Hunting knife for person who doesn't care for his knives

M

Minjin

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Sep 29, 2002
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I was trying to decide what to buy my father for Christmas when I found out that he doesn't have any good knives for hunting. When I looked at the knives he currently has (a bunch of junk), they're all beatup and dirty. So, the knife I buy him needs to very durable and made with the abuse in mind. I've read lots of previous threads about hunting knives under $100, but not one really talked about this aspect.

That said, the knives that seem to fit my criteria are knives that have been recommended again and again. Cold Steel Master Hunter (carbon V or aus8?), Fallkniven F1, and Spyderco Bill Moran Featherweight.

Concerns I have with each of the above:

CS MH - I've read that the carbon V is nice but it requires maintenance. Its possible that once my father has a good knife, he'll want to learn how to maintain it, but I can't guarantee that. Maybe the Aus8 would be a better choice (and cheaper I believe).

Fallkniven F1 - Sounds perfect with the exception of one thing, a thing that makes it a good knife for other people. That is, its blade profile. I've read that it cuts very efficiently, but is difficult to sharpen. I don't forsee him learning how to sharpen this knife, nor would it be practical for him to sent it back to Europe for this servie (if they even offer it).

Spyderco Bill Moran - This knife solves the above problem of sharpening as Sypderco offers this service for cheap. However, the concern I have is with the handle. Just how comfortable is it? It seems oddly shaped and some people in previous threads have complained about it.

With the exception of the CS MH in Carbon V, all of these knives can be had for around $65, making them all a great bang for the buck (which is what I'm looking for).

Comments? Suggestions? Please make prompt replies since I need to order one ASAP. :)

Also, places where I can purchase the above for good prices would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Mark

Edited to say: I just realized that there are two different versions of the Bill Moran. I don't see many comments on the drop point. Which one is better?
 
If you're interested, I have an extra like new Fallkniven F1 with a kydex sheath lying around here that I would make you a heck of deal on. I own several and they are one of my favorite hunting knives and they are not difficult to sharpen at all.
 
Cold Steel Master Hunter...no, that would rust. Maybe the Fallkniven S1?

...It seems that I should start to read the whole post before I send a reply. :o

As for sharpening, you can always stop by and sharpen it for him. :)
 
Originally posted by Minjin
I was trying to decide what to buy my father for Christmas when I found out that he doesn't have any good knives for hunting. When I looked at the knives he currently has (a bunch of junk), they're all beatup and dirty. So, the knife I buy him needs to very durable and made with the abuse in mind.


Sorry, call me cruel, but I would not bother to give a person, who obviously couldn't care less about a nice piece of equip., like you're talking. A decent $30 knife in stainless (centainly not carbon) would do the job and probably be appreciated just as much. And you wouldn't have the pain of seeing a really nice knife looking like crap the next time you see it. I may be too cynical, but I don't believe that a person who doesn't take care of his/her tools is going to change overnight, because you went out and spent a hundred dollars. And, he would probably think you foolish if he knew how much you spent. My 2 cents, YMMV.

John in Boise
Click to expand...
 
muela survival knife...

I have had my 4" skinner-type(PIK-AS) since 97... sharpened 3x since then. First time took a long while, shaping it to 40degrees by hand.

rubber handle, nylon guard, 440C blade, full tang.

bought it for $40 CANADIAN in zellers.
 
Sorry, call me cruel, but I would not bother to give a person, who obviously couldn't care less about a nice piece of equip., like you're talking. A decent $30 knife in stainless (centainly not carbon) would do the job and probably be appreciated just as much.
Click to expand...

I agree.

Get him a $30-50 Buck hunting knife...I guarantee you that he will love that as much as any $100 hunting knife.
 
Under $100... "abuse" in mind... that's difficult!!

Amongst your choices I will definitely vote for the Bill Moran. I think you have some idea about how the blade is like so I will skip that part... for the handle, it is simply THE BEST!! It is so cunningly shaped that it will happily "sleep" in your hand (without waking up :) ). The middle is filled with fiberous rubber so it feels a little "squeezy", non-slipping, and comfortable too! My only complaint is that it is not the kind of knife designed to be "abused"... it is thin, one can snap it (if he really wanted to :) )... but I WILL NOT complain about the handle, it is simply perfect!

I have a trail point version of the spydie myself. I use my knife to cut, not to stab (!), so trail point is perfect for me. Some friends of mine believe drop point knives have better accuracy in stabbing. I think they make a point too.
 
>"Amongst your choices I will definitely vote for the Bill Moran. <snip> My only complaint is that it is not the kind of knife designed to be 'abused'... it is thin, one can snap it (if he really wanted to )... but I WILL NOT complain about the handle, it is simply perfect!"

==================================

For hunting (i.e. cutting up game) it seems to me that you'd want a blade that's a bit thinner than your average tactical/combat-type sharpened prybar. The other positive with the Moran is Spyderco's free sharpening service. Minjin's dad could just send the knife back to Spydie HQ prior to every hunting season. That way he begins each season with a factory edge from Spyderco - in other words, a damn sharp knife. :D
 
Sounds like stainlessness is a high priority. I second or third the suggestion of a Buck, the Buck Vanguard would be nice. Or look at the Gerber fixed blade Gators.
 
Please consider the swamp ra howling rat. It is well withing the price range. Has a coating on the blade that is very durable. Has a respirene grip that is extremely tough.
Good luck on this.
 
Spyderco Moran Drop Point will do anything and everything your Dad needs to do, and he wont have to care for it either. VG10 is a lot tougher than most people think too.
 
Tell him it is a piece of equipment like his gun. If he wants it to be there and perform when needed, it will take a little maintenance to keep it in good working order. He wouldn't come back from a hunting trip in the rain or snow without making sure his gun was cleaned and dried to prevent rust. Tell him to treat his knife with the same respect. Heck, the knife is a lot easier to maintain than a gun.

Mike
 
If you are going to get him a fixed blade towards the higher end of your specified price range (IE. Around $100) I would second Swamp Rat knives. If you decided to go alittle lower, which I would probably agree with if its going to be abused and owner doesn't appricate good steel, I would say go to the exchange and look at the few Buck I have seen in there over the last few weeks. Very good prices on a few of them. You never know though, I once abused and neglected knives, now I treat every single one of them with respect and clean them more than I clean my guns. Maybe if you get him something impressive, you can break him from his sacrilegious ways!:)
 
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