Hello all. I am looking to buy a new knife for hunting. I have narrowed it down to the either the Alpha Hunter fixed blade or the Vanguard. I have used a 105 that my stepdad gave me when I was about 13, but due to its sentimental value, I do not want to carry it out in the field anymore. Which would you choose? If I go with the Vanguard, should I buy the Buck with the 420HC, or the Alaskan Guide with the S30V? Same with the Alpha, 154CM or 420HC? MY final question concerns handle material. Which would be favorable wood or rubber? It seems to me that the rubber would offer greater control with bloody hands, but I have no experience with wood. The hard handle of the 105 never gave me any problems, so I think the wood would be nice too. All opinions are welcome. Thanks for the advice and thanks for all the information all of you offer here on this forum.
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Alpha Hunter or Vanguard? Noob question(s)
- Thread starter stdwdh16
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Just my opinion but you cant go wrong with any of them!!!
I guess it would depend on your budget, and what you intend to use it for.
420HC sharpens up easier, but I prefer my alpha hunter in 154CM.
That said though the S30V is sweet too.
For small game I like the 420HC Vanguard. For skinning big game I prefer the alpha with 154CM, I don't have to sharpen as often. (YMMV)
You should buy one of each
Then let us know what you prefer!! 
Good luck.
If I were to only have one of the knives here to choose from,
My vote would be the S30V vanguard. The blade size and shape works well for almost all game. (And cuts like no tomorrow!)
I guess it would depend on your budget, and what you intend to use it for.
420HC sharpens up easier, but I prefer my alpha hunter in 154CM.
That said though the S30V is sweet too.
For small game I like the 420HC Vanguard. For skinning big game I prefer the alpha with 154CM, I don't have to sharpen as often. (YMMV)
You should buy one of each
Then let us know what you prefer!! Good luck.If I were to only have one of the knives here to choose from,
My vote would be the S30V vanguard. The blade size and shape works well for almost all game. (And cuts like no tomorrow!)
This will be really a general purpose knife. I don't hunt a lot of small game, but it should be able to handle the occasional rabbit or squirrel. You know, the option you presented of buying both is one that I have seriously been considering. Thanks for your opinion.
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I received an ATS-34 Alpha Hunter Fixed Blade today and I am BLOWN AWAY.
What a great quality and great looking knife, especially for the money!
I also have the 420HC version with Walnut handles, and the ATS-34 version is
simply a far nicer knife IMO. I'll be selling the 420 version straight away.
(Haven't yet handled a Vanguard, so no opinion on that.)
What a great quality and great looking knife, especially for the money!
I also have the 420HC version with Walnut handles, and the ATS-34 version is
simply a far nicer knife IMO. I'll be selling the 420 version straight away.
(Haven't yet handled a Vanguard, so no opinion on that.)