Knife Question

[Jim Dandy]

For most of my hunting life, I've used a Buck 118 for field dressing. It still works but is getting more and more difficult to sharpen. Also, the blade is going dull quicker than it used to. My dad gave it to me for high school graduation. I'm 54 now, so it's seen a lot of use. I like fixed blade knives and am looking at the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner as a possible replacement. I have a Benchmade Adiria salt water model that is absolutely outstanding quality. Does anyone have experience with the Saddle Mountain? I am open to other blades as well. Thanks to all.


Dandy

 

[Taudisio]

Hand me anything with better edge retention over 420 stainless, unless it is a replaceable blade. A sentimental knife like you have is a different story. Benchmade uses some quality blade steels that will hold an edge longer, but that can lead to a more difficult time sharpening. You can also find that buck uses some of the new super steel blade materials along with all other knife companies. As long as the knife is coming from a reputable company and has a newer blade steel, you can find what you’re looking for. I believe buck did runs of all the classic knives with a better steel and you may be able to find the 117 or similar with quality edge retention.

https://www.bladehq.com/blog/knife-steel-guide

 

[Lionheart]

Thread 'Help finalize the "Dixie Zipper" (Mini CBK) for a group buy'

Jan 31, 2025

@Dixie has been working on perfecting a Mini CBK (Canadian Belt Knife) design. I am in LOVE with the design and its effectiveness as a skinning/processing knife.

The name "Dixie Zipper" is inspired in part by @nebhunt when he said this about a knife Dixie sent him:

"The handle design also makes it easy to unzip the hide off animals when you flip it over."​

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I completely agree, when I used Dixie's knife, it was like unzipping the hide, just crazy. Unless you have one of these unique designs you just don't know how easy it is. The "zipper" feature is because...

• hereinaz
• Replies: 702
• Forum: Gear

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[RADunfee]

Look at the ESEE AGK (Ashley game knife). It comes in 1095 high carbon or S35VN. It's an amazing skinning, do-it-all knife.

 

[brca005]

While I just bought 2 MKC knives, as I like the company story and the generational promise, where as long as MKC is around, anyone can send in their knife and have it sharpened for free then sent back. They will also give your knife a look over and fix anything else wrong with it.

With that said, I'm a big fan of the look of the Argali Serac and they also offer free sharpening for life and a lifetime warranty. I also like the values Argali has as a company.

White River Knives also puts out a good knife, the Ursus Cub feels very nice in my hand and is small enough to cut up an animal but has enough behind it to make it a camp knife as well.