Ka Bar Hunter!

[tickettoride951]

hey guys,
I'm considering buying a Ka Bar Hunter for around 25 shipped on ebay. I've looked for information on this site about the knife, but there doesnt seem to be much posted. However, i did read that AUS 6 isnt the best steel in the world, but then again it is only 25 dollars. I also read that it's made in Japan. Is that something that i should be conserned about? I also like the way the Gerber Freeman Hunter looks, and would be interested in knowing how the knives compare. I've read a few posts that bash Gerber these days. Is this model made in the US? If not is it lower quality then the Ka Bar? Any information on this subject would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Franciscomv]

AUS 6 is not really a good steel, but if properly heat treated and in combination with a good edge geometry it should be serviceable. You'll have to sharpen it more often than a more high end steel, but it should work. As you said, for $25 shipped you can't ask for much more.

Don't worry about the knife been made in Japan. Lots of quality cutlery comes from Japan nowadays, I have several Japanesse Sydercos and they are all excellent. The SERE 2000 is made in Japan, too.

I haven't handled the Gerber Freeman, but the handle doesn't look very comfortable. Don't expect the steel to be any better than that on the Ka-Bar, Gerber lists the steel used on the Freeman as "high carbon stainless". That usually means 420HC, Aus 6 or something along those lines. If they were using a premium steel it would be advertised.

 

[DGG]

I think it is good for the money. Kabar makes some knives in AUS8A for about the same price that you might look at. There are some large folders that also function very well as hunting knives. Some even have bone saw blades which are handy.

Of the Kabars I like the D2 knives but they are in a much higher price range.

https://www.kabar.com/product_detai...oryId=3,7&categoryName=Product Search Results


Here is some info about different types of steels. The higher the RC number the better the edge holding ability but there is alot more to a knife than just the steel.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368828

 

[Way-O]

Not very good steel, and low hrc. But for the money, it's probably a well made knife. If I was looking for a knife of that sort of design, I'd take it for 25.

The Gerber skinner has had some good reviews in outdoor/gun magazines. The sheath is piss poor though. The only Gerber knife I currently have is a medium Chameleon. A not very well thought out design, unreliable lock, horrid ergonomics - but the mystery steel they've used for the blade is good. Takes a nice edge, and holds it pretty well. If they still treat their steel as well as they did about three years ago, there should be no worries.