If you’ve ever processed game in the backcountry, you know the right tool is the difference between a smooth, quick field dress and a frustrating, choppy ordeal.
That’s why we teamed up with bowhunting legend Cameron Hanes to create the Packout Skinner — the knife that’ll expedite and elevate your skinning game for good.
What’s in a Name?
We didn’t pluck the name “Packout” from a hat. The name embodies both the knife’s purpose and the rewarding challenge of the pack out ahead.
The name “Packout” was inspired by those moments after this knife has done its job: when it’s bloody from use and you’re strapping on a heavy pack loaded with meat for the trek home. That’s when you know you’ve put this knife through its paces in the backcountry (and get this: it’ll still be ready for more).
The Science Behind the Shape
At first, we weren’t sure about the Packout Skinner’s design. Radically different knife shapes often look interesting but fail to deliver in the field.
But something magical happened when we put prototypes in hunters’ hands. Everyone who tested the Packout in the field said, “This knife changed my skinning game, and I’ll never go back.”
Most bladesmiths think blade length defines a skinning knife. At MKC, we know the real difference lies in the curve. The Packout’s unique half-moon blade shape puts this principle into action. Despite the compact 3-inch blade, that sweeping belly delivers a whopping 3.5 inches of cutting edge.
Think of it as bonus cutting edge — like getting an extra half-inch for free. The Packout puts a larger knife’s capabilities in a more maneuverable, transportable package.
Built for Field Performance
We’ve all been there: you’re making good progress skinning your latest takedown in the field, and one accidental move punctures a hole in the hide.
The Packout’s rounded tip eliminates that risk while maintaining impressive cutting efficiency. This is especially valuable when you’re fleshing out hides far from camp.
The MagnaCut Advantage
I know what you’re thinking: “Can a smaller knife really process hundreds of large animals?” The answer lies in our choice of steel.
MagnaCut stainless steel hits a sweet spot that’s almost impossible for other steels to achieve. At 110 thousandths thick, it’s tough enough to handle an elk but refined enough for precise work on smaller game.
MagnaCut is just like Cam Hanes himself: capable of incredible endurance and performance. Plus, Magnacut’s corrosion resistance means you won’t battle rust after wet hunting sessions.
Ergonomics in Action
The handle design is where cutting-edge engineering meets real-world experience.
When your hands are cold, wet, and fatigued, the Packout Skinner’s G10 handle won’t slip. That’s thanks to a palm swell that fills your hand naturally, making it comfortable during long skinning sessions, even if you have large hands or prefer to wear gloves.
The handle’s design allows multiple grips: place your index finger along the spine, or reverse your grip and let your thumb fall comfortably into that half-moon shape.
The Two-Knife System
While the Packout Skinner works beautifully as a standalone knife, it really shines as part of a two-knife system.
The Packout Skinner isn’t the knife strapped to your pack. It’s the specialist you pull out when it’s time to get serious about skinning. Pair it with a larger blade like our Whitetail, Blackfoot, or Super Cub, and you’ve got every base covered.
Use the larger knife for initial cuts and the Packout for precise skinning work. It’s like having a complete field dressing kit that weighs less than your water bottle.
A Lifetime Partnership
We’re serious about making tools that last, which is why every Packout Skinner is insured by our MKC Generations® promise.
This isn’t just a warranty. It’s our commitment to keeping your knife in prime working condition for generations. Free sharpening, cleaning, and repairs mean your Packout will be ready whenever the hunt calls, whether it’s in your hands, your children’s, or your grandchildren’s.
The Packout Skinner’s Philosophy
The Packout Skinner embodies Cameron Hanes’s famous motto: “Nobody Cares. Work Harder.”
We’ve poured countless hours into creating a knife that works as hard as you do. From blacktails in the coastal mountains to elk in the backcountry, this knife was designed with Cam’s hunting style in mind — someone who ventures deep into remote locations and needs gear that won’t let them down.
When we at MKC engineer knives, we don’t just check specifications off a list. We set out to craft a tool you can trust when you’re processing game miles from civilization as the sun sets and the temperature plummets. That’s exactly what we’ve built with the Packout Skinner: a knife that’s there when it counts, no compromises necessary.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
