I am pretty new to this and have decided on purchasing a Steinmeyer Fleshing knife but was wondering which one. I was looking at the Mini Parallel or the Regular Parallel but what is the size difference between these two knives and in your opinion what would be best for beaver pelts? I was going for a Necker 600 until I did a search and found out about the Post and Steinmeyer knives but I pretty sure I'm going with Steinmeyer.

Thanks, Jon

The blade on the regular parallel is 15 1/2" and the blade on the mini is 10". Either one will be fine for beaver. The question is which length will suit you the best. I am 5' 9" and 170 lbs. I personally like the mini best as it keeps my hands in line with my shoulders.

I have the parallel, I'd like to try a mini. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either one. Lee is a GREAT guy!

Great, Thank You. I am only at 5'6" so I think I will go with the Mini Parallel, I don't want anything too long as I am new to this and would like more control over the knife than trying to take too much off at once with a longer knife. I think 10" will be plenty of blade for me to learn with.

Thanks again,
Jon

What does height have to do with shoulder width and the size knife you use? I'm 5' 9" and my shoulder width Is 23"

When fleshing I use mostly my biceps and my fore arms. There Is very little shoulder movement.

I miss spoke. There Is a little more shoulder movement when your PUSHING fat.
I just scraped 10 beaver and when pushing the fat off the edges Its pretty much all shoulder movement.

Must have been a senior moment. LOL

Well my check is in the mail for a Parallel Mini, now the fleshing video binge begins. Excited for next season already.

Jon

You will not regret your purchase, I have both, there are simply not better purchase for your money, the craftsmanship is superb and blows the other options away IMO. These tools are heirloom quality and to top it off, Lee’s customer service is second to NONE. (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) of a nice guy/craftsmen. Only wish options for this level of quality and service were available in other areas of life.

A few years ago, I bought the regular parallel knife from Lee and I couldn't be happier with it.

If you ever get the chance to attend one of Lee's demos on sharpening, do it as you won't be disappointed. Lots of top-notch information on how to touch up your fleshing knife should it ever need it.

Lee is a great person and an even better person to do business with.

I have both the regular and mini parallel knives. I really like the mini, as it just seems to fit me better. You won't regret the purchase of either as the workmanship is top notch. Lee is one of the good ole boys.

Yeah I had Lee make me a blue English copy an wow best knife I ever used just becareful those first couple slices intill you get use to it can go right through the pelt if your not careful they are razor sharp

I used Lee's knife today. It was super sharp In fact the dull edge was very sharp. If It would have been my knife I would square off the dull edge and make It DULL with a square edge. In my opinion It was too sharp.

I like the handles a lot better then my Necker. The Neckers handles have that raised ridge and I have some pretty major calluses on my thumb knucles from years of use.

I'm so use to my Necker I found Lee's regular sized knife to be too big for me and I went back to my Necker.

I think If I would have started out with Lee's knife 20 years ago I wouldn't have a Necker. But I'm so use to my Necker Lee's knife just doesn't fit me. With more practice I might change my mind. But I'm doing some beaver for a buddy and I just don't feel like I should be practicing on some ones hides.
It's a great knife you won't go wrong with either size. I think I would go with the smaller knife If It were me. It might just be easier to learn how to use It.

Bob they are all fleshed and boarded.

I went with the smaller Mini Parallel knife as suggested by many of the members on this forum. I also recently met John Chase from Chase Furs in Erie,PA and what a great guy. I purchased a few items from him and he said he would give me some pointers on skinning and fleshing when the time comes. Thanks everyone for all the help, trapping is totally new to me. I am also very fortunate that I found this website with this great forum with knowledgeable members, I have learned alot already just reading through old posts.

Thanks again,
Jon