Hunting Pack Knives

[Waldganger]

Hey there guys

I'm chasing a good knife for my hunting pack and also maybe foodsafe edc.

I've stumbled across this in an article in Tactical Knives, and I know that a lot of people think mags are shite, but the author claims to have quite easily fully processed a trophy sized buck.

The blade is fairly cheap, and I can see a use for a knife such as this, skinner and gut hook, using the main blade for general food prep.

I'd like something a little flashier but with the same basic functions (maybe wood
scales??) but as its for use out bush I don't think its entirely necessary to satisfy my eyes.


Also I would like a large chopper to go on the pack (probably won't see much use though) and I've tested the KaBar Heavy Bowie and whilst it performed well I have mixed feelings that lean towards a negative but I was also curious about the Ken Onion Outcast what can you tell me about this one?
It is a fair bit heavier and I prefer the blade design (I think)

Any other suggestions?


Thanks in advance knuts

 

[alittle_edgy]

Hey Waldganger,
I have similar interests to yours in both departments. I hope I can add some helpful comments. I picked up a really nice hunting knife cheap on Ebay. It's a Gerber Gator in 154CM. I got it new for $15 but retails for $50 or more. It's the perfect shape, very grippy, and very sharp. It's strictly a hunting knife to be carried in a sheath though. I like it well enough that if I need to replace it I will pay full price. I have looked at Bladetech, as I like the shape of the blades. http://www.blade-tech.com The high end models use S30V, but they do have a budget line made of 440C. Some people have mixed opinions, but I have considered Knives of Alaska. The blade shape really makes the difference to me, and I like many of theirs. They make fixed blades but have folders in the works from what I read. Check out Lone Wolf Knives also. http://www.lonewolfknives.com/ I have the small Harsey T1 with cocobolo handles and it is outstanding. I have found that I prefer folders to have anonodized, or some kind of metal handle, as they are easier for me to clean after use.

As for choppers, the Outcast looks great. I have read that it is made in the far east, i.e. Taiwan or maybe China. D2 is a great steel but I have read of it chipping under some circumstances. I have a Cold Steel Kukri, the cheap model, that has been very handy.

 

[brians]

I have an Outcast and have cleared more trees and bush on my property than I care to remember. Some here question it's form and function, but mine is razor sharp, has never chipped (including on ironwood), rarely needs sharpening, and when it does, takes a normal amount of time on the Sharpmaker to bring it back. A flicking motion is all you need to produce a significant cut.

Also, the sheath has a nice design where you can add/remove the sheath from belt or pack without undoing the belt buckle. I was skeptical about longterm durabilty of this feature, but it has not failed yet after 100's of hours of work.

All for $60 bucks Canadian. Great bang for the buck.

Brian

 

[Waldganger]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Edgy - I too have seen the Wegner Blades, intend buying Pro Hunter Extreme with carbon fiber scales and combo edge, but not just yet, and I've also got my eyes on the T2 Ranger, but again right now isn't the time. and as for gerber, well I've turned my back on their knives, although I don't have an issue with their other products.
The reason I'm doing it on the cheap (NRA folder and Outcast) is because I have half a bow set up to purchase and then I'm saving for a Elishewitz Custom, so instead of spending a couple of hundred on each I'll spend 600 or so on one.

Brians - thats good news about the Outcast. I'll add it to the list.

Thanks again