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- May 2, 2016
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I have been using the same buck knife with a gut hook for the last 7-8 years, and it has been a great knife over that span of years. It just doesn't seem to retain its sharpness as well after I sharpen it these days (like a chain for a chainsaw, it doesn't seem to keep its sharp cutting ability as long as it once did). That being said, what do you guys recommend as a replacement? I would definitely want a knife with a gut hook (very convenient). I am certainly not opposed to another Buck knife, but don't know if there are even better knives out there. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I've tried gut hook knives and was never really impressed enough to keep any. For a while I bought nothing but Cold Steel knives and the Hunter model was what I preferred and used the most. I was never really blown away by how they held an edge though and found that my good old Case Trapper was and is a favorite go to, and I've got three trappers along with various other models just because Case knives are so darn appealing. Having said that, in the field I always have a Trapper in my pocket but a Bark River fixed blade for taking care of hogs or deer. For me a knife blade should be no longer than 4 inches, otherwise it is in the way. The handle should be between 4 & 5 inches too. Bowie knives look mean and tough but are almost useless when it comes to gutting a white tail deer. Blade shape for me is important so the cutting edge needs a good "belly" to it. Drop point blades are my preferred shape. Blade steel is also important but I don't want to get into the minutiae of all that. If you prefer stainless then get something that is a good mix of edge holding and sharpen ability. Just because it's stainless doesn't make it better; and I hate 440C!
Anyway, I suggest you take a look at Bark River fixed blade knives. Both the Bravo 1.5 and 1.0 are very nice fixed blades and are quite reasonable with Micarta scales. The A2 steel they use isn't stainless but they have their heat treatment process down pat and excellent edge retention, hardness and ease of sharpening. If you want something nicer in mind, they do offer knives in CPM-154 and S-30V as well as exotic hardwood scales. I love CPM-154 as it holds a great edge but is super easy to hone back to a hair shaving edge. I've got a Great Eastern folding pocket knife with ebony scales and a single blade of CPM-154 that is my everyday carry. Great Eastern makes so few knives that most sell out in minutes once they go up for sale and I'm still surprised that I was actually able to get one.
Anyway, here are some links to some of my favorite knives so maybe you'll find one that suites you.
https://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-bobcat-hunter-cpm-154/
https://knivesshipfree.com/casstrom...een-micarta-sleipner-tool-steel-scandi-grind/
https://www.coldsteel.store/cold-st...ld-steel-knives-high-quality-and-inexpensive/