Quality all purpose knife for field dressing?

[SunDevil]

lots of positive feedback here on havalons.

 

I have found that old knives use a lot better steel and as such will hold an edge a lot longer than newer knives. when I say old I mean 50 years old. you can still find lots of old knives that are in excellent condition.

 

when I was a kid my dad gave me a fixed blade official boy scout knife made by western. I used that knife to clean many, many salmon in AK. when I started hunting seriously again about 15 years ago I tried a new knife and found out it was crap. the next year I went to my old western and that is what I still have in my pack.

 

if I was going to recommend a newer knife that I personally have favorable knowledge of I would recommend an Opinel. they are not that fancy but use good steel and are fairly inexpensive.

[kaibabkiller]

HAVALON PIRANTA!!!!!! You'll never want to use another knife once you've had the pleasure.

[redline410]

This is an outside the box suggestion so take it for what it is: Victorinox serrated paring knife.

Light weight (0.5oz), balanced, inexpensive (around $5), razor sharp, holds its edge, resharpens quickly (less time than i can change my havalon blades) and stout enough to twist and pry if need be. Give one a try, you won't be sorry...... And when you speak of me, speak well....

 

Dave

[Big Browns]

I used the Havalon Piranta last year on a Coues Deer for the first time. Since then I took out all my other knives and now I only carry 1 Havalon Piranta with spare blades. 1 multi purpose knife for taking of the blades and general field maintenance. I was able to reduce my pack by almost 3 pounds by taking out all my other knives. I used to carry 3-5 knifes just in case. I've had to skin animals with dull knives. I will hopefully never have to do that again. The Havalon knives are very sharp and extremly light. I will always have one in my pack.

[huntazelk]

As a Guide I do quite a few animals a year and after using a Havalon I will never go back to anything else. I keep a Havalon and a Leatherman in my pack and I do the gutless method. I became a dealer because every client that has watched me use one buys one from me. I sold 6 to a Game and Fish supervisor so he could give one to each of his officers. All the other guides I know use Havalon knives and most taxidermists.

 

Rod