vex (d2) vs. scrapmax (elmax)

fargo203

fargo203

Gold Member
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Apr 11, 2013
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170
Recently picked up a vex off the forum and wondered how it would compare to the scrapmax as a hunting knife. Used mostly on deer, gutting and skinning. I do use my knife to split the sternum which can be hard on an edge and cause chipping if you give the knife a twist while doing so.
My old knife was just to dull after the third deer and really wanted something that could possibly hold an edge through about six deer. ( maybe an unrealistic expectation). Haven't got to try the vex out yet but hope to soon.
Anyway let's hear it from the experts swamp rats d2 vs sykco elmax under those circumstances.
 
Elmax will get you more rust resistance and more edge retention. The vex has a slightly thicker stock so it might be better for the sternum deal.
 
If you make it to 4 deer. Call me. I want to know how you are cleaning them.
 
RWT said:
If you make it to 4 deer. Call me. I want to know how you are cleaning them.
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Ha! Haven't made it to 4 yet. Really though with the hair and cutting through sternum 3 is pretty good I guess.
 
I have made it to deer 11 with my Vex (D2) before sharpening. I have to say that I don't cut through the sternum or any bone. I could tell that it was starting to dull a little but with a little will power i made it through. I have not had a chance to try the scrapmax yet but hopefully this season I can.
 
Hindsight said:
I have made it to deer 11 with my Vex (D2) before sharpening. I have to say that I don't cut through the sternum or any bone. I could tell that it was starting to dull a little but with a little will power i made it through. I have not had a chance to try the scrapmax yet but hopefully this season I can.
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Wow that's a feat! Hopefully I get to try the vex out tomm. Its been hot and rainy today. The vex blade shape size seems perfect. I don't do gut hooks and don't like really blunt drop points, not as easy to cut out the back side.
Do you use a saw for the sternum or just cut the windpipe at the throat and reach up and pull out?
 
Yup, just cut and reach up into the chest and make sure you have it all and pull. Never had to cut through a sternum myself either.

Backside is the same way but a little more important that you do it right and cleanly, The other bits from a stag... well ... it can get a little sketchy. :p I hate the glands and such that can ruin a nice chunk of meat. :barf:

Though, I've never made it through more than two deer before I need a touch up on anything but one in particular. It was a forged blade by a master smith and was quite honestly simply stunning. Not fair to a mass produced knife so it doesn't count.
 
I may give that method a go this year. I've always split the sternum because that was the way my grandfather taught me. It may aid in cooling but that should not be an issue for me since I have made a cooler out of an old fridge to hang in for a few days before I process it
 
There are very few steels that are better than D2 in a hunting knife. The toothy edge that D2 is known for just rips threw skin, hair, and flesh some of my all time favorite hunters have been in D2.
 
Exactly, I love that grippy nature that D2 has when sharp. The only steel that is close that I've had experience with is VG10, no matter how much its polished it still retains a very grippy edge on flesh. My wifes Spyderco Moran fixed blade is an amazing skinner. I take that one to my white ceramic stone and its downright dangerous.
 
fargo203 said:
I may give that method a go this year. I've always split the sternum because that was the way my grandfather taught me. It may aid in cooling but that should not be an issue for me since I have made a cooler out of an old fridge to hang in for a few days before I process it
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If you do most of the work at home, I have found that a pair of tree pruners (the long handled lopper) are fantastic on ribs and pelvis. :) Short work on legs too.
 
leatherman said:
If you do most of the work at home, I have found that a pair of tree pruners (the long handled lopper) are fantastic on ribs and pelvis. :) Short work on legs too.
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Thanks for the tip! I have been doing my own for awhile. I try to get as many as I can with my limited available time to hunt. We will eat it in place of beef when we have it on hand. With the price of beef its nice not to have to buy any for 6 months.
 
We love deer meat as well and prefer it over beef more often than not. :)

We also make deer sausage which is amazingly good off the grill. We're out right now, its definitely time to break out the grinder/stuffer. :D
 
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