How is this knife for skinning game? Does it clean up fairly easily? I feel like blood could get stuck in the grooves in the handle...
2089956
While I cannot speak directly on the subject of game skinning performance (as I have yet to use the knife for such tasks), I can say that the Mora HD cleans up well, with very little difficulty in washing the blade or the rubberized handle. Likewise, the simple, unibody construction of the plastic sheath makes it fairly easy to clean. Do note that this particular knife has a high carbon blade that is prone to rusting or spotting if not properly cared for. This can be mitigated with the use of cleaning oil and/or by forcing a patina on the blade (often performed with hot vinegar; search around there is plenty of information out there on this process). Otherwise, skinning performance is really just a question of blade shape, sharpness and skill. The blade geometry, while perhaps not ideal, is still more than serviceable for that purpose. These knives come sharp and are easy to maintain with even the simplest of files or stones. And, skill? Well, that is up to you.
2089957
I don't think the drop point would be very good for skinning. You might look at the Mora Bushcraft Forest (or Mora 2000) which lacks the drop point and has a hollow grind on the tip end of the blade.
2089958
Vinegar doesn't have to be hot to be used to force a patina on a carbon steel blade. Just soak a paper towel with vinegar, wrap it around the blade an leave it for an hour or two. Mustard also works well.But as mentioned by others, a patina will help further protect the blade from rust.
2089959
As others have stated, this knife will get the job done but it's not what the knife was designed for. It has a scandi grind on the edge which is quite wide. Makes the blade fantastic at carving and applications where you need to split material apart. Because of the grind, when skinning and processing game you run the risk of hitting bone and rolling the edge. It's not a deal breaker in my opinion but I would get something with a thinner grind if you're looking for a knife specifically for skinning.
2089960
I use a skinning knife with a rounded point, but for processing it works great. The blade is not very flexible, so if your wanting to butcher small game or fish the regular model would work better. The handle gives you a good grip on the knife even when covered in blood and slime, better then any i have ever used and Clean-up has never been a real problem. They are scary sharp and easy to keep that way with a little 600 grit wet/dry paper and a leather strop or belt. Mora are some of the best working knife I've ever used (and I've used a lot). I also do the hot vinegar to all my Mora's tho it is not needed (search youtube for hot vinegar patina). Buy a few, you won't be sorry. I use a skinning knife with a rounded point, but for processing it works great. The blade is not very flexible, so if your wanting to butcher small game or fish the regular model would work better. The handle gives you a good grip on the knife even when covered in blood and slime, better then any i have ever used and Clean-up has never been a real problem. They are scary sharp and easy to keep that way with a little 600 grit wet/dry paper and a leather strop or belt. Mora are some of the best working knife I've ever used (and I've used a lot). I also do the hot vinegar to all my Mora's tho... » Read More I use a skinning knife with a rounded point, but for processing it works great. The blade is not very flexible, so if your wanting to butcher small game or fish the regular model would work better. The handle gives you a good grip on the knife even when covered in blood and slime, better then any i have ever used and Clean-up has never been a real problem. They are scary sharp and easy to keep that way with a little 600 grit wet/dry paper and a leather strop or belt. Mora are some of the best working knife I've ever used (and I've used a lot). I also do the hot vinegar to all my Mora's tho it is not needed (search youtube for hot vinegar patina). Buy a few, you won't be sorry. « Show Less
2089961
You need to be careful when cleaning this knife as I lost all the bristles on one side of my dish brush, LOL! I use dish soap and very hot water. I gently and carefully wipe the blade, while trying to not lose a finger. Blood and guts are only hard to clean off if you let them dry on the blade. Part of your prep when cleaning game should be a large bowl of water and a rag so you can keep your blade relatively clean during butchering. I have done chickens and rabbits with my buddy's mora and I cleaned it pristine BEFORE we even put the meat in the freezer. Warning, Blood can etch carbon steel, but they aren't supposed to be pretty, they are supposed to cut. You need to be careful when cleaning this knife as I lost all the bristles on one side of my dish brush, LOL! I use dish soap and very hot water. I gently and carefully wipe the blade, while trying to not lose a finger. Blood and guts are only hard to clean off if you let them dry on the blade. Part of your prep when cleaning game should be a large bowl of water and a rag so you can keep your blade relatively clean during butchering. I have done chickens and rabbits with my buddy's mora and I cleaned it pristine BEFORE we even put the meat in the freezer. Warning, Blood can etch carbon... » Read More You need to be careful when cleaning this knife as I lost all the bristles on one side of my dish brush, LOL! I use dish soap and very hot water. I gently and carefully wipe the blade, while trying to not lose a finger. Blood and guts are only hard to clean off if you let them dry on the blade. Part of your prep when cleaning game should be a large bowl of water and a rag so you can keep your blade relatively clean during butchering. I have done chickens and rabbits with my buddy's mora and I cleaned it pristine BEFORE we even put the meat in the freezer. Warning, Blood can etch carbon steel, but they aren't supposed to be pretty, they are supposed to cut. « Show Less
966510
the middle of the handle fits pretty snug in the sheath. Unless you're carrying it upside down for an extended period of time, I don't see it being a problem, and let me say, it's an awesome knife for the price!
