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Many hunters may initially find home processing daunting, especially when it comes to skinning a deer. However, with the right tools and a bit of practice, this task can be efficiently completed in ten minutes or less.
We’re firm believers in working smarter and not harder. The key is to find a good deer skinning knife that can make the process easier and more manageable, ultimately reducing the risk of meat loss. Thus, we set out to find the best skinning knives for deer available today.
Key Considerations
A good deer skinning knife has many of the same attributes as a standard hunting knife. Much of the choice is based on personal preference. What works for one hunter may not be ideal for another. However, we looked for some critical things in making these selections.
- Blade Size: Most good deer skinning knives are in the 2-to-4-inch range. Anything more than that is a bit much for whitetails and mule deer. Shorter knives also offer better control, which is essential when learning skinning for the first time.
- Blade Style: Drop point blades with a deep belly are usually best for skinning, although there are specialty skinner blades that will also do the job. I looked for blades with tips that wouldn’t easily snag or puncture the hide.
- Steel Type: High-quality steels hold an edge longer, making skinning much easier. However, I tried to find options covering multiple price points that didn’t sacrifice too much edge retention.
- Folding: I focused mainly on fixed blade knives because they offer the best strength and leverage. These knives are also easier to clean than a folder with parts that can get clogged with blood and fat.
- Price: We didn’t want to fill this list exclusively with $200-$300 knives. I tried to find options that would fit any budget without sacrificing quality.
Best Overall: Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter
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PROS CONS
- Incredible factory edge
- Unmatched control
- Two sets of jimping
- Scales aren’t our favorite
- Sheath isn’t great
We picked the Hidden Canyon Hunter as our best hunting knife, and it was an easy choice for a skinning knife. Benchmade offers an S30V and S90V steel variant of this one. I found that the factory edge was hair-popping sharp in my testing. This knife will take the skin off a deer like butter. The drop point blade is very thoughtfully designed. It has a deep belly with two sets of jimping. The first is in a standard location in the usual spot ahead of the handle. However, the second set further down the blade makes this knife stand out. It helps give this knife some unbelievable control.
I’m not a massive fan of the wooden scales on this knife. They are beautiful, but they feel a bit slick. However, during testing, they performed better during a wet hands test than when dry. I was surprised but couldn’t argue with the result. The sheath isn’t my favorite, but it has a low profile. I don’t consider either of these deal-breakers because the rest of the blade is so great.
Best Budget: SOG Tellus FX Blaze
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PROS CONS
- Affordable
- Solid ergonomics
- Versatile beyond hunting
- Sheath clip is hit-or-miss
SOG’s reputation has wavered back and forth recently, but the Tellus FX Blaze is a solid knife for under $50. The finger groove and jimping combine for some solid ergonomics. An orange handle makes it easy to relocate if set down while skinning in the dark. This knife has extra value because it can double as an EDC in the offseason. Meanwhile, the 4.2-inch drop point blade is right in the sweet spot for a skinning knife. It has a decently deep belly for optimal cutting.
SOG packages this knife with a sheath that utilizes its universal mounting system. Loosen a few screws to change the height and configuration of the clip. Depending on the user’s knife-carrying preferences, the system is a bit hit-or-miss. This is one situation in which going simpler might have been a better idea. For hunters planning to carry their skinning tool in a pack, it’s a non-factor for this affordable knife.
Best Disposable Blade: Gerber Vital Folder
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PROS CONS
- Blades are easy to replace
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Difficult to clean
- Edge retention isn’t great
One of the newer trends for hunting knives is disposable blades for quick and easy replacement. We love the convenience of quickly swapping blades rather than stopping for a touch-up with a whetstone. This is a good option for anyone who doesn’t have time to resharpen before their hunt. Additionally, the replacement blades are surprisingly affordable. Another reason we like this knife is that Gerber offers two blade styles. The standard drop point can easily be swapped for a blunt tip to protect the hide from punctures. It’s essentially having two blade types in one knife. This is a good knife for anyone who wants versatility. It can easily transition into small game and bird hunting roles.
