Last year I used three different knives for field dressing. Some of them were on my deer, and some of them were on my hunting partners deer.
I used a Spyderco Wegner, a Marbles Plainsman, and a Kershaw Outlaw Bill.
Spyderco Wegner:
Tough G-10 handles which provide a good non-slip surface. Best of the three for "out of the box" sharpness. The hairs on my left arm jumped off and ran away at the sight of the Spyderco box!
( The ones on my right arm curled up in fear) The Wegner locks open like a bank vault! Very secure, solid, and smooth as silk with the Spyderco Hole for one handed opening. My hunting partner was amazed at the way it sliced through the pelvic bone and breast bone with very little effort. Good blade & handle shape, making it feel very "natural" in your hand.
Check out Tim Wegner's site at http://www.blade-tech.com/inthefield.html for pics of the knife being used on Mulies and Moose.
Kershaw Outlaw Bill:
Steel - ATS34
Shaving sharp, right out of the box. Great grip on the rubber fingergrooved handles. I like the hole in the blade of these newer model Kershaws, for easy one hand opening. (much like the Spyderco, but not as smooth)
The Kershaw split the pelvic bone and breast bone of the buck with ease. I liked the drop point blade for gutting. Easy cleanup, and the blade was still extremely sharp afterwards. I just didn't like the cordura sheath that was with it. It was a top opening sheath ( no flap) that was secured with velcro. Never had a problem with the knife coming out... I just hate that ugly noise that velcro makes in the still woods.
Marbles Fieldcraft:
Curly Maple Handles, brass guard and aluminum pommel. It worked very well also, passing the "pelvic bone & breast bone test" as well as the others. Held the edge extemely well also. It was razor sharp right out of the box. The thick spine on the knife, and full tang construction make it a very tough knife for all camp chores. The maple handles did absorb some of the blood, which changed their beautiful finish somewhat. Now it looks seasoned,
and waiting on another one!
Bottom Line: I loved them all. The Spyderco Wegner got the "thumbs up" for sharpest blade. (before and after use) and great lock and ergonomics.
The Kershaw had the best grip and performed it's tasks exceptionally well. ( thumbs up for the upgrade to ATS-34 on their stainless blade) Great knife for the $$.
The Marbles excelled also, great edge (Convex Ground), great finish, and a beautiful knife. It would be hard to find a better knife in a traditional pattern for the $$.
------------------
Mark - AKA Excalibur
Gun Control:
Protecting our Criminals
from Work Related Injuries
I used a Spyderco Wegner, a Marbles Plainsman, and a Kershaw Outlaw Bill.
Spyderco Wegner:
Check out Tim Wegner's site at http://www.blade-tech.com/inthefield.html for pics of the knife being used on Mulies and Moose.
Kershaw Outlaw Bill:
Steel - ATS34
Shaving sharp, right out of the box. Great grip on the rubber fingergrooved handles. I like the hole in the blade of these newer model Kershaws, for easy one hand opening. (much like the Spyderco, but not as smooth)
The Kershaw split the pelvic bone and breast bone of the buck with ease. I liked the drop point blade for gutting. Easy cleanup, and the blade was still extremely sharp afterwards. I just didn't like the cordura sheath that was with it. It was a top opening sheath ( no flap) that was secured with velcro. Never had a problem with the knife coming out... I just hate that ugly noise that velcro makes in the still woods.
Marbles Fieldcraft:
Curly Maple Handles, brass guard and aluminum pommel. It worked very well also, passing the "pelvic bone & breast bone test" as well as the others. Held the edge extemely well also. It was razor sharp right out of the box. The thick spine on the knife, and full tang construction make it a very tough knife for all camp chores. The maple handles did absorb some of the blood, which changed their beautiful finish somewhat. Now it looks seasoned,
Bottom Line: I loved them all. The Spyderco Wegner got the "thumbs up" for sharpest blade. (before and after use) and great lock and ergonomics.
The Kershaw had the best grip and performed it's tasks exceptionally well. ( thumbs up for the upgrade to ATS-34 on their stainless blade) Great knife for the $$.
The Marbles excelled also, great edge (Convex Ground), great finish, and a beautiful knife. It would be hard to find a better knife in a traditional pattern for the $$.
------------------
Mark - AKA Excalibur
Gun Control:
Protecting our Criminals
from Work Related Injuries
