EDC folders for slaughter, disembowelment and skinning of livestock (!)

[big_swede]

Deer stalking isn't something i know much about mate. Small game stuff, yeah, done loads of that. I have no idea what he did with it other than the pic he sent.

I don't judge. You never know the context from a photo. Just thinkin out loud what I would have done.

 

[big_swede]

I use a saw for head and to cut through the spine at the haunches after skinning just to make the carcass more manageable on the butchery table

Same here. But just bought a vintage cleaver which I will put thru its paces.

 

[British Red]

Same here. But just bought a vintage cleaver which I will put thru its paces.

I've got one too. It's brilliant for chopping up bones for stock

 

[Falstaff]

What great write up, thank you, not something most of us we would get to try.

I think it's all in the curve of the blade. By chance I was watching a you tube about butchering a bison in the field using flints, as part of a university project. The uni were paleo experts & the flint production experts, the Meateaters team were used to butchery. They all started with both-sides flaked flints on handles, which did the job but blunted easily. However, they were surprised to find the simple un-touched smaller single side flakes that were curved held their edge and cut everything better.
My pet theory is based on the vids of canadian indians using curved seashells and steel blades like shells - it's a longer curved stroking action as you rotate your wrist, ie. length of cut bid Swede identifies. Pressure flaked edges are inherently unstable as the production of them sets up stresses in the remainder.

 

[Pattree]

I skin foxes using a wooden spatula. The knife only used around the bum and if it’s an old one then the pelt may stick at the shoulders.

I know nothing about game but learned to use wood by watching an African farmer skinning a sheep in the middle of a city square. (He’s been driving his flock through the city and a taxi had run into it.)

 

[British Red]

My pet theory is based on the vids of canadian indians using curved seashells and steel blades like shells - it's a longer curved stroking action as you rotate your wrist, ie. length of cut bid Swede identifies. Pressure flaked edges are inherently unstable as the production of them sets up stresses in the remainder.

Something I got wrong to start with was over using the knife. I did a roe buck recently. After gralloching I slit the skin on the forelegs (lengthwise) and peeled back the skin 2" on the neck. Then it's grasp and pull - like peeling off a pair of jeans inside out, no further knife work needed. Sometimes the rear legs need a little knife work but often not.

Now this works because I've got the deer up on a Handy Billy with a gambrel - it would be hard if not impossible on the ground.

Roe Buck by English Countrylife, on Flickr

 

[Falstaff]

I skin foxes using a wooden spatula. The knife only used around the bum and if it’s an old one then the pelt may stick at the shoulders.

I know nothing about game but learned to use wood by watching an African farmer skinning a sheep in the middle of a city square. (He’s been driving his flock through the city and a taxi had run into it.)

my father used to sometimes use a wooden spoon like that, but for most small game they are "peelable" as British Red describes.
A sheep skinning in the middle of town, love it, only in africa.

IT Admins - Smilies are not coming up right?

 

[big_swede]

I've got one too. It's brilliant for chopping up bones for stock

Did the butchering last night (emphasis on night). Used the cleaver quite a lot. Among other things for cleaving the spine. It wasn't easy, the blade needs to be very symmetrically ground otherwise it easily wanders off. Makes for a very clean cut though. No need for wiping off bone dust like when you saw. I like it, but now wants a proper splitting cleaver.