When purchasing skinning knives, avoid these five common mistakes. First, don’t choose a blade that’s too large—precision matters more than size. Second, avoid poor-quality steel; low-grade metals dull quickly. Third, don’t ignore the handle—an uncomfortable grip leads to accidents. Fourth, skipping a sheath or safety feature can risk injury. Lastly, avoid one-size-fits-all thinking; match the knife to the game you’re processing. A well-chosen skinning knife ensures efficiency, safety, and a cleaner, more professional field dressing experience.