Light, High Quality Knife for processing game ... recommendations?

[dapesche]

I currently have a buck knife and It really like it but it is a tank and its blade is very rounded.

I have the outdoor edge replacement but I am finding hide and bone destroy those blades pretty quick so I like to use my buck knife for that work and then the replacement for skinning.

I don't want to have just one knife in case the outdoor edge fails.

So at this point I want to buy myself a nice, lightweight knife with quality steel and a blade that isn't too rounded so that I can sharpen it at home.

Something like this looked interesting:
https://argalioutdoors.com/products/carbon-knife?variant=31847827046479

Does anyone have recommendations for me? Experiences to share?

Thank you.

[Fella]

North arms Lynx. Locally made in BC.

[walker1985]

+1 for North arms. probably a little more weight to it but i prefer that

[warnniklz]

https://goatknives.com/

[dapesche]

I'll have a peak at north arms. Thank you.

[thomas300]

+1 for north arms

[dapesche]

That lynx looks really nice. Obviously a bit chunkier in regards to weight but it's not bad at all.
Any idea if they have promo codes or if I should be waiting for end of season type sales?

[pin_head]

That lynx looks really nice. Obviously a bit chunkier in regards to weight but it's not bad at all.
Any idea if they have promo codes or if I should be waiting for end of season type sales?

Another plus one for North Arm. If you’re into light weight look at the skaha too. Obviously won’t be as tough as the Lynx (and there’s a long wait list) but it’s a great and very light weight knife. I absolutely love the S35VN steel, so easy to sharpen!

They occasionally have factory seconds at a discount but I can’t recall ever seeing sales, they are in high demand these days!


Brad

[alpinedust]

+1 for north arms
+1
I think they have difficulty keeping up with demand, don't think you'll see a sale on them

[dapesche]

thanks everyone. Great to hear that a local business is doing well.

[Justin397]

Lynx or the puma are top notch

[dapesche]

ok. Please chime in knife people.
Seems like the blades are the same material. One is just quite a bit lighter than the other.

My goal was to have a really light fixed blade to compliment my outdoor edge replaceable.
I am torn because I'd rather buy the North Arm because it's a local business, but I am really not saving much weight over my existing knife....and because the price is lower!

I was prepared to spend a lot on a nice knife as a treat to myself so I am ok with the Carbon's price tag (I have USD's stashed away and a USD Visa so I can avoid some of those extra transaction costs).

Any opinions on these two knives would be appreciated.

I am down to 2 knives:
https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/knives/products/carbon-knife
https://northarmknives.com/product/lynx-hunting-knife-with-kydex-sheath/?c=e38de74562d1

[grantk]

It's really a matter of personal preference and intended use. The North Arm is going to be a bit larger and more robust, albeit with a couple ounces weight penalty, but more than $100 cheaper once delivered. If you're regularly backpack hunting, you might justify the Argali, or take a look at the North Arm Skaha II folding knife. The Skaha is the same size as the Argali knife, and probably weighs the same or less once you include the sheath on the Argali. I'd personally support the local business with either of their options (I have the Lynx knife).

[walker1985]

It's really a matter of personal preference and intended use. The North Arm is going to be a bit larger and more robust, albeit with a couple ounces weight penalty, but more than $100 cheaper once delivered. If you're regularly backpack hunting, you might justify the Argali, or take a look at the North Arm Skaha II folding knife. The Skaha is the same size as the Argali knife, and probably weighs the same or less once you include the sheath on the Argali. I'd personally support the local business with either of their options (I have the Lynx knife).

Earlier this year I picked up a Lynx from their shop and spoke with John and he was telling me there's almost a 1 year wait list for the Skaha and they were in the middle of moving to a bigger shop. Not sure if North Arm has made any progress on that wait list though.

[dapesche]

Earlier this year I picked up a Lynx from their shop and spoke with John and he was telling me there's almost a 1 year wait list for the Skaha and they were in the middle of moving to a bigger shop. Not sure if North Arm has made any progress on that wait list though.

How have you found the Lynx? No doubt it'll get the job done, but curious how you found it while skinning animals.

[exv]

+1 for north arm. I've managed to gift almost everyone in my family one over the years. They are the "go-to" when not using an exchangeable. Cannot speak towards skinning with the lynx .. I use a havalon for all my gutin and Gill'n.

[dapesche]

+1 for north arm. I've managed to gift almost everyone in my family one over the years. They are the "go-to" when not using an exchangeable. Cannot speak towards skinning with the lynx .. I use a havalon for all my gutin and Gill'n.

Perfect. That's usually how I do it as well. Hide and other tougher spots with the fixed blade then peeling skin back with the exchangeable.

[Jagermeister]

Any knife is only as good as the guy sharpening it.

[exv]

Any knife is only as good as the guy sharpening it.

Fair comment. I've noticed the SV steel north arm knives uses to be a challange getting it "sticky" sharp. Once sharp it holds that edge well.

Sounds like others have found it easy to sharpen so take that for what it's worth.

- last edit - just thought I'd add ... there fillet knives are superb ... peel the sides of a fish in a hurry.

[Jagermeister]

Fair comment. I've noticed the SV steel north arm knives uses to be a challange getting it "sticky" sharp. Once sharp it holds that edge well.

Sounds like others have found it easy to sharpen so take that for what it's worth.

- last edit - just thought I'd add ... there fillet knives are superb ... peel the sides of a fish in a hurry.

