skinning knife blade thickness

A

AJH_Knives

Well-Known Member
Just wondering what your opinion was on blade thickness on a skinning knife. I am currently using O1 steel 3/32" thick. is there any reason to go thicker? I see lots of people using 3/16 and some 1/8" is it aesthetics or is there a good fundamental reason for using thicker steel?

Aaron
 
I think that it's part of the trade offs that you run into with knife making. A 3/32" blade will give less resistance to slicing but it will be less strong than a 1/8" or 3/16" blade. Thicker steel will also allow the primary bevel to be brought up to the spine without making the bevel too fine, which is itself a subjective value. It would also depend on the steel being used. Some of the higher alloy steels, such as stainless, are more brittle and a 3/32" blade would be more subject to breakage. Then there is intended use. A thinner blade might well do fine if all it will be used for is skinning but not so good if it was go to be put to a more strenuous task.

Doug
 
I think that it's part of the trade offs that you run into with knife making. A 3/32" blade will give less resistance to slicing but it will be less strong than a 1/8" or 3/16" blade. Thicker steel will also allow the primary bevel to be brought up to the spine without making the bevel too fine, which is itself a subjective value. It would also depend on the steel being used. Some of the higher alloy steels, such as stainless, are more brittle and a 3/32" blade would be more subject to breakage. Then there is intended use. A thinner blade might well do fine if all it will be used for is skinning but not so good if it was go to be put to a more strenuous task.

Doug
 
thanks for the input Doug, BTW I am using O1 tool steel. I will give 1/8 and 3/16' a try. the reason I went with the 3/32 is, i looked at lots of production type knives and they are around the 3/32 thickness... Being an avid hunter, a good skinning knife makes a field dressing job go by quicker.
 
A skinner does not need the strength being discussed. 1/16" will make a great skinner, and carcass working blade. Being thicker will not help. One of the best deer working knives made is the Russell Green River Ripper. They are under $10.00, and will do everything needed to work a deer. A 3/32" blade would give a more than adequate skinning knife.
 
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