Cold Steel Master Hunter - steel choice?

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Aug 29, 2005
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I've been pretty much sold on the CS master hunter knife, but what are the pros and cons of the 2 steel types available, Carbon V and AUS8A? Seems most posts I've read around here lean towards the Carbon V. I'll be using it mainly as a big game knife for deer and possibly a few hogs.
 
Here is some steel info for your assistance. I think either would be okay. Mine is the Carbon-V which probably isn't as stain resistent as the AUS-8 (AUS-10 is about the same as 440C) but its just an old hunting knife and if it get a bit of tarnish I don't care as long as it is sharp.

http://www.ajh-knives.com/metals.html
 
That's an excellent choice ,I've used one in stainless as my main hunting knife for years and highly recommend it. I picked stainless so I wouldn't have to worry about rusting .It will dress out, skin and completely butcher a deer without resharpening. I assume the carbon will do the same .So the choice is minimal care or a bit more care , either is a great value.
 
I've only used the Carbon-V model. A nice knife, though I remember being surprised how easily the blade stained.
 
I have one in carbon V and have used the hell out of it as a hunting knife and field knife, and for the money (-$35)have yet to find a better all around knive aside from a ka-bar. I dont like the cold steel stainless stuff for users.
 
I have one in the Carbon V steel also and I recommend it with complete confidence. Its a great knife. I use it more than any other fixed blade I own and many of those are knives that were many times the cost. I think its one of CSs best offerings.

I really like the Ultimate Hunter folder they sell also. I wish it was available in the CV steel as well but to be honest it performs quite well and is one hell of a great folder even in the AUS8A. I've been very pleased with the AUS8A in both my CS knives and the SOG knives. It seems to me to outperform my 154CM blades and is way easier to get sharp when the time comes so to me in that respect it outpeforms both ATS34 and 154CM.


STR
 
Probably the best designed and best executed knife CS has ever made. Compared to other knives in it's class, it wins hands down for me. Very good size for hunting, not too big, not too small. I love the Carbon V, holds an edge for a very long time. For me, I don't care if it stains, YMMV.

I forgot to mention - they seem to have changed the design. The new version has a tremendous amount of distal taper, and thins out greatly towards the tip. The old version doesn't and keeps it's thickness almost out to the tip. I prefer the old, but for someone mainly concerned with cutting up critters, you'll probably prefer the new version.
 
For those that prefer the carbon V, is that because it holds an edge a lot better than the stainless? I looked at a steel comparison and most think the CV is made from 50100B, but they don't really tell the properties of the steel. I may just go with the stainless though since they say the CV rusts pretty quickly.
 
After owning and using my Ultimate hunter in the AUS8A I am sure you won't have any issues with that steel. If stainless is what you want grab one of the MHs up. I got mine at Newgraham. I think all he has is the CV model though.

STR
 
I have both the aus 8 and the Carbon V and the carbon V is the best. Carbon V version is also made in the US and the blade is way thinner and holds the edge better and is more sharp when sharpened.
Get one of the older ones with the nylon sheath.

Cheers,

André
 
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