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How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? #7233010
04/01/21 10:33 PM
04/01/21 10:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
trapper
Yukon John  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
My fleshing knife isn't an expensive one, but it IS sharp! It is not shave your legs sharp,but will definitely cut you. How sharp should it be to do a good job on a pelt?


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233389
04/02/21 12:47 PM
04/02/21 12:47 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
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bctomcat  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2009
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100 Mile House, BC Can
Your fleshing knife does not need to be be any sharper then a standard table knife to do a good job pushing excess meat and fat off a pelt. Sharpness only makes it easier to do the job provided you are carefull and do not cut the pelt in the process of fleshing.


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233426
04/02/21 01:48 PM
04/02/21 01:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 61
CO/KS
S
sevensixtwo Offline
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sevensixtwo  Offline
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CO/KS
I only need to use the sharp side on the neck area for the coons. Everything else easily pushes off with the dull side.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: sevensixtwo] #7233478
04/02/21 03:46 PM
04/02/21 03:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
trapper
Yukon John  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Originally Posted by sevensixtwo
I only need to use the sharp side on the neck area for the coons. Everything else easily pushes off with the dull side.

Even beaver? I've only done 1, but I couldn't seem to cut through that back fat...maybe I just need more practice. Thanks for the replies!


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233566
04/02/21 06:06 PM
04/02/21 06:06 PM
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 695
Ontario
S
Saskfly Offline
trapper
Saskfly  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 695
Ontario
Beaver you need the sharp side for down the centre of the back and the tail area. Then the rest on the sides should push right off.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233567
04/02/21 06:06 PM
04/02/21 06:06 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,539
Saucier, Mississippi Harrison ...
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turkn8rtrapper Offline
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turkn8rtrapper  Offline
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Saucier, Mississippi Harrison ...
the sharp side of your fleshing knife need to be razor sharp. Yo need to also know which side of the curl on the sharp edge is up. Sharpening a fleshing knife is different than sharpening a regular knife. There are some good videos on doing it as well as the recommended equipment used to do it by some of the top knife makers. I'm sure Mr. Lee Steinmeyer could give you some pointers as he makes in my opinion the best fleshing knife out there.


"Skin that smokewagon and see what happens"
Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: turkn8rtrapper] #7233677
04/02/21 08:22 PM
04/02/21 08:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
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bctomcat  Offline
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100 Mile House, BC Can
Originally Posted by turkn8rtrapper
the sharp side of your fleshing knife need to be razor sharp.
WHY??


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: turkn8rtrapper] #7233742
04/02/21 09:16 PM
04/02/21 09:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
trapper
Yukon John  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Originally Posted by turkn8rtrapper
the sharp side of your fleshing knife need to be razor sharp. Yo need to also know which side of the curl on the sharp edge is up. Sharpening a fleshing knife is different than sharpening a regular knife. There are some good videos on doing it as well as the recommended equipment used to do it by some of the top knife makers. I'm sure Mr. Lee Steinmeyer could give you some pointers as he makes in my opinion the best fleshing knife out there.

I have read this, I always am mindful of the side I last run the steel on. I think my knife is sharp enough, I just need more experience. When I get after it too hard, I slice right through the hide, just a matter of feel I spose.


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233853
04/02/21 10:23 PM
04/02/21 10:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,562
lewis county,new york
N
newfox1 Offline
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newfox1  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2016
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lewis county,new york
John, keep the beaver hide tight, if a wrinkle is in front of the knife it will cut it, also experiment with your knife angle some people like it real flat I tip mine up some.i also move the knife left or right as I slice down.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233861
04/02/21 10:28 PM
04/02/21 10:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
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bctomcat  Offline
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100 Mile House, BC Can
Originally Posted by Yukon John
When I get after it too hard, I slice right through the hide, just a matter of feel I spose.
Yes and YOU DO NOT want to slice the meat and fat off, you want push it off.


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7233886
04/02/21 10:46 PM
04/02/21 10:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
trapper
Yukon John  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Thanks guys! I have a couple in the freezer that I'm gonna experiment with before long, I appreciate your advice!


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: bctomcat] #7234432
04/03/21 08:05 PM
04/03/21 08:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7,217
W NY
Turtledale Offline
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Turtledale  Offline
trapper

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7,217
W NY
Originally Posted by bctomcat
Originally Posted by Yukon John
When I get after it too hard, I slice right through the hide, just a matter of feel I spose.
Yes and YOU DO NOT want to slice the meat and fat off, you want push it off.

When you use the sharp side of the knife you DO use a slicing motion, when doing the back and towards the tail on a beaver. On the sides of the beaver you can use the dull side and push. I also use the sharp side on coon and skunk necks


NYSTA, NTA, FTA, life member Erie county trappers assn.,life member Catt.county trappers
Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7234775
04/04/21 08:48 AM
04/04/21 08:48 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,820
Frazee, MN
B
backroadsarcher Offline
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Frazee, MN
The smaller beaver I have found you can push the flesh off without much of a problem. The bigger beaver you need the sharp side down the middle of the back to remove the membrane, agreed that hide needs to be tight while shaving the flesh off. Other critters I can usually use the dull side to push.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7235920
04/05/21 08:25 PM
04/05/21 08:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,162
N.E. Nebr
L
LDW Offline
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LDW  Offline
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N.E. Nebr
You definitely need the sharp side on a coons neck, down to about the front legs. I use a slicing motion, back and forth with the sharp side. Rest will push off with the dull side. Coyotes will just need the dull side.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7236031
04/05/21 10:09 PM
04/05/21 10:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
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Yukon John  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
I'm thinkin I just need some experience. I absolutely appreciate all you guys chiming in! Keep it coming, I feel like (hope anyway) that you're helping more than just me!


