Best Skinning Knife: Reviews & Buying Guide

There is a wide range of skinning knives on the market. They vary in size, shape, material, sharpness, etc. To determine which skinning knife is best suited for you, you need to consider your needs and whether a particular knife’s features meet them.

We have compiled the 8 best skinning knives on Amazon for your consideration. We also provide a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right one for you.

8 Best Skinning Knives

Below is a review of 8 of the best skinning knives on Amazon.

1. Best Overall: Mossberg Fixed Blade Knife

The Mossberg fixed blade knife is one of the bestselling hunting knives on Amazon, and understandably so. It delivers great value at an affordable price. It is durable and lightweight. It makes for a great gift for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 3.5-inch fixed blade is made of stainless steel with an anti-glare finish. The curved shape of the blade and the gut hook makes it easy to open the skin and separate it from the flesh smoothly. The curved, camo-handle offers a non-slip grip. It has a finger hole for better control when cutting. In addition, this skinning knife comes with a ballistic cloth sheath for easy storage and portability.

Features

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Blade Length: 3.5-inch
• Blade Point: Drop point blade with a gut hook
• Handle Material: Nylon

Pros

• Lightweight
• Sturdy and durable
• Has a gut hook
• Suitable for skinning deer
• Comes with a sheath
• Giftable
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Some people find it too short

2. Best 2-Piece Skinning Knife Set: Elk-Ridge 2-Piece Hunting Knife Set

The Elk Ridge knife set consists of two fixed blade hunting knives – a 6.5-inches gut hook knife and a 7-inch trailing point knife.

The blades are made of 440 black stainless steel, which provides a good balance of hardness and a fine edge for excellent cutting efficiency. They have a full-tang construction for stability. The handles are made of nylon fibers and are camo-coated.

The gut hook knife has a curved handle and a finger hole for optimal grip and good control. On the other hand, the trailing point knife has finger grooves for a non-slip grip. It also has a lanyard hole for easy portability. They come in a 2-in-1 nylon sheath.

Features

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Blade Length: 3 and 3.5-inch
• Blade Point: Drop point blade with a gut hook and trailing point
• Handle Material: Nylon

Pros

• Quality, sturdy build
• Suitable for use on small and medium game
• One of the blades has a gut hook
• Comfortable and non-slip grip handles
• Comes with a sheath

Cons

• Blade dulls easily

3. Best Premium: ESEE Ashley Game Skinning Knife

The Esse Ashley game skinning knife has a premium-quality build with a classic finish. Its 3.5-inch blade is made of high carbon stainless steel with a black oxide stone-washed finish.

The handle is made of canvas micarta, and it is removable. It is constructed with a finger guard for safer and firmer handling. It also has a lanyard loop for easy storage and portability.

Features

• Blade Material: High carbon stainless steel
• Blade Length: 3.5-inch
• Blade Point: Spey Point
• Handle Material: Micarta

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Classic finish and feel
• Premium-quality build
• Suitable as a gift
• Suitable for use with skinning deer

Cons

• Pricey

4. Mossy Oak 3-Piece Fixed Blade Hunting Knife

This set consists of the following types of skinning knives:

• 10-inch gut hook knife
• 10.5-inch drop point knife
• 6.75-inch small drop pint knife

All the knives feature fixed blades made of stainless steel for sturdiness and abrasion resistance. In addition, they have a full tang construction for stability and sturdiness.

The manufacturer pays keen attention to safety. All blades have six anti-skid grooves on the back of the blade. The wooden handles have finger grooves for a firm grip. They also have finger guards to prevent your fingers from slipping towards the sharp blade edge even when using it in wet conditions.

They come in an oxford bag sheath. The sheath features button closures and diagonal buckle closure to hold the knives securely. The sheath has a belt loop to keep the knives close by or for portability.

Features

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Blade Length: 2.75, 5, and 5.5-inch
• Blade Point: Drop point and gut hook
• Handle Material: Wood

Pros

• 3-in-1 set
• Durable, sturdy build
• Several safety features
• Comes in a sheath

Cons

• Handles are not durable

5. Buck Knives 103 Skinner Pro Fixed Blade Hunting Knife

The Buck Knives Skinner Pro hunting knife is a premium-quality knife. It is thoughtfully built with an ambidextrous hand orientation.

The 4-inch blade is made of stainless steel. It has a narrow tip and a wide curved belly for a smooth skinning experience, even when cutting through thick layers of skin. The downward angled point prevents accidental slicing of the hide.

The canvas micarta handle provides a comfortable grip and balanced handling. It has aluminum finger guards for safe handling, even with wet hands. The full tang construction makes it sturdy and strong for skinning larger game.

