Need a New Hunting Knife

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oldschooljeep48

Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
56
Hey All,
So i need a good hunting knife. I know, I know, a Buck 110 or 119, but neither one really calls to me. What i do like is the Buck Vangaurd, or gerber profile2, or a small version of the RAT rc5. However price is the limiting factor. Honestly, i would like to find something for around $50. I wish i could spend more, but this is a starter knife, and i just dont have more right now. I dont want junk, but it doesnt need to be top of the line either.

What i would like is either a fixed blade or a folder, thats decent quality. Blade length would be in the 3-4" range, and stainless would be a plus. I really like drop points, unless it was a multiblade folder, and i really dont want a gut hook.

so what should i be looking at guys??
 
If you can locate a Cold Steel Master Hunter Carbon, you may be able to get one for close to $50 (maybe $60). Anza has some pretty good knives in that price range as well.
 
I believe you can find the Vanguard for around $50, since you already like it. Or did you mean under $50 w/ shipping?

The Buck Vantage Pro might not be a bad choice either if you don't mind the extra time cleaning, sells for around $50 too if I recall correctly. That S30V should keep a nice edge through a good bit of processing. Seems like it would fit the bill nicely if you don't require Fixed.
 
I have been using a Mora Clipper for several years, can't beat 12.00 or so for a good hunting knife. The Buck Vanguard and also the Alpa hunter are good hunters as well.
 
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Buck Omni Hunter :thumbup: Full tang
ColdSteel Roach Belly or Canadian Belt Knife
Condor Rodan or Nessie
Kershaw Echo
 
Yeah I have a Buck Omni Hunter folder. Its a Lockback and a great knife IMO. I think its a under rated knife and doesnt get much respect. Its a great knife.
 
Is the vangaurd a full tang?

Has anyone used the Ka-Bar BK13 that comes with the bk7 or bk9? is it any good? it looks like a mini Izula.

what about some of those multi blade folders from cabelas or cheaper than dirt?

keep the ideas comming guys!
 
From time to time Buck offers some interesting web specials on their site.

A few weeks ago they had a few nice hunting knives available at decent discounts.
 
Look at the Buck Nighthawk series. Buck 420HC blade steel and great grip ergo's. In the $45.00 to $60.00 price range.

DSC02066.jpg
 
Well i do like the knighthawk but it doesnt seem like the hunter im looking for. not to say its by any means a bad knife, im just looking for a good drop point, solid, hunting knife.

the case is nice too, but it looks like the blade doesnt lock, thats a must if its a folder.

It seems that it goes from smaller EDC knives to larger survivor or chopper knives. thast what im having trouble with. I really dont want a large clip point blade.

Keep it comming guys! thanks for the input!
 
oldschooljeep48 said:
Is the vangaurd a full tang?

Has anyone used the Ka-Bar BK13 that comes with the bk7 or bk9? is it any good? it looks like a mini Izula.
Click to expand...

I don't believe the Vanguard is full tang. I think there is a Cabela's version that is, and is in S30V, but I'm sure it's over $50.

I have the BK13 that came with my BK9, and I wouldn't pick it as first choice for a hunting knife. It's small, no ergos (it's a back up skeleton, I don't expect it to), and not a great steel. The blade shape, if I recall correctly, is goo though. I'm not complaining about it, but it is a free companion to the bigger Beckers and wouldn't be my choice for a dedicated hunting knife. If you're interested in going that small, I'd say just go with the Izula or a Becker Necker. But then you'd have to deal with gunking up paracord wraps or making your own scales for them.


I'll stick to my Buck Vantage Pro rec, since folders are an option:

347BKS.jpg

3 1/4" S30V, Bos heat treat, don't remember number off top of my head (I think I read 61hrc somewhere)
Drop point blade, hollow ground
G10 scales
Liner Lock, seems decent from what I've heard
Flipper and hole for opening

Sounds like it'd work, unless you just aren't feeling it. The S30V and G10 alone at that price seems like a steal to me. And it could double duty as an EDC :).

I would prefer a fixed blade for a hunting knife though, for the cleaning and security. The ones above look good, take a look at the BM Rant too :thumbup:.
 
Personally, I like the Gerber Freeman Hunter. I find that this is the knife I grab on my way out the door more than any other. The one I have has a good leather drop-in sheath unlike the crap nylon that comes with the current offerings (as seen in on-line stores). It feels great in the hand... and well, I just have lots of love for this knife. Other Gerber knives I have, I was sorely disappointed in but not this one.
 
Ontario Spec series
Sog Seal Pup
Kershaw Bear Hunter

Btw, welcome to BF
 
rksoon said:
I don't believe the Vanguard is full tang. I think there is a Cabela's version that is, and is in S30V, but I'm sure it's over $50.

I have the BK13 that came with my BK9, and I wouldn't pick it as first choice for a hunting knife. It's small, no ergos (it's a back up skeleton, I don't expect it to), and not a great steel. The blade shape, if I recall correctly, is goo though. I'm not complaining about it, but it is a free companion to the bigger Beckers and wouldn't be my choice for a dedicated hunting knife. If you're interested in going that small, I'd say just go with the Izula or a Becker Necker. But then you'd have to deal with gunking up paracord wraps or making your own scales for them.


I'll stick to my Buck Vantage Pro rec, since folders are an option:

347BKS.jpg

3 1/4" S30V, Bos heat treat, don't remember number off top of my head (I think I read 61hrc somewhere)
Drop point blade, hollow ground
G10 scales
Liner Lock, seems decent from what I've heard
Flipper and hole for opening

Sounds like it'd work, unless you just aren't feeling it. The S30V and G10 alone at that price seems like a steal to me. And it could double duty as an EDC :).

I would prefer a fixed blade for a hunting knife though, for the cleaning and security. The ones above look good, take a look at the BM Rant too :thumbup:.
Click to expand...

Thats a nice knife and within my price range! I really like it, thanks for showing it to me! I too would prefer to have a fixed blade but if i am carying a larger fixed blade for everything heavy, i shouldnt have any problems with this, and im pretty sure its not going to close on me when im cleanng some animal.

Keep them comming!
 
gazz98 said:
Ontario Spec series
Sog Seal Pup
Kershaw Bear Hunter

Btw, welcome to BF
Click to expand...

I do like the SOG field pup but im not sure if the blade shape is great for a hunter.

The Kershaw is nice too, and cheap! is it a full tang? i didnt see anything. i figure if its not, why not just get a folder, i would only get the fixed for the strength of the full tang. Please note im not implying Kershaw makes junk, im just sayin...

I havent looked at the Ontario line but i will when i have some more time.

Thanks!
 
I bought a (Buck Alpha Hunter 420HC version) at a local store the other day for $30.

Kershaw, however, makes it's Antelope & Bear Hunter II models that you can get shipped for under $30. They are good hunting knives (AUS8A, etc.). Do a google shopping search for "Kershaw Bear Hunter II."

Here's a picture...

mP5290029.jpg
 
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The Vanguard is my "go-to" hunting knife, and I've got Randalls and Loveless drop-point hunters here. Save up, get the AG in S30V (yeah, I know it's not in your price range, but you only go around once) and do it right. Neither the 420HC or the S30V version are full-tang; I've owned both and, for a hunting knife, I can tell you it doesn't make a bit of difference. (It probably doesn't make a difference for any kind of knife, but that's another topic for another thread.)
 
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