Caping knife

[tim37]

I'm designing a caping knife to go with the skinners I make. I'm not a hunter, so I am looking for suggestions as to length, blade width, etc. The material will be M390. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
Tim

[J. Doyle]

Caping knives are usually small, thin and pointy. With plenty of handle that's comfortable in a few different grips. Like a 'writing with a pen' type grip for one.

Some belly would be nice but not as much as a skinner or field dressing knife. I would think that a good sharp cutting tip would be a priority along with a good keen edge.

I wouldn't want one that had a blade much longer than 2 1/2" but preferences will vary widely on that.

You want to be able to easily control the blade during delicate up close detail work.

This is what I try to incorporate with mine.

[Hempish]

I agree with john with being able to hold the knife in multiple ways but I like them almost kinda like a fillet knife but more like 4 to 5 inches long. It's nice to have that point to get around eyes and mouths but also nice to have a bit of blade to cut with as well. My say would be a 1/2 wide at max with a bit of an upswept blade that would give you the belly I would think that John is talking about. But just my thoughts take em or leave em. Best of luck.

[R. Yates]

Look here to get a few Ideas .

http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...a=caping+knife

[rockhound]

Nessmuk!!
(oops... thought you said "camping" knife)

[john smith]

Tim
Your only an 1 1/2 hrs from cabelas in olympia
or you can go to there web site and take a look they carry a few.
Good luck.

[tim37]

Thanks guys for the help.
Sam, I looked at that Yahoo site. Good info.
John, I may run up to Cabelas next weekend.

[miketheknife]

Lots of belly with a more rounded tip for me.

[combs6136]

I agree 100% with John..................carl