Thread: Hunting knives which one to get?

If you are young and fit pretty much anything that holds a bit of an edge will work. As you get older and the joints dont work as they used to the handle becomes as important as the blade.

Originally Posted by terryf

Always great to see new guys joining the clan

I have a deal for you - a custom Sandt Blades hunter:

Steel: N690
OAL: 225mm
Blade length: 105mm
Blade thickness: 3.2mm
Bolsters: stainless 304
Weight: 147 grams
Handle: African hardwood with red liners
Sheath: leather right handed


Retail: $350

You can have it for $100 with one condition - you post some photos for us of your next hunt.

clever bugger @terryf
That's a good thing dude.

hey still a relative newbie myself, I only have my Mercator Folder, surely doesn't hurt to ask
but hey if I have given you 2 @Gibo and @berg243 some entertainment then all good

Have had to dress out a white tail with a syderco dragonfly (blade length.... 57mm) it worked would I do it again, not if I had too.

Another option is the vitronox kitchen knives, they come razor sharp and last ok and I think they are cheaper than the bahco. They are a thin blade so risk of snapping is there.

For a first knife go with the Bahco. Good blade shape ( not as good as Nga makes ) and not too long which is very important while you learn how to use it and a fluoro handle so you don't loose it in the dark and can see it when it ends up in the kitchen sink with the other dishes. Throw away the sheath that comes with it and make one out of Polyurethane pipe (AKA Alkathene). Cut a piece 50mm longer than the knife. Heat it in the oven on a piece of plywood or similar that wont concentrate the heat on the contact surface like metal - until soft enough to shape. Then put the knife in leaving only about 30mm of the handle showing, mark it and form a belt loop ( two vertical cuts 8mm apart & 50mm long ) then clamp the sheath with two blocks of wood in a vise to cool. Once cool cut a slot to release the handle a little - the finished sheath should grip the knife handle with slight spring tension. Leave the bottom of the pipe sheath open so that crap falls out - it is much longer than the blade so you cant get knife stuck.

Originally Posted by dannyb

+

got anymore at that deal ? pm me if you do ?

nah sorry mate, one time deal for the OP - can't sell everything at 60% below cost but you're right, can't hurt to ask!!

Bahco are a great knife for the money but for a beginner they are real bastards to sharpen

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

For a first knife go with the Bahco. Good blade shape ( not as good as Nga makes ) and not too long which is very important while you learn how to use it and a fluoro handle so you don't loose it in the dark and can see it when it ends up in the kitchen sink with the other dishes. Throw away the sheath that comes with it and make one out of Polyurethane pipe (AKA Alkathene). Cut a piece 50mm longer than the knife. Heat it in the oven on a piece of plywood or similar that wont concentrate the heat on the contact surface like metal - until soft enough to shape. Then put the knife in leaving only about 30mm of the handle showing, mark it and form a belt loop ( two vertical cuts 8mm apart & 50mm long ) then clamp the sheath with two blocks of wood in a vise to cool. Once cool cut a slot to release the handle a little - the finished sheath should grip the knife handle with slight spring tension. Leave the bottom of the pipe sheath open so that crap falls out - it is much longer than the blade so you cant get knife stuck.

Got any photos to share?

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Bahco are a great knife for the money but for a beginner they are real bastards to sharpen

They do 'take a steel' very well - a med / course which is a big help on the hill. Those really hard blade knives need stoned.
The knife that you bought off Nga has the very best blade shape that I have seen Ryan. How does it actually go ??

Originally Posted by terryf

nah sorry mate, one time deal for the OP - can't sell everything at 60% below cost but you're right, can't hurt to ask!!

@terryf sweet as mate, as mentioned I have a Mercator and it is more than up to the task, I don't need another blade but for that kind of deal it would be one of those nice to have but not necessary to have .
I appreciate it was a 1 off offer to the O.P

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

They do 'take a steel' very well - a med / course which is a big help on the hill. Those really hard blade knives need stoned.
The knife that you bought off Nga has the very best blade shape that I have seen Ryan. How does it actually go ??

Its a brilliant knife, holds an excellent edge and is easy to touch up. The shape is a brilliant allrounder, it skins and bones very well and sits well in the hand. Im very happy with it and think it wont be replaced anytime soon

..........shit where did that go?

Was into fixed blades now folding knives as it won’t get lost in my main pack pocket or daybag.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Bahco are a great knife for the money but for a beginner they are real bastards to sharpen

Diamond stone, job done. Once you get a hang of sharpening a scandi they are far and away the easiest grind to sharpen. No guessing as to bevel angle

Get a bahco for now, once you've cut a few animals and spent some time in the bush get something that you know will suit your needs