Thread: Top Quality Hunting Knives

Hi all,

four or so christmases ago, when I was still a young lad and a novice hunter, my father gifted me a bespoke hunting knife made specially for my then-small hands. I’ve been using this knife frequently ever since then and I’ve thrown the kitchen sink at it, but this roar I realised how much I’ve outgrown it. Despite how much sentimental value and love I have for this knife, I think it may be time that I give it a rest.

So, the purpose of me creating this post is to hopefully gather some opinions on what would be a good all-round hunting knife. I also want it to be of high quality that will “last a lifetime”. I have a bit of perspective on what’s out there already, but if possible I’d like to steer away from the big-box brands and support a Kiwi business. To this end, I need to figure out what sort of specificiation I’d need to request if I were to make a custom order, and who you’d all recommend as far as knife makers. I’d also be more than happy to purchase a premade knife, so long as it was from a smaller business. I’ll detail my purposes below, and also some of what I know already.

My main gripe with my wee knife, aside from the size, is it’s inability to hold an edge. I find myself needing to sharpen it much more frequently than some of the bigger, burlier drop points my Dad owns, and even then It can be a struggle to put a decent edge on it. Another gripe I have, I’m guessing due to the design rather than material, is rigidity. I want something that I can give death without worrying about it flexing under pressure, and I frequently find myself holding back out of fear that it’s going to snap.

My primary purpose will be gutting and processing Deer, this will include skinning heads from time to time also. When home I use a stanley knife to clean up my skulls, but it's always nice to save a job and get it done while I've got some down time during the hunt.

I've come to the conclusion that either a drop or clip point style will be ideal for my use case, but I'm heavily leaning towards drop point as I've had some experience using one and I quite liked it. I’m also partial to wooden handles, but could be convinced otherwise. It would be great if anyone who has already gone through this process, or is far more knowledgeable than myself could share an opinion. Also, feel free to post pictures of your knives!

I've attached a picture of my current knife for reference.

Thanks, Jasper

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....8/#post1565634

i could do you something if you want to call and have a chat 0272449151 or have a look at my website ripi knives cheers john

Originally Posted by ROKTOY

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....8/#post1565634

Nice looking knife, not for me though.

Cheers


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Originally Posted by john worthington

i could do you something if you want to call and have a chat 0272449151 or have a look at my website ripi knives cheers john

Can give you a ring now if it suits?


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That knife in your picture looks like one from Jim Wheeler Hawkes bay I have one very similar as my camp knife Johns knives Ripia knives look the bees knees

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

That knife in your picture looks like one from Jim Wheeler Hawkes bay I have one very similar as my camp knife Johns knives Ripia knives look the bees knees

Yes I believe it is one of his, my old man has been using a knife made by him for 20 something years. It’s a great knife, just doesnt quite have the grunt for the big jobs. I’m thinking I’ll end up using it as a camp knife also. John’s knives look great, I’ll definitely give him a bell some time soon. Just don’t want to pester him unannounced on a Sunday, probably not the best form.

Cheers


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yes my little Jim Wheeler is small but has been on my belt for 20 years at least - peels spuds - cuts up veges - dont use it on meat just for cleanliness reasons

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

yes my little Jim Wheeler is small but has been on my belt for 20 years at least - peels spuds - cuts up veges - dont use it on meat just for cleanliness reasons

I think mine will be destined for the same fate - maybe a few more deer and it’ll be on meal duty. Both mine and my old man’s are wonderfully constructed, no signs of deterioration whatsoever. I’d order another from him but I can’t help but want for a bit of novelty. Pretty cool to see that his knives are so distinctive.

Cheers


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thats my main knife at the bottom love good knives handmade in Omura Japan by Tanaka San Matsubara blades - my daughter got it for me when she was teaching english there along with the kitchen knives

Another vote for Svord.
Also Green River (if they are still around?)

yes I use a recent green river bushmans friend hi carbon,its awesome,far better than the knifecut rabbiters that is identicle but in shitty stainless steel....and the other day I spotted that svord now do same blade shape...6 1/2"??? bowie style...its in the economy hunter range with synthetic handle
I own far too many knives and have got rid of a few but keep going back to that same simple bowie style as I find it just works for me for everything I could ever need a knife to do.

you could have rung i have been in the workshop all day finishing this

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

yes I use a recent green river bushmans friend hi carbon,its awesome,far better than the knifecut rabbiters that is identicle but in shitty stainless steel....and the other day I spotted that svord now do same blade shape...6 1/2"??? bowie style...its in the economy hunter range with synthetic handle
I own far too many knives and have got rid of a few but keep going back to that same simple bowie style as I find it just works for me for everything I could ever need a knife to do.

They look like good knives for the money but I’m sort of after something a bit more bespoke and “special”. My 18th is on Thursday and I’ve just been approved for my firearms license, so this is going to be a bit of a “gift to myself” as pretentious as that sounds. I wouldn’t mind getting something a bit less nice for the messier jobs though, so I’ll keep green river in mind.

Cheers


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Originally Posted by john worthington

you could have rung i have been in the workshop all day finishing thisAttachment 248105

that is a work of art damn nice