Field Dressing Knife

[Gunowner99]

On the off chance that I actually do get a deer this year and I have the need to field dress it and I feel comfortable doing it, do you have a recommendation for a knife? I bought a Havalon piranta edge. That has the replaceable blades in it and I know they are wicked sharp. Is this suitable for field dressing or should I get something with the gut hook and if so what?

[LMTguy]

My grandfather, my dad and I all have the Buck 119. I've never needed anything more. Some of the guys I hunt with use a gut hook but mainly when skinning. Any knife will work just use what you are comfortable with.

[Hoppy]

I have a fixed blade knife I made about 20 years ago. It has a decent edge and can get quite sharp, just seems to dull quickly. I've dressed small game with it, no deer.

I would like to get an Opinel carbon steel knife and give it a good treatment, think seasoning a pan, or some people even pickle them.
They have a thin blade that apparently can hold a great sharp edge. $15-$20 too.

[unclejumbo]

Buck 691

[God's Country]

KISS

Any folding or fixed blade 3" or less is plenty. I use a folding lock blade knife. Blade is about 2". Plenty for field dressing a deer. Remember you'll be up to your elbows, so too long will just get in the way. You don't need to split the rib cage or the pelvis. If you want to do either or both find a small folding saw.

You should get comfortable with the idea of gutting a deer, because you're not getting it out any other way.

[Karys]

You should be fine with your Havalon.

I carry a folding filet knife as well. It’s easier to get the long, thin blade in around the back end.

[aubie515]

I've been using the Havalon for the last few years and it hasn't let me down. Ultra light and sharp...you can do about two deer on one blade.

[lts1ow]

I started with a mora companion and 511, then switched to a OKC rat3

[MT1]

My grandfather, my dad and I all have the Buck 119. I've never needed anything more. Some of the guys I hunt with use a gut hook but mainly when skinning. Any knife will work just use what you are comfortable with.

This. In addition, make sure it hold a good edge. You'll want something with a good textured grip. You'll be surprised how slippery heavy blood is when you're up to your elbows in a chest cavity.

[mpan72]

Whether you are comfortable of not you will have to field dress a deer if you get one. You need to get the guts out and cool the cavity as quickly as possible. It is safer and will produce better meat. i know some people have not been able to locate a deer until the next day but I would not let it wait if I find it before nightfall.

As others have said a decent folder is enough and what you have will work as well. I have had several knives in the field with me and have yet to use one on a deer so take my advise with that caveat.

I have used an Opinel on a squirrel.