A good-quality skinning knife should always be among the first things to add to your hunting backpack. The advantages of carrying a good-quality skinning knife are many, such as it will make many chores on the hunting field not only simpler and easier but also well-organized. However, it is crucial for you to be carrying the right kind of knife that has been specifically designed for this very purpose. Also, you must have sufficient knowledge with regards to the skinning knife care and maintenance so that it can serve you a lifetime and not only one hunting season.
1. Fixed Blade vs. Folding Blade
This is one of the most basic decisions that you will have to make with respect to your skinning knife. Each of the blade types carries their own set of pros and cons. It is up to you to make the better choice; however, this is my insight: the skinning knife with a fixed blade will be more durable and reliable. However, the con of carrying a fixed-blade skinning knife is that these cannot be carried in a compact way. On the other hand, the folding-blade skinning knife does require a locking system as well. The typical choice of hunters is carrying a skinning knife with a "lock-back". In case you chose for a folding blade, you ought to make sure that the locking system stays clear of filth and meat so that your skinning knife can work effectively.
2. The Material and Design of the Skinning Knife
Disregarding the blade-type of your skinning knife, the blade material of your skinning knife should be the best quality. Do not compromise on that. In this regard, you will want a blade that is made of the right kind of material along with being of the right shape and size. The perfect material and design of the skinning knife will ensure that the skinning chores are maneuvered as simple and as effective as possible. Typically, the blades of skinning knives have a clip-point that allows the wielder of the skinning knife to administer precise cuts. If the skinning knife includes a "gut-hook", it will also make the skinning process easier and simple. With regards to the steel of the skinning knife, I recommend getting a "420HC" steel which is not only durable but also easy to sharpen and capable of resisting the buildup of rust and corrosion.
3. The Maintenance of Your Skinning Knife
If you won't develop the habit of regularly maintaining and caring for your skinning knife, it will be useless how much you spent on the best skinning knife and how good the material is. The skinning knife requires to be cleaned regularly; specifically, the folding-blade skinning knife where even the tiniest corrosion can result in the malfunctioning of the skinning knife. The pivot area of the folding-blade skinning knife requires to be lubricated at regular intervals in order to ensure smooth functioning.
If you see that the blade of your skinning knife has started to discolor; it is a high indicator that you need to clean your skinning knife. Do not forget to sharpen the blade; this is also important with regard to your safety. A dull knife is a dangerous knife. A dull knife will also cause the wielder to exert more pressure while using the knife. This aspect might result in broken blades or the slipping of the blade and the subsequent injury. While you are sharpening your skinning knife, make sure not to apply too much pressure as this might damage your skinning knife as well; a light touch ought to do the work.
No comments:
Post a Comment