Lynn Thompson Founder of Cold Steel Knives Discussing Skinning Knives
Key Takeaways
Ultimate Hunter from Cold Steel 4 inch blade folder
Voyager 5 inch Folder
Pendleton Hunteer Fixed 3.5 inch hollow ground blade
Master Hunter 4.5 inch drop point blade (quintessential skinnning knife)
Wester Hunter Commercial Series (budget friendly)
Transcript
Knife Selection for Hunting and Skinning
By Lynn Thompson, Founder of Cold Steel Knives
Hi, my name is Lynn Thompson. I'm the founder of Cold Steel Knives, and my good friend Tim Sundel asked me to talk to you guys today about knives. Before we get started, I wanted to give you an idea of my qualifications. I hate it when I’m watching someone on YouTube or the internet, and they’re pontificating as if they’re an expert, only to find out they have no real experience or successes. So very quickly, without wasting your time, here’s a bit about me.
I am a martial artist who started a knife company and have been a die-hard gun enthusiast all my life. I hold a sixth-degree black belt in Deber Mixed Martial Arts and am also a senior instructor in the Martial Arts Research System (MARS) under Guru Ron Licki, who has been my training partner for over 20 years. I started handgun hunting in 1986, primarily in Paso Robles, California, targeting wild boar. In 1989, I had the chance to go to Africa, and since then, I’ve completed over 200 safaris to Africa, spending more than 600 days on the ground. I’m the first person to shoot the “Big Five” and the “Dangerous Seven” with a handgun using iron sights. I also hold over 30 top 10 Safari Club world records, including a number of firsts such as the world’s number one warthog and red deer stag. I’ve shot over 20,000 animals—likely closer to double that—during my extensive hunting experiences in Australia and Africa, both commercially and for sport. I’ve skinned countless animals and watched everything from elephants to mice being skinned, so I have a solid understanding of what makes an effective skinning knife.
Let’s jump into skinning knives. Many people are reluctant to carry a fixed-blade knife on their waistband. If that’s the case for you, I recommend the Ultimate Hunter from Cold Steel. It has a 4-inch blade with a drop point and a high bevel that tapers to a very thin edge. This edge design ensures deep penetration into your target and makes the blade easy to sharpen. It glides across surfaces effortlessly, allowing you to open an animal’s stomach cleanly without making a mess. The knife features a G10 handle and the Tri-Ad lock system, invented by my friend Andrew Demko for Cold Steel. This locking mechanism is incredibly strong and safe, which is crucial when you’re working with a knife. My index finger is worth millions of dollars in skill and experience, and I wouldn’t risk a weaker lock failing and causing injury.
To test the Ultimate Hunter, I took it to Australia, where we used it to skin a buffalo. We skinned the entire animal from tail to nose, quartered it, and even cut off the head—all with this knife. By the end, it was dull but intact, with no broken tips or damage. That’s a testament to its durability and design. Additionally, carrying a folding knife like this is safer than a fixed blade in unstable terrain, as it’s unlikely to cause injury if you fall.
For a larger folder, consider the 5-inch Voyager with a clip point. It also uses the Tri-Ad lock and features a flat grind, which creates a thin, sharp edge for deep cuts and easy sharpening. This makes it an excellent all-around hunting and skinning knife. My friend Peter Channing exclusively uses this knife on his ranch in Africa to skin animals like eland and kudu, and I’ve personally used it to skin three kudus in one day. A big folding knife like this is an outstanding option.
Moving on to fixed blades, let’s start with the smallest: the Pendleton Hunter. It has a 3.5-inch hollow-ground blade with a thick spine. The hollow grind removes more material for a thinner edge while maintaining strength. Its continuous curve from the heel to the tip makes it an effective skinning tool. The handle is ambidextrous, allowing for versatile grips, and the drop point prevents it from accidentally burying into the animal. This knife is compact, unobtrusive, and a great choice for those who prefer a smaller, low-profile option.
Next is the Master Hunter, which I consider the quintessential skinning knife. It features a 4.5-inch drop point blade with a strong distal taper, allowing the thin edge to remain sharp all the way to the tip. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and control, even with wet or bloody hands. It also accommodates an “edge-in” grip, which is commonly used for skinning large animals like moose and bears. The Master Hunter is durable, efficient, and unassuming in appearance, making it a reliable choice for hunters.
Lastly, the Commercial Series Western Hunter is a budget-friendly option designed for hunters who want a good-quality knife without spending a fortune. It has a continuous curve from the heel to the tip for smooth skinning strokes and a drop point for cleanly opening the abdominal cavity. The wide, flat-ground blade is sturdy yet effective. The handle features an integral trough for a secure grip and can be used comfortably in both “edge-in” and “edge-out” positions. At around $30, including the sheath, it’s an excellent value and looks non-intimidating on your belt.
In summary, if you prefer folding knives, I recommend the Ultimate Hunter or the 5-inch Voyager. For fixed blades, the Pendleton Hunter, Master Hunter, and Commercial Series Western Hunter are all outstanding options depending on your budget and needs. Personally, I always keep a versatile knife like the Western Hunter in my pack for its utility. With these tools, you’ll have everything you need for effective skinning and hunting.
