Knife: What would you do?

[Stéphane]

Here's a bit of dilemma I have. I'm thinking of going for a 1 day hunting on the 20th in zone 8 for white tail. I've never hunted big game before and I don't have a hunting knife. Chances are, I won't even need it.

My pro shop, who is a local guy, great service and all, has a knife for $150. It is the same knife he uses and I'm sure it's a great knife (I forgot the name, it's not of great help here). I'm not arguing the price, but this time of the year, I'd rather buy cheaper and buy a good one later. Here are my options.

#1: Price: $150. Bite the bullet and encourage the guy that puts up with my constant questioning regarding archery.

#2:Price: $95. Buy this knife, and be happy I saved $60. I know Steeleco is a very happy man with this one.
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/knives-tools/fixed/vanguard/prod79102.html

#3: Price: $60. Get this one , and buy another when I become serious about big game hunting.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/1/Hunting/KnivesSharpeners/PRD~0756036P/Buck%252B119%252BFixed%252BBlade%252BKnife.jsp?loc ale=en

[mark]

I would do none of those things!
If I had a billion dollars, the only knife I would use is a "Butchers boning knife" They cost $20 and are absolute gold! Best knife I could ever imagine for gutting, boning, and the final cutting of all my meat!
Most of my hunting buddies have retired all other knives as this is all one needs!

[islandhunter]

I have many, fancy knives laying around. But the $60 buck 119 seems to be the one gutting all the deer:)

[knighthunter]

The $60.00 knife from CT is all you'll EVER need.Thousands of hunter's use that one. Can do up a whole moose, gutting & skinning without sharpening.

[APOSTLEsix]

A small blade for backup as you will have to cut around the butt-hole. Boning knife would work awesome here.

I recommend your "primary" knife have a skinning hook on it. If you take a deer then it makes opening it up like unzipping a jacket. Way less chance to nick any internal organs and spill doodee all over your meat. Great for cutting string, rope, and opening packaging etc.

Rubber handle is a 'must' option for not losing grip and slicing your self to bits so far from help (you will be operating in EXTREMELY slippery conditions).

If your main blade is large enough (6" or so) then you can use it to pry the sternum apart and don't need a hatchet in the field.

Mine's a Buck knife as above, my wife bought it for me, and I never appreciated these things until I made use of them in the field. Now I'll never accept anything less.

[bigwhiteys]

I would look into a Piranta and an extra box of blades. Never worry about sharpening... About 3 blades per deer. The scalpals are as sharp as you're going to get. A really handy little knife. I gutted, skinned and caped 2 of my own deer and skinned/caped 2 friends deer for them using it.

Mark's suggestion would be a good choice too, he kills enough game to know if his recommendation works or not...

There now you got two choices under $50

Carl

[mark]

The $60.00 knife from CT is all you'll EVER need.Thousands of hunter's use that one. Can do up a whole moose, gutting & skinning without sharpening.

I would sooner buy a "boning knife" and flush the other $40 down the crapper!

[Stéphane]

I would sooner buy a "boning knife" and flush the other $40 down the crapper!
Where do you get a boning knife? Do they come with a sheath?

Thanks,

SG

[cainer]

I have a bunch of knives lying around too. i usually use my 3 incher to do all the field stuff with. then when i get it home i break out the boning knife. However, I have been giving this some thought-could be a good xmas present:
http://revelationknife.com/

[Morel]

I have a $60 Buck from Canadian tire. I read a lot of reviews and information on knives (steel quality etc) and it seems to be a good all purpose knife for the money and gets a lot of good reviews from various users. I bought it as a general hunting/camping knife. A butcher's boning knife is likely the best for gutting boning etc. but the Buck likely makes a good all-around utility knife.
my $0.02.

[mark]

Where do you get a boning knife? Do they come with a sheath?

Thanks,

SG

I used a Victorianox brand boning knife for about 15 years till it got stolen in a robbery....that knife cost $15 back in the day.
Ive seen them at "the house of knives" but you can bet that you'll pay more!
I have a friend that owns a butcher shop, he swears by the "swebo" brand and that what myself and buddies all use now! His cost is $20. and thats not with a sheath. 6 or 7 " blade is the one you want!!!
Id start at the butcher shops and ask if you can buy one from them!

