{"product_id":"stag-horn-damascus-gut-hook-knife-with-skull-cutout-blade","title":"Stag Horn Damascus Gut Hook Knife with Skull Cutout Blade","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhat Makes This Gut Hook Knife Distinct in Our Hunting Line?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBecause the blade and bolster are both forged in 15N20\/1095 Damascus, the wavy pattern runs continuously from blade tip through bolster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBrowse similar working blades in our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/collections\/gut-hook-knives\"\u003eGut Hook Knives\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eHow Do the Gut Hook and Wire Notch Work Together?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 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 \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/collections\/buy-bull-cutter-knives\"\u003eBull Cutter Knives\u003c\/a\u003e, so the main edge stays reserved for skinning and finer cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhat Is the Skull Cutout on the Blade?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6 print:overflow-x-visible\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHandmade fixed-blade gut hook hunting knife\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eOverall length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e8 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBlade length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e4 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBlade material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eDamascus steel (15N20\/1095)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBlade hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e58–60 HRC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBlade style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eGut hook with wire-cutting notch and skull cutout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHandle material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eNatural stag horn\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBolster\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eDamascus steel (15N20\/1095)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eTang construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eFull tang\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eIncluded accessory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eLeather sheath with snap closure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCustom engraving\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eAvailable — name, logo, or message\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhy Choose a Stag Horn Handle for This Knife?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStag 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStag 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCommon variations across stag horn handles include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSurface texture and mottling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNatural coloring, from pale cream to darker weathered tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGrain density along the handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThese are natural characteristics and not a defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhy Does the Bolster Match the Blade Steel?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhich Tasks Can This Hunting Knife Perform?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eExplore related knives in our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/collections\/hunting-knives\"\u003eHunting Knives\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eHow Should You Maintain the Blade and Handle?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDamascus 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFollow these 5 care steps:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWipe the blade after every use, including the gut hook and notch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWash with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth when needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDry the blade fully and immediately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eApply a thin coat of knife oil to prevent surface rust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStore the knife in a dry place away from humidity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBeing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFollow our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/blogs\/blog-posts\/best-way-to-sharpen-a-knife\"\u003eknife sharpening guide\u003c\/a\u003e for the main edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eCan You Personalize This Hunting Knife?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. Custom engraving is available, with a name, logo, or short message, making it a fitting gift for a hunter or collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWhy Choose Our Stag Horn Damascus Gut Hook Knife?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eChoose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCompare it with other field-ready blades in our \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/collections\/hunting-knives\"\u003eHunting Knives\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stag Steel Knives","offers":[{"title":"Knife without Engraving","offer_id":47215873327292,"sku":"GHK-004","price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Knife with Engraving","offer_id":47215873360060,"sku":"GHK-004-1","price":210.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/4621\/4332\/files\/Stag_Horn_Damascus_Gut_Hook_Knife_with_Skull_Cutout_Blade.png?v=1785445400","url":"https:\/\/www.stagsteelknives.com\/products\/stag-horn-damascus-gut-hook-knife-with-skull-cutout-blade","provider":"Stag Steel Knives","version":"1.0","type":"link"}