Lee Schanz's TOP 5 KNIVES for the Big Woods

I just picked up my new Big Woods Bucks "Heritage" knife and I am looking forward to using it on the moose hunt next week. It is made here in Maine by Duren Knives and appears to be a perfect fit for my collection of blades.

Many years ago, Schrade made a special edition BWB knife, and mine is marked 2 of 100 like all my Big Woods limited editions. I decided it was too big for my everyday deer knife, but it makes a great moose knife. I have skinned and quartered several moose with it without sharpening it and continue to use it every year.

Another special knife that I have used is an old Ka-bar that my dad gave to me. When he turned 70, the state gave him a moose permit, and I used the old Marine Corps blade to gut his huge bull.

Dad also gave me a Western Cutlery knife with a bone handle, and the size is just right for deer. I’ve lost track of how many big woods bucks I’ve used it on. Western Cutlery made great knives at reasonable prices, and they are often seen in Maine’s Northwoods.

The last knife that I included in the picture and this article is a new type of blade made by Outdoor Edge. It doesn’t have the beautiful lines and interesting history of my other knives, but it is a workhorse. My son, Stephen, gave it to me a few years ago, and he and my other guides use these blades a lot. Instead of sharpening this particular knife, you just swap out replacement blades when it suits you, and you’re always sharp! Some knives are beautiful, and some are practical, but hopefully, all of yours are useful.

A good knife just might be the most important tool a person brings into the woods.

Pick up a Big Woods Bucks "Heritage" knife, made by Duren Knives of Sidney, Maine. The Heritage knife is a timeless collectable and rugged hunting tool that will get you a lifetime of use.