Its all the knife you will ever need, everything else is a overpriced gimmick!

[Casagrande]

I would do none of those things!
If I had a billion dollars, the only knife I would use is a "Butchers boning knife" They cost $20 and are absolute gold! Best knife I could ever imagine for gutting, boning, and the final cutting of all my meat!
Most of my hunting buddies have retired all other knives as this is all one needs!
x2. Victorinox 5" curved boning knife. Great knife, under $20. Henckel's makes one as well. Even the legendary Pehota approves. Thanks to Gatehouse for telling me about it.

[Gateholio]

I"m with Mark. A boning knife is better for dealing with animals than most of the "hunting" knives out there. Most don't come with sheaths, so I usually just wrap lots of tape around a piece of cardboard. But you can get one made, too.

[LukaTisus]

I use my whitetail skinner my Mom got me a couple years back. It's a great little knife as far as slitting the abdomen and skinning goes. :P However, I always end up using my Gerber for the dirty work. The longer blade makes it less likely for me to nick my fingers off while in there working on the windpipe lol.

[BearStump]

any semi decent $30 knife will do. dont spend anything more than that, especially if you're not really that serious about hunting.

Unless you've just got that much cash to throw away.

[Stéphane]

People, you're going to laugh at the one. I called the House of Knives in Abbotsford, and asked for a 6" boning knife. They have one for only $115. Guess I'll carry on with my search.

Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/VICTORINOX-FORSCHNER-6-FLEXIBLE-BONING-KNIFE-40019-/330475160846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1dac50e

[AT&T]

Some guys will groan at this. Do you have a swiss army knife? I a have gutted alot of animals with this in the past. They also have a small bone saw. Goes through a pelvic bone easily.

Spend the money later if you want to on a bigger knife. Really who needs a knife that expensive anyway. Dont get a knife to big. The animal is already dead. Or hopefully it is.

[IronNoggin]

This: http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productid=3044 is my Go-To field knife. Has been for over 30 years. Ain't likely to change any time soon. :wink:

Cheers,
Nog

[Casagrande]

People, you're going to laugh at the one. I called the House of Knives in Abbotsford, and asked for a 6" boning knife. They have one for only $115. Guess I'll carry on with my search.

Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/VICTORINOX-FORSCHNER-6-FLEXIBLE-BONING-KNIFE-40019-/330475160846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1dac50e
Get the Fibrox handle. My blade is semi-stiff but you're there.

[krazy]

Although I agree that a good boning knife is great for breakdown, deboning and dressing needs, I still like to carry an all purpose hunting knife as a back up and to take care of jobs that are just a bit to tough for a flexible boning knife to handle (like cutting through the breast bone & pelvis) and for cutting off scent glands, etc. Here's what I've used with no complaints for the last 15 or so years.

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r1s.html

I also like this one:

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r3s.html

[Casagrande]

Although I agree that a good boning knife is great for breakdown, deboning and dressing needs, I still like to carry an all purpose hunting knife as a back up and to take care of jobs that are just a bit to tough for a flexible boning knife to handle (like cutting through the breast bone & pelvis) and for cutting off scent glands, etc. Here's what I've used with no complaints for the last 15 or so years.

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r1s.html

I also like this one:

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r3s.html
I ""acquired" the second one from my father. I carry this in addition to the knife I mentioned. The Buck Vanguard is now basically retired, though still a good knife.

[Gateholio]

People, you're going to laugh at the one. I called the House of Knives in Abbotsford, and asked for a 6" boning knife. They have one for only $115. Guess I'll carry on with my search.

Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/VICTORINOX-FORSCHNER-6-FLEXIBLE-BONING-KNIFE-40019-/330475160846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1dac50e

Basically, yes. But the 5" blade is better from a hunters standpoint. And don't get the "flexible" blade model, and certainly don't get ripped off for $115!:-D

I also carry a utility knife and/or a LEatherman tool.

