Havalon Piranta alternative?

[freebird134]

I love Havalon's and have been using them as my main knife for about 7 years. I've been one of their biggest supporters, telling everyone I meet how great they are. However, I've also had consistent problems with them and it's time to see if there is an alternative. Specifically, I've had numerous (at least 5) Piranta's have screws come loose and/or the blade attachment goes out of alignment and doesn't close properly (it hits the handle and catches).

Any suggestions for other replaceable blades or other lightweight "regular" knives?

 

[Idaho Brad]

Outdoor Edge makes a replaceable blade knife. Can't speak for it personally, but may be worth a shot.

 

[7-Pointers]

Outdoor Edge makes a much sturdier version of a replaceable blade knife. I use the Razor Blaze. Also heavier though, at about 4.2oz (with 2 extra blades, no case) compared to the 1.9 oz of a Piranta with 3 extra blades. If I could only bring one I'd bring the Outdoor Edge as it's sturdy enough for other tasks as well, but I usually bring both in case my hunting buddy's knife turns out to suck half way through an animal (or I lose one in the grass somehwere, which is far more likely).

 

[Cant hit em]

The blade on outdoor edge is so easy to switch up as well

 

[fngTony]

Another Outdoor edge guy here. Mine weighs 8oz with 5 blades and sheath, not bad for a do most things knife.

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[Bughalli]

I've had the Havalon and outdoor edge. The Gerber Vital is my current favorite for backpack hunting.

 

[masher]

I just bought a Vital as well, seems to be of good quality and the blade change is much improved.

Vital Pocket Folder

 

[CorbLand]

Kershaw just came out with one. I haven't had a chance to look it over though.

 

[camping1601]

Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC. Weights slightly more than a Havalon but light years ahead. Only used it for one season so time will tell on the durability.

 

[cody covey]

Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite has the same issues with screw coming out. Ive had two have it happen.

 

[doverpack12]

I like the outdoor edge replaceable blade knives. I've had most and the non lite versions feel like a brick in your hand after using a Havalon. Their blades also don't seem to be as sharp or hold an edge as long either. They do however feel more solid and seem to perform well. I typically carry my Havalon and a small skeleton knife and once my backpack hunting trips are over usually switch out the skeleton for the razor lite.

 

[Neil B]

Are the Vital blades the same as the Havalon blades?
Thanks

 

[Hoytman 88]

I run the outdoor edge and the Havlon, my experience is the OE is a strudy knife but the blades will Not hold an edge long enough to work a deer. I can perform the complete gutless method on an elk with 2 Havlon blades.. just my experiences, everybody's gotta pick their own trail in life.... just sayin

 

[fngTony]

I've never tried to sharpen a havalon blade but the OE blades are easy to touch up.

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[camping1601]

I agree that the OE blades don't hold up the best. The edge is sharpened at a fine slicing kind of angle and the edge rolls over when you get rough with it. I did an elk with two blades and resharpened one of those blades and did whole deer then resharpened that same blade and did another deer. My electric sharpener sharpens them to a better angle. Those three animals are the total experience I have with that knife. .02

 

[masher]

Are the Vital blades the same as the Havalon blades?
Thanks

Yes, they use standard #60 blades

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Any particular reason you don't just loctite the screws on your Havalon?

 

[Jeff Martin]

Gerber makes one now as well. Looks very similar to the Havalon.

 

[Bughalli]

Are the Vital blades the same as the Havalon blades?
Thanks

The Havalon and Gerber Vital use the same blades, which I believe are a standard format in medical field for scalpels. They are interchangeable. Both are great, but the newer design of Gerber is definitely safer to use in handle design and how you change a blade. These were important factors for me when my hands are cold, bloody and I'm tired while gutting in the dark. Outdoor Edge is much heavier, more durable, more traditional blade design, but harder to clean. Again, all good knives in their own regard, but for my backpack hunts the Gerber was the best for my needs.

This year one of them came out with a gut hook blade as well. I ordered one off Lancaster archery months ago on backorder. So no opinion on that yet. But seems like a handy blade option.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Just replaced my piranta with a OE Razor-Lite EDC. Just came in the mail in 2 days from Amazon.