It comes packaged in a high-quality leather sheath with a snap fastener for convenient carry. The sheath also has a belt loop which allows you to carry the knife securely and for easy access.

Features

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Blade Length: 4-inch
• Blade Point: Drop point blade
• Handle Material: Wood

Pros

• Made in the US
• Premium-quality build
• Wider blade
• Safe and ergonomic handle
• Comes with a sheath

Cons

• Pricey

6. Old Timer 1520T Sharpfinger 7.1 Skinner Blade

This skinning knife’s blade is designed to be durable, strong, ultra-sharp, and has great edge retention. The 3.3-inch blade is made of high carbon stainless steel. The knife has a full tang design. Its handle is made of sawcut Delrin. It is curved and textured for a non-slip and comfortable grip. It also has a lanyard hole for easy transportation and storage. The knife comes with a brown leather belt sheath.

Features

• Blade Material: High carbon stainless steel
• Blade Length: 3.3-inch
• Blade Point: Clip point
• Handle Material: Wood

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Sturdy and strong build
• Ergonomic handle
• Comes with a sheath

Cons

• Handle comes apart easily

7. GladiatorsGuild Skinner Hunting Knife

The GladiatorsGuild 64 hunting knife had a unique yet functional design. It is handmade with a Damascus steel finish.

It has a drop point design with a gut hook for easy skinning. Its fixed blade and full-tang construction make it strong and sturdy.

The handle is made of custom walnut wood riveted at different points. It comes with a sheath for easy storage and portability. The manufacturer recommends applying vegetable oil on the blade to protect the Damascus steel blade.

Features

• Blade Material: Stainless steel alloy
• Blade Length: 3.3-inch
• Blade Point: Drop point with gut hook
• Handle Material: Walnut wood

Pros

• Sturdy build
• Has a gut hook
• Comes with a leather sheath

Cons

• Some people find it too small

8. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife

The Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade is a versatile outdoor knife used for different functions, including food prep, carving, and skinning.

It is made of high-quality Swedish steel, which makes them exceptionally tough and sharp. The knife blade stays sharp longer than a carbon steel and stainless steel blade. It is also less prone to rust.

The handle is made of TPE rubber that offers a soft friction grip for secure and non-slip handling. The handle also has a finger guard for safe handling. The manufacturer provides a polymer sheath that keeps the knife safe to carry around and store. The sheath has a belt clip for convenient carrying and a drain hole.

Features

• Blade Material: Swedish stainless steel
• Blade Length: 4.1-inch
• Blade Point: Clip point
• Handle Material: TPE rubber

Pros

• Made in Sweden
• Razor-sharp
• Versatile
• Comes with a plastic sheath
• High friction grips
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Dulls easily

Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Skinning Knife

Below are some features and factors to consider when choosing a skinning knife.

Knife Blade Length

Typically, skinning knives have a short blade. Long, heavy hunting knives are cumbersome to use and may cause wrist and hand fatigue. The specific knife blade overall length depends on the type of animal you will be using it on. For example, 3-4 inches blade length is most suitable for small animals such as rabbits, while 7-9 inches blade length is ideal for large animals such as deer.

Blade Thickness

Go for a thin, lightweight blade. It offers smooth and precise cuts when separating the skin from the animal’s flesh or muscles. Do not buy a skinning knife that is serrated. The toothed edge leaves a jagged edge on the meat. You will also need to constantly clean the cutting edge as it traps fur and flesh.

Blade Material

Steel is the most commonly used material for making skinning knives. While some manufacturers use high carbon steel, others use low carbon steel. High carbon steel is the most ideal. It is lightweight and retains an edge. You don’t want to have to stop midway through the skinning process to sharpen your knife. Although knives made of low carbon steel are cheaper, the blades are more prone to rusting and corrosion and dull quickly.

Fixed vs. Folding Skinning Blade Design

Most hunters prefer a fixed blade to a folding blade. With that said, it is best to consider the pros and cons of each and choose as per your needs and preference.

Fixed blades are sturdier, and you can turn and twist the knife without worrying that the blade may fall off. However, the exposed blade can make it challenging to transport and may accidentally cut you. Consider a fixed blade skinning knife with a sheath or invest in good quality, fitting sheath for easier portability.

On the other hand, folding blades have a compact design that is easy to transport. Most have a locking mechanism that ensures the knife blade does not accidentally retract when being used. However, they are less sturdy and durable.

Blade Shape

A curved blade is most suitable for skinning. It offers a larger cutting surface area to enable you to make smooth cuts fast. Straight blades are better suited for slicing and chopping.

Blade Tips

Below is a look at the various blade tips and if they make a good skinning knife.

• Drop Point. A drop point is one of the best skinning knife tips. It offers a large cutting edge and makes smooth cuts. It is strong, sturdy, and easy to control.

