Looking for the best knife for gutting deer? You have come to the right place if so. In this blog post, we will review five of the best skinning knives available on the market. Additionally, we will provide a buyer’s guide to assist you in selecting the right knife. If you are a professional hunter or just an occasional outdoor enthusiast, read on to find out which knife is right for you.
Professional hunters understand the importance of a good skinning knife. Animal hides are removed with skinning knives. Moreover, it is used to gut the animal and remove its organs. It is a very versatile tool because it has so many applications. In selecting a skinning knife, you should also ensure that it is of the highest quality possible.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Best choice: Benchmade – Grizzly Creek | Features |
![]() | • Built For The Hunt • Well Designed • Axis Locking Mechanism |
Most Popular: OUTDOOR EDGE RazorLite EDC Knife | Features |
![]() | • Strong Blade Holder • Non-Slip Handle And Pocket Clip • Top-Quality Replacement Blades |
Budget Friendly: Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade | Features |
![]() | • Versatile fixed-blade outdoor knife • High-quality Swedish steel • Included sheath |
5 Best Skinning Knives For Deer In 2023 (According To Experts) Summary
Product | Brand | Model Name | Blade Material | Blade Length | Item Length | Item Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() HELLE Knives – Utvaer | HELLE | FBA_149610 | Stainless Steel | 4 In (10.2 cm) | 4.72 In (12 cm) | 3.87 oz (109.7 g) |
![]() Benchmade – Grizzly Creek | Benchmade | 15060-2 | CPM-S30V Premium Stainless Steel | 1 In (2.54 cm) | 7.84 In (20 cm) | 2.82 oz (80 g) |
![]() Havalon Piranta | Havalon Knives | SG_B0064 GNZYM_US | Stainless Steel | 2.75 In (7 cm) | 7.25 In (18.4 cm) | 5.6 oz (158.8 g) |
![]() Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade | Morakniv | Companion Stainless Steel knife | Stainless Steel | 4.1 In (10.4 cm) | 8.6 In (21.8 cm) | 4.1 oz. (116 g) |
![]() OUTDOOR EDGE RazorLite EDC Knife | OUTDOOR EDGE | OERLB30 | Stainless Steel | 3.5 In (8.9 cm) | 8 In (20.3 cm) | 4.8 oz (136 g) |
5 Best Skinning Knives For Deer in 2023
1. Helle Knives Utvaer Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel Fixed Blade
Looking for a top-quality, handcrafted knife that will last? Look no further than Helle Outdoor Knives. Our knives are made in Norway with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, and our philosophy is based on the principles of honesty, hard work, and quality.

The company offers stainless steel blades that are razor sharp, have a high degree of hardness, are exceptionally tough, and are resistant to corrosion. It is well-known that steel is one of the most well-rounded knife steels that are available today on the market.
This Knife is a fixed-blade knife produced from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. The curly birch wood and Vulcan fiber handle provide a comfortable grip, and the genuine leather sheath ensures safe storage and transport.
Pros
- Nothing compares. Quality and looks.
- Premio Wood
- Happy camper
Cons
- The blade is messed up
So if you’re looking for a top-quality, handcrafted knife that will last, look no further than Helle Outdoor Knives. Our knives are made in Norway with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, and our philosophy is based on the principles of honesty, hard work, and quality. Thanks for reading.
2. Benchmade Grizzly Creek Knife
Benchmen’s 15060-2 Grizzly Creek Folding Knife is the perfect knife for just about any game-cleaning chore. This manual-opening knife has a plain drop-point blade that measures 3 inches long, and it comes with Benchmade’s patented AXIS locking mechanism to ensure safety and a smooth opening and closing.

When opened, the blade locks into place, making it an ideal hunting companion. As a result of its lightweight design, it is comfortable to carry all day while also being strong enough to handle the toughest tasks. The handle is made of stabilized wood.
This Knife is the perfect blade size and shapes for just about any deer cleaning knives. With a folding gut hook that’s only there when you want it, this manual-opening knife is designed for hunters who demand the best. The AXIS Locking Mechanism ensures safety and a smooth opening and easy close. Proudly made in the USA.
Pros
- Very nice folding knife
- Benchmade is the best-made
- Great knife with a gut hook
Cons
- Wood” isn’t my cup of tea
The Grizzly Creek is the perfect knife for the outdoorsman who wants a quality blade to take care of all his game-cleaning needs. With its plain drop-point blade and AXIS locking mechanism, this manual-opening knife is safe and easy to use.
3. Havalon Piranta-Edge Blaze Orange Handle 12 Additional Crazy Sharp Blades
There is no knife in the world that features replaceable, good surgical blades like the Havalon Piranta-Edge, the world’s first and only knife that does so. It is possible to skin your game in seconds thanks to the combination of razor-sharp blades and a retractable design that makes it convenient to use.

The Piranta-Edge comes with 12 additional stainless steel 60A blades so that you will never lose the knife that is best suited to your needs, regardless of how often you use it. There is an easy-to-find blaze orange handle on this tool, allowing you to identify it quickly if it is dropped in tall grass or brush. A comfortable and secure grip is provided by the black handle which is durable and provides a comfortable grip.
This knife has a black rubber inlay for easy grip, liner-lock construction, and a pocket clip. The easy-to-find blaze orange handle will help you keep track of your knife, and each knife includes 12 additional stainless steel 60A blades. The replaceable blades are sharp and ready to use. Looking for the best deer hunting knife this article is for you.
Pros
- Pocket clip
- Field Dressing Big Game
- Havalon Piranta-Edge
Cons
- Can be scary changing the blade
If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to skin your task, the Havalon Piranta-Edge is the knife for you. With its replaceable blades and retractable design, it’s never been easier to get a clean cut. So what are you waiting for? Order your Piranta-Edge today and enjoy.
4. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
This Morakniv Companion outdoor knife is a versatile fixed blade that’s perfect for carving, food prep, and cutting tinder. The high-quality Swedish steel is razor sharp and exceptionally tough, while the stainless steel blade stays sharp longer than carbon steel and is less prone to rust.

