Knife recommendations

[Patty]

I'm looking for recommendations for a knife. It is a gift to my brother. Needs to be functional for hunting, but nice. Maybe some engraving. Fixed or folding okay. In the $100 to $200 range.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ryan B]

I received a Cutco DD blade as a gift from my wife at the beginning of last hunting season and am very happy with it. It has not shown any signs of needing sharpening after processing one moose and two caribou. They have a lifetime warranty and will re-sharpen them for you when you feel that it is in need. They also have the ability to engrave them for you. Without the engraving, they run right around $75. If you are local, I will refer you to a rep, pm me for that info. Check out cutco.com under hunting knives, the one I have is orange handle with the drop point DD blade-Great knife.
Hope this helps.

 

[hodgeman]

I've got a pile of knives and it really depends on your brothers tastes. There are a lot of choices in the price range you describe.

I've been very happy with a buffalo horn handled Grohman and a Benchmade folder given as gifts to me that were in that price range and very functional in the field.

 

[tyrex13]

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=RC3PMB

 

[Water_Gremlin]

I really like the ESEE line of knives. Currently I own an Izula and I have an eskabar on the way. I would love to own the jungalas or 6 series. Keep in mind ESEE knives are made from 1095 tool steel which is not a stainless steel. They can rust if they are not cared for.

This knife might fit the bill and it only costs half a bill.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=UCGH1168
Edit: after thinking about it this knife might be too long to serve as a functional hunting knife. Really cool knife either way.

You can't go wrong with a Helle. I love mine
http://www.knifeworks.com/helleknives.aspx

 

[Apacheboyalaska]

Calico Forge knife company in Idaho best hunting knives I have ever used,stay very sharp,hand forged hammer anvil and coal,come with leather sheath and beautiful handles,just take a look at my friends website,you wont be disappointed,take it from an apache;)

 

[akflyfisher]

How about a knives of alaska knife with a stag handle? I like mine (with the rubberized handles).

 

[Hunt&FishAK]

How about a knives of alaska knife with a stag handle? I like mine (with the rubberized handles).

i will second this brand of knives....I had the "elk hunter" with a blaze orange handle for many years....held a great edge while field dressing game and came in handy in camp too....hard to lose also thanks to the orange handle....I believe KOA does engraving as well...check out thier website www.knivesofalaska.com they also have some awesome combo kits on the line that you couldnt go wrong with! Good luck in your search!

 

[6XLeech]

Personal taste varies, but on the more practical end of the spectrum, emphasizing quality steel, fixed blade approx 4", few nooks/crannies to gum up in field dressing, here's a plain Jane option: http://www.coldsteel.com/masterhunter.html

 

[tyrex13]

Personal taste varies, but on the more practical end of the spectrum, emphasizing quality steel, fixed blade approx 4", few nooks/crannies to gum up in field dressing, here's a plain Jane option: http://www.coldsteel.com/masterhunter.html

I also have a Master Hunter by Cold Steel and it is a great knife, though I managed to some how stain the blade on my last bou hunt. It holds an edge well and the rubberized handle has a good grip.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CS36JSK

 

[pinehavensredrocket]

here are two of my favorites...falkniven f1 and blackjack woodsman both with about 4 1/8 blade.
if you buy a quality knife in a medium short blade your brother will be happy. try colt steel, knives of alaska, marbles and of course, falkniven.

 

[AK Wonderer]

Take a look at:
Helle
Fallkniven
Bark River
Blind Horse
Chris Reeve's Nyala
Bench Made

 

[stevelyn]

Take a look at:
Helle
Fallkniven
Bark River
Blind Horse
Chris Reeve's Nyala
Bench Made

I'd add Queen to that list too.

Anyways....... I grew tired over the years of buying knives that didn't perform as advertised and decided that I would educate myself on knife steels.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

Then I decided that I was never going to go cheap on knives again. My search found me looking at the Bench Made Bone Collector series. What sold me on them was they revealed the type of steel and the hardness (D2 tool steel, 60-62Rc). Most companies make their blades from some cheap-ast stainless that won't take or hold an edge.

Well I bought one. When it arrived I proceeded to change the angle of the cutting edge using a Spyderco Sharpmaker. It was a PITA given the hardness of the steel, but the diamond sticks made it doable. D2 takes a scary sharp edge and since then I've peeled two brown bears before touching it up and recently peeled and cut up a wild beef cow i whacked on one of the nearby islands. Each time I have been able to work through the entire task without having to put a stone to the blade. I only touch it up on the Sharpmaker after it's washed and ready to put away. I just ordered another Bench Made in the Bone Collector series with a different blade profile.

 

[AK Wonderer]

Steve,

That a good link with a lot of good info to look at for choosing a quality knife. Rep points coming, thanks for the info.

Man the more I look at those Blind Horse knives the more I think I need two or three of them.

 

[stevelyn]

You're welcome.

 

[agoyne]

+1 on Benchmade. I have the 583SBK spring assist. I love it. Benchmade has a lifetime warranty and free sharpening for life. You also have Laser engraving done.

 

[AK Wonderer]

There was a local knife maker at the gun show in Wasilla yesterday, Lance Knives. Really nice knives in a $150-$200 range, unless you go for a musk ox horn handle or something exotic, then the price will obviously go up.

http://lanceknives.com/

 

[AKBEE]

If you like D2- check out Bob Dozier blades...they are well made, priced right- and he is 'the man' as far as D2. If you like forged knives- check out David Sloan from Diller, Nebraska or The Drapers (Mike and Audra) from Riverton, Wyoming- they make amazing stuff for very reasonable prices.

Reeve, KOA, and Fallkniven all make good stuff. For the price- it is hard to beat Cold Steel. Handmade knives are addictive and the next thing you know you are spending as much for one as a nice gun costs! It all depends what you like- just keep it sharp and take care of it....
BEE

 

[Subsailor618]

I have 3 knives I bought from Irving Campbell in Seward in 1989, a nice skinner, a 12" filet knive and a heavy duty 'camp' knife. I still have then and love them.

 

[akbowhunter50]

Ditto on the Lance Knives, have one and it got the job done for sure. Also, they are willing to work with you on designs and material, I was very pleased