[mark]

People, you're going to laugh at the one. I called the House of Knives in Abbotsford, and asked for a 6" boning knife. They have one for only $115. Guess I'll carry on with my search.

Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/VICTORINOX-FORSCHNER-6-FLEXIBLE-BONING-KNIFE-40019-/330475160846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1dac50e

Absolutely not even close!!!!!
Im actually going to take a pic of my knife and show you, as i feel there is no better tool out there for hunting purposes!
And If I had to fight off a cougar or bear, Id choose my knife over anything anyone else here has recommended!
Give me a minute!

[downsouth204]

Can't resist posting on this one!
Have buck knife worth 80.00, and a Grohman Pictou worth about $120, and whole assortment of custom made knives.... And what do I take hunting, skin and cut up my deer with? A $16.00, 5" folding Opinel knife that I carry in my pocket. It's razor sharp and easy to sharpen.

[Stéphane]

Thank you so much guys. What an education I got in the last hour. I have a small utility knife (Buck Redpoint) which needs sharpening, but that's all I'll bring on that day. I'll be able to gut it with it. Then I'll try to lure one of the members on this site to help with the rest once it's home.

Now, how much beer would that cost me. . .

I will buy myself a boning knife. I think I found one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Victorinox-6-Extra-Wide-Boning-Knife-Blk-Fibrox-40612-/220569236545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335af37441

Seems to be the one that you recommend.

[mark]

Heres mine, I had the sheath made by an old guy who does leather craft for $20.
In 24 years of hunting Ive yet to see a knife that works better for any related job! And Ive hunted with tons of different guys in that time!

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/data/500/medium/2010_bucks_025_Small_1.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/showphoto.php?photo=21696&size=big&cat=500)

[Pioneerman]

I have had your #3 choice 119 knife for 9 years, it was given to me as a gift and would not have been my first choice as I have a few other knife that I think/thought were better, yet this is the knife I pack with me all the time when hunting and not a few friends have bought it as well. I do pack a smaller one around with me also , but this is the main blade for me and very happy with it. No matter what knife you have make sure it is sharp and you know how to keep it that way, doesn't matter what type or style you have if it can't cut anything

[Stéphane]

Heres mine, I had the sheath made by an old guy who does leather craft for $20.
In 24 years of hunting Ive yet to see a knife that works better for any related job! And Ive hunted with tons of different guys in that time!

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/data/500/medium/2010_bucks_025_Small_1.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/showphoto.php?photo=21696&size=big&cat=500)
Thanks, Mark. Looks very much like the one I just found on Ebay (not the first one). $13 + shipping. http://cgi.ebay.ca/Victorinox-6-Extra-Wide-Boning-Knife-Blk-Fibrox-40612-/220569236545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335af37441

[mark]

Thank you so much guys. What an education I got in the last hour. I have a small utility knife (Buck Redpoint) which needs sharpening, but that's all I'll bring on that day. I'll be able to gut it with it. Then I'll try to lure one of the members on this site to help with the rest once it's home.

Now, how much beer would that cost me. . .

I will buy myself a boning knife. I think I found one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Victorinox-6-Extra-Wide-Boning-Knife-Blk-Fibrox-40612-/220569236545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335af37441

Seems to be the one that you recommend.

That is the precise knife I had for 15 years! My butcher friend thinks the swebo is slightly better at holding an edge, but you wont regret either!
We also have one in our knife block in the kitchen, gets more use than all other knifes combined!

[Casagrande]

Thank you so much guys. What an education I got in the last hour. I have a small utility knife (Buck Redpoint) which needs sharpening, but that's all I'll bring on that day. I'll be able to gut it with it. Then I'll try to lure one of the members on this site to help with the rest once it's home.

Now, how much beer would that cost me. . .

I will buy myself a boning knife. I think I found one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Victorinox-6-Extra-Wide-Boning-Knife-Blk-Fibrox-40612-/220569236545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335af37441

Seems to be the one that you recommend.
Not that one. Look for the one that has a curved blade (upswing from the handle) semi-stiff, 5" long blade, fibrox handle.

