First Look: Bear Forest Backstrap Fillet Knife

by
posted on December 15, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bear Forest Backstrap

Bear Forest Knives has released a small batch of its latest precision cutting tool, The Backstrap. This 10.187-inch long fillet knife is a great addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s collection and provides a unique cutting experience.

The engine behind this design is a six-inch narrow, upward-curving blade with an ultra-sharp full-flat grind. The Backstrap is crafted from easy-to-sharpen 52100 high-carbon steel, which still provides exceptional edge-retention properties. As it is high-carbon instead of stainless, of course it will need a good oiling after cleaning and use, so keep some handy with the knife.

The micarta handle has a finger groove that creates an integrated guard, ensuring a secure grip and reducing the risk of slipping when handling innards or blood. It comes with a black Kydex sheath for protection and easy carry.

Why a Fillet?

Whether filleting a fish or sectioning up stew meat and veggies, this knife's sharp design will get the job done. Not to mention, as its name implies, it’s great for processing those ever-so-prized elk and deer backstraps, its long, thin blade capable of contouring better around a backbone than a thicker model. When gutting the animal, its blade can also be useful for those hard to reach spots, such as severing the windpipe high up, or fully disconnecting the rectum for easier removal.

This is why a fillet knife makes a great design for the task. Such knives are specialized to fillet, debone and skin fish and meat. Its long, thin, flexible blade can easily glide along bones and separate the flesh from the skin.

Bear Forest Knives created The Backstrap knife with the goal of making a durable and versatile tool for outdoor food preparation, culminating in a knife like a surgeon's scalpel—precise, efficient and designed to last. For more information on the Bear Forest Backstrap, visit bearforestknives.comMSRP: $179.99

Latest

LEDE LCO Pro F2
LEDE LCO Pro F2

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.