My son Zach called me today all excited, he is official to hunt elk in Crested Butte this season...got his bowhunter safety certificate & tag. Not only will this be his first hunting season...but he also joined Trad Gang too. SkiHard--Zach Springer!!
Having never skinned an elk, I'm not sure want one looks for in an Elk knife. Do you use your regular deer skinner/caper or go for something bigger like this 10 incher? Actually I guess I don't have to worry as Zach is forging his own knives now too. Proud Dad...tippit
OAL 10 inches, 5160 with dark brown stained Bird's Eye Maple...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv%3A899%3Dot%3E2395%3D%3C78%3D763%3DXROQDF%3E2%3A35554%3B8523%3Bot1lsi)
That knife would work good for elk Jeff. I'm thinking of the back straps and hams being thicker than deer. A small folding saw would complete the skinning package and he'd be set for the long hike in. I've skinned and deboned a few.
I've been back over Keebler Pass and Westward into the wilderness area after Elk in years past.
The best size is like that which you have sent me jeff. At least for all the basics. Boning out and skinning. Once it's off and air dried for a few days. I use a fillet knife for cutting off the dried to expose the tenderized meat.
I have found that for boning out any animal, I prefer a couple small 4 inch blade fillet knives. You need 2 so someone can be sharpening one while you use the other.
That will make a great back country boning knife Jeff.