[Gateholio]

I prefer the narrow curved blade model, but I've used both styles thousands of times and both work well. If a guy is used to a straight blade (and most hunters are) then the model Mark posted and you linked to would be a good choice.

[mark]

Not that one. Look for the one that has a curved blade (upswing from the handle) semi-stiff, 5" long blade, fibrox handle.

I guess its a personal choice, but I would not take this advise!
I much prefer the straight back, 6 " blade over a short curvey one!
The one in the link is the one Id buy, if you cant get a swebo from a butcher!

[Stéphane]

The same seller sells a curved 6", but it is stiff, not semi-stiff. For crying out loud, at that price, I'll buy both and keep one in the kitchen.

I thought I would read a lot of "buy from the local guy". I'm really glad I posted this. I feel like I was pretty close to be a sucker.

[Casagrande]

I guess its a personal choice, but I would not take this advise!
I much prefer the straight back, 6 " blade over a short curvey one!
The one in the link is the one Id buy, if you cant get a swebo from a butcher!
The curved blade makes for a nice swing, but as they say, there's more than one way to skin a cat.:-D

[horshur]

you can order from Halfords in Edmonton. List a boning knife for about 17 bucks

http://www.halfordhide.com/catalogue.html

[Gateholio]

Here is the one I prefer

http://www.victorinox.com/medias/sys_master/celum_assets/8798179524638_5_6603_15_1660_eps.jpg?3

Swibo and Victorknox knives are both made in Switzerland and are very similar, but with slightly different handles

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/ultimatechefstore_2134_74266046

Here are a whoel selection...

http://www.victorinox.com/category/2/200/2005

Working in kitchens for 25 years I've used all these and a bunch of others of various blade thicknesses, length, flexability, curved or straight...Probably cut up the equivalent of 1000 moose with all these knives!:-D

They are all better for taking apart animals than any of the knives marketed as "hunting knives" by various knife makers, although I usually have the boning knife in my pack and some more utilitarian knife or the Leatherman on my belt.

[mark]

Here is the one I prefer

http://www.victorinox.com/medias/sys_master/celum_assets/8798179524638_5_6603_15_1660_eps.jpg?3

Swibo and Victorknox knives are both made in Switzerland and are very similar, but with slightly different handles

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/ultimatechefstore_2134_74266046

Working in kitchens for 25 years I've used all these and a bunch of others of various blade thicknesses, length, flexability, curved or straight...Probably cut up the equivalent of 1000 moose with all these knives!:-D

They are all better for taking apart animals than any of the knives marketed as "hunting knives" by various knife makers, although I usually have the boning knife in my pack and some more utilitarian knife or the Leatherman on my belt.


Thats the one!
Whether im gutting, skinnning, caping, cutting the windpipe, cutting around the bumhole, doing the gutless method, or a total boneout job on the spot, right down to the final trim and cutting of my meat before freezing....that is the knife for the job!
When Im helping others with these tasks, they ask me where I got that knife when were done! :)

[frenchbar]

Thats the one!
Whether im gutting, skinnning, caping, cutting the windpipe, cutting around the bumhole, doing the gutless method, or a total boneout job on the spot, right down to the final trim and cutting of my meat before freezing....that is the knife for the job!
When Im helping others with these tasks, they ask me where I got that knife when were done! :)

they work like a charm on the smilies as well!:-D

[Gateholio]

Mark, do you wear your knife on your belt?

I never really thought about using a boning knife for a "belt" knife as well as using it for cutting up animals, but if someone was to do so, I could see the straight, wide blade boning knife being a better "all around" option. Anyway, They are so inexpensive it would not be painful to try out several styles and use the one you like best.

[krazy]

Heres mine, I had the sheath made by an old guy who does leather craft for $20.
In 24 years of hunting Ive yet to see a knife that works better for any related job! And Ive hunted with tons of different guys in that time!

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/data/500/medium/2010_bucks_025_Small_1.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/../photos/showphoto.php?photo=21696&size=big&cat=500)

Looks like my henkels.

[RoscoeP]

Here's a bit of dilemma I have. I'm thinking of going for a 1 day hunting on the 20th in zone 8 for white tail. I've never hunted big game before and I don't have a hunting knife. Chances are, I won't even need it.

