- Joined
- Aug 9, 2006
- Messages
- 718
I recently took delivery of the two Queen knives featured here - a Bearhead in amber bone and a Sabre Hunter with Oak scales.
Both are relatively small knives - the Hunter is about 8 and a half inches overall and the Bearhead around 8 inches. The blades are D2 steel and construction is full, exposed tang.
Sheaths are leather and of the same type - basic pouch style with a riveted belt loop and retaining strap with press stud. The retaining strap is not fixed to the sheath and can easily be removed. I tested the retention by inverting both sheaths and giving them a bit of a shake with the press stud closed - the Bearhead was retained but the Hunter slid out of the sheath without much resistance.
The Bearhead has Queen's amber bone scales that are well known in their traditional folder range - they are functional and good looking. Colour bleeding was apparent and my hands were orange after handling the knife for a while - hopefully this will settle down.
The Hunter has checkered oak scales that appear to be laminated. The grip is comfortable and secure.
I would put the Bearhead in the 'bird and trout' category - it is light, handy and relatively thin with a bit of flex which is ideal for dressing fish and for food preparation. The Hunter is a much more substantial knife - there is a lot more steel in it and it is noticeably heavier.The Hunter could take some hard use - it is a no frills knife meant for work and would make a good all round hunting knife.
The Bearhead came with Queen's famous safety edge at no additional cost. It took some work to thin the edge and sharpen it, but those of you who own D2 Queens will appreciate that once you get these blades right they are a joy to own and use. Keeping the edge working once you get it right is not that hard.
The Hunter came quite sharp out of the box and I haven't done anything else to it at this stage - I can't say how typical this sample was but this one was a knife that you could take out of the box and start using. Should be more of it.
Some news is not so good. The otherwise excellent fit and finish of the Bearhead was marred by an appallingly finished guard. The nickel silver fitting had deep gind marks - I have included a pic but not sure how clear this is.
Things were not quite right with the Hunter either - there was a substantial gap between one of the scales and the blade - I will need to get some epoxy in there to seal it up before I use it or it will be an invitation to corrosion with the D2.'
Its a pity as I otherwise like both knives. I lean most towards the Bearhead - it is an attractive, well balanced knife. The Hunter is a tough working piece and represents exceptional value.
Both are relatively small knives - the Hunter is about 8 and a half inches overall and the Bearhead around 8 inches. The blades are D2 steel and construction is full, exposed tang.
Sheaths are leather and of the same type - basic pouch style with a riveted belt loop and retaining strap with press stud. The retaining strap is not fixed to the sheath and can easily be removed. I tested the retention by inverting both sheaths and giving them a bit of a shake with the press stud closed - the Bearhead was retained but the Hunter slid out of the sheath without much resistance.
The Bearhead has Queen's amber bone scales that are well known in their traditional folder range - they are functional and good looking. Colour bleeding was apparent and my hands were orange after handling the knife for a while - hopefully this will settle down.
The Hunter has checkered oak scales that appear to be laminated. The grip is comfortable and secure.
I would put the Bearhead in the 'bird and trout' category - it is light, handy and relatively thin with a bit of flex which is ideal for dressing fish and for food preparation. The Hunter is a much more substantial knife - there is a lot more steel in it and it is noticeably heavier.The Hunter could take some hard use - it is a no frills knife meant for work and would make a good all round hunting knife.
The Bearhead came with Queen's famous safety edge at no additional cost. It took some work to thin the edge and sharpen it, but those of you who own D2 Queens will appreciate that once you get these blades right they are a joy to own and use. Keeping the edge working once you get it right is not that hard.
The Hunter came quite sharp out of the box and I haven't done anything else to it at this stage - I can't say how typical this sample was but this one was a knife that you could take out of the box and start using. Should be more of it.
Some news is not so good. The otherwise excellent fit and finish of the Bearhead was marred by an appallingly finished guard. The nickel silver fitting had deep gind marks - I have included a pic but not sure how clear this is.
Things were not quite right with the Hunter either - there was a substantial gap between one of the scales and the blade - I will need to get some epoxy in there to seal it up before I use it or it will be an invitation to corrosion with the D2.'
Its a pity as I otherwise like both knives. I lean most towards the Bearhead - it is an attractive, well balanced knife. The Hunter is a tough working piece and represents exceptional value.
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