Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter vs Saddle Mountain Skinner

[kpbrown31]

Is the Hidden Canyon Hunter too small to be a primary knife for breaking down an elk on a backcountry hunt? It would be used for an elk hunt out west every 1-2 years, and then typical deer or turkey around home. Narrowed it down to these two with S90V blade steel and just trying to decide so I can order online while Scheels is running a sale .

Curious on experiences with either. Thanks!

 

[WeiserBucks]

Either one will be fine, I've done a ton of elk with just a Havalon and it uses tiny blades. A quality knife is money well spent but you don't need a Rambo sword to break down game.

 

[jimh406]

I have the Saddle Mountain Skinner, and the extra length isn't going to hurt.

 

[Jbehredt]

Love my saddle mountain skinner. It’s nice to have a “real” knife when you walk up on your elk. Especially if you’re ever solo. One less worry.

 

[repins05]

I have both the skinner and the hidden canyon (actually have two of the skinners now......).

I prefer the longer blade and handle on the skinner to quarter and debone elk. It is much more efficient with skinning versus the smaller hidden canyon. I now carry a skinner on me and one in my pack. It is without a doubt, the best hunting knife I have used. Well balanced and fits my grip well. The blades stay sharp for a long period of time and they are also easy to sharpen.

 

[kpbrown31]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!