My pro shop, who is a local guy, great service and all, has a knife for $150. It is the same knife he uses and I'm sure it's a great knife (I forgot the name, it's not of great help here). I'm not arguing the price, but this time of the year, I'd rather buy cheaper and buy a good one later. Here are my options.

#1: Price: $150. Bite the bullet and encourage the guy that puts up with my constant questioning regarding archery.

#2:Price: $95. Buy this knife, and be happy I saved $60. I know Steeleco is a very happy man with this one.
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/knives-tools/fixed/vanguard/prod79102.html

#3: Price: $60. Get this one , and buy another when I become serious about big game hunting.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/1/Hunting/KnivesSharpeners/PRD~0756036P/Buck%252B119%252BFixed%252BBlade%252BKnife.jsp?loc ale=en

Probably to late but there was a $15 coupon in the Cdn Tire flyer(back page I think) that came to my house this week but only good for today. You must spend $60 before taxes. So get the one at CT if you see this in time. Spend another nickle on something if you have. I have a couple of bucks, they do a great job, last forever. Cheers Ross

[M.Dean]

Go to Crappy Tire and pick up a knife for 20 dollars or less, it's new, it'll be sharp and it's all you need for now. When you do buy a 150 dollar knife, take a nice picture of it and lets us look at it, I can't wait! Good Luck!!!

[wildprotien]

All the knives in the world won't help you if you don't know how to use them.
If your just going after Whitetail all you need is a pocket knife to gut it and skin it.
Im sure you would be taking it to a butcher to cut up.
Why waste the money on something you're not sure of yet.
Its not about what other people think. Its about the job at hand and how it fits in your hand !!!!
I got Puma, Gerber, Buck, Custom knives, etc etc and my trusty cheapo $15.00 pocket knife guts moose, deer and alot of other chores.
Keep in mind also to purchase a cheap sharpening tool for in the field. Maybe those small crossed over type ceramic things .... easy to use ..... all knives loose the edge, some faster than others.
Last word of advice: Frost makes a rubber handle knife for about $ 20.00 that holds and edge and will take an edge better than any cheap knife I have ever seen. It has a plastic case and comes in many colors.
Good luck......

[mark]

Mark, do you wear your knife on your belt?

I never really thought about using a boning knife for a "belt" knife as well as using it for cutting up animals, but if someone was to do so, I could see the straight, wide blade boning knife being a better "all around" option. Anyway, They are so inexpensive it would not be painful to try out several styles and use the one you like best.

If im doing short half day hikes near roads (where I can just drag out a deer), I use a waist style fanny pack and wear the knife on my belt.
When carrying a backpack, I dont like any other belt or a knife handing of it, so the same knife is attached to the exterior of my backpack!

[knighthunter]

If I woulda known this was gonna be a free for all, I woulda mentioned my hunting knife. I thought the OP was just looking at the 3 choices that were given.

[quadrakid]

Hey sounds to me like someone should buy a few thousand cheap boning knives,get a chinese factory to make some cheap sheathes and sell em for a 150 bucks apiece.Customer gets good quality knife and feels good spending too much.:-D

[KevinB]

I've quartered and/or deboned many deer, and a few moose and elk with this little sucker.

http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/187

Weighs just over one ounce, and contrary to popular belief, you don't need anything bigger for hunting. The drop point is nice and you're less likely to nick yourself with a drop point. Goes for just over 20 bucks at most places (MEC has them for $23). In fact for gutting, a long blade is a pain in the ass. Once I'm butchering at home I use a boning knife (I have a couple of cheap Henckels from Crappy Tire - Kitchen department). But I've never felt "under knived" with the little gerber in the field.

Don't get a knife with a combo guthook/blade. If you want a guthook, I like these:

http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/183

They're cheap and light too, and use standard off the shelf utility blades that you can buy for cheap in any hardware store.

If you want a small bonesaw for removing legs, etc. there are a lot of very light, compact and inexpensive but effective folding saws out there.

Spending more $$ on a hunting knife doesn't make much sense to me, apart from the oblivious pleasure of using a nice tool. If you want to go that route you'd probably be better off getting something custom made.