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7236160
04/06/21 05:54 AM
04/06/21 05:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 15
Va
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Glen Mabe Offline
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Glen Mabe  Offline
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Va
I have 3 i use one very sharp...one in the middle and one on the dull side

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7237514
04/07/21 06:52 PM
04/07/21 06:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,098
NC
T
Tailhunter Offline
trapper
Tailhunter  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,098
NC
My post will shave the hair off your arms, if that helps.

Last edited by Tailhunter; 04/07/21 06:52 PM.
Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Tailhunter] #7237742
04/07/21 10:12 PM
04/07/21 10:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline OP
trapper
Yukon John  Offline OP
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Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Originally Posted by Tailhunter
My post will shave the hair off your arms, if that helps.

It does!


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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7239644
04/10/21 02:05 AM
04/10/21 02:05 AM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,420
Idaho
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bearcat2 Offline
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Idaho
Find what works for you and then stick with it. Grabbing a fleshing tool you aren't used to or someone else's is a good way to get in a lot of sewing practice. I grew up using an axe to flesh with, it's what my dad and grandpa always used. I switched over to a fleshing knife a few years ago and it was a bit of a learning curve. Mine is fairly sharp but not a razor by any means, I prefer to push the flesh and fat off with it rather than cut. I don't flesh beaver per se, I clean skin with a razor sharp knife and then scrape them with an ice cream spoon to pull the milky fat out. on a big beaver I may have a little bit left around the tail I need to skin off after I put it on the board, if I am in a hurry skinning. I just use a skinning knife for that after it is tacked out partway so it is snug. A small beaver you can get away with not skinning as clean because it will scrape, a bigger beaver won't scrape on the back or around the tail. I've rough skinned beaver when I had to pack them a long ways or had a lot stacked up to skin, but I certainly don't like to. Personally I find it easier to tack out a rough skinned beaver and skin off the flesh with a very sharp skinning knife than to flesh it on a beam. Of course if I did them on a beam regularly I'm sure I would get better and faster at it.

Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7240013
04/10/21 01:46 PM
04/10/21 01:46 PM
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Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
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The Beav Offline
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Wisconsin
Thea's not a beaver out there that I can't flesh on a beam In less then 15 min. And when I'm done there Is no touch up that needs to be done. Well I do trim the edges of the leg holes before nailing them shut.
On a average of about 10min to rough skin one.
And I do the fleshing with one of those useless Neckers. And If I had a good knife I could probably cut that time In half. LOL

Last edited by The Beav; 04/10/21 01:48 PM.

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Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: bearcat2] #7240246
04/10/21 06:20 PM
04/10/21 06:20 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271
james bay frontierOnt.
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Boco Offline
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james bay frontierOnt.
Originally Posted by bearcat2
Find what works for you and then stick with it. Grabbing a fleshing tool you aren't used to or someone else's is a good way to get in a lot of sewing practice. I grew up using an axe to flesh with, it's what my dad and grandpa always used. I switched over to a fleshing knife a few years ago and it was a bit of a learning curve. Mine is fairly sharp but not a razor by any means, I prefer to push the flesh and fat off with it rather than cut. I don't flesh beaver per se, I clean skin with a razor sharp knife and then scrape them with an ice cream spoon to pull the milky fat out. on a big beaver I may have a little bit left around the tail I need to skin off after I put it on the board, if I am in a hurry skinning. I just use a skinning knife for that after it is tacked out partway so it is snug. A small beaver you can get away with not skinning as clean because it will scrape, a bigger beaver won't scrape on the back or around the tail. I've rough skinned beaver when I had to pack them a long ways or had a lot stacked up to skin, but I certainly don't like to. Personally I find it easier to tack out a rough skinned beaver and skin off the flesh with a very sharp skinning knife than to flesh it on a beam. Of course if I did them on a beam regularly I'm sure I would get better and faster at it.

There are a good number of trappers in central Ontario that handle beaver like you said-rough skinned and re-skinned when on the board using a scraper around the edges and a sharp knife for the rest.


Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: How sharp does my fleshing knife need to be? [Re: Yukon John] #7240326
04/10/21 08:08 PM
04/10/21 08:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,420
Idaho
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bearcat2 Offline
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Idaho
If I was as good as you on a beam Beav, I might consider switching. It takes me 30-35 minutes to clean skin a blanket beaver where there isn't much touchup, unless he is scarred up. A nasty scarred up beaver takes longer, you need to be more careful around the scars. A few minutes longer than yours, but I would be considerably slower doing it the way you do. Of course I don't have near the experience you do either. wink I've probably done close to a thousand beaver, and of those probably 100 or 150 were rough skinned, either in the woods or when I had a pile to do and simply didn't have time to clean skin them so I rough skinned some and tossed in the freezer to take care of later.

Boco, I know a lot of guys don't any more, but I learned the old school way, to scrape that hide until you got the "milk" out of it, that milky fat that is in the leather itself. Makes a much whiter dried hide which the fur buyers used to really look for, anymore most furbuyers don't care what color the hide is as long as it isn't greasy. On small beaver I will often only semi-clean, kind of in between a true rough skin and a clean skin, I can do it almost as fast as rough skinning and they scrape/peel off the back fairly easy. But on a true rough skinned beaver that was the way I was taught and by the time I tried using a beam I was much better and faster at doing it on the board with a sharp knife. Takes me longer than clean skinning though, so if I have time I clean skin them the first go around.

I remember the first beaver I ever rough skinned, I had six beaver, probably two hundred pounds in a backpack and when I swung my leg over a log my pack frame snapped in half. Probably between a quarter mile down in a canyon full of blowdowns between me and the pickup. I was just a teenager at the time and thought I was tough, but packing six beaver out in my hands wasn't happening wink

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