Hunters, help me decide

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kunegos

Joined
Nov 17, 2005
Messages
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between an Alpha Rosewood ATS-34 with a leather sheath and a Solution with ATS-34. I know the Solution is listed as a tactical knife, but it could be a fine skinner depending on the grind. I have never handled the Solution, but I like the idea of a little more blade. Thanks for your input.
 
Sorry, I can't say as I have only used the 100 series. Good luck with your quest. Preston
 
I'll take a shot at this. From hunting season just passed. Cleaned 3 Bucks and 6 Doe (not all mine)

I found the Alpha 277 to be a little heavy in hand compared to the 110. Even tho the weight difference is only slightly more for the Alpha. It may be the fatter grip.

The Alpha 277 I used is ATS34 and the 110 Is the Alaskan S30V. Couldn't tell a great lot of difference except tht the S30V was a factory edge and a tad sharper than my sharpening job on the ats34..

I had a bit of learning curve with the drop point on the Alpha. Have used a 110 for too many years and wasn't used to the drop point getting to the skin or meat before I was ready for it to.

Preference was the 110.

I don't have a solution but used a 192 Vanguard Alaskan S30V with the rubber grips and it was the sharpest fixed blade I have used to date. Only problem again was the drop point and me cutting through the skin in places.

One thing I see with the solution (888) is it's weight at 11+ ounces. The Vanguard weighs in at 6.6 ounces.

In my quest for higher grade steel and clip point fixed blades after the season was over , I have acquired an 805 in S30V. Problem is,, it is limited edition signature/seralized with engraved names. It would be close to perfect for me, with its S30V and 5 inch clip blade and light weight. Just needs a slightly longer handle. It would be great for stripping out a backstrap, if I can bring myself to use it.

I scribbled some notes as I was checking this out.....

Alpha 277 - ATS34 - 8 oz - drop - 3 1/2 inch blade - Folder
110 Alaskan - S30V - 7.2 ox - clip - 3 3/4 inch - Folder
192 Alaskan - S30V - 6.6 oz - drop - 4 1/8 inch blade - Fixed
888 Solution - Ats34 - 11.2 oz - drop - 4 3/4 blade - Fixed
805 SS - S30V - 4 oz - clip - 5 inch blade - Fixed

I know there are others, but this comparison is just on ATS34 and S30V steels. And knives I have on hand except for the Solution. It's weight turns me off of it as a deer processor right off.
fwiw
 
Pack Rat-

Thanks so much for your informative post. I did not realize that Cabelas has the Alaskan in a plain edge vanguard with a rubber handle. That is definitely something to think about.

Also, I need to apologize for not being more clear. I currently own an Alpha folder, 279, and am in the process of trying to get a 277 and switch the scales. I want better steel with rubber scales for those slippery situations.

In addition to a stout folder for field dressing I am looking for a good fixed blade companion to use as a skinner and general hunting knife. I was considering the Alpha fixed in ATS-34 and the Solution. I think the Alpha is a beautiful knife, and especially love the sheath. I was wondering if the blade was a little short, and I have slight concerns as to how the rosewood will hold up over a long period of use (of course, as I tell my wife, this is the LAST hunting knife I'll ever need lol). I guess you understand the feeling of not wanting to abuse such a pretty piece.

I hadn't given much consideration to the weight issue. Your thoughts about that were particularly helpful.

By the way, that 805 is a gorgeous knife. I'm not sure I would be able to bring myself to use it if I had one. I use a cheap Dexter Russel boning knife for processing.

After all of that, it seems like this is what it comes down to:

Solution- great survival/general purpose knife, 4.75" blade, but probably too heavy for skinning comfort
Alpha- beauty, light (7.2 oz), 3.75" ATS-34
Vanguard- rubber handle, 4.125" S30V

The folder will do most of the dirty work when it comes to field dressing, but I love to have a trusty fixed blade at my side at all times, and prefer it for skinning.

So, more questions. Is the Vanguard full tang? I really like that about the Alpha. I'm trying to figure out which blade will be the best combo for skinning and general purpose.

Any more advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Someone else will have to help with whether the Vanguard is full tang or not. I don't know. But do know that should you manage to tear it up, Buck will repair or replace. I wouldn' t be afraid of that issue.

You are right in that the rosewood scales will get beat up. I have put the rubber grips on my 277. It's on my "roundtuit" list to refinish my rosewood grips.

New Alphas with Rosewood are now 154CM, which is supposed to be like ats34, and I haven't heard of any of those in fixed blade with rubber grips.

We need to lobby Buck for a 105 in 154CM or S30V with the rubber Vanguard type grip. I think that would be the ticket for my deer processing as far as a fixed blade.

Interesting fact, I just laid a Vanguard down alongside a 110. Or stood up, whichever. they both have the same length cutting edge, and the 110 looks to be about 1/8 inch over all longer than the Vanguard.

Knives are so complicated :D When the wives ask why, only answer I can think of is "because we can" :rolleyes:
 
Pack Rat said:
Have used a 110 for too many years and wasn't used to the drop point getting to the skin or meat before I was ready for it to....Only problem again was the drop point and me cutting through the skin in places...
Click to expand...

I'm curious as to your comments on the clip-point vs drop-point...I'm not a hunter...Could you describe what it is you're doing and why you think the blade shape affects the cutting-up??? :confused:
 
chickentrax said:
I'm curious as to your comments on the clip-point vs drop-point...I'm not a hunter...Could you describe what it is you're doing and why you think the blade shape affects the cutting-up??? :confused:
Click to expand...

