Uploaded September 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Comparing and discussing styles of Fleshing Knives. Review of best tools for home tanning and leather making, flesh, scudding, de-hairing and graining hides, skins and furs. Learn more in the Accompanying blog post here: skillcult.com/blog/2018/9/17/the-tanners-knife-an-essential-multipurpose-tool
Wiebe 12" flesher looks promising. I haven't tried it though: amzn.to/2D7RZ99
Expensive English Shefield Old Style Knife by J. Adams: amzn.to/2NOyxCv
Cheap English knock off with short tangs:
There are different styles, lengths, widths, curvature and length in what are commonly called fleshing knives, but more accurately called tanner's knives or Tanning Knives. My main interest is in multipurpose tools that will do all manner of tasks, such as fleshing, re-fleshing (membraning to braintanners), Frizzing (graining), Scudding and De-Hairing. A good Tanner's knife will do all of them well enough, be long enough, but not cumbersomely long or heavy, hold an edge and be ergonomic.
Older knives are often of the traditional European wide and cupped type. Newer knives are mostly narrow and often flexible since most are made solely for fleshing furskins by fur trappers. Older narrow types are usually thicker and can be quite nice.
Many options are available for making homemade tools, such as chainsaw bars, leaf springs and planer blades with antler or wood handles.
Support on patreon.com/skillcult has been critical in keeping me experimenting and making content. If you want to help me help others, this is probably the best way to do it. Thank you Patrons for supporting the mission!
Buy less, but buy it through my links! Shopping through my affiliate links generates revenue for me, at no extra cost to you, click links here, or go to my Amazon Store page: skillcult.com/amazon-store But seriously, buy less, do more.
Standard gear I recommend. I either use or have used all of it.
Council Tool Boys Axe: amzn.to/3z0muqI
Bahco Farmer's File: amzn.to/3Hbdhij
King two sided sharpening stone: amzn.to/32EX1XC
Silky f180 saw: amzn.to/3yZzM71
ARS 10 foot long reach pruner: amzn.to/3esETmM
Victorinox grafting/floral knife: amzn.to/3Jki1E9
Wiebe 12” fleshing tool: amzn.to/3sB0qSl
Atlas Elbow Gloves: amzn.to/3FwB5g6
BOOKS:
The Axe Book, by Dudley Cook: amzn.to/32kx7sN
Bushcraft, by Mors Kochanski: amzn.to/32q2rpT
Subscribe to my channel for more insightful Self Reliance related content: youtube.com/skillcult/subscribe Click the bell icon to be notified of new content. Subscribing doesn’t mean that much on it’s own.
Blog and website: skillcult.com/blog
Instagram and Facebook @SkillCult
Comparing and discussing styles of Fleshing Knives. Review of best tools for home tanning and leather making, flesh, scudding, de-hairing and graining hides, skins and furs. Learn more in the Accompanying blog post here: skillcult.com/blog/2018/9/17/the-tanners-knife-an-essential-multipurpose-tool
Wiebe 12" flesher looks promising. I haven't tried it though: amzn.to/2D7RZ99
Expensive English Shefield Old Style Knife by J. Adams: amzn.to/2NOyxCv
Cheap English knock off with short tangs:
There are different styles, lengths, widths, curvature and length in what are commonly called fleshing knives, but more accurately called tanner's knives or Tanning Knives. My main interest is in multipurpose tools that will do all manner of tasks, such as fleshing, re-fleshing (membraning to braintanners), Frizzing (graining), Scudding and De-Hairing. A good Tanner's knife will do all of them well enough, be long enough, but not cumbersomely long or heavy, hold an edge and be ergonomic.
Older knives are often of the traditional European wide and cupped type. Newer knives are mostly narrow and often flexible since most are made solely for fleshing furskins by fur trappers. Older narrow types are usually thicker and can be quite nice.
Many options are available for making homemade tools, such as chainsaw bars, leaf springs and planer blades with antler or wood handles.
Support on patreon.com/skillcult has been critical in keeping me experimenting and making content. If you want to help me help others, this is probably the best way to do it. Thank you Patrons for supporting the mission!
Buy less, but buy it through my links! Shopping through my affiliate links generates revenue for me, at no extra cost to you, click links here, or go to my Amazon Store page: skillcult.com/amazon-store But seriously, buy less, do more.
Standard gear I recommend. I either use or have used all of it.
Council Tool Boys Axe: amzn.to/3z0muqI
Bahco Farmer's File: amzn.to/3Hbdhij
King two sided sharpening stone: amzn.to/32EX1XC
Silky f180 saw: amzn.to/3yZzM71
ARS 10 foot long reach pruner: amzn.to/3esETmM
Victorinox grafting/floral knife: amzn.to/3Jki1E9
Wiebe 12” fleshing tool: amzn.to/3sB0qSl
Atlas Elbow Gloves: amzn.to/3FwB5g6
BOOKS:
The Axe Book, by Dudley Cook: amzn.to/32kx7sN
Bushcraft, by Mors Kochanski: amzn.to/32q2rpT
Subscribe to my channel for more insightful Self Reliance related content: youtube.com/skillcult/subscribe Click the bell icon to be notified of new content. Subscribing doesn’t mean that much on it’s own.
Blog and website: skillcult.com/blog
Instagram and Facebook @SkillCult
