To the Hunters on Here

[PocketZen]

I was lucky enough to draw a Cow Elk tag for this fall and will be going out for the first time. I am super excited. I plan to take my Spyderco Super Blue Stretch and either my CruWear or Super Blue Mule.

My Question is, What type of edge do you like on your hunting knife?
- What Grit do you stop at?
- Do you prefer a more acute, Low degrees per side (DPS) edge or somewhat higher like 15+ DPS

Thank you all for anything you would like to share!

[Doc Dan]

I like about 15 on each side. This give me a fine enough edge for good cutting, but still durable enough in case I encounter bone, debris in hair, etc. I have also used 20 per side. I cannot say what grit on the SB as I do not have a knife in that steel.

[jmh58]

Well.. The only animal I hunt are rabbits (beagler).. And as anyone who has ever shot a rabbit and skinned/gutted it knows that you really don't need a knife as they are thin skinned.. But being a knifey, you never know what will be in my pocket, around my neck or hanging from my belt when I show up.. I have used everything from my fingers to a custom RW Wilson with a 4in blade.. I sharpen my hunting blades to 22-25.. Sorry for the story and not being much help... But.. Ya know!! :D John :)

[Phil Wilson]

Pocketzen, for processing game I like an edge that has some bite. A fine polished edge will tend to just slide on hair and hide. To check for bite get some manila rope from Lowe's or a hardware store and do some cutting. If you get the edge right it will cut clean and leave a shiny side to the cut and make a "scrunch" sound on a draw. With some cutting you will soon see what I mean. 30 inclusive is a good place to start and go for less depending on how it acts on the rope cut. I like a diamond plate or SC Norton medium or fine stone. A diamond at 600 grit is about right. A Cow elk is not a large as a bull but still a pretty good chore to process. Try to stay away from cutting direct on bone and make cuts from the inside so you are not always cutting through hair. You will be surprised how fast hair and hide on an elk can take the edge off . This is test for a good knife. A lot of good clean and lean meat. Good luck and let us know how your hunt goes. Phil

[Mad Mac]

Have not done much skinning myself, but have helped Cousin Dave and his son process half a dozen feral swine at a time. (We have a corral trap and have caught as many as 22 at one time. I give the rest to a local fellow.) They each have several knives and bring their sharpening stone with them to freshen the edges during the processing as needed. I bought a Bill Moran so the next time we skin those noble beasts I will not be knife shamed.

[PocketZen]

I like about 15 on each side. This give me a fine enough edge for good cutting, but still durable enough in case I encounter bone, debris in hair, etc. I have also used 20 per side. I cannot say what grit on the SB as I do not have a knife in that steel.

Thanks Doc Dan. That is helpful. I appreciate your experience.

[PocketZen]

Well... I have used everything from my fingers to a custom RW Wilson with a 4in blade.. I sharpen my hunting blades to 22-25.. Sorry for the story and not being much help... But.. Ya know!! :D John :)

Ideas are help. Thanks

[PocketZen]

Pocketzen, for processing game I like an edge that has some bite. A fine polished edge will tend to just slide on hair and hide. To check for bite get some manila rope from Lowe's or a hardware store and do some cutting. If you get the edge right it will cut clean and leave a shiny side to the cut and make a "scrunch" sound on a draw. With some cutting you will soon see what I mean. 30 inclusive is a good place to start and go for less depending on how it acts on the rope cut. I like a diamond plate or SC Norton medium or fine stone. A diamond at 600 grit is about right. A Cow elk is not a large as a bull but still a pretty good chore to process. Try to stay away from cutting direct on bone and make cuts from the inside so you are not always cutting through hair. You will be surprised how fast hair and hide on an elk can take the edge off . This is test for a good knife. A lot of good clean and lean meat. Good luck and let us know how your hunt goes. Phil

Hello Phil Wilson,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience and a very practical way for me to test the edge. That's extremely helpful! I will pick up that rope and use my dmt plates down to 600grit (red) on the CruWear mule. Then test and go from there. :D PZ

[PocketZen]

I bought a Bill Moran so the next time we skin those noble beasts I will not be knife shamed.

Hard to be knife shamed when you have a :spyder: