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A Hunting Guide’s Perspective on KNIVES



I carried knifes all-day, every day for over a decade of guiding big game hunts in the wilderness. The knives I used changed over the years, and I developed preferences.

In this video I go over the pros and cons of many different individual models/shapes of knives and general categories (fixed blade vs replaceable blade knives).

00:00 – Intro
00:40 – Everyday Carry Knives
04:00 – Clips vs Sheaths
05:15 – Why EDC for Field Dressing?
06:30 – Hunting Knives
08:35 – The Infamous Mora Knife
09:35 – Scandi Grind Thoughts
11:00 – Scandi Grind Mora Destruction
12:00 – Replaceable Blade Knives
14:00 – Misc. Knives You Need
15:00 – Butcher Set

#knives #hunting #elkhunting #muledeerhunting #backpackhunting #adventure #selfreliance #pursuitwithcliff

Below you will find Amazon Affiliate links to products discussed or used in the video. I make a commission from your use of these links, but using the link will not affect the price you pay for any items.

Camillus Wedge 5.75″ Folding Knife
https://amzn.to/3IXGelX

Benchmade Knife
940 Osborne | Green Aluminum

Leatherman
https://amzn.to/3HjfxXx

Leatherman Sheath (Slightly Different Than Mine, Mine is No Longer Made)
https://amzn.to/3HjfxXx

Buck 110
https://amzn.to/3D1sTVI

Buck 110 Sheath
https://amzn.to/3GUAqai

Buck 113
https://amzn.to/3HkGYA8

Buck 113 Sheath Cross Draw
https://amzn.to/3D2xDL7

Yukon Belt Knife (Not Amazon – Can Only Buy From Knives of Alaska)
https://www.knivesofalaska.com/Store/yukon/xtreme-yukon-1-suregrip

Kestrel Ovis Hunter (Not Amazon – Manufacturers Website)
https://www.kestrelknives.com/shop/ovishunter

Rat 3 Knife
https://amzn.to/3IWZAHU

Rat 3 Sheath Cross Draw
https://amzn.to/402whKf

Mora Knife
https://amzn.to/3kwRQlP

Kershaw Ultra-Tek Sharpener (Small rod I use to sharpen with in the field)
https://amzn.to/3ZMJ1V0

Havalon
https://amzn.to/3wnNSON

Outdoor Edge
https://amzn.to/3HiEceQ

Bird Beak Knife
https://amzn.to/3iQio0K

Small Bone Saw
https://amzn.to/3Hgmnx4

Dexter Boning Knife
https://amzn.to/3GYhlDY

Dexter Fillet Knife
https://amzn.to/3QS02ca

Dexter Breaking Knife
https://amzn.to/3GNCdxy

Butcher Knife Roll
https://amzn.to/3XqRrQo

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WATCH MORE FROM CLIFF:

Hunting Skillsets – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDQM1niPWMJcklqBsHtACuz4
E-Scouting Series – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDRIDoAIOJB82bUBH9jTyi89
Hunting Gear – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDQj1O54HxR9h9Ttd9UUiqN6
Glassing – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDRuV2AOzDf_NRb1u85C-DgO
Catch, Clean, Cook Adventures – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDQYoRRfWdj20yBMZzTOsIiM
Hunt Preparation and Logistics – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDQk-RfxKQiceG2BgIHhHfLK
Hunting Horseback – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDTVUjfwEsQEtjK3U-cxIoEw
Marksmanship – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDTNHCv_4aFryW_0rSyGN0uV
Wildlife Tracking – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVWcO28moDSMc6YE0uOYFbSMA3qC1JZW

PLEASE NOTE:
*Cliff no longer takes on new guided hunt or expedition clients. He sold all operating outfitting/guiding businesses prior to 2021.

20 Comments

  1. That was a very interesting perspective from a field guide and hunter. Just two things: you don' t necessarily replace an exchangeable blade, should it get dull as you can sharpen these too or touch them up with the rod. The same goes for Scandi bevel knives: just enhance the sharpening bevel a little (they are usually around 12 degrees per side) when field sharpening… And back at home you can restore the original accute bevel. Best regards from Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria

  2. This is why I use a chainsaw. It cuts through hide,hair,flesh,bone and the occasional 2×4 or fence post. Sure your meat might taste like bar oil but it gets the job done and fast.

  3. You got me so hard. In 30 min im gonna go down into the basement grinding the edges into a knifeblank. I spent more time making my knifes then using them.šŸ˜‚

  4. I am not a fan if Buck fixed blades, maybe because I have no need for one. But I love their folders, great quality for the value.

  5. I settled on a Leatherman for my EDC. Too much value in the other tools to ignore. I never notice the weight on my belt, wouldn't be acceptable in a pocket, though.
    For hunting, I keep it simple, light, and inexpensive with a Buck Bantam. I back that up with a Mora.

  6. A decade of guiding..? Doesnt add up man.. youre 23 years old.. sooo a decade ago would put you at 13.. doesnt add up..

  7. I find as I get older my knives have gotten lighter and more utilitarian. My daily carry for two years now is a Kabar Dozier and I love it. The blue handle is easy to see every where, it is maintenance free and opens/closes one handed. Which is important when you have 5 calves trying to bully you for a bale of hay.

  8. Somebody made a comment the other day.
    "Sharpen once hone for a lifetime"

  9. The anointing "hunting knife" is subject to much debate. Is it a knife that the hunter carries with him to slice his meat and vegetables, is it a knife for skinning wild boar or deer, or is it a knife that does all of these? Such a knife should have an anatomical, non-slip grip and a 4-5'' edge length and preferably not space steel. For folding knives no talk of a hunting knife they are too small, flimsy and dangerous for heavy use unless one is hunting ants, they are only good for opening cartons.

  10. My understanding has always been Scandi grind knives are great for bushcrafy shit but not hunting tasks, so its pretty funny to hear all the Mora fans pissin n moanin in the comments because it means they dont even understand what the point of their "favorite" knife is

  11. The Buck 110 isn't intended to be carried in a pocket, that's why it comes with a belt pouch.[altho' I carried one in a hip pocket for years]

  12. awesome video!
    So I am a new Hunter and I’m looking for a knife for field dressing Whitetail deer . I was looking at the buck 110 with the drop point tip or the buck 113 which one do you recommend?

    I will not be processing just looking for field dressing

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