Kershaw may not be a name you think of when you think of hunting knives. It’s more of a brand that specializes in catering to the EDC crew and folder junkies.

Still, there are some good models out there for sportsmen. If you’re looking for a Kershaw hunting knife, the Deschutes Skinner makes about as good a run as any.

Here are the reasons why.

1.   It’s not a folder

First things first, this is not a folder. That alone makes it better as a hunting knife than anything else from Kershaw’s catalog (or elsewhere) that has a pivot point.

Sorry not sorry, folders may be convenient to carry but they are generally (and attestably) terrible for sporting use.

Folders have moving parts, and that is not good news for outdoorsmen. Any instance of design complexity is an opportunity for failure; some would even call folders “pre-broken.”

And even were that not so, you will be using your hunting knife to clean your harvests. Pivot points and locks don’t mix well with blood and grease.

2.   Traction (see the handle scales)

One of the Deschutes Skinner’s best assets is its polypropylene handle, which has a rubber overlay. There are two big things to note here.

One is that the polypropylene core is physically lightweight and tough, while also being effectively impervious to corrosion and other issues that affect natural materials.

The second is that the rubber overlay improves traction in all conditions, including in adverse conditions in which your hands will be cold and wet.

3.   The profile is a practical one

Now let’s talk about the blade profile, which increases the value of the Deschutes Skinner as a Kershaw hunting knife.

This is a straight-back knife with a nicely curved belly. It also sports jimping by the grip.

This profile is not as specialized as other skinners, which we would call a selling point. Not only can it be used for skinning, but it can also be used for gutting (with care), as well as boning and fileting.

4.   The sheath works with you, not against you

The Deschutes Skinner comes with a GFN sheath with webbing slots and a drainage hole. This means it sheds excess water and it is MOLLE-compatible.

Being MOLLE-compatible, this also means you can rig the knife for scout carry, pack carry, belt carry, or pretty much any other way you want.

It makes the knife highly configurable, which greatly increases its utility and thereby its value.

5.   It’s an appropriate blade steel

Lastly, we would like to call attention to the blade steel used here, which, though not its biggest selling point, is good.

It is D2, a high-carbon tool steel that is capable of taking an extremely sharp edge with minimal effort. That makes it good for field processing.

This is the last thing we’re mentioning because while D2 is better as a steel for a hunting knife than, say, 420HC or 8Cr13MoV, there might be better options.

The reason for this is that D2, while it is relatively low maintenance and easy to sharpen, is not as corrosion resistant as some other modern alloys. If you leave it wet and grimy, it will rust.

So bear that in mind. Just keep it clean and it will take care of you.

Where to Find This Kershaw Hunting Knife (and Others)

Looking for this or some other Kershaw hunting knife? You can get them online at White Mountain Knives.

White Mountain Knives carries a wide range of Kershaw knives, along with hunting knives from other top brands like Buck and ESEE Knives.

Get more information on their website and explore their exclusives – they even offer free shipping on orders in the United States.

For more information about Good Pocket Knife Brands and Zero Tolerance Pocket Knife please visit:- White Mountain Knives, LLC