• Clip Point. A clip point skinning knife is best suited for small animals such as rabbits and birds. It makes fine cuts even on the most delicate skin and meat.

• Trailing Point. Knives with this type of point are lightweight, which gives your great control. The extended tip also offers a long cutting edge. On the downside, it is quite delicate and should not be used on tough skin.

• Gut Hook. A gut hook comes in handy in opening the animal’s underbelly, or zip opens the skin. It is designed with a sharp hook on the back spine of the skinning knife.

• Spey Point. The design of a spey point blade is predominantly straight and then curves upwards at the tip to a dull point. The dull point ensures that you do not accidentally puncture the flesh or hide when skinning your hunt.

• Tanto Knife. Tanto knives are not ideal as skinning knives. They are better suited for stabbing.

Handle Design

Handle design is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a skinning knife. It should offer your great control of the knife to make smooth, clean cuts. It should also be comfortable on your hands.

If you are using the knife in wet conditions, it might slip off your hands. Besides, some blood may spill on the handle during the skinning process. Therefore, you want a knife whose design prevents slippage, e.g., one made of a non-slip material. A handle that is textured or curved offers an excellent grip. Also, ensure that the handle has a finger guard.

Handle Material

Some of the most commonly used handle materials or skinning knives include wood, leather, stainless steel, G10, and Zytel. A majority of older skinning knives have leather grips. However, you might also come across a few recent models that have leather handles. Although leather may provide a beautiful, classic finish, it is susceptible to moisture damage. The material also gets slippery when used with wet hands or in wet conditions.

Wood is not durable. It is also susceptible to damage and does not offer a non-slip grip. Stainless steel provides a sturdy grip but can feel too heavy. Also, like wood and leather, it becomes slippery in wet conditions.

The best handle materials for skinning knives are G10 and Zytel. Both are synthetic materials made with fiberglass and resin component. These materials are moisture-proof, durable, and provide a firm grip. However, G10 is more expensive than Zytel.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Hunting Knives

Below are some tips for caring for your skinning knife to ensure it serves you for a long time.

1. Skinning knives are specialty knives; use them for their intended purpose. It may be tempting to using a skinning knife as a survival knife for tasks such as cutting twigs or prepping food. However, doing so may damage the blade.

• Hone the knife after every few uses. Honing helps to retain the integrity of the cutting edge and its sharpness. Sharpen it as soon as you notice it becoming dull. Otherwise, allowing the cutting edge to become completely dull will make it harder to sharpen.

• Clean your skinning knife after every use. Thoroughly hand wash the knife with soap, water, and a soft piece of cloth. Pay keen attention to the shaft area as well as the handle. Do not soak the knife in water for extended periods. Also, do not put it in the dishwasher even if the manufacturer states that it is dishwasher-safe. After cleaning, rinse the knife and dry it completely before storing.

• Store the knife in a clean, dry place. If the knife comes with a sheath, insert it back in the sheath after drying for storage. You can also store your skinning knife in a knife drawer organizer, magnetic block, or magnetic strip.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned or a recreational hunter, you must have the right skinning knife. The right one depends on the type of animal you will be skinning and the specific features you want.

Ultimately, the best skinning knife is sturdy and strong yet lightweight. It should have a thin blade to make smooth cuts. It should also have an ergonomic, non-slip handle. Go for one that has a sheath for easy portability and storage. Avoid thick, heavy, tanto-style knives as they are cumbersome to use and may puncture the flesh or hide.

Our pick for the best skinning knife is the Mossberg fixed blade knife. It is durable, lightweight, and sturdy. It has an elegant anti-glare finish and a curve, non-slip camo grip. It comes with a sheath for easy storage and portability. The other skinning knives reviewed in this article are great options to consider too.

Best Skinning Knife Comaprison

Product Image	Product Name	Blade Material	Handle Material	Price
	Best Overall: Mossberg Fixed Blade Knife	Stainless steel	Nylon	$$
	Best 2-Piece Skinning Knife Set: Elk-Ridge 2-Piece Hunting Knife Set	Stainless steel	Nylon	$$
	Best Premium: ESEE Ashley Game Skinning Knife	High carbon stainless steel	Nylon	$ 98.40
	Mossy Oak 3-Piece Fixed Blade Hunting Knife	Stainless steel	Wood	$$
	Buck Knives 103 Skinner Pro Fixed Blade Hunting Knife	Stainless steel	Wood	$$
	Old Timer 1520T Sharpfinger 7.1 Skinner Blade	High carbon stainless steel	Wood	$$
	GladiatorsGuild Skinner Hunting Knife	Stainless steel alloy	Walnut wood	$$
	Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife	Swedish stainless steel	TPE rubber	$$