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$100 fixed blade hunter?
- Thread starter savageman
- Start date
I am still confused about steel choices, should I be looking for stainless or carbon steel? I dont put my knives away wet nor do I ever really abuse them too badly. I was just under the impression when dealing with game meat you should use stainless steel.
I like the looks of the RAT RC-4 but think it may be a bit heavy and too heavy duty for my needs. I want to keep it within the 4"-4.5" blade range and have around .140" to .200" blade thickness.
I like the looks of the RAT RC-4 but think it may be a bit heavy and too heavy duty for my needs. I want to keep it within the 4"-4.5" blade range and have around .140" to .200" blade thickness.
I like the Fallkniven F1 and RAT RC-4.
IMO they're probably the best all-around production knives available with that size blade.(3-3/4" for the Fallkniven; 4" for the RAT).
The RAT has more carry options and is made of coated 1095 carbon steel (not stainless) with a Micarta handle.
The Fallkniven is made of laminated VG-10 stainless steel with a Thermorun (sort of a synthetic rubber, but much more durable than rubber) handle.
The Fallkniven has a convex edge and the RAT has a standard "V" type edge.
Both knives have tangs which protrude from the rear of the handle which can be a useful feature.
The RAT is made in the USA and the Fallkniven is made in Japan.
IMO they're probably the best all-around production knives available with that size blade.(3-3/4" for the Fallkniven; 4" for the RAT).
The RAT has more carry options and is made of coated 1095 carbon steel (not stainless) with a Micarta handle.
The Fallkniven is made of laminated VG-10 stainless steel with a Thermorun (sort of a synthetic rubber, but much more durable than rubber) handle.
The Fallkniven has a convex edge and the RAT has a standard "V" type edge.
Both knives have tangs which protrude from the rear of the handle which can be a useful feature.
The RAT is made in the USA and the Fallkniven is made in Japan.
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2006
- Messages
- 443
Carbon/tool steels will require a bit more care as they are more prone to rust and corrosion; the upside is they tend to have very good to excellent edge holding ability- get sharp and stay sharp longer. Stainless has come a long way towards closing the gap in edge performance, CPM S90V is really good stuff.
Couple more suggestions- check out Bark River, they have some nice stuff. Also, if weight is an issue try an S90V Mule, but you'll have to find a sheath and wrap or scale the handle. Spyderco Temperance is another possibility, very sharp, very lightweight, out of production though.
Couple more suggestions- check out Bark River, they have some nice stuff. Also, if weight is an issue try an S90V Mule, but you'll have to find a sheath and wrap or scale the handle. Spyderco Temperance is another possibility, very sharp, very lightweight, out of production though.
The debate between carbon steel and stainless steel is basically an endless one. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
I think, based on your OP, that the focus should be on getting a high quality knife that fits your hand well.
A couple of possibilities you've already mentioned - the Benchmade Rant Drop Point and the San Mai Cold Steel Master Hunter.
They're both solid knives with 4-1/2" blades. The steel on the Master Hunter (laminated VG-1 stainless) is arguably slightly better,
but the Rant's 440C stainless has proven itself for a long time as a workhorse blade steel that's easily sharpened in the field.
(If you do buy a Rant, be sure to get the most recent version.)
I'll also recommend the Fallkniven F1 and S1 which are both terrific knives.
The F1 could be a bit small for your needs, but the S1 might work.
It has a stout 5" blade of laminated VG-10 stainless.
Bark River knives are definitely worth a look as well. They're a bit pricier than any of the above, running about $150 and up.
But they're well worth the investment IMO.
Here's a pair for cosideration:
Benchmade #201 Actvator+ 3.63" D2 blade, winewood scales over full lug.
Gerber Stag Freeman Hunter S30V, 4" blade, stag scales over full lugs.
Both are US made and come with branded but no country of origin leather belt sheaths - must be US-made, too. The D2 blade of the BM may be a few thousandths thicker at .140". Neither was fun to sharpen on a Spydie Sharpmaker. Their cutting edges are almost the same - as is their OAL. The Gerber has a wide slot on the tang for a lanyard, the BM has a hole and comes with a piece of leather there, too. Both have their scales held on by Torxx headed screws. Both have thumb jimping on the blade's spine. The Gerber's stag feels better in my medium+ hands, thickness-wise than the thinner winewood scales of the BM. Both were bought for ~$75 from evil-bay. They are a bit more now - still <$100 delivered if you shop.
Sorry for the inclusion of the revolver, but this is it for a picture of the Gerber:
I like both - they were bought as I searched for the best 'bushcraft' knife - with field dressing capabilities. Either would do... but my quest continued!
Stainz
Benchmade #201 Actvator+ 3.63" D2 blade, winewood scales over full lug.
Gerber Stag Freeman Hunter S30V, 4" blade, stag scales over full lugs.