Unfortunately, edge retention isn’t great on these blades. Most users might find that they go through them faster than average. It’s also a problematic knife to sharpen. The folding mechanism and blade swap system can trap dirt, hair, and blood. It’s not a deal-breaking feature but a trade-off for not sharpening a blade again. Considering the bargain price point, it’s worthy for hunters on a budget.
Best Backcountry Option: CRKT Soldotna
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PROS CONS
- Excellent ergonomics
- Versatile blade
- Built for the elements
- Expensive for the steel quality
Backcountry hunts present an extra challenge for skinning. A knife will also probably be needed to quarter the animal in the field. The 3.48-inch blade of the Soldotna is the perfect size for both. I love how this knife’s Micarta handle feels in the hand. It was extremely well-balanced during my testing. At the same time, I wasn’t afraid to put a little leverage on it, either. It’s a surprisingly robust knife, considering that it weighs only slightly more than 3 ounces. This is a knife that most hunters won’t even notice in their heavy backcountry pack. CRKT designed this knife with TOPS knives, and the quality of both companies shows. Some hunters might think it overkill, but I love the Cerakote finish here. It just adds a lot more corrosion resistance and toughness. It’s an excellent option for wet hunting environments like the Pacific Northwest.
This knife costs $200, which is expensive for a blade made from 1095 steel. However, I suspect that some of the price comes from that Cerakote finish I mentioned earlier. I look at this one as more of an investment piece. The construction is excellent, and the finish will give it years of longevity. The Soldotna is the type of knife that can be passed on to the next generation of hunters.
Best Lightweight: ESEE Izula
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PROS CONS
- Easy cleaning
- Incredibly light
- Affordable price point
- Skeletonized handle isn’t the most ergonomic
- Tight sheath retention
The ESEE Izula is an incredibly versatile knife that can do a little bit of everything. The 2.8-inch blade is the perfect size for whitetails. This is a highly rugged knife thanks to a one-piece construction. I was never afraid to put any leverage on this blade for more strenuous tasks. Although, I doubt that most hunters will need to work the blade hard. The knife I tested came with an excellent factory edge. At only 1.90 ounces, this knife is hardly noticeable in a pocket or hunting pack.
The skeletonized handle might not be to everyone’s liking. This is an ideal knife for a paracord handle. I also found the sheath retention to be tight during my testing. It remains to be seen whether it will loosen with time. Otherwise, I love this knife for skinning.
Best Traditional: Buck Knives 103 Skinner
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PROS CONS
- Great ergonomics
- Wide blade optimal for skinning
- Classic looks
- Sheath isn’t anything special
We love how, as much as times change, Buck Knives stay mostly the same. The 103 Skinner is the definition of a classic hunting knife. It has a signature black handle and metal bolster with a satin finish. It’s almost too pretty to skin with. Buck gave this knife a wide blade with a deep belly. It has a subdued tip that won’t puncture or catch on a smaller hide in tight areas. The ergonomics here are excellent. This knife is a great choice for hunters with larger hands. It would also be a good choice for anyone who wants more control during skinning.
Most modern Buck knives don’t come with great sheaths. It’s not a horrible one, but it’s nothing special, either. Ultimately, it’s an acceptable trade-off since there are aftermarket options. The Skinner is a beautiful, functional knife perfect for the traditional hunter.
Best Control: TOPS Quick Skin
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PROS CONS
- Excellent ergonomics
- Awesome blade control
- Two points of jimping
- Heavy
- Expensive
The deeper the belly, the easier it is to skin a deer. TOPS’ Quick Skin knife offers just that. The wide Sheepsfoot blade does most of the work for the hunter. At the same time, it’s blunted, preventing hide damage. There are two sets of jimping on this blade. The second set near the front of the blade helps with leverage where precision is needed. It wasn’t necessary, but we appreciate that TOPS gave this knife a Cerakote finish. It helps significantly with the corrosion resistance for wet hunts.