758342
I have no experience with this knife as a skinner, but it should be good. The cutting edge of the blade is curved and that should allow separation of the the hide from the flesh more easily. When opening up large game, the hump in blade was designed to push internal organs out of the way and thereby lessen the risk of puncturing them.
116449
I have never used my knife for deer skinning but you can sharpen the knift to a razer. I have used it on wood and everything one would use it for in the woods. It is a very good knife, easy to sharpen and holds the edge well. You can't go wrong with this knife or any buck knife. Hope this helps. Good luck.
1236569
My knife came with a kryton hard plastic type sheath, similar to kydex. There could be some minimal flopping I guess, I haven't had any issue with it, but you could also lash it to your leg or back pack with paracord to keep that from occurring.
1819845
Personally I think that it might be too long to be a skinning knife, but as long as you are careful not to poke through the skin too far, I don't see why not.
22024
This is more of a hunting knife. Bear Grylls offers a blade for all of your uses . This skins well and guts great. I wouldn't use it on other than light tasks.
829411
The knife slides out of the sheath smooth as butter. I see Kyle had an issue with the spring coming out of the detent but I just looked at mine and I don't think my spring could come out unless I put some serious effort into it. Slides in and out of the sheath very smooth, no need to ever press the button, not to lock it in or take it out (but you can if you'd like)
422871
i bought this knife just to learn how to handle this Scandi thing. i admit, i was gutting a deer and gave it a touch up with my Accusharp. clearly the wrong tool..but the ground didnt open up and swallow me whole. the blade got super sharp actually. (i then cut the !@#$!@#$! out of my pinkie finger).at home, i used my Spyderco sharpmaker. i laid the ceramic stick down on the flat notch. (horizontal) and honored the Scandi..just laid it down to match the clearly obvious bevel..several swipes..and then my leather block strop..whoa!! i had to put the knife down!! my pinkie finger was twitching in fear. it is sharper than OEM now. i bought this knife just to learn how to handle this Scandi thing. i admit, i was gutting a deer and gave it a touch up with my Accusharp. clearly the wrong tool..but the ground didnt open up and swallow me whole. the blade got super sharp actually. (i then cut the !@#$!@#$! out of my pinkie finger).at home, i used my Spyderco sharpmaker. i laid the ceramic stick down on the flat notch. (horizontal) and honored the Scandi..just laid it down to match the clearly obvious bevel..several swipes..and then my leather block strop..whoa!! i had to put the knife down!! my pinkie finger... » Read More i bought this knife just to learn how to handle this Scandi thing. i admit, i was gutting a deer and gave it a touch up with my Accusharp. clearly the wrong tool..but the ground didnt open up and swallow me whole. the blade got super sharp actually. (i then cut the !@#$!@#$! out of my pinkie finger).at home, i used my Spyderco sharpmaker. i laid the ceramic stick down on the flat notch. (horizontal) and honored the Scandi..just laid it down to match the clearly obvious bevel..several swipes..and then my leather block strop..whoa!! i had to put the knife down!! my pinkie finger was twitching in fear. it is sharper than OEM now. « Show Less
1848594
I have never had a problem with my knife. Wish I had gotten it sooner! I am going to get their other knives in the near future.
962259
Is this a good knife for a hunter? Smaller game I'd say yes. I've had mine a while now for general use and it is a nice knife, ez to carry, sharp as a razor, ez to keep that way and USA MADE quality! I carry it everyday..
108543
The handle is plastic (delrin, etc) with a rubberized coating that is great for gripping. My knife is about two years old and the coating has worn off in places from sheath contact. Would replace the handles if I could find new ones.
1706890
I only have the 102 so can only speak for that one. In my opinion I would not use it as a skinning knife. The knife is a great knife but not the kind I would use for skinning. The handle is small and very smooth. I would think it would become very slippery if it had blood on it. The knife is very sharp and I would be afraid of an accident if you lost your grip. I prefer a more rounded point in my skinning knives and the 102 is not like that. I hope this helps.
224156
My husband is an avid hunter and we do our own processing. I have used it for grinding deer meat into burger and chuck roasts into burger. The only problem I have run across is maybe needing to clean the blade a couple times. I love the attachment!
954026
It is a really grippy handle even when wet, I have never had it happen, I wouldn't worry about it. Super comfortable ergonomical and grippy ruberized handle. Most comfortable and sharpest knife I have ever owned.
863462
I like it for cutting meat since I keep it really sharp. But the edge is fairly thin so I am either very careful or use a boning knife around bones.
67999
Its a great blade. Used it a few times. The one thing I got to say negative about the jungle master is that the rope likes to come off the handle. So before using it, I would retie it around the handle before use