Fixed Blade Knife Comparions

H

HuntersHikes

Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Messages
77
OK folks, I seek your advice...for deer & turkey hunting, light outdoor survival, and the occasional week-long backpacking trip, between these two which one should I get:

Benchmade Rant 515 Drop Point in D2 steel, or
Cold Steel Master Hunter in VG-1.

Thanks folks, I could use the help - they're kind of tied at this point.
 
Personally I would say the Master Hunter, because the steel, I prefer stainless in a hunting knife. I always forget them, in bags or vests, so the stain-resistance is important to me. Hope this helps!
 
If I may suggest a third knife that I think you will like (it's about the same price as the CS MH):
Falkniven F1 in VG-10
 
so the D2 isn't stainless? I'm kind of a noob at this stuff...any other recommendations around the $100 mark?
 
D2 is called by some "semi-stainless" because it's right on the border.

Other suggestions around $100 are the ESEE-4 and 3. Those aren't stainless, but many people use them. Really D2 or carbon aren't a problem as long as you wipe it off when you're done.

Really either of those you posted would do well for a hunting knife. If you happen to live near a knife store, I'd go by whichever one feels better in-hand to you.
 
checking out some YouTube vids of the F1 right now...seems pretty awesome, worth $20 more than the CS Master Hunter?
 
HuntersHikes said:
checking out some YouTube vids of the F1 right now...seems pretty awesome, worth $20 more than the CS Master Hunter?
Click to expand...

I own and have used both the CS Master Hunter and the F1.
The F1 is without a doubt (in my mind) the winner in every regard.

Blunt
 
Along with turkey & deer hunting, we're tentatively planning an elk trip to Montana...is the F1 beefy enough to handle an elk? I'd hate to get all the way out there and be ill-equipped (insert small p_n_s jokes...)
 
I've also heard/read some complaints about the durability/longevity of the Fallknivens handle material...I'd like this knife to last a long time, so should be a concern of mine?
 
HuntersHikes said:
Along with turkey & deer hunting, we're tentatively planning an elk trip to Montana...is the F1 beefy enough to handle an elk? I'd hate to get all the way out there and be ill-equipped (insert small p_n_s jokes...)
Click to expand...

HuntersHikes said:
I've also heard/read some complaints about the durability/longevity of the Fallknivens handle material...I'd like this knife to last a long time, so should be a concern of mine?
Click to expand...

I have a few F1's (in 3G and VG-10).
I had a Cold Steel San Mai Master Hunter which I recently sold.

The blade thickness on the F1 and Master Hunter is about the same;
the F1's blade is surprisingly "beefy".

The handle material on both knives is very similar.
(Thermorun on the F1; Kraton on the Master Hunter.)

Another feature of the F1 which I like a lot is that the (full) tang extends past the end of the handle for use as an impact device in case of an emergency or otherwise.

Also, I like the core steel of the Fallkniven - VG-10 on the standard version - more than the VG-1 of the Master Hunter.


If you look around, you can pick up a brand new "standard" VG-10 F1 for just about $100.00.
 
so that's one vote for "yes, it'll handle an elk" (if I'm lucky enough to bag one...)

They're on knifeworks for $98.95 with the zytel sheath; I think the decision has been made.
 
I was in same boat and had the same activities as you and I went with the F1 and boy is it a great knife!!!! could not be happier for a $100 its awesome!
 
HuntersHikes said:
so that's one vote for "yes, it'll handle an elk" (if I'm lucky enough to bag one...)

They're on knifeworks for $98.95 with the zytel sheath; I think the decision has been made.
Click to expand...

Good move. :thumbup:

That's an excellent price, and knifeworks is a very reliable dealer.
(I do recommend phoning them just to be sure they have it in stock.)
 
Am now considering the BM Activator+, and if the finances fall correctly, the Fallkniven F1; I know the F1 blows the other 3 out of the water, so how is the Activator+?
 
I wasn't sure I would like the Fallkniven F1. I purchased one and it has become my favorite knife. I think the most attractive feature for me is the size and feel of the knife. While I own other knives in this catagory none feel as good as the F1. I can also place a pretty sharp edge on it.

Bill
 
Get the F1. It's my favorite knife. The convex grind is just awesome for fire prep. And the thermorun handle keeps blisters away.

-Freq
 
Is the F1 large enough to handle field dress & skinning duties for elk hunting? Have a trip planned to Montana for 2011 (and hunt whitetail here in New England, too).
 
Get the F1. It is a fantastic knife. Plus it sharpens way easier than D2. The handle is a great size for most folks, and ergonomics are very good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top