Watch coon creek outdoors on YouTube, learn HOW to flesh, then choose your tool. I started with a thin meat cleaver, and after 5 seconds decided that I needed a tool for the purpose. But I didn't really know HOW to do it. I could probably use just about anything now, cuz I know a little more.

An old lawn mower blade.

When times comes that you are getting one I'd strongly recommend one from Lee Steinmeyer on here. I'm normally a tight wad but a good fleshing knife is worth every penny and makes learning to flesh easier in my opinion.

After DECADES of cheap and or improvised knives, I bought one from Mr. Steinmeyer.
Ruined my first couple coons and beaver with it,lol.

Took me a few to get used to a GOOD knife!

Wouldn't part with it now!

Just get a fleshing knife. It is the right tool for the job.

Will power, that's how I get things done when money or skill is in the way

power washer

Pm me your address. If its ok with your folks.

Ill send you a fleshing knife.

We just came into some extra trapping supplies and ill fix ya up a box and send it out to you. No charge.

I also know someone who will buy all the skunks you can catch for a dang good price if you're interested.

I'll send you his contact info when youre ready to sell them if you'd like to contact him.

And THIS is why I love this place!

Another 16 year old down the tube.

i started my coon fleshing career using a large kitchen spoon . There was no much future in that method .So I parted with the best part of a Ben Franklin to get a Zepf .I have ask myself how long did it take for me to see the very obvious. Having a good tool makes every job easier and most of the time you get a better result ,Getting a ZEPF fleshing knife made me a good coon trapper because now I could put up coon hides much quicker .There are many other good ones out there Find one you like and have fun. Good tools might cost some money but they are not expensive

Thawkinson06, I have trapped for nearly 60 years, (first trapline experience was fall of 1963) plus made my living most of my adult life as a taxidermist. I always fleshed all my pelts and also my taxidermy studio hides and capes with nothing more than a curved knife sorta like the guy in the above video. I used a flat fleshing beam that resembled a small ironing board. Still have the same one I made back in the early 1980's. Me with a fleshing knife like most use..........I cut stuff all to tatters!

I'd suggest you try to make your own. Find a piece of scrap steel somewhere. Ask a knowledgeable father, brothers, uncle, teacher, neighbor, etc. for advice on design, materials, and construction techniques.

You'll probably end up with a substandard fleshing knife. But you will have learned a ton in the process and have the pride of using a tool you made yourself. At the age of 16 years, a man needs to be concerned about becoming competent at a wide range of skills - including both fleshing pelts and working with metal.

You can do it! It will be worthwhile! Once you develop your skills, thinking, and problem-solving abilities, you will one day be able earn enough money to buy a top-of-the line custom fleshing knife made by a real specialist if you want to.

Skunks are really easy to flesh you could do one with a piece of angle iron and a pocket knife. Most of a skunk will be just pushing off the fat. Probably the most profitable to trap this year lol.

Where are you at in Nebraska? I've got an extra laying around that you can have. PM me if you want.

Nicely done, Cathryn!

Easy, wasn’t it? He’s learning so much at 16.

because you would have to order it online and don't have a way to pay for it online?

like others pointed out lots of things will work

the old school way to order stuff was to mail in the order and send a postal money order.
now pre-loaded visa cards are an option you can get them at most stores and banks.

American Indians used a flint stone.
just