Bring sharpener for fixed blade or ditch it for a Havalon?

[FAAFO]

if you think changing a havalon blade is tricky it’s likely a sign you shouldn’t hunt.

 

[ddowning]

The safest way to change a havalon blade is with pliers, Leatherman or otherwise. I have used one for near 20 years now. Also use a fixed blade buck knife for anything that will require a lot of pressure.

I have no problem with either. You should be able to sharpen things. It is a basic skill like changing a tire on the side of the road. Look at how it is designed to cut and restore it. Knives, scissors, router bits, drill bits, lathe tools, chisels, whatever. I am all for instant and disposable for saving time for more important things, but we shouldn't short ourselves the acquisition of the skills to do it the hard way.

 

[Robobiss]

No way in hell I would trust a havalon replacement blade
I carry a fixed blade carbon steel Moraknifv and a spyderco folder in s35vn or CPM 20cv and a small Lansky pocket sharpener ( just to keep razor sharp)
I don’t trust gimmick gadgets like replacement blade knives

Gimmick gadget? Respectfully, have you ever used one? They (and similar scalpel handles) are absolutely the bees knees.

I too, also carry a fixed blade and a folder, who’s sole purpose is fire building, general cutting tasks, and a backup if the havalon fails, but for any task requiring cutting on an animal the havalon is (IMO) usually the best tool for the job.

I’ve been using the same one for the last decade and have had no signs of failure. If you are breaking a havalon blade, there’s a 90% chance you are using it wrong. They are so sharp you can’t put enough pressure on anything (other than bone) while cutting to break anything.

I can gut, skin, and quarter a whole animal with a blade, and when I am getting all of the meat in the freezer a couple days later it’s still sharp enough to shave off silver skin. I’ve never even snapped a blade, let alone broken the knife to the point that it was unusable.

I’m not telling anyone to go out in the wilderness and use one as a survival knife, but there’s definitely room in my pack for one and it’s well worth the few ounces that it weighs.

 

[S-3 ranch]

Gimmick gadget? Respectfully, have you ever used one? They (and similar scalpel handles) are absolutely the bees knees.

I too, also carry a fixed blade and a folder, who’s sole purpose is fire building, general cutting tasks, and a backup if the havalon fails, but for any task requiring cutting on an animal the havalon is (IMO) usually the best tool for the job.

I’ve been using the same one for the last decade and have had no signs of failure. If you are breaking a havalon blade, there’s a 90% chance you are using it wrong. They are so sharp you can’t put enough pressure on anything (other than bone) while cutting to break anything.

I can gut, skin, and quarter a whole animal with a blade, and when I am getting all of the meat in the freezer a couple days later it’s still sharp enough to shave off silver skin. I’ve never even snapped a blade, let alone broken the knife to the point that it was unusable.

I’m not telling anyone to go out in the wilderness and use one as a survival knife, but there’s definitely room in my pack for one and it’s well worth the few ounces that it weighs.

I have tried them , my preference is a regular knife and I find a disposable scalpel for capping out around eyes , nose and lips a better tool
$7 for a box of 10 ( a disposable box cutter isn’t 1/2 bad )
I have known how to sharpen a knife since I was in junior high and see a need for a gimmick for those who don’t, 1/2 the post in this thread say they are difficult to use, never heard that about a standard knife before

 

[Steve300xcw]

I have known how to sharpen a knife since I was in junior high and see a need for a gimmick for those who don’t, 1/2 the post in this thread say they are difficult to use, never heard that about a standard knife before

You actually think the guys that have difficulties changing out a blade are going to be capable of sharpening a knife?

 

[Robobiss]

I have tried them , my preference is a regular knife and I find a disposable scalpel for capping out around eyes , nose and lips a better tool
$7 for a box of 10 ( a disposable box cutter isn’t 1/2 bad )
I have known how to sharpen a knife since I was in junior high and see a need for a gimmick for those who don’t, 1/2 the post in this thread say they are difficult to use, never heard that about a standard knife beforeView attachment 773371

I understand where you’re coming from. If you’re coming from a regular hunting knife, they are a little more difficult to use because they are laser sharp. I used mine tonight on a WT doe I shot with my bow probably the 20’th critter this havalon has taken apart. No issues, still haven’t cut myself.

