shortwinger
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2010
- Messages
- 1,090
I have been wanting a Puma Hunters' Pal for a long time as a fixed blade to carry while hunting and finally last November I ordered one. After they took my money I was told it was on back order but should be back in stock in two weeks. Finally, in June I cancelled the order and purchased it through another supplier and it arrived in 7 days, for less! But that's not the knife I am writing about.
During the long wait I purchased a Grohmann DH Russel Canadian Belt knife as a birthday present for a relative and while on their website I came across another model called the Army/Boat/Yachtsman knife. All three are the same blade, the sheath you order is the deciding factor as to what model they call it. I am a falconer and and run across a unique problem with knives used to dispatch small game. As you go in to dispatch the quarry the hawk or falcon may strike at the blade and they have so much force in their talons they can cut, or even cut off a toe. Falconers often carry various kinds of spikes, from an average ice pick to more elaborate antler handled spikes of different lengths. One common issue with these spikes is losing them while in the field. So when I saw the Yachtsman model that has a Marlin Spike incorporated into the sheath I quickly Added it to the cart. The Canadian Belt knives have always been on my list of blades but no one ever had one to try out or feel in-hand.
I have been using my Yachtsman for about 6 months processing food for my hawks and have been surprisingly pleased. It is a very good knife for small game but equally good at big game, utility, food prep, and at the table. The Original pattern (#1) is even more comfortable than my Yachtsman and I have since purchased the Cold Steel version and am very pleased. Within a few minutes it feels like a knife you have had all your life and becomes part of your hand. All came scary scalpel sharp and hold a very good edge. The Cold Steel handle is comfortable but not as soft and organic as the DH Russell's wood handle.
It's a shame that after finally getting my long awaited Hunters' Pal that I would find such a great knife, but the Hunters' Pal will be put through its paces when the season comes in. It certainly has a higher bar to live up to now, I hope it can handle the competition. Reviews will be coming...
Anyone else have a similar experience?
During the long wait I purchased a Grohmann DH Russel Canadian Belt knife as a birthday present for a relative and while on their website I came across another model called the Army/Boat/Yachtsman knife. All three are the same blade, the sheath you order is the deciding factor as to what model they call it. I am a falconer and and run across a unique problem with knives used to dispatch small game. As you go in to dispatch the quarry the hawk or falcon may strike at the blade and they have so much force in their talons they can cut, or even cut off a toe. Falconers often carry various kinds of spikes, from an average ice pick to more elaborate antler handled spikes of different lengths. One common issue with these spikes is losing them while in the field. So when I saw the Yachtsman model that has a Marlin Spike incorporated into the sheath I quickly Added it to the cart. The Canadian Belt knives have always been on my list of blades but no one ever had one to try out or feel in-hand.
I have been using my Yachtsman for about 6 months processing food for my hawks and have been surprisingly pleased. It is a very good knife for small game but equally good at big game, utility, food prep, and at the table. The Original pattern (#1) is even more comfortable than my Yachtsman and I have since purchased the Cold Steel version and am very pleased. Within a few minutes it feels like a knife you have had all your life and becomes part of your hand. All came scary scalpel sharp and hold a very good edge. The Cold Steel handle is comfortable but not as soft and organic as the DH Russell's wood handle.
It's a shame that after finally getting my long awaited Hunters' Pal that I would find such a great knife, but the Hunters' Pal will be put through its paces when the season comes in. It certainly has a higher bar to live up to now, I hope it can handle the competition. Reviews will be coming...
Anyone else have a similar experience?