Just that little bit of up sweep on the clip blade lets me lay the blade to the meat or skin. Using the drop point, I tend to more stab the meat or skin. Using the drop blades I had to learn to angle my hand up slightly.

Like I said, may be that I am just so used to a 110 for so many years it was definitely a learning curve for me with the drop point blade.

This is mainly when the deer is hanging and taking the skin off and quartering it up to put in the ice chest. I am not even going to consider a drop point when it comes to field dressing one.

Hope this answers your question... If not hunting season starts again the first Saturday in November. Bring your drop points and I'll let ya experience it first hand :D
 
Pack Rat said:
...hunting season starts again the first Saturday in November. Bring your drop points and I'll let ya experience it first hand :D
Click to expand...

Do I get to shoot something??? :D
 
chickentrax said:
Do I get to shoot something??? :D
Click to expand...

:D Have to shoot em unless you are fast enough to run em down on foot.

I have been trying to think how to better explain the clip versus the drop as applies to deer or other game. And sitting here comparing the two.

When I am gutting one, the tip of the clip will ride below the skin and let a sharp blade slide easily from sternum to pelvic. The tip would be down lower and not as apt to slip up and out of the cut.
The way I do it the edge of the blade is up away from the body, with the deer on it's back.

The Drop wouldn't ride as far down unless you got too close to the entrals to keep it lower .

I run the clip blade with it laid down fairly close to the skin yet deep enough to keep it inside the cut, if that makes sense. Looking at the two laying here, I just can't see being able to do that with the drop .

Then again, there are so many ways to do one, that for someone else a drop will work just fine.

I know this is corn fusing, and I don't do a good job of descriptive writing.
 
Pretty sure (I'd bet Preston's Buck collection) that the Vanguard is full tang. The astronauts loved it.
Goose.
 
When skinning, I choose the 103 because it is designed for that purpose. If you look at the shape and compare with the 110, 279, 692 or any other multi-purpose blade shape, you will see the difference in blade shape. The edge on the 103 curves up sharply(almost rounds off) and the tip of the blade is on a horizontal plane with the spine of the blade...you don't use the tip while skinning, just the edge and the 103 gives you much more edge to use. If you can't have a dedicated skinner then I'd opted for the 118 or the 105 as an multi-purpose knife.

Trax, using that .454 Casuall you shouldn't have to worry about field dressing anything you hit, just collect the pieces and take whatever hide is left off:eek: :D :eek:.

Goose, I'm pretty sure it's full tang also, but don't wager the collection on it. A nickle is about my limit...maybe a dime if my CRS doesn't hamper my judgement:). Preston
 
I have the alaskan S30V 110 from cabela's also, its a real winner! But I also have the alpha 277, its a winner also! Both are a little heavy, but that is to be expected, but honestly Ive carried both on the belt and they are not so heavy that they are cumbersome (easy to get use to), but then I grew up carrying heavier knives.

As much as I like the tacticals, these older designs work for a reason (and with the new steels they are "cadillacs") ;) .
 
Rev, If you haven't already, try that 277 sheath in the horizontal carry mode. Works really good.
 
Yep, what Pack Rat said. It is amazing to me what a difference horizontal carry makes. My 279 came with that. Also have a 110 genuine corinthian nylon horizontal, a JBWoods, and two of those quick draw horizontals you see on flea-bay. It is my sheath carry of choice.

Doesn't get in your way when you are entering or exiting a four wheeler, sit down at a tight dining table, and is easier to access.

I want another 110 nylon horizontal as a spare. Does Buck still make 'em? The only ID on this one (beside the "buck" logo) is the white tag and it says "110".

Goose.
 
Goose,

A 110 will fit in a nylon sheath marked 426 on the tag. I just slipped a 110 into one in place of a 560.

But,, I haven't tried it on a belt yet. The fatter 110 might make it a tight fit.. That sheath has a cool blacksnap against the white Buck . May be gretsnaps cousin
 
Has Buck ever made a leather horizontal for the 110/560? I would get a few if they're around to be had.

Yeah, that Blacksnap and Gretsnap are good peeps. ;)
 
Buckaholic said:
Has Buck ever made a leather horizontal for the 110/560? I would get a few if they're around to be had.
Click to expand...

I haven't ever seen a leather horizontal for the 110/560. Been trying to get my leather working friend to take one of my 110 leathers apart and sew a piece on like on the Alpha. He is lazy and I don't have time to take up another hobby. Should be fairly simple to do for a leather worker.
 
So now you have got me wondering if the folding Alpha should do all the duties when it comes to hunting, and I should just get a fixed blade for purely general/tactical use. I never realized how close the folders and fixed were in size.

I'm really liking that Alaskan Vanguard, though. Few things in life are so fun and si difficult at once.
 
kunegos said:
So now you have got me wondering if the folding Alpha should do all the duties when it comes to hunting, and I should just get a fixed blade for purely general/tactical use. I never realized how close the folders and fixed were in size.

I'm really liking that Alaskan Vanguard, though. Few things in life are so fun and si difficult at once.
Click to expand...

Knives are so subjective,,, kinda like wimmen :D

You won't go wrong with the Vanguard in S30V. That rubber grip has a great feel and isn't going to slide around in your hand. another thought.... A fixed blade is easier to clean up after processing a deer. Altho not a big chore on a folder if you have hot soapy water and a brush.

Let us know what you go with.

I think you commented that you wern't into 110's. You really might want to fondle one. The Cabellas Alaskan 110 in s30v is really a good deal.
 
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