I am a self proclaimed knife/sharpening nerd. I have a large collection and I sharpen knives for all of my friends and family. Still prefer the havalon for animals.

None of what I’ve said is to discount your preferences or experiences, just sharing mine. Because of these posts however I’ll use my fixed blade (that has only touched wood ) to finish the job in the morning on this doe, just because I feel like it.

Prior to the havalon however I was a hardcore mora guy, still have it. I’ve since replaced it with a benchmade steep country as a hunting knife, but the mora is probably still “better” even though it was $20. I’ll have to dig it out of my hunting tote and use it on something this year, just for shits and giggles.

Happy hunting!

 

[WCB]

There is something very satisfying about sharpening and butchering with a good fixed blade.

I’ve always wondered, what do people do with the discarded disposable blades? Pack in a sharps container and pack them out?

When you take a new blade out you just put the used blade into the little wrapper. Then I just tuck it in the knife sheath behind the new blades. Discard when you get home.

I rarely use a replaceable blade now but always keep one in my packs with a dozen blades or so. No matter what I have a sharp knife that never has to leave the pack when I get home for sharpening or cleaning really. I don't think I have used mine for probably 4 years.

 

[Marbles]

A replaceable blade knife cannot do half what a fixed blade can, a fixed blad can do most everything a replaceable blade can. Personally I stick with fixed blades. I carry a Spider Co Double Stuff stone and rubbed green honing compound one one side of its leather holder. It cost a few extra ounces, but I don't think a knife is the place to cut those few ounces.

I'm sure the answers you have already gotten very.

 

[wytx]

if you think changing a havalon blade is tricky it’s likely a sign you shouldn’t hunt.

If you have to use a havalon to skin likely a sign you shouldn't be hunting too, lol. Learn to sharpen a knife blade.

 

[bowhunthard88]

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[Jtb.kfd]

I really think the Outdoor Edge is the answer here. Cuts like a Havalon, just a touch heavier, but still robust. I'm not great at the knee joints and the skulls and I tend to pry a bit and I've never broken a blade.

The only downside I see on them is sometimes they gum up and replacing a blade isn't as straight forward as a new or clean knife.

I went to this same knife for backcountry hunts and love it. Have not broken a blade yet on several animals. This includes breaking apart joints.

 

[Tarkio]

I have always struggled to really get and keep a knife truly sharp. I try and carry a good, already sharpened fixed blade and I also carry a larger replaceable blade on y pack belt. Good need and use for both and you are not adding weight or space as you can attach the extra to your pack. And it is always there.

 

[jonesn3]

Lately I’m really enjoying a fixed blade with a field sharpener. I use a Benchmade Mountain Skinner, really like that blade. I do however pack a Havalon with 2 or 3 spare blades either as a loaner or just to use for initial guide cuts through hide, and cutting off the lower legs at the joint. Also will use it to cut through the base of the neck/head joint area. Used to pack a folding saw for those tricky hard points, but now I just keep the Havalon handy and if I ding up a blade I’m not too upset. Agreed that you can’t use the replaceable scalpel blades to pry otherwise they break

 

[LostArra]

Field dressing and boning out meat can be done with any sharp object.
I once bagged up an entire cow elk with a Little Vickie (light and cheap)

The removable blade knives solve one problem, sharpness, but lack in multi-tasking capabilities. I use the Outdoor Edge if I am close to the truck but I wouldn't count on a Havalon or Outdoor Edge as my only knife if I was in the back country.

 

[goalie]

I'm a huge changeable blade fan after trying the Havalon several years ago.

That said, it's not like a regular knife doesn't work. I've cut up dozens of deer with a Buck 110 from the 80's.

If blade changing is difficult, try the Gerber version. Super easy blade changes.

 

[Michael95]

I switched back to fixed blade after nicking myself multiple time and figuring I would get myself good eventually I keep the havalon around for caping heads

 

[NickforElk]

I quit using the havalon for heavier work and only use it for fine detail work for the reasons mentioned.

I use the outdoor edge razor blaze and it is a much more robust blade and still razor sharp and changeable.


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Agreed on the Outdoor edge as a more robust but just as sharp alternative to havalons. Easier to change blades also.