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

[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

 

[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]

MKC FIELD KNIFE SHARPENER

The MKC Field Knife Sharpener is the ultimate tool for keeping your blades razor-sharp, no matter where your adventures take you. Designed with rugged precision, this compact sharpener is engineered to deliver professional-grade results in the field or at home. Master Bladesmith Josh Smith...

www.montanaknifecompany.com

 

[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.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

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

 

[TX_hunter]

If you have a quality fixed blade, you don't need to bring a sharpener, especially if you're only planning on doing one animal.

I processed an entire elk with a small s90v blade, could still shave arm hair when done.

A few months ago I gutted/skinned 5 hogs with my mkc stoned goat, it could still slice paper afterwards.

 

[SloppyJ]

I have both and the outdoor edge is better. It handles more like a traditional knife and replacing the blades is MUCH safer than the havalon.

 

[6mm Remington]

Sorry didn't mean to post twice.

 

[6mm Remington]

I like a knife with a 3-4" blade as that seems to be a sweet spot for me. Large enough but not too big. I carry either my Ruana Steelhead knife with the 3 1/2" blade or the 5AD with the 4" blade. In addition I also carry either my Buck 110 or Schrade folders. I just like having two knives. In addition I found ceramic sharpening rods on the internet for just a few dollars each and they work great for touchups should it be needed. The sharpener is shown below with my Benchmade mini-Barrage with it's 2.9" blade.

 

[PathFinder]

I've tried a few different combos, some truck hunting but mostly backpacking:

• Traditional, large hunting knives. A Buck V52 in their 420HC, and a custom in 440c. This worked but was heavy and bulky.
• Havalon/60A replaceable razor blades for several years. Never hated it but changing blades in the dark and cold with slick hands was an unnecessary annoyance. Tended to poke and cut myself a lot more with them. The only reason for this combo was absolute minimum weight. Still have these and use them for detail skinning (paws, turning ears/lips, etc) at home.
• Higher performance UL/small knives. Only tried one, the Iron Will K1. Same weight as the 60A type knives, but no blade changing or breakage. Works well, but it struggles and needs a touch-up at the end of an animal.
  • A2 is a non-ideal choice for this type of knife. CPM-M4 or something even harder would be better. It's short on wear resistance and prioritizes toughness for a knife that really should prioritize the opposite.
  • I'd try another similar knife, but they don't come in the sort of steel I'd like with a reputable heat treat.
• This year I'm going to carry one knife to cut weight, and use it for everything. Going to try a couple of Spyderco Para 3 LW in CPM-M4 and CPM-15V. They weigh 2.4 oz, have excellent ergos, and the steel/heat treat maximizes wear resistance while retaining sufficient toughness. From my initial testing they hold an edge unlike anything I've ever owned, so the theory is that they'll be able to handle a full elk/deer plus any odd chores without needing any kind of edge maintenance during a backpack hunt. Heavier than the UL knives, but vs carrying the small knife, a folder in my pocket, and a small sharpener the weight savings are worthwhile.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I prefer the Outdoor Edge over the Havalon. I have never broke a blade on the OE. I gave my Havalon away.

 

[tombombadilo]

I'm in the "bring both" camp, and I firmly agree about the dangers of trying to swap Havalon blades with bloody hands. I strongly recommend dulling the entire length of a "done" blade on a rock before removing it. I also like bringing multiple pairs of nitrile gloves to keep my hands and the meat clean.