Havalon hunting knives

[muleman69]

Been looking at these for hunting, look pretty handy. Anyone out there use these and if is what do you think of them

 

[Doug Beach]

They are extremely sharp, and the inserts hold their edge well. They feel cheap in your hand, but so far, they’ve not fallen apart. Two partners and I have gone through about 6 elk with them, no problems. I still prefer a conventional knife.

 

[rhovee]

Very sharp. Light weight. Comes with 10 replaceable blades that are easy to change in the field. Have broke a few trying to pop hip bone in elk. But I like them.

 

[mmcu]

I use them and love them.

If you're looking at the Piranta model, get the 60A blades as they're thicker than the 60XT blades.

 

[Mulligan]

I have several high quality caping knives, I reach for the havalon every time I dress a critter.
I do not have to carry stones, sharpening steels, nothing to sharpen with.
Done deal!
BTW. My wife bought be a knock-off brand..... it stays in camp.
Buy the Havalon.
CW

 

[Shrek]

I have both the piranta and the baracuta. Both work great and are all I use for hunting anymore. I started with the piranta and had some trouble breaking blades. I switched to the baracuta and have been very happy. They hold an edge decent and changing a blade is easy when it gets dull. I can get a whole elk done with a single blade or a couple deer. That’s if I don’t drag the blade over too many bones. The piranta is so light I ended up with both the piranta and baracuta in my backpack. I put both out when cleaning and switch for what each do best.

 

[rayporter]

i have had the blade come off down inside an elk once. really sharp and no trouble breaking down a whole elk to get on the horse. never broke a blade yet. you cant dig out ivories with one.

and inside a deer the blade came off several times. i pitched that one and got a new one but since then i have heard of several reports of blades coming off. i guess i cant trust one again.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I picked up a Gerber vital for my next elk hunt, supposedly a "safer design". Will watch for a Havalon on clearance then I could try both.

 

[muleman69]

I use them and love them.

If you're looking at the Piranta model, get the 60A blades as they're thicker than the 60XT blades.

Good info

 

[Willie]

I've broken two blades on elk, getting in a hurry on big bones. Also the blade stud will build up, so you have to sometimes clean it when changing blades, to fit it solid. That's usually when you loose a blade.

I always carry one w/extra blades and 2 sturdy BenchMade knives w/guthooks, better safe than sorry.

 

[jnm300ultra]

I have the Havalon and hate it. The concept is great just removing the blades is a pain, and have had a blade break in a animal. That’s when it becomes dangerous. I use the Outdoor Edge there competitor. The blade is much stronger and the way the blade snaps into the knife is easier to change blades. The only I change blades with Havalon is using my leatherman pliers to hold the blade and snap in place. I strongly recommend Outdoor edge knife for skinning animals, but would never use it as my everyday knife or my camp knife. I prefer my Cold Steel, Spiderco, and Buck for my carry knife or camp knife. In the end the Havalon feels like a better knife than the Outdoor Edge but didn’t execute the design of changing the blades. The price of the Outdoor Edge is usually $20.00 cheaper. Good luck with your new knife.
Jason

 

[Bill K]

I second the use of Outdoor Edge knives, but along with a good old fashioned hunting knife i.e. Gerber, Buck, etc.

 

[troupe]

Sharper than sharp. I have never lost a blade and did I say sharp. Be careful skinning any hide that matters, because you will cut through a hide if you do not pay attention.

 

[muleman69]

I have the Havalon and hate it. The concept is great just removing the blades is a pain, and have had a blade break in a animal. That’s when it becomes dangerous. I use the Outdoor Edge there competitor. The blade is much stronger and the way the blade snaps into the knife is easier to change blades. The only I change blades with Havalon is using my leatherman pliers to hold the blade and snap in place. I strongly recommend Outdoor edge knife for skinning animals, but would never use it as my everyday knife or my camp knife. I prefer my Cold Steel, Spiderco, and Buck for my carry knife or camp knife. In the end the Havalon feels like a better knife than the Outdoor Edge but didn’t execute the design of changing the blades. The price of the Outdoor Edge is usually $20.00 cheaper. Good luck with your new knife.
Jason

What model is your outdoor edge

 

[Mauser06]

I went to them a while back when I was skinning a lot of furry critters.


Everything from mink to my dad's 510 pound bear...


Lots of different blades fit it which can be handy if you need special shapes for skinning or whatever. I use the 60 or 60x as my deer gutting and all purpose blade.

 

[JSH]

I was loaned one. Skinning yes, outdoor hunting not for me.
I hate to say this but I will, they are for folks that can’t sharpen a knife or own a good knife, sorry if that stepped on any ones toes.

 

[Radar]

It will cost more than $50 but go buy a good hunting knife and that one blade will last you the rest of your life.

 

[JoeMcNeill]

If your looking for a knife for cutting/skinning Havalon is a good choice. It is light weight, has changeable blades,(they can be sharpened),
easily carried and effective. It is not for prying, cutting bone or sawing through tough items!
It's a knife. I had a Gerber too but prefer the Havalon.
Regards,

Joe McNeill
SW Arkansas

 

[jepp2]

Sharper than sharp. I have never lost a blade and did I say sharp. Be careful skinning any hide that matters, because you will cut through a hide if you do not pay attention.

This is my experience. I used one last year and skinned 4 deer/antelope with it. Many cuts through the hide when I normally have none. No big deal since I wasn't saving the hides. I also used it to debone all 4, still sharp. I was using it to skin out a skull and broke the blade. Mine came with a plastic "tool" to change the blade. Keeps your fingers away from being cut.

 

[Palermo]

It's a pretty good choice. Once I had havalon knifes and O may say this knife worthy of respect.