Both are US made and come with branded but no country of origin leather belt sheaths - must be US-made, too. The D2 blade of the BM may be a few thousandths thicker at .140". Neither was fun to sharpen on a Spydie Sharpmaker. Their cutting edges are almost the same - as is their OAL. The Gerber has a wide slot on the tang for a lanyard, the BM has a hole and comes with a piece of leather there, too. Both have their scales held on by Torxx headed screws. Both have thumb jimping on the blade's spine. The Gerber's stag feels better in my medium+ hands, thickness-wise than the thinner winewood scales of the BM. Both were bought for ~$75 from evil-bay. They are a bit more now - still <$100 delivered if you shop.
Sorry for the inclusion of the revolver, but this is it for a picture of the Gerber:
I like both - they were bought as I searched for the best 'bushcraft' knife - with field dressing capabilities. Either would do... but my quest continued!
Stainz
eisman
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2009
- Messages
- 6,999
About 5 years ago Beretta offered a really nice Loveless knife made in Japan. It's a classic design, copied by everybody, and with a good reason. You can find them on Ebay for about $100 for the fancy wood handle and less than $40 for the less finished, Zytel handled version. I have both.
The zytel version has been used in the field, and lives in my kitchen. It's AUS 8, holds a nice edge, and I love the design. I also have the exact same design from 3-4 custom makers. In fact I carried a WC Davis version in Alaska this year.
It's really close to being the perfect all around knife for game.
The zytel version has been used in the field, and lives in my kitchen. It's AUS 8, holds a nice edge, and I love the design. I also have the exact same design from 3-4 custom makers. In fact I carried a WC Davis version in Alaska this year.
It's really close to being the perfect all around knife for game.
About 5 years ago Beretta offered a really nice Loveless knife made in Japan. It's a classic design, copied by everybody, and with a good reason. You can find them on Ebay for about $100 for the fancy wood handle and less than $40 for the less finished, Zytel handled version. I have both.
The zytel version has been used in the field, and lives in my kitchen. It's AUS 8, holds a nice edge, and I love the design. I also have the exact same design from 3-4 custom makers. In fact I carried a WC Davis version in Alaska this year.
It's really close to being the perfect all around knife for game.
I love that classic Loveless design and agree that the Zytel version is an amazing value at under 40 bucks.
The more expensive one?
Yes, it's beautifully made by Moki, and their AUS8 is excellent. But still, in the end, it is a smallish - very pretty - AUS8 knife for over a hundred bucks.
For actual use, at the same price and size, I'd much rather have a not-as-pretty Fallkniven F1 with its laminated VG-10 blade.
Or invest a bit more for a(nother) Bark River in A2.
The Beretta pictured is a beauty, though. If they only changed the steel to VG-10, or even AUS10...
Maybe a comparison is better. Below, you'll see, L-R, my Bark River "Gamekeeper" (A2), Buck 192 "Vanguard" (420HC - also in S30V & CPM154), Gerber "Stag Freeman Hunter" (S30V), Benchmade 201 "Activator+" (D2), Marbles "1907 Dall DeWeese remake" (01-170), and Buck 005GYS "Gen5" (420HC - also available in CPM154). The Gameskeeper is a traditional sized large (.215" thick) hunter - but at ~$140-$160, even in the natural Micarta, is over the limit. The Vanguard ranges from $65-$95, depending on blade material. The next two range from $75-$90. The Dall DeWeese remake was a closeout at $50 - bargain for nostalgia. It's what they used - not necessarily the 'best' - but good for a reference, as they are all but gone now. The Gen5 is listed as a skinner - but it is a great woods carry as it came with a horizontal belt carry nylon sheath (The others have leather sheaths.) - very hand size and great company when hiking, etc, near the Gulf Coast. As described, $50 - in CPM154 and checkered (Yuck!) rosewood grip/leather fitted vertical sheath (005RWS) ~$90-$95. I have both - the cheaper one gets more tote time.
Admittedly, I wanted a 'bushcraft' knife - but they all would do for field dressing some decent sized animals. The most interesting piece of information to garner from this is how close in blade size they really are, despite being listed as 3" to 4.25" blade length. Compare before you buy! Love that too-expensive Gamekeeper... but that Gen5 is awfully useful. The Stag Freeman Hunter in S30V may be the best in the field - at under $100 - great blade and secure when wet grip.
Stainz
Admittedly, I wanted a 'bushcraft' knife - but they all would do for field dressing some decent sized animals. The most interesting piece of information to garner from this is how close in blade size they really are, despite being listed as 3" to 4.25" blade length. Compare before you buy! Love that too-expensive Gamekeeper... but that Gen5 is awfully useful. The Stag Freeman Hunter in S30V may be the best in the field - at under $100 - great blade and secure when wet grip.
Stainz
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2006
- Messages
- 3,869
That BM Snody is a hell of a knife. :thumbup:
For $100 I am looking for a good belt knife with a drop point style blade and 4"-4.5" in length. I do like the Coldsteel Master Hunters looks, basically I want it to do somewhat of a double duty. I will be wearing it on my belt during hunting season for deer, moose and bear aswell as walks in the bush and small camp chores.
How is the CS Master Hunter? Kinda looks like what im looking for.
How is the CS Master Hunter? Kinda looks like what im looking for.