Upland game/Small game knife

[Doc Dan]

Spyderco has done a great job on knives for deer and larger game. Knives like the Stretch, Moran, Wilson, etc. are at the top of their class. However, my favorite hunting is for small game or upland game hunting. Animals like cottontails, snow shoe hares, grouse, ducks, pheasant, squirrels, etc. require a smaller, more slender bladed knife to clean. Spyderco does not have anything in this market.

I have several knives, like Stockmans, slender fixed blades, and etc. that I used to use. I wish Spyderco would look into this.

Such knives need to be slender because the game are small, yet they need enough slender handle you hold on to and use effectively.

[Sumdumguy]

A mini Sprig. ~3"? Thinned out more than it already is.

That's what comes to my mind.

[BornIn1500]

The Polestar has been working just fine for all small game for me. We must have different styles of cleaning. It'd be interesting to see a Spyder hole on a slender blade like a Stockman. It might end up a lot like the Ikuchi.

[Tims]

I love a good bird and trout pattern.

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

[Wartstein]

Double post

[Wartstein]

Doc, I am not a hunter at all, but isn't the UKPK drop point version very much like a scaled down Stretch (though its blade might be to wide for what you're looking for)?

[BornIn1500]

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

I thought the Spyderco Sprig was Phil's Bird & Trout.

[Tims]

Wartstein, I won’t speak for Doc but in my opinion, for the application he has in mind, a fixed blade is more appropriate.

[Tims]

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

I thought the Spyderco Sprig was Phil's Bird & Trout.

Absolutely. It’s disco’d though. Could be he has something different in mind. Either way, I look forward to it if it’s brought to market.

[Wartstein]

Wartstein, I won’t speak for Doc but in my opinion, for the application he has in mind, a fixed blade is more appropriate.

I think so too, as far as I can estimate that not being a hunter myself!
But since Doc himself mentioned the Stretch as being for him a "top of the class" game knife, I thought the UKPK droppoint version could be a valid smaller option for him (though non locking...). Looks a lot like a Lil´Stretch

[Tims]

Wartstein, I won’t speak for Doc but in my opinion, for the application he has in mind, a fixed blade is more appropriate.

I think so too, as far as I can estimate that not being a hunter myself!
But since Doc himself mentioned the Stretch as being for him a "top of the class" game knife, I thought the UKPK droppoint version could be a valid smaller option for him (though non locking...). Looks a lot like a Lil´Stretch

My mistake, I missed the Stretch part of his post. :)

[standy99]

How about a ARK
Got a nice little skinning profile blade.

Might be a bit small but just a thought

[cycleguy]

I have been fishing since 5, small game hunting since grade 1, and big game hunting for around 3 decades. I am near 60 and have found (generally speaking) that I could clean anything with anything as long as it has a sharp edge.

A favorite of mine was a ceramic blade boker about 2" in length that was surgical sharp (like I've performed surgeries before, but you get the picture). It was amazing at taking full skins from pheasants...

I think a Chaparral with any handle material, CTS-XHP, and thin blade would be a good candidate. Folders don't clean as easily as fixed blades but that really isn't a problem.

CG

[Evil D]

If I were still into hunting I'd probably carry a Street Beat. It would be great for skinning and VG10 should be fine as long as you aren't field dressing deer and larger game.

[Ankerson]

Spyderco has done a great job on knives for deer and larger game. Knives like the Stretch, Moran, Wilson, etc. are at the top of their class. However, my favorite hunting is for small game or upland game hunting. Animals like cottontails, snow shoe hares, grouse, ducks, pheasant, squirrels, etc. require a smaller, more slender bladed knife to clean. Spyderco does not have anything in this market.

I have several knives, like Stockmans, slender fixed blades, and etc. that I used to use. I wish Spyderco would look into this.

Such knives need to be slender because the game are small, yet they need enough slender handle you hold on to and use effectively.

The Mule Team would be a good option.

Pick your steel.

[Kels73]

As I prepare for squirrel season, this question has been on my mind too. When cleaning squirrel, I prefer a stainless steel blade that is roughly 3" long and very slender. For big game, I usually use a fixed blade; however, for small game, either fixed or folding is fine.

I can make other knives work, but these are my preferred specs. I typically use a traditional Trapper with two blades. Mora also has some small fixed blades that suit me.

As for Spyderco's current lineup, the drop point UKPK and the ClipiTool standard catch my eye. For new models, a mini Sprig would be perfect. I would also be interested in a maxi Roadie with a bit more tip.

[Doc Dan]

I love a good bird and trout pattern.

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

That’s a good start. I’d love to see what he comes up with.

[Doc Dan]

Doc, I am not a hunter at all, but isn't the UKPK drop point version very much like a scaled down Stretch (though its blade might be to wide for what you're looking for)?

Too wide.

[Doc Dan]

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

I thought the Spyderco Sprig was Phil's Bird & Trout.

Absolutely. It’s disco’d though. Could be he has something different in mind. Either way, I look forward to it if it’s brought to market.

Too big, I think.

[Ankerson]

I think Phil Wilson mentioned a bird and trout knife in the S45VN thread. Could be a model to work toward?

I thought the Spyderco Sprig was Phil's Bird & Trout.

Absolutely. It’s disco’d though. Could be he has something different in mind. Either way, I look forward to it if it’s brought to market.

Too big, I think.

The Junction might be a good choice also.