Looking For a Traditional Hunting Knife

C

Cassady

Joined
Oct 15, 2004
Messages
9
When my Ranger RD7 gets here today (I can hardly wait:D ), I should have my general camp/big utility knife needs covered pretty well so I'm onto something new--a traditional hunting kinfe. When it comes to deer season, I'm a blue steel and walnut sort of a guy. Last year, I ended up field dressing my deer with a Swedish army Mora and it worked really well, but somehow left something to be desired in terms of aesthetics.

I'm looking around for a knife that is more in line with my Winchester Model 70 (a Classic Super Grade) than the Mora is. I like the size and general usefulness of the SWAK, but I'd like to get something with carbon steel and a wood or jigged bone handle. Basically, I'd like a classic hunting knife and don't want to spend a fortune.

Some of the Boker Arbolitos look pretty interesting and this won't be a hard use knife--just a nice blade to take deer and bird hunting.

Does anyone have any suggestions in the sub-$100 price range?

TIA

Cassady
 
Some of the Marbles knive can be had for under $100. Shop around and your can find some pretty good deals.

You can still find some of the Bark Rivers for under $100, although that is usually with a micarta handle.

Orion Knives has several blades in the same price range.

I'm sure there are plenty of others, but something just tripped the circuit breaker on my brain. Good luck!
 
For slightly over $100, you can get a variety of knives from Bark River Knife and Tool. They are semi-custom, most are made from A-2 tool steel, and the quality is superb. Try DLT trading for a good selection of Bark Rivers.

www.dlttradingcompany.com

Ben
 
I will also suggest Bark River. Excellent quality (both of materials and fit/finish), reasonable price, and many choices. I am particularly fond of the gameskeeper (A2 tool steel, leather sheath, and many handle options). Also worth taking a look at is the Benchmade 201 Activator +. It has a wood handle, D2 tool steel blade, and a leather sheath. I saw one at A. G. Russell for $99.95. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
 
Perhaps check Queen Cutlery and K-Bar. They both have traditionally styled hunting knives. Also check e-bay for older knives in good condition, like Western, Kinfolks, Case etc...sometimes you can come out with a real gem. -Matt-
 
Those Bökers (Argentinian)you mention do look nice, but I suspect they come in stainless.

As others have noted, BRKT is an appealing choice: huge choice of handles, variety of steels A2 and stainless etc. Classic Lite Hunter or Highland are obvious examples there but a bit over budget (worth it though)

You might actually fancy an Ontario RAT 3 in Ram's Horn. A bit off beat, but looks and performs well, nice traditional sheath is this option too. Happy hunting:thumbup:
 
I don't hear much talk of queens fixed blades but I think there great knives,I have a profesional hunter in oak and Im amazed at the quality for $40.

I also agree that bucks are a great buy,and any US marbles are great in my opinon.
 
I should revise that--many of the Orion knives are old marbles blades--their K2 is my favorite blade of theirs and it is one they designed.
 
Those Bökers (Argentinian) you mention do look nice, but I suspect they come in stainless.
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I have one of the Arbolito Gaucho knives. It's beautiful and well-made. The steel is 1070 carbon, although other Arbolito models are 440a.

You should check out the For Sale by Maker forum section. There are incredible bargains to be found over there, including sub-$100 hunting knives. But when you see something you like, jump, because they often sell very fast.

I have a Northwoods drop point hunter in natural wood handles that cost well under your limit. Nothing fancy, but quite nice.

Made in China or not, I've been tempted to try one of these. Funny you should mention "walnut". http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_purpose/hunting/xikar_hunting_knife_walnut.html
AG Russell stands behind them, and that's good enough for me.

Don't overlook the Grohmann knives. Very traditional, especially if you're Canadian. :D

Bark River is very good, but it seems their prices are going up and it's harder and harder to find anything <$100 from them, especially if you want a full-size knife with natural handles. This seems like the best current deal going, the Woodland with "antique stag bone" for $104. My favorite BRKT (that I didn't buy) was the Amboynia Burl Mountaineer that was selling for $114.

Happy Hunting, for knives and deer,
-Bob
 
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