AverageJoe Report post Posted June 19, 2016 S35v or s90v for the steel. D2 is ok but you wont get as razor sharp as the other ones. There are a alot of custom knife makers out there. You can also get a factory made knife in those two steels. Btw those are the best steels out there right now and they are pricey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted June 19, 2016 I've used Buck knives for years. I always have to use a hand sharpener when skinning. I may get rid of therm and get some of the Benchmade Hunt series. Better steel that holds an edge a lot longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted June 19, 2016 I have a benchmade gryptillian folder and it holds a decent edge but I can only get them just so sharp but that is due to my lack of skill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maverick351 Report post Posted June 19, 2016 Mine is made from a ball bearing steel with high carbon. I have done everything from skinning to camp duties, fuzz sticks and batoning and it still has a dang sharp edge on it. Wife has even used it around the house for dinner duties. I am waiting to see when it will need sharpened but shows no signs as of yet. If you are seriously looking I have a benchmark d2 bone collector knife that I only used once but would sell. It's a nice knife but I love my custom. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted June 19, 2016 Alaskans are D2 steel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PelaPapas Report post Posted June 20, 2016 One of the most reliable custom knives I have. Still can't beat a Havalon for utility. But, I don't consider a Havalon worthy of being passed down either. Might be interested in a trade if this catches your eye.20160618_143651.jpg That knife is sweeet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6ANut Report post Posted June 20, 2016 Great thread, i recently found a guy on facebook named Christopher Apodaca and wow does he makes some awesome knives. I have big hands and wanted a nice skinner and this is what he came up with for me. Super sharp, I'm definitely going to order another one and NO those are not my dirty hands. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tac Report post Posted June 20, 2016 Dawson knives are out of prescott and i skinned two elk with out resharpening. But I carry havalon and leave it at home now 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 20, 2016 One of the most reliable custom knives I have. Still can't beat a Havalon for utility. But, I don't consider a Havalon worthy of being passed down either. Might be interested in a trade if this catches your eye.20160618_143651.jpg That knife is sweeet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 20, 2016 Thank you. I like my blades.. A lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 21, 2016 This is the Buck Akouna I mentioned in the PM. Might be a better fit for your hands. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted June 21, 2016 That is a sexy knife. I am tempted but I am going to hold out, do some more research and pick out exactly what I think I want. I like that akouna though. That is a sweet profile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 21, 2016 The Akouna is a workhorse. Buhlberg and I used it to split firewood onetime when we about froze our butts off fishing for cats at Bartlett. Back to shaving hair the next day after a few minutes on the stone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
452b264 Report post Posted June 22, 2016 Alaskans are D2 steel They also make their knives with 30 v steel. I have the one listed below, it holds an a good edge and its shaving sharp. My other knife is a Buck 102, and I have no desire to get rid of it. http://www.knivesofalaska.com/item.asp?id=6&r=store%2Easp%3Fc%3D8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cactusjack Report post Posted June 25, 2016 Another plug for Barry Dawson's knives. I have a bunch of his knives and will probably buy more. I carry a havalon in my kit but I always carry a fixed blade sheath knife too. Great knives, great service and great people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites