I
highly recommend an Improved Muskrat style
Old Timer. I have had mine for 15 years now and it still takes and holds an
edge. Your skinning knife needs to be kept razor sharp to avoid holes and cuts.
I have done everything with mine from skinning squirrels with it to skinning,
quartering, and butchering a whole deer.
You will need stretchers in the various sizes and models for whatever animal
you plan to trap. You have choice of wooden stretchers and wire stretchers.
Wire stretchers are cheaper and easier to use.
Wooden ones give your fur a
better look I think, I use wood for my best foxes and for all my mink.
I now use a Knecker
Knife, which you can buy, from most trapping supply stores. It has a dull edge
for basic scraping, and a sharp edge for scraping gristle on coon, and
especially beaver. With a fleshing knife you'll need a fleshing beam. If you
ambitious you can make your own out of a 2x6, or do what most people do buy
one from a trapping supply store. Arrange the beam so you push down with the
fleshing knife. The end of the beam where you put the pelt should be about
waist level.
Make life easier for your wife, girlfriend or your Mom.