I have learnt so much from this thread, thanks.

With apologies for the drift, I simply have to share this video of a cow being butchered. The level of skill is mind boggling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_8PjFlnK6k

ExperimentalAviator wrote:colopilot,
I'm staying close to home and hunting (solo) a tree grove in the field next-door. About the only thing I've yet to get for hunting is a saw.
My dad set-a-side a hack saw I can use to cut the pelvic bone.

I strongly suggest searching 'gutless method' on youtube. The best example if Fred Eichler's cow elk demo. No need for a saw, even if you decide to gut the animal that hip needs very little coaxing to give way. I processed my last deer with just one havalon blade and it was plenty sharp when done.

I'll agree with Hammer here. I've never been a fan of the razor blade/disposable blade knives for skinning and gutting. Sharpness is important but other than that nothing fancy is needed, I've skinned and gutted a number of big animals with whatever folder was in my pocket. Also did one with a sharp axe once. A saw is nice but not required. I think the reason I don't like the razor blade type knives is I like a little more durability. I haven't used the variety of different brands that Hammer has so I can only recommend a couple I have that work. My main knife is a Knives of Alaska hunter and I have their Cub bear model for caping. Whatever you take bring a stone and touch up your edge as needed.

Hammer, what is the blade on the Puukko shown above the F1. Beautiful knife.

fshaw wrote:Hammer, what is the blade on the Puukko shown above the F1. Beautiful knife.

It's a Lauri Progressive-Temper 5152 blade. The edge is a razor-hard RC 63 while the spine is a tough RC 52. It's a super, super good cutter. Probably the best woodcutting knife I've ever used.

Thompson Knives sometimes has them in stock...hit and miss, though it seems they have some now.

http://www.thompsonsknives.com/lauript.html