own mind the imperative to Not re-purpose an existing blade (historical or not), and to get what I really want all along. Then when presenting this rational case to my wife - she shows me in loving terms and with equal and rational sincerity what a line of BS I am doling out. Of course she is right...and once I admit it - she fully supports me getting what I want. I hate it when she does that...  LoL!!! I know it and she knows it....and it's all part of the fun.

    I share that to share this - I have a rather large collection of insignificant knives along with some real gems and a couple of pieces of significance. Always looking, always browsing, the question inevitably comes out..."How many knives do you need?" "Just one more" is always the reply. She gets it...she just likes to mess with me too.

    Be sure to let us know what you finally decide on....



    Mario said:

    Wow. Thanks Gus and Lars for the replies. Much to consider. I will take my time and mull these over.

    I have had a rather large military knife collection that has taken me years to assemble. Although I have been selling off most of the more scarce edges for a while, there are still many that remain that are in VG to EX condition. I am thinking of adapting one of these for my all-around knife concept, but it is hard for me to actually use one of these historic blades in a mundane,  daily way (unless it has been previously damaged or otherwise marred in some way).

    So here I am, a man with dozens of knives justifying just one more purchase (it is always just one more). Decisions, decisions.

    Thanks again for the great advice. Appreciate you and this site!