When gutting or cleaning game, a common misconception is that the process is best performed with a large knife. The opposite is true: A small, fixed blade is easiest to manipulate and handle. Battle Horse Knives’ Frontier Valley Knife fits this bill perfectly, and would be right at home in your gun- or game-cleaning kit.

Style of knife: 18th century patch knife

Blade length: The cutting edge is 2 5/8″

Type of edge: Sabre grind or full flat grind

Blade and handle materials: Blade is made from O1 tool steel. The handle is made from Micarta.

MSRP: $70

Unique features: You have your choice of handle color and the option of the handle being polished or bead blasted.

Application: Hunting, bushcraft, survival.

Pros: Comes with a handmade leather sheath, the knife is easy to grip and use in wet conditions. It’s an excellent skinning knife and small survival knife.

Cons: It is a smaller blade, so if you have larger hands it may not be the right choice for you.

Bottom line: This is a tough, full-tang knife built in the USA! The price point is awesome considering the materials involved in making it. The Frontier Valley fits nice and snug in the sheath, and the sheath rides close and tight to your body when wearing it—no flopping around. If you don’t want to wear it on your hip, it stows away nicely inside your pack. Don’t underestimate this knife due to its size.

Stay tuned for a full field review in the coming weeks!

(Images courtesy of Battle Horse Knives)