jim Report post Posted December 9, 2014 I always have a multi tool to change the blades with. The old blades go back in a package and into a empty water bottle or buried. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted December 9, 2014 Piranta. Be careful. These things are amazingly sharp. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twowindy Report post Posted December 9, 2014 you can give them a couple of licks on a sharpening steel to get a little more life out of them.I have both of the havalons.Its all I use in my taxidermy shop for capeing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PelaPapas Report post Posted December 9, 2014 As others have said above, Piranta model is the way to go! My wife got it for me last Christmas and it is scary sharp! I Might have to try out those 22xt blades. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Workman Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I have the havalon piranta and outdoor edge razor blaze, both are extremely sharp. IMO the outdoor edge is the only way to go, it's more sturdy, feels better in my hand and a lot easier/safer to change the blade. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Critter Report post Posted December 10, 2014 Just skinned bull elk with the outdoor edge... larger handle, larger blade which is better for the big game. I went through a couple blades...probably could've sharpened them but wanted to get it done quick so just switched them out quick. Perfect for big game. I also have the havalon and I prefer it for skinning coyotes and other predators as it is a bit smaller. They are both excellent knives. A hunter should have one of each in their pack Imo. Can't go wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I have both the havalon knives & the newer replaceable blade outdoor edge knife. I prefer the outdoor edge knife, because it's easier and safer to change the blade. It's also larger and doesn't break as easily. I also have multiple cuts to go along with the havalon knives:) Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwrguy Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I use the piranta with the orange handle.I can change the blade out in about 20 seconds, I used the new blade to pry the back end of the old blade on the knife and pull it away from the handle, no problem have never been cut knock on wood.as far as sharpening them I would rather use the space in my pack for a dozen new blades rather than a knife sharpener.in 2010 I completely boned out a moose with the piranta including taking the head off and the hindquarters. It did take about 6 or 8 blades to get the job done Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MRL1984 Report post Posted December 10, 2014 Just curious how y'all are managing to cut yourself with the havalon? I have never cut myself with one, jabed it into the side of my hand but that wouldve happened with any knife and was on me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vixen Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I haven't cut myself.....yet.. did get stabbed thru the finger tho. I was changing the blade out with my multi-tool and a piece broke off and buzzed right by my eye. That was the 60xt. I like the (A) blades, they are a bit thicker. I also point it down towards the ground now when changing them. I am still trying to figure out the best way to dispose of them. As of now I point them into the ground and hammer them in with a rock and leave the rock on top of it. They are bad news floating around in the pack. Maybe need to get an old pill container to put them in. Still gotta be careful disposing of them at the house tho. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I had a Piranta and used it one time on a Javelina. The blade seemed dull and most of the way through I tried to change the blade and since it was my first time using the knife for the life of me I couldn't figure it out and ended up using my skinning knife to finish it up. When I got home and read the directions it all came together and I used it with a new blade to clean up the meat. Gave it away after that because I just didn't like the flimsy feel of it or the way the blades needed to be changed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antmo23 Report post Posted December 10, 2014 Ive quatered up 2 WTs with the same blade on my Piranta. Definitely need a good pocket knife to get thru the leg joints, otherwise you risk a broken blade. I pack out the used blades, but I've heard of hunters breaking them in half and sticking them in the gut pile for the coyotes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buck15 Report post Posted December 10, 2014 I have the havalon piranta and outdoor edge razor blaze, both are extremely sharp. IMO the outdoor edge is the only way to go, it's more sturdy, feels better in my hand and a lot easier/safer to change the blade. +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted December 10, 2014 Ive quatered up 2 WTs with the same blade on my Piranta. Definitely need a good pocket knife to get thru the leg joints, otherwise you risk a broken blade. I pack out the used blades, but I've heard of hunters breaking them in half and sticking them in the gut pile for the coyotes. That's messed up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antmo23 Report post Posted December 11, 2014 Ive quatered up 2 WTs with the same blade on my Piranta. Definitely need a good pocket knife to get thru the leg joints, otherwise you risk a broken blade. I pack out the used blades, but I've heard of hunters breaking them in half and sticking them in the gut pile for the coyotes. That's messed up. I agree, which is why i pack out my old blades. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites