Stag Horn Damascus Gut Hook Knife with Skull Cutout Blade
Shipping calculated at checkout
Low stock
Description
A handmade gut hook hunting knife featuring a 4-inch Damascus blade with a skull-silhouette cutout and wire-cutting notch, a natural stag horn handle, a Damascus bolster, and a leather sheath.
What Makes This Gut Hook Knife Distinct in Our Hunting Line?
Our Stag Horn Damascus Gut Hook Knife pairs a 4-inch layered blade with a skull cutout near the spine, a design detail that sets it apart from the longhorn and medallion versions in the same lineup. At 8 inches overall, it's built for close, controlled field dressing rather than heavy chopping.
Because the blade and bolster are both forged in 15N20/1095 Damascus, the wavy pattern runs continuously from blade tip through bolster.
Browse similar working blades in our Gut Hook Knives collection.
How Do the Gut Hook and Wire Notch Work Together?
The gut hook on the spine lets a hunter open the hide along the belly in a single controlled pull, keeping the cut shallow and reducing the risk of nicking the stomach or intestines. The wire notch sits lower on the spine and gives a dedicated edge for cutting wire, rope, or fencing, the same working idea used on our Bull Cutter Knives, so the main edge stays reserved for skinning and finer cuts.
What Is the Skull Cutout on the Blade?
A skull silhouette is cut directly into the blade face near the spine, giving the knife a distinct look among our gut hook models. It's a decorative detail rather than a functional feature and doesn't affect the cutting edge, gut hook, or wire notch.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Handmade fixed-blade gut hook hunting knife |
| Overall length | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 4 inches |
| Blade material | Damascus steel (15N20/1095) |
| Blade hardness | 58–60 HRC |
| Blade style | Gut hook with wire-cutting notch and skull cutout |
| Handle material | Natural stag horn |
| Bolster | Damascus steel (15N20/1095) |
| Tang construction | Full tang |
| Included accessory | Leather sheath with snap closure |
| Custom engraving | Available — name, logo, or message |
Why Choose a Stag Horn Handle for This Knife?
Stag horn is a traditional handle choice for field and skinning knives, valued for a naturally textured surface that grips well even when the hands are wet or bloody from field dressing. Being a natural material, its color and grain vary from piece to piece, giving each handle its own mottled, one-of-a-kind look.
Stag horn does contain natural moisture and can dry out or crack over time if neglected, so a light oiling once or twice a year helps keep it stable.
Common variations across stag horn handles include:
- Surface texture and mottling
- Natural coloring, from pale cream to darker weathered tones
- Grain density along the handle
These are natural characteristics and not a defect.
Why Does the Bolster Match the Blade Steel?
The Damascus pattern carries from the blade through the bolster rather than transitioning to a plain stainless bolster, giving the knife a more continuous layered look from tip to handle.
Which Tasks Can This Hunting Knife Perform?
Built for field dressing, skinning, and incidental cutting tasks like wire or cordage, all on a compact blade sized for close control on smaller to medium game.
Explore related knives in our Hunting Knives collection.
How Should You Maintain the Blade and Handle?
Damascus is high-carbon and reacts to moisture faster than stainless steel, so consistent care matters, especially around the gut hook and wire notch where residue can collect.
Follow these 5 care steps:
- Wipe the blade after every use, including the gut hook and notch.
- Wash with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth when needed.
- Dry the blade fully and immediately.
- Apply a thin coat of knife oil to prevent surface rust.
- Store the knife in a dry place away from humidity.
Being a natural material, the stag horn handle benefits from a light coat of mineral oil once or twice a year to prevent drying or cracking. Wipe it dry after contact with moisture rather than letting it sit wet. The gut hook needs a small round file or curved sharpener rather than a flat stone.
Follow our knife sharpening guide for the main edge.
Can You Personalize This Hunting Knife?
Yes. Custom engraving is available, with a name, logo, or short message, making it a fitting gift for a hunter or collector.
Why Choose Our Stag Horn Damascus Gut Hook Knife?
Choose this knife when you want a gut hook and wire notch on one blade, a Damascus bolster matching the blade steel, a distinct skull cutout, and a natural stag horn handle that grips well in wet field conditions.
Compare it with other field-ready blades in our Hunting Knives collection.
