Louis Martin Custom Knives · Est. 1993

Louis Martin Custom Knives

Handmade Skinning Knives

Quick Answer

A skinning knife features a curved, upswept blade designed for separating hide from game without cutting the meat. Louis Martin skinning knives are hand-forged with dedicated skinner profiles in Damascus and high-carbon steel for clean, precise field dressing.

The skinning knife is a specialist's tool — its curved blade geometry is designed for one purpose, and it excels at it. Louis Martin's handmade skinning knives give hunters a purpose-built blade that makes the most demanding part of field dressing faster, cleaner, and safer.

Characteristics & Construction

Blade Curvature

Skinning blades feature a pronounced upswept curve that positions the edge parallel to the hide surface as you draw the knife, minimizing the risk of puncturing the hide or nicking the meat. Our skinners range from 3.5 to 5 inch blade lengths.

Drop-Point vs Trailing-Point

We produce both drop-point skinners (controlled tip, versatile) and trailing-point skinners (extreme upswept profile, maximum skinning efficiency, less suitable for field dressing tasks requiring tip work).

Edge Profile

Skinning knives are sharpened with a convex grind — a smooth rounded bevel that slips between hide and tissue cleanly. The convex edge also provides superior durability compared to hollow or flat ground edges.

Handle Position

Skinning work is palm-intensive. Our skinning knife handles are bulged at the palm swell and tapered at the pommel to lock the knife securely in a skinning grip, preventing slippage when the handle is wet with blood.

Care & Maintenance

  1. 1

    Rinse immediately in the field

    Rinse blood from the blade immediately after field dressing. Blood is acidic and will etch and stain unprotected high-carbon and Damascus steel within 10–15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Dry thoroughly

    Dry the blade and handle completely before re-sheathing. Moisture inside the sheath is the most common cause of blade rust between hunts.

  3. 3

    Touch up with a strop

    A skinning knife dulls rapidly on connective tissue. Carry a leather strop in the field and re-strop the edge between animals for clean, efficient cuts.

  4. 4

    Deep clean annually

    Before storage at season end, wash the knife with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, and apply a heavy coat of mineral oil or gun oil to the blade and handle.

  5. 5

    Oil the leather sheath inside

    Apply a thin coat of neatsfoot oil to the interior of the leather sheath annually. A dry sheath can actually scratch the blade finish as the knife is drawn and re-sheathed repeatedly.

Skinning Knives — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a skinning knife and a hunting knife?
A hunting knife is a general-purpose field knife that can skin, gut, and butcher game. A dedicated skinning knife has a curved upswept blade optimized specifically for separating hide from carcass — it's faster and cleaner for skinning but less versatile for other field tasks.
What blade length is best for a skinning knife?
A 3.5–4.5 inch skinner is best for deer and medium game. Larger elk and bear benefit from a 4.5–5 inch skinner. Longer blades become more difficult to control in the close quarters of skinning work.
Do I need a dedicated skinning knife or will a hunting knife work?
A good hunting knife with a drop-point blade can skin game effectively. A dedicated skinner is faster and cleaner for hunters who process multiple animals per season. Many experienced hunters carry both — a skinner and a utility hunting knife.
What is a trailing-point skinning knife?
A trailing-point skinner has an extreme upswept blade where the tip curves up above the center of the blade spine. This geometry maximizes the slicing surface available along the curve — ideal for skinning but not useful for tasks requiring controlled tip work.

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