Havalon or Outdoor Edge

[jpuckett]

I use stuff pretty hard.
But I've used 3 different outdoor edge knives and eventually all the blades get stuck. Then you get the blade out. And the mechanism breaks. I've used my buddies havalon and I feel like it is wayyy more bomb proof. I'm making the switch. What have y'all found as far as durability?


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[HookUp]

Never tried a Havalon but love my outdoor edge. There isn't anything I would change about it which says a lot as I am a picky gear guy constantly looking for the next best thing.

 

[Ross]

Once I got used to the havalon I no longer break more than one blade. I pack several in case and have a very small multi tool to change the blade. I give the piranta a .

 

[les welch]

I have multiple havalons, and other knives. I always have one of each with. Havalon is scary sharp, no problem breaking blades with it all. Just have to make sure you are careful with how you cut.

 

[jpuckett]

I've used the outdoor edge for like 4 years... luckily the only ones that have gotten stuck have been at home during clean up. Not in the field. But I just don't want to be left hanging in the back country.


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[Boudreaux]

Here is my thought, I use these types of knives a lot.
[video=youtube;DtJoeO2Fcjk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtJoeO2Fcjk[/video]

Thanks,
Boswell

 

[UtahJimmy]

Gerber vital is my go to. Super light and simple. No need for extra tools.

 

[jpuckett]

Wow dude that's an awesome video!!! Thanks for helping out. I think you nailed it on the two I've tried. Definitely feel like the outdoor edge is harder to clean.


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[dreamingbig]

I switched to the outdoor edge. Must easier to change the blades and no need for the multi tool.


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[FreeRange]

Have used both a lot, never broken a havon blade but they scare me and I feel more comfortable with the outdoor edge. Like a lot of things, what you feel most comfortable with is best. Havalon is definitely sharper for longer and if you know how to break down an animal there really is never a risk of breaking a blade but the perception that you might lay your hand open miles from help is unnerving. Doesn't havalon make a knife with a more robust blade than the piranta now though? Have not tried that one.

 

[Bughalli]

I have all three and like the Gerber Vital the most. Next would be Outdoor Edge. Last Havalon.

 

[camping1601]

Since getting the OE two seasons ago my Havalon collects dust.

 

[5MilesBack]

It's funny how first impressions really stick in one's mind. I tried an Outdoor Edge knife years ago before they came out with their change a blade system, and they reminded me of Chinese junk with junk steel. Now I see them around and still can't bring myself to try them again. Just like Burris scopes.

I use a Havalon and I always have my fixed blade knife with me as well.

 

[mtwarden]

I used Havalon for several years, but switched to Outdoor Edge last year- the ability to swap blades w/o carrying a multi-tool and stouter blades was motivation for doing so

I always carry a fixed blade; I definitely wouldn't bet the entire house on either swappable blade knives

 

[LostArra]

I've used both and have no real preference now that Havalon has some beefier blades. The OE feels a little more substantial in my hand. The last elk I skinned and quartered in the field I used a Little Vickie and it worked fine. It's the definition of simplicity and light weight.

 

[Gumbo]

I've been using havalons since they came out. I am kind of disappointed in that I was using scalpels for hunting long before they were marketed to hunters. Too bad I never cashed in on the idea. I break blades all the time with the havalon, it is just part of the deal. I don't use a multi tool to switch blades, I just use a stick or something I happen to have in my pocket.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've been using havalons since they came out. I am kind of disappointed in that I was using scalpels for hunting long before they were marketed to hunters. Too bad I never cashed in on the idea. I break blades all the time with the havalon, it is just part of the deal. I don't use a multi tool to switch blades, I just use a stick or something I happen to have in my pocket.

I actually tried a scalpel about 35 years ago thinking sharper would be better. But I was really disappointed with them back then as they dulled so fast it wasn't worth it. A lot of technological changes must have happened with the newer blades these days as I can skin out an entire elk now with one Havalon blade, and it's still sharp.

I never have used any kind of multi-tool changing blades with my Havalon.......unless my hands are considered multi-tools.

 

[endorice]

Here is my thought, I use these types of knives a lot.

Thanks,
Boswell

Really well done. Thank you!

 

[chuckeglenn]

Skinned multiple deer and hogs with my havalon and gerber vital. As others have said, I broke some blades when I first started using them. I quickly realized that you don't have to use a lot of force with them because they are so sharp. Also, if you slap the blade on some leather, you can get it razor sharp pretty easily. This way you don't use as many blades. I personally like the havalon over the gerber despite it being easier to change the blade. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[wind gypsy]

I like the Havalon Piranta with the options - you can get the new beefier skinning type blades, the original filet type, and even saw blades for them. Also have the outdoor edge and prefer the blade swap but blade quality is a step down from havalon.