It is a versatile outdoor knife that is capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from preparing food to cutting tinder for your campfire. Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blades are razor sharp and exceptionally tough, so they remain sharp longer than carbon steel blades.
Although this product is made in Sweden, and has a high-friction grip that feels comfortable even when it is wet or cold, a color-matching plastic sheath with a belt clip is included with this product, which is made in Sweden. A limited lifetime warranty will also be included in the package as part of the manufacturer’s warranty which is included as part of the package.
Pros
- Ridiculous value
- Nice Outdoorsman Knife
- Right size and sharp
Cons
- Not marine grade
- Rusts
The Morakniv Companion is a versatile outdoor knife that can be used for carving, food prep, and cutting tinder. The high-quality Swedish steel is razor-sharp and exceptionally tough. The patterned, high-friction grip sits comfortably in the hand, providing greater control, safety, and performance – especially in wet and cold conditions.
5. Outdoor Edge 3.5″ RazorLite EDC
This Outdoor Edge RazorLite EDC folding knife is the perfect everyday carry companion. With its replaceable blade system, you’ll never have to sharpen your knife again – just change the blade when it goes dull.

The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades are precision heat-treated and hand-finished in order to ensure excellent edge retention on the blades, and this package comes with 6 blades that will get you started. There are additional blade packs available for purchase separately, it best skinning knife set.
This is the first replaceable-blade knife that combines the best features of a traditional folding knife and a razor blade. The dual thumb studs allow for easy one-handed opening, while the black oxide-coated 420J2 stainless steel blade holder supports the razor blade for the strength of a traditional knife and the sharpness of a surgeon’s scalpel.
Pros
- Metal clip
- Great sharp knife
- Super sleek blade
Cons
- Black oxide-coated
If you’re looking for an EDC folding knife that will never let you down, the Outdoor Edge RazorLite is a great option. With its replaceable blade system, you’ll never have to sharpen your knife again – just change the blade when it goes dull. The Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blades are precision heat-treated and hand-finished to ensure excellent edge retention, and it includes 6 blades that will get you started. Additional blade packs are sold separately.
Best Skinning Knives For Deer (Buying Guide)

Knives are an important part of the outdoorsman’s toolkit, but they should only be used for their original purpose. You want your skinning knife as strong and ready to use when you need it most so that any task is quickly accomplished with ease. This means keeping track or maintaining its edge by using either stropping motions on trees along the trailside where stones may have been placed at intervals below ground level. Read buying guide before buying.
Budget
It is not always easy to find the right hunting knife. However, if you are looking for one under $25, then it is easier than ever before to locate one that suits your needs. These knives usually have stainless steel blades and can be fixed or folded. Straight-edge vs. bowie-type blades may also be available. Just remember that cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality so don’t let an inexpensive price tag stop your search before getting out there on some game land.
Mid-Range
For those who wish to invest in quality tools and are looking for a fixed-blade knife, this is a great option. In the range of $50-$60, you can find some great knives from popular brands such as Gerber and Buck with Damascus Steel blades that will last long enough without getting dull quickly like other types of metal knives.
Premium
Any adventure can be made more enjoyable with these knives. With its lightweight carbon steel blade, it is tough enough to take on any task that you throw at it while being sharp and easy to use at the same time. This handle is designed to provide you with excellent comfort when you are using it as well as durability so that you can go anywhere with no worries or concerns.
Blade Material
The difference between stainless steel and carbon blades is significant. Stainless contains at least 10.5% chromium, which makes it more corrosion-resistant but also makes them harder (and therefore less sharp) to maintain; while this property comes with a trade-off of not being able to be maintained as easily by cleaning or rehashing in points when compared against other types like marbleized aluminum metal honing steels.
Blade length
The blade length you choose for your skinning knife for deer will have a big impact on how quickly and efficiently it performs the task at hand. For a small game like rabbits or squirrels, we recommend selecting one with an edge between 2-3 inches long; this should get most jobs done without too much difficulty while still making sure that everything gets cleanly removed from its body (and looks nice in the process).
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best knife for gutting deer, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will review seven of the best skinning knives on the market. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right knife for your needs. Whether you are an avid hunter or you are just an occasional outdoorsman, today’s guide will help you select the knife that is best suited for your needs and for every situation. You can place an order with us today. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.
FaQ
How sharp should a skinning knife be?
You’ll have a much easier time cutting through tough materials if your blade is sharp from the start. It also helps to keep it that way by taking care of them before they need repairing or replacing so you don’t dull yours as quickly.
Do skinning knives need to be curved?
The blade should be curved so that it can cut through tough muscles with little effort. An elongated curve gives more control and leverage, which means the skinner will have less trouble getting those perfect cuts.
What is the difference between a hunting knife and a skinning knife?
The skinning knife is a type of hunting knife that has been specifically designed for the task at hand – removing animal hides. It usually features less sharpness than other types and may even curve along its bottom edge so you can make longer strokes without cutting yourself.