[Steeleco]

Stephane, stop in at Stuffers on Fraser Hwy. They have tons of the knives the gang has suggested. In the shed I use "Caribou Skinners" I think I got all 3 of the ones I showed you for under $80.

You'll have it in plenty of time for me to put a good edge on it Wed!!!

[henderson]

I used a Victorianox brand boning knife for about 15 years till it got stolen in a robbery....that knife cost $15 back in the day.
Ive seen them at "the house of knives" but you can bet that you'll pay more!


I have many different knives.

As part of my job I get to skin animals all day long and I will tell you Mark knows what he is talking about!

I only use a victorianox knife at work. Know I got mine as a handme down so price Im not sure on. I used it all skinning season and it worked awesome! Kept an edge, easy to sharpen and all round good feel to it.

Cant say I've gutted a deer with this thing but from the workload I put it through I would say its up to task for sure

[The Hermit]

Take a close look at Fallkniven Knives. Buy an F1 and never look back! Currently on sale at VantagePoint-Outfitters.com

[troutseeker]

And don't forget the good old exacto snap off blade knives! Not really good for gutting, but cheap and great for skinning.

[Blair]

Get a less expensive (as opposed to cheap) knife and spend some of the extra money on a good sharpening system. It blows my mind how many people have expensive knives and never sharpen them (especially non-hunters, non-fishers).

[Blair]

PS - I use one of my shorter fish filleting knives for boning - it works great. A few years back I was on a trip with 4 older and very experienced hunters who made fun of my fish knife when I brought it out as we began to bone out 3 moose so we could pack them out with the horses. Before long, they were all grabbing it and using it every time I put it down.

[srupp]

I have used many ,many knifes..

1) piraznta does not make a good skinning gutting knife..too sharp..inside a hidden cavity IMO..I use the Piranta for caping but also have a custom caper..

2)I use specialty skinners for skinning jobs..big sweeps in the blade..

3)For general purpose gutting and such I use a " cheap" G-9 knife imitation of a buck knife actually better than a buck knife..I dont like buck knifes personaly..not to thik or wide or long a blade..blade maybe 4 1/2 " long 3/4? wide..not too thick but decend spine so not to flex..sharpens easy..retains a good edge..CHEAP..

I have several Victorinox(sp) flexible boning knifes ..for boning out the animal...

thats my selection...funnyI own some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ knifes and plenty of em..G-9 is the one I reach for or Bog knife..

cheers

Steven

[Squamch]

I use a Wyoming knife, but I have a buck 119 that lives in my pack year round, and sees lots of use. The handle is slippery as eel shit, but I wrapped it in sailmakers thread and it's great now.

[David]

Last word of advice: Frost makes a rubber handle knife for about $ 20.00 that holds and edge and will take an edge better than any cheap knife I have ever seen. It has a plastic case and comes in many colors.
Good luck......

I know I'm late to the party - but the above is what I use. You used to be able to get them for $9.00, but people are now aware of them and the price has gone up. Most marine stores (like Steveston) carry them - hold an edge better than most Bucks or Gerbers that I've seen.

Here is a link:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444228 1351&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302701313

Me.

[goatdancer]

If you want a 6" Swibo, look up Stuffers butcher supplies. They are in the lower mainland. The price is under $30.

[JCVD]

General Knife = Mora - Good site for variety - http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

Boning and fillet knife for just that.

Exacto,Olfa etc for glands or the whole animal if you like it.

[Stéphane]

Mark, let me thank you for saving me a ton of money. I just bought a boning knife from my butcher (former butcher since he's retiring). He sold me a brand new Victorinox boning knife. He even showed me how to sharpen it, made a cardboard sheathe. Sold it to me for $30. I know I could have gotten one for cheaper, but really, not a big deal.
The problem is, I'll need to buy another since I can't stop using it in the kitchen. :)

[~T-BONE~]

In my trade I've found the Swibo knives to have the best steel and hold their edge better than the victornox! only thingh with swibo is that it takes longer to sharpen.

Having said that I still rather pack my folding buck and steel!