Any experience with Anza knives as field blades?

Joe Real · Jul 26, 2011

Hi guys, for some time on I have been looking to buy one of this, but want to get some input on their performance on the field as a camp and occasional hunting or fishing knife.
Additionally, would it be hard to keep it from rusting bad? would it be easy to sharpen in the field?
Thanks + Regards

Brian Sargent · Jul 26, 2011

They are easy to sharpen and hold the edge pretty good.

Can be tough to keep the corrosion down because of the grooves in the file.

Most of them are pretty thick and might not make a good fishing knife ..... they do make some that are thinner.

My favorite is the Boddington. Good all around knife. There is a thick and a thin version. Comfy handle, stout, good cutter and enough belly for skinning if you keep it sharp.

Joe Real · Jul 27, 2011

Thanks for your feed back Brian.
It seems like there are not that many users of Anza knives around.

Slider817 · Jul 27, 2011

I have a smaller Anza, use it around the house, opening boxes and such, not a heavy user, so I cant really comment, but I like it allot. Especially after a serious re-profiling, it now cuts great

WJC01 · Jul 27, 2011

Picked up this 1985 model at a gun show. Gave it to one of my sons who does use it as a field knife. It does have a pretty thick blade. I handled the Boddington model at a blade show. I like that one.
(I found the arrow heads near my house.)

Mannlicher · Jul 27, 2011

My son uses an ancient ANZA knife to process deer. After probably 25 years, it still works.

Joe Real · Jul 28, 2011

Thanks for your replies, I will probably go ahead with one of the small size models.
Best Regards

CWL · Jul 28, 2011

Late to the game but Anza knives are great for real outdoor use and not just as wall-hangers.

Charlie Davis used to be the Production Manager at Buck Knives and did the heat treat before Paul Bos, so he should know a thing or two about how to make a knife edge hold up to real use.

I like the look of his file knives, but you will need to take care of them a little more than polished flats. I prefer using wax because it stays in place over oil or grease.