The Ultimate Game Processing Knife—Handcrafted in America
Imagine field-dressing a deer or elk with a knife that glides through hide and meat effortlessly, holds its edge through an entire animal, and feels perfectly balanced in your hand. The PKS Buffalo Skinner (Forged) is purpose-built for serious hunters and outdoorsmen who need a knife that performs flawlessly when processing game. This isn't a mass-produced import—it's a handcrafted American-made tool backed by a lifetime warranty.
Why This Knife is Essential for Hunters:
- Purpose-Built Blade Design: The 5.25" blade is specifically sized and shaped for skinning and processing game. Large enough to handle big game efficiently, yet maneuverable enough for precise work around joints and delicate areas.
- Forged 1095 High Carbon Steel: The forged finish creates a blade with superior grain structure and toughness. Heat-treated to 55-60 Rockwell hardness for the perfect balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening in the field.
- Scandi Grind Perfection: The Scandinavian grind creates an incredibly sharp, durable edge that's easy to maintain. This is the grind preferred by professional hunters and bushcrafters for skinning and processing work.
- 90° Spine for Versatility: The squared spine allows you to strike with a ferro rod for fire starting, scrape bark, or use bushcraft techniques. This knife does more than just process game.
- Handcrafted in Indianapolis: Each knife is individually handcrafted by Pathfinder Knife Shop in Indianapolis, IN. American steel, American craftsmanship, American quality. Backed by a lifetime warranty on the blade.
Technical Specifications:
- Steel: 1/8" 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Blade Length: Approximately 5.25"
- Overall Length: 10"
- Blade Finish: Forged (creates unique texture and superior grain structure)
- Grind: Scandi (Scandinavian grind for superior skinning performance)
- Spine: 90° for ferro rod striking and bushcraft use
- Handle Material: Curly Maple (grain pattern varies, making each knife unique)
- Rockwell Hardness: 55-60 HRC (optimal for field use)
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
- Made in: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on blade
- Sheath: Not included (available separately)
Perfect For:
- Skinning and processing deer, elk, and big game
- Field dressing and butchering
- Hunting camps and processing stations
- Bushcraft and wilderness survival
- Anyone who needs a serious working knife for game processing
- Collectors of American-made custom knives
Why Choose Forged Over Satin:
The forged finish isn't just aesthetic—it's functional. The forging process creates a blade with superior grain structure, making it tougher and more resistant to chipping during hard use. The textured surface also reduces friction when skinning, allowing the blade to glide through hide more easily. If you're processing game in the field where performance matters more than appearance, forged is the choice.
Understanding 1095 High Carbon Steel:
1095 is the gold standard for working knives. It takes an incredibly sharp edge, holds that edge through extended use, and is easy to sharpen in the field with a simple stone. Unlike stainless steel, 1095 can be sharpened to a keener edge and is tougher under hard use. The trade-off is that it requires basic care—keep it clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust.
Handcrafted Quality:
Each Buffalo Skinner is individually handcrafted by skilled knife makers at Pathfinder Knife Shop in Indianapolis. This means every knife is unique, with slight variations in the forged texture and curly maple grain pattern. You're not getting a cookie-cutter factory knife—you're getting a handmade tool with character and soul.
Important Notes:
- Handcrafted Variations: Each knife is unique. Slight variations from product photos are normal and expected.
- Sheath Care: Avoid forcing the knife too deeply into sheaths, as this may damage stitching (not covered under warranty)
- Knife Care: Visit our PKS Knife Care Information Page for maintenance tips
The Bottom Line:
If you're serious about hunting and processing your own game, you need a knife built for the job. The PKS Buffalo Skinner delivers professional-grade performance with its purpose-built blade design, premium 1095 steel, and Scandi grind. Handcrafted in America and backed by a lifetime warranty, this is the knife you'll use for decades and eventually pass down to the next generation.
Proudly Made in the USA
Shipping Charges are calculated at checkout.
Within United States:
Packages are shipped via:
- UPS
- FedEx
- USPS for PO Boxes
Outside the United States:
Shipping charges DO NOT INCLUDE any duties, taxes, and/or import fees imposed by your country's custom and/or clearance offices.
We offer the following services to most areas:
- DHL Express
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation? Customer Service is open 9am to 3pm EST Monday thru Friday (we are closed all major holidays)
Do you have a retail store? No, we are online only.
What time zone is your sales and promotions based on?
Eastern Standard Time.
Do you offer Rain Checks or Extend Promotional Prices?
No, sale prices are only available during the promotional period.
How do I cancel an order?
To cancel an order please call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time). Once an order has been processed for shipment (meaning a label has been created), it cannot be canceled. Sending an email will not guarantee it will be canceled prior to shipping.
Can I add to an order?
If your order has not started to be processed through our shipping department, you can modify the order. However, you must call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 to make modifications. Once an order has started processing through the warehouse, it cannot be modified, only canceled.
What cards do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay.
Do you accept check or money orders?
Yes, we do. Make checks out to The Pathfinder School, and mail to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203.
If we do not receive your payment within 14 business days, your order will be canceled.
Are orders shipped insured?
Yes, all orders where product total equals $25 or more are shipped insured. For more information about the insurance and claim process, please click here.
How long does it take for an order to ship from the warehouse?
Orders typically take 2 to 5 business days to process through our shipping department. During the holidays or during high-volume order influxes, it may take up to 7 business days. UPS 2-DAY orders will be processed the next business day.
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
Once it leaves our warehouse, it will depend on the shipping option you choose.
What shipping options do you offer domestically?
Flat Rate
UPS Ground
UPS 2-Day
What international shipping options do you have?
DHL
To learn how to sign up, earn points, and redeem points, please click here.
Can I send it back for an exchange?
No, but you can send it back for a store gift to use towards your next purchase. Include a copy of your receipt or email confirmation and indicate what you wish to get as a store gift card. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
How will my refund be processed?
Domestic customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
International customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
Refunds on returned merchandise will be processed within 7 business days upon receipt of the returned merchandise.
Can I return an unwanted item?
You may return any unused item (in its original packaging) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Drop ship items are not returnable. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
What is the warranty on your products?
Most products (except PKS Knives & DIY Blanks) carry a 1-year warranty. View the Pathfinder Promise for our Pathfinder Stainless Steel gear - click here.
Does your PKS DIY Blanks have a lifetime warranty?
No, since they are a DIY item and an unfinished knife, blanks come with a 6-month warranty.
What is the warranty on PKS Knives?
All PKS knives (except DIY blanks) come with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
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