A.G. Russel Deer Hunter?

S

Studlysmurf

Joined
Dec 8, 2007
Messages
76
Any love for the Deer hunter? I am considering buying one with my Christmas/ Birthday money.:D It seems to be a simple knife, but a knife that would cut like a laser. And hell yes, nothing but D2. How does the sheath function? Ergonomics? Any info on this would be really appreciated. It seems like it would be a close to perfect knife for lightweight, backcountry backpackingk for food prep, its light, and seems really low maintenance. Also, if a forum brother could point me in the direction of a review of this knife, that would be pretty great too. Thanks in advance, and god bless.
 
I love the sheath design, but find the Deer Hunter a bit uncomfortable because of the size. It's not terribly heavy, but rather large. I guess someone might wish for a knife that large if they were actually cleaning a hunted deer...

For your intended use of lightweight backpacking, I cannot recommend strongly enough the smaller version of the same knife, the Hunters Scalpel. A nice compromise between size and weight would be the middle ground Bird and Trout.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the three: [image source, AG Russell]

Deer_Bird_Scalpel.jpg
 
Thank you, I did not realize how much bigger the deer hunter was than the Bird and Trout. That helps a lot. Im not sure the bigger blade of the Deer hunter is worth the extra 1.5 ounces. The bigger blade would make the food prep maybe a little easier. Hmmm... decisions. How do you find you like the knife? Im sure it cuts well. Bob are there any other things you can tell me about how you like this knife?
 
I haven't used the Deer Hunter nor the Bird and Trout in the field although I do own both. I have, however, used the Hunters Scalpel extensively and many of the features are identical in design across the series.

Do a Google search and you should find lots of Bladeforums members who have commented on each model. Cut and paste this into the Google search box for example: site:www.bladeforums.com "hunter's scalpel"

If you were to live near AG Russell's store you could try each one to see how they feel in your hand.
 
I don't have one, but I've never heard anything other than praise for the AG Russell Deer Hunter. Judging by pics and specs it seems to be a great knife for its intended purpose. Only you can decide if the blade is too long.

I like knives and probably carry more than is needed when I backpack, but I've been carrying a 5" fixed blade and usually several folders. Personally I've found that I usually end up using a sak more than the others.

In addition to whatever fixed blade you get consider a carrying a good sak also. I like the Victorinox One Hand Trekker model #54875.

Here's a link where they were discussed recently.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=703487

Forgot to add the obligatory recommendation of the Rat RC-3.
http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-3.htm
http://www.ratcutlery.com/field_photos.htm
 
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The Deerhunter is outstanding, one of my alltime faves. Whenever I take it camping, it always ends up the knife most borrowed by others ... usually by others who took knives that were too damn big. The Deerhunter is lighter, whisper thin on the edge, and secure enough in the sheath to just leave hanging upside down from my pack.

The only downside is that, whether it's car camping, day hiking, or backpacking, I feel you should always have a knife on you that you can use to construct an expedient shelter in the case of any unforeseen calamity in the backcountry ... and since scared frozen hands aren't always the most skillful, I want something thick enough to withstand a bit of abuse, and the Deerhunter's thinness doesn't inspire full confidence there. As long as you're also carrying an edged tool that can handle a bit bigger jobs, I think the Deerhunter is oustanding for its niche.
 
Well, I guess a little backstory and forward story (?) might come in a little handy. Two summers ago, I went on a NOLS course (wind river wilderness, that actually took place in the bighorns) those 30 days changed my life. I went from 155 to 130 and learned a lot about my self and the wilderness. So this summer i am toying with the idea of doing another course this summer. Either the 30 day adventure in Alaska or the 30 day adventure in the actual wind rivers this time. The food prep on NOLS involves a lot of slicing, summer sausage, cheese, also maybe cutting up some fresh fruits or vegetables right after re-ration. It's also nice to have a nice sharp knife for emergency backcountry surgery (didnt happen on the course, hopefully never will), also it would be nice to have a better wood working tool then i took. I took a classic leatherman tool and a kershaw scallion. Even those were miles ahead of the other knives people brought but i definently felt like i was underknifed when cutting up cheese sometimes. Also, the bigger knife could help to speed up the prep time and even saving a few minutes can make the evenings a lot less rushed. We will not be carrying a big knife or a hatchet or anything, because there isnt a need to. Also i want a fixed blade because the folder i took could get really gunked up and it was just a little complicated and involved to clean. I doubt i would take another knife, if i did it would probably be a SAK, you just hate all those extra ounces when you are 1000 feet below that 12000 foot mountain pass. Also thanks for all the info. God bless.
 
Also, I already have a RC3 and while i do enjoy it (not as much as the 4 or 6 though) i do not want carbon steel for this application, yeah they are coated but... still, i do not want to take along the extra weight of oil, also it could make a mess if god forbid it leaked.
 
Its an interesting knife, i may pick one up eventually, or heck buy both and see which one i like better but, i have a few reservations about it in this role
1. it weighs more
2. takes up more space in the pack
3. not as high a performance grind
4. more $
but it appears to have a nicer sheath, and maybe a more ergonomic handle
 
Weight is 4.2 oz. Blade length is 4 11/16" total 4 1/4 " cutting edge. Great sheath and very ergonomic. All knives are compromises. For food prep a thin high or flat grind is best but you give up some strength. I've not done a NOLS course but I'm familiar w/ the company. From what I know I think I would prefer it over Outward Bound. I envy you a little. :) Have a great trip. Good luck on your knife picks.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=296
 
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