That finish, combined with the fact that TOPS knives are made in the USA, does drive the price up a little. This knife is also one of the heavier options out there. We like this knife best for anyone who needs optimal ergonomics and control over all else.
How To Choose The Best Skinning Knives for Deer
Most quality hunting knives can also double as a skinning knife. Skilled hunters can quickly skin and quarter a whitetail or mule deer with one knife. An expensive knife won’t necessarily turn a person into a skilled skinner overnight. It takes a lot of practice and patience to get good at it. Ultimately, many hunters develop unique, personalized methods for skinning. Some prefer to hang the deer head up. Others prefer to hang the animal with its head down. Some hunters like to remove the head and lower legs first; other hunters remove these later. Still, some key features are essential to any deer skinning knife.
Blade Type
Skinning a deer with a classic Bowie knife or other clip point blade is possible. However, the finer point is also prone to snagging on the deer’s hide. It’s not the best choice for hunters planning to tan the hide. Subsequently, blades with an upswept or dulled point are preferable. Drop points are by far the most popular these days. The deep belly helps control and separate the hide from the meat.
Handles
If the skinning is done correctly, then hunters don’t need to work the blade of their knife too hard. However, having a decent texture for more control and leverage is nice. Comfortable handles are especially important in cold conditions. They also help when the deer has been dead for a long time. The more the animal has stiffened, the harder the skinning job.
Steel Type
Picking a steel type for a skinning knife goes together with deciding on a budget. Technically, any low-grade steel, even 8Cr13MoV, can skin a deer. The main difference is in performance. Quality steels like S30V or S90V will hold an edge for an extremely long time. Most can process multiple deer before being re-sharpened. Even some mid-priced steel like 440C holds an edge better than low-grade high-carbon steel. This is usually a trade-off decision because the better steels result in a higher price point.
Knife Type
Most hunters prefer a fixed blade for skinning tasks. A fixed blade knife with a full tang is much more robust and slightly more versatile. Folding blades offer an advantage in weight and storage. However, folders are difficult to clean because blood, fat, and hair can clog the internals. One recent trend is for skinning knives with disposable blades. These are a good option for anyone who doesn’t like sharpening their knives. The trade-off is that replacement blades are a continuous cost over the life of the knife.
Why Trust Us
In addition to hunting whitetails for the last 23 years, I’ve covered knives professionally for the last decade. I’ve used my share of knives, both sharp and dull, on deer. Subsequently, I’ve learned what types of knives work best for these chores and what don’t. I ensured that this piece didn’t include knives that hadn’t previously stacked up for me.
Final Thoughts
There are tons of options for skinning knives for deer. Technically, any drop point with a tip that’s not too sharp is good for the job. However, the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter blew me away with its edge retention and control. It’s a versatile little knife that seamlessly transitions from gutting an animal to starting butchering. My second favorite is the CRKT Soldotna for its ergonomic handle and corrosion-resistant blade.
FAQs
Q: What is the best length for a skinning knife?
A: Skinning knives don’t need to be huge. For deer, a knife in the 2.5-to-4-inch range is perfect. Although skinning a deer with a longer knife is possible, shorter knives are easier to control in tight areas. This is especially true around tendons and when separating the tail from the carcass.
Q: What is the best shape for a deer skinning knife?
A: Drop point and skinning blades are ideal because they feature a deep belly that is better suited for long, sweeping cuts. These blades usually have a more subdued point that won’t punch holes in the hide and ruin it.
Q: Should a skinning knife be sharp?
A: Absolutely. Sharp knives make the job easier, but they also make it much safer. When a knife cuts cleanly, there is less need for excessive pressure that could cause a hand to slip. Hides removed from a deer will also have less damage, since removing them requires less effort.
