Which Havalon knife?

[fishnguy]

Since they are having a bit of a sale on Havalon knives at Cabela’s (20-25% off) and free shipping with no minimum, I figured to try it out but not sure which one to get. Thoughts and advice are appreciated.

Thanks.

[honda450]

Don't know if the Outdoor Edge Knifes are on sale but I prefer them to Havalon. My opinion. More sturdy.

[DiabeticKripple]

i like my piranta torch. Metal handle and blaze orange so its harder to lose.

the talon looks nice with all the different blades too.

The outdoor edge knives look nice, same replaceable system, but more of a backbone.

[Greatwest]

As mentioned before make sure you go with the metal handle vs. Plastic handle. They seem and feel more durable. I love my havalon knife so much I got a second one for back up.

[lund17]

Don't waste your money on Havalon.

My buddy loves them and always pulls his Havalon out when we start to skin a moose. Only takes him about 30 seconds to break the blade off and then we make fun of him for the rest of the day. Very cheap and flimsy.

[Dean2]

I have a piranta. Great knife for fine work caping animals. Not strong enough to take any side loads, bone cutting etc but definitely better than the scalpels that we used before. Rhese are great for eyes, knuckles etc.

[Justfishin73]

This is the only knife I use--works like a charm

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/69126...azor-pro-knife

Blades on those havalons are pretty thin

[IronNoggin]

[Scottmisfits]

Another vote for the Outdoor Edge. I have the blaze orange hunting version as well as a couple of the EDC versions. Same knife with different side panels. I would get the Razor Pro if you can stand the extra width. They have also come out with a different version that takes longer blades as well. Same base and connection so you should be able to put the longer blade on any of the older knives, you just won’t be able to fold it.

The EDC version that I have has a plastic belt clip. I snapped one, they sent me another one, no charge. My buddy just bought one a few weeks ago and his belt clip is now metal.

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by lund17

Don't waste your money on Havalon.

My buddy loves them and always pulls his Havalon out when we start to skin a moose. Only takes him about 30 seconds to break the blade off and then we make fun of him for the rest of the day. Very cheap and flimsy.

I can take an entire moose apart with a havalon and not break a blade.

[trophybook]

Just get a scalpel. #11 handle and a 21 blade . Fastest gut under a minute for a doe. Skin a nice buck in 15 flat . 1$ a blade. 1 blade per deer

[fishnguy]

^ the blade is too small. I have an old metal one back from school years. Just needs to be sharpened, lol.

Originally Posted by chuck

I can take an entire moose apart with a havalon and not break a blade.

Which one though?

Thanks thanks for all the replies guys!

[Pathfinder76]

The Piranha.

[muirsy]

Originally Posted by chuck

I can take an entire moose apart with a havalon and not break a blade.

Agreed. Both my hunting partner and I have the piranta's and broke down an entire moose on saturday without any issues at all. Never had a blade break on mine. We use the gutless method if that makes any difference to you.

[DiabeticKripple]

You just can't stab through hide or get too much flex on the blade or it'll break. But blades are cheap anyhow.

It's made to slice.

[Bruce71]

After sharpening various hunting knives for years I tried the outdoor edge razor pro this fall. One single blade will do a big bull moose using the gutless method. The gut hook blade does not have a replaceable blade but it works great. From now on, a leatherman on the belt and the outdoor edge in the skinning bag.

I looked at the Havalon but the blade system seemed a bit flimsy.

[Twobucks]

Another vote for the basic Havalon Piranta. I’ve never broken a blade while cleaning an animal. It helps to think of the work as dissecting more than cleaning - light touches and short, gentle strokes.

Almost sounds like marriage advice...

[fishnguy]

Thank you all for the replies. Greatly appreciated!

[raw outdoors]

Originally Posted by chuck

I can take an entire moose apart with a havalon and not break a blade.

If you know how to use this havalon knife properly and know how to dismantle joints properly.
I to can go without breaking any blades.
Most guys have no clue what they are doing and twist the blades and break them.
I always have my havalon as my main knife with a couple extra #60 blades in a case with it lasts all season moose elk deer. I carry a buck knife skeletor for widdling and twisting.

[crazy_davey]

Originally Posted by lund17

Don't waste your money on Havalon.

My buddy loves them and always pulls his Havalon out when we start to skin a moose. Only takes him about 30 seconds to break the blade off and then we make fun of him for the rest of the day. Very cheap and flimsy.

Your buddy should learn how to use a knife properly.

[Kurt505]

I’m not a fan of replacement blade knives, but after personally using all 3, if I had to use one it would be the camillus. By far a superior blade design over both the havalon and outdoor edge.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camillus-...lades/50638706

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by crazy_davey

Your buddy should learn how to use a knife properly.

It amazes me how hard people make things.

[KyleSS]

Originally Posted by fishnguy

^ the blade is too small. I have an old metal one back from school years. Just needs to be sharpened, lol.


Which one though?

Thanks thanks for all the replies guys!

As said before, the torch with the metal handle is my go to. I also use the #60A blades as they are stiffer and stronger than the #22XT blades

[Wrongside]

Originally Posted by crazy_davey

Your buddy should learn how to use a knife properly.

Originally Posted by KyleSS

I also use the #60A blades as they are stiffer and stronger than the #22XT blades

Exactly. I almost never break a blade since going to the #60A.

The plain old plastic Piranta is just fine, IME. The scales on the old ones did tend to break down and crack over time. My original did, but Havalon's CS is fantastic and they had a brand new one in the mail immediately. Including a complementary pack of blades. The new scales appear to be a different make up, and have been solid.

[graybeard]

When hunting, I carry a solid high-end fixed blade knife as my primary. I also carry the Outdoor Edge - lite for more delicate work.

The Outdoor Edge has no strength for side-to-side work or prying, as they are brittle, they snap immediately. However for straight slicing they are great and will easily do a deer or two.

When dull they sharpen easily, so don't toss them away.

One last thing; always know where your fingers are as they are sharp.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/59623...zor-lite-knife

[SuperCub]

Originally Posted by lund17

Don't waste your money on Havalon.

My buddy loves them and always pulls his Havalon out when we start to skin a moose. Only takes him about 30 seconds to break the blade off and then we make fun of him for the rest of the day. Very cheap and flimsy.

I have one of those Havalons but not used it yet. I certainly do not see it as a skinning knife but think it would work well for dressing deer only. Leave the skinning to a heavier knife.

[Pathfinder76]

Gutted and skinned two deer Saturday with one havalon blade.

[501s]

I've used the outdoor edge the Havalon and I think the blade quality and sharpness of the havalon is superior. This year a friend of mine had the Havalon Hydra Folding Knife which also has a bone saw built it. This knife was awesome and made short work of the deer we dressed and skinned. I was very impressed with the quality of the knife and really liked having the saw for cutting through ribs or pelvic bones quickly. It could also be used for trimming branches when bow hunting in blinds and stands.

It's on my Christmas wish list now.

[Dubious]

60a blades aren’t the way to go the xt blades do break easily the piranta is large enough to take apart elk and moose. Its funny to see all the guys out there carrying big Bowie type knifes I’ve never found the need to have more than a 4” blade max to field dress animals.

[Prairiekid]

I just use a Morakniv, they seem super durable and cheap. Is anyone else out there using one? I use it to dress and butcher. I have been looking a nice light option that has a bone saw and blade. Does anyone use a small bone saw in the field?