Havalon knives

[Billy74]

Anyone have pros or cons on these for field dressing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KFhunter]

pros:

sharp
lightweight
replaceable blades

cons:
easy to break
can't split a pelvis
gotta be careful splitting joints, but doable


It's not totally necessary to split a pelvis, I always do because I'm old school.  I like a small lightweight hatchet for that.

[frazierw]

It's a good knife, but i like the outdoor edge better because of the spine's added stability.  The blades dont break as often.

[jordanramos_79]

The blades do tend to break. But boy are they sharp. Plus being able to pop in a new blade beats sharpening.

[X-Force]

Like KFhunter said shape, light, replaceable but blades do break.

I don't gut animals so the pelvis isn't an issue for me and i like using the havalon for joints because it is very quick and easy to cut the tendons around the joint.

Using level 3 to 5 cut resistance gloves is a must in my opinion. It helps you keep from cutting things you don't want to! and when your done your hands are far cleaner.

Note: Recommend the aluminum body, plastic body doesn't hold up well around the flip blade joint.

[Eric M]

It's a good knife, but i like the outdoor edge better because of the spine's added stability.  The blades dont break as often.

and the outdoor edge will split a young deer's pelvic bone.

[BeerBugler]

Awesome knives, lightweight, compact, and scary sharp. Deer take 1-2 blades, elk 2-3. Get used to changing the blades BEFORE your hunt. Outdoor Edge is a nice design and Gerber now makes a very similar knife to the Havalon. The gerber blades are a little easier to change in my opinion. All good choices and great for caping also.

[MtnMuley]

Everything mentioned above can be done with a Havalon. Blades are super simple to install and replace. I'd take a Havalon over the other blade changers mentioned above any day. If you're breaking blades you're using the knife the wrong way. 

[SkookumHntr]

I use little pliers when changing the blades

[Tschaefer72]

I carry a benchmade saddle mountain skinner and a Havalon piranta stag in my pack.

I really enjoy The Havalon. They are super sharp, compact and precise. Having the replacement blades makes it reliable and not having to worry about a knife becoming dull. I like the stag and feel it has better contour and grip.

The blades do sometimes pop off if they get pressure on the side. Changing the blades in the field can be tough at times but they have just released a solution to that that you can carry in your pack.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Havalon-Blade-Remover-Four-Pack/2338564.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dhavalon%2Bblade%2Bchanger%26CQ_st%3Db

My havalon will always be in my pack with me and is great for skinning once an animal is hanging.

[losdaddy7]

The new Titan is pretty sweet.  I've used the havalon for years, and really like this upgrade.   If you've changed out the blades a few times, you can do it without pliers...  very carefully...........  Only knife I carry in the field.

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

Everything mentioned above can be done with a Havalon. Blades are super simple to install and replace. I'd take a Havalon over the other blade changers mentioned above any day. If you're breaking blades you're using the knife the wrong way. 

[jackelope]

Everything mentioned above can be done with a Havalon. Blades are super simple to install and replace. I'd take a Havalon over the other blade changers mentioned above any day. If you're breaking blades you're using the knife the wrong way. 

Kinda what I was thinking. They're for skinning and boning. Anything more than that is not what they're intended to do.
I don't like changing blades...call me chicken. I do it with my Gerber pliers.  Aside from that they're awesome knives.
 

[Dan-o]

I bought Havalons and used them for the first time this week........   love them!

[Curly]

I make sure to keep my Leatherman on me and if I need to change a blade I use my leatherman pliers to hold the blade.