The opening statement on the O/P's thread reads, "I currently have a buck knife and It really like it but it is a tank and its blade is very rounded. ". This is what prompted my post. We don't know which Buck knife the O/P is referring to but I suspect a 119.

His self admission, "its blade is very rounded" indicates that sharpening the blade is seldom or never done. Buck provides an instruction sheet with each knife and is also accessible on their website. https://www.buckknives.com/about-knives/knife-sharpening/
North Arm Knives also have a link on their website as well on the subject of sharpening https://northarmknives.com/sharpening/?c=e38de74562d1

Do you know that SV Steels originate from India? I suspect that most knife manufacturers are sourcing their steel needs from SV Steels.

As for getting an edge on a knife, that is dependent on blade design. If the blade is a straight V design and not hollow ground, eventually the blade edge angle becomes too acute to get a good edge.

As for filet knives. I have used and continue to use Rapala which I am sure would be up to the challenge and at a far lesser cost.

Like I said previously, "Any knife is only as good as the guy sharpening it." Invest in a good sharpening kit, use it accordingly.

[BiohazardHands]

Anyone use the North Arms Mallard Bird and trout knife for skinning bigger game? If so, have a review? Looking at a new skinning quality and like the idea of purchasing a BC product.

[Jamesonm]

I use a relatively heavy benchmade bushcrafter for everything. works as a small axe, dexterous enough for caping and processing a kill. just something ive gotten used to carrying everywhere with me in the bush.

[one-shot-wonder]

Anyone use the North Arms Mallard Bird and trout knife for skinning bigger game? If so, have a review? Looking at a new skinning quality and like the idea of purchasing a BC product.
I have been eyeing the Trout and Mallard. Really like the idea for deboning and more nimble work. Will be ordering one as my first North Arms product and the plan to order a lynx next. I have no shortage of knives but will sell the less used ones if these are preferred.

[dapesche]

Ended up with the argali knife.
Really like it. Did a great job on two elk and a mtn goat this year.

[Weatherby Fan]

Im not really a knife guy as I lose them as fast as I get them so always go cheap and disposable.........until Salmonbelly (Colin) fixed me up with a North Arms Skaha II knife, well call me impressed, crazy sharp and holds an edge like Ive never seen, light weight and really comfortable in your hand, I cant thank SalmonBelly enough for the knife as its excellent to say the least.


http://i.imgur.com/SURt8Id.jpg (https://imgur.com/SURt8Id)

http://i.imgur.com/uG31lYC.jpg (https://imgur.com/uG31lYC)

http://i.imgur.com/DrtgKhm.jpg (https://imgur.com/DrtgKhm)

http://i.imgur.com/AMths64.jpg (https://imgur.com/AMths64)

[adriaticum]

Any knife is only as good as the guy sharpening it.
this is it. north arm is pricey and you have to wait a year. forget it!

[Arctic Lake]

I think I have chimed in on few knife threads so I will give this one a go as well . I like knives of all kinds . I was on the end of one for many, many years but different scenario than for hunting and the outdoors . I just can’t see buying a real expensive knife for the outdoors . They are to prone to loss ! Hmmm. Where did I put that knife down . But if you can afford the loss I guess it doesn’t matter.

Stainless , less maintenance . If it’s just carbon , mineral oil is your friend . A knife steel between 56 and 60 on the Rockwell C scale sharpens relatively easy and holds and edge for awhile . Blade shape, you kneed a point .
I liked the older Bucks that were made in the USA now some are made in China . Like the Moras
Arctic Lake

[one-shot-wonder]

Update... I ordered the Trout and Mallard last Sunday and had a nice surprise show up at my door today. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it's a sleek knife with what appears to be a nice hunk of steel. Will let you know a report once utilized a few times. No wait list on this order...

[Chewie]

Update... I ordered the Trout and Mallard last Sunday and had a nice surprise show up at my door today. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it's a sleek knife with what appears to be a nice hunk of steel. Will let you know a report once utilized a few times. No wait list on this order...

If your like me I think you’ll be surprised. I got one for myself and a Trillium paring knife for the wife. The Trillium is the same specs as the Trout and Mallard minus the sheath and lanyard hole. The wife loves it as it has a bigger handle than most paring knives and is easier to hold onto with arthritis. Uses it for everything. Wicked sharp and holds its edge. Couple of swipes on a steel and it’s back to work.

[Brno22F]

I currently have a buck knife and It really like it but it is a tank and its blade is very rounded.

I have the outdoor edge replacement but I am finding hide and bone destroy those blades pretty quick so I like to use my buck knife for that work and then the replacement for skinning.

I don't want to have just one knife in case the outdoor edge fails.

So at this point I want to buy myself a nice, lightweight knife with quality steel and a blade that isn't too rounded so that I can sharpen it at home.

Something like this looked interesting:
https://argalioutdoors.com/products/carbon-knife?variant=31847827046479

Does anyone have recommendations for me? Experiences to share?

Thank you.

By processing, I take it that you mean field dressing and skinning, not butchering.

My advice, for what it is worth, is to find a knife with the blade shape/length/weight you like made from good quality steel. Then get a decent sharpening kit (like a Lansky or equivalent).

I am not sold on the replacement blade type of knives. I have a Havalon but it is rarely used. OK for caping a head for taxidermy but not much else IMO.
Always with me on a hunt is my Buck 119. It holds an edge really well and has field dressed and skinned every moose and deer I have had the good fortune to take. The only thing I don't use the Buck119 for is gutting fish but I am sure I could do it in a pinch.