I posted this in the Big game forum, but thought someohere might have some input:

Knife hunt

Comments? Suggestions?

I've used the folding version of the Kershaw Deer Hunter for quite a few years and am pretty happy with it, but I would recommend the fixed blade version as "stuff" tends to accumulate inside the folder. MSRP is higher than your target but it is available discounted.



4 in. AUS8A stainless steel blade. Phenolic and brass handle. 8.25 in. overall length. Has a weight of 8.2 ozs. MSRP $150.

One discounter (caveat emptor, they were just the first to show up in a search)

I will probably be using a hjigh-carbon non-stainless next, as it is a bit easier to resharpen. I have a custom on the way now whic I hope works out well.

Have you considered looking at the lower-end custom hunters offered by the makers at places like bladeforums.com?

This one has been for sale for a while with no takers -- now down to $115 shipped:

Overall Length........8 inches
Blade Length..........4 inches
Blade Material.........C1095
Blade HRC..............60
Handle Material.......Amboyna Burl

This one is $110 plus 8 shipping:

O-1 Acid Etched and differentially heat treated
Flat-Ground
Cocobolo Diamondwood scales
Stainless Pins
OAL 7 1/4"
Blade 3" Tip to Plunge Cut
Home-grown Sheath

There is also www.knifenetwork.com which has a for sale by maker forum and a classified section.

This one is $130.

Blade Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/2 inches
Blade Steel: 1084 Clay Hardened and heat treated
Handle Material: Dyed and Stabilized Box Elder Burl


One more for $110:

Blade Length: 4.5 inches
Overall Length: 9.0 inches
Blade Steel: D2 Tool Steel / 61 - 62 RC. Hardness
Handle Material: Stag
Bolster/Guard: Brass
Sheath/Pouch: Sheath - leather

Of the 3 you listed I'd go with the Moran, Buck, and Benchmade in that order.

Don't get the Benchmade or anything else in 440C, the edgeholding isn't that great.

Go ahead and spend a lil more money, you'll appreciate it in the future

I would suggest the Fallkniven F1. It is a drop point fixed blade with VG-10 steel. I have one and it's been good to me.
IMHO I think $110 for the Buck is way over priced. You can find many knives under $100 that have better ergonomics and fit and finish (such as Fallknivens).

Hmmm, I was leaning to the Buck, as I have found it elsewhere for under $90...then I found out that Cabelas has special runs from major makers...including a Gerber Freeman in S30V for $90 and a Gerber Gator in ATS54. I really like the looks of the Freeman...

We may have a winner!

quote:

Originally posted by Fumbler:
Of the 3 you listed I'd go with the Moran, Buck, and Benchmade in that order.

Don't get the Benchmade or anything else in 440C, the edgeholding isn't that great.

Go ahead and spend a lil more money, you'll appreciate it in the future

I would suggest the Fallkniven F1. It is a drop point fixed blade with VG-10 steel. I have one and it's been good to me.
IMHO I think $110 for the Buck is way over priced. You can find many knives under $100 that have better ergonomics and fit and finish (such as Fallknivens).

I have the H1 as well as the F1 and F1/3G and I like the H1 for skinning deer. It is a really excellent knife for skinning/butchering tasks. The F1/3G is the ultimate knife in my arsenal.

quote:

Originally posted by CDH:
Hmmm, I was leaning to the Buck, as I have found it elsewhere for under $90...then I found out that Cabelas has special runs from major makers...including a Gerber Freeman in S30V for $90 and a Gerber Gator in ATS54. I really like the looks of the Freeman...

We may have a winner!

S30V in a knife for $90...that's not bad at all. You could skin a bunch of deer before having to sharpen that thing.

Contact mstarling on this board, have him make you one.