Hunting knives....which point do you prefer??

[jrebel]

Question was posed to me a week ago.....Never really had a preference, but know have been giving it some thought??? 

What knife point do you prefer and why?  Clip point, drop point, etc.?? 

What is your optimal blade length for deer, elk, bear (Washington hunting)??

I love knives and have more than I need, but I buy knives impulsively and have never really given it much thought.  I really like the outdoor edge replacement blades knives, but I also have the KOA set with Alpha Wolf / Cub Bear...which I love.  I really like the size of the Alpha Wolf and don't feel I need anything bigger.  I have had clop point's...but most of my knives of current are drop point.  Thinking of getting a clip point pronghorn hunter from KOA because I like their knives so much. 

What do you guys say....lets hear it? 

[Karl Blanchard]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

[NOCK NOCK]

The pointy ones.  LOL

[jrebel]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

[Romulus1297]

I’ve carried the Morseth knives for decades and those will open a finger just like a havalon

[Taco280AI]

Use Havalons almost exclusively

[MADMAX]

I prefer a Gerber Gator on my hip
But also carry a havalon in my pack

[boneaddict]

My Dad’s

[jrebel]

My Dad’s

I'd give anything to have more of my dads gear.  I have his rifle and his shotgun...other than that, odds and ends.  He didn't hunt his last 20 years or so that he was alive as he traveled for work and had gotten rid of a lot of it.  I do carry his memory with me and the woods are still the place that I talk with him the most.  I hope my kids want to carry my gear one of these days when I'm not able to.   

[270Flat]

Havalon and Argali carbon knife

[hunter399]

My Dad’s

I'd give anything to have more of my dads gear.  I have his rifle and his shotgun...other than that, odds and ends.  He didn't hunt his last 20 years or so that he was alive as he traveled for work and had gotten rid of a lot of it.  I do carry his memory with me and the woods are still the place that I talk with him the most.  I hope my kids want to carry my gear one of these days when I'm not able to.   

I told my kids if I die,go grab my hunting bag and keep it for your own gear.LOL.

[bb76]

Drop point, 4 - 5 inch blade

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[hunter399]

I guess what I carry into the field is a clip point.
I know ...I know this is average guy stuff.

This is what I carry as of today.
https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-Woodsman-Fixed-Blade/dp/B0001WAOF8/ref=m_pd_aw_sim_sccl_1/135-1528241-0480261?psc=1&pf_rd_p=748f3efb-3b72-4279-949b-d76063aaad16&pf_rd_r=3PSMS74QR8D3V4FR62W1&pd_rd_wg=kXtMn&pd_rd_w=zT1P9&content-id=amzn1.sym.748f3efb-3b72-4279-949b-d76063aaad16&pd_rd_r=936e6cab-cc4a-4033-abf5-c18ce93de1ba&pd_rd_i=B0001WAOF8&psc=1


I've jabbed myself with that knife, the tip will poke ya.
It's like the smallest,little mini 119 ,stab yourself,pile.
But it does what it needs to as long as you keep your other hand out the way.

[jackelope]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

Jackpot.

I always carry a Benchmade fixed blade drop point, but I never use it.

[hunter399]

Like I got different knives for stuff.
Dedicated hunting knife.
Like my truck knife is another pile.
But I gut grouse,deer,or bear with it.
It doesn't matter as long as it's sharp.

My truck knife is a 20 dollar on sale sog knife.
With some plastic handle,leather sheath.
Sheath is almost better than the knife.

[jrebel]

I guess what I carry into the field is a clip point.
I know ...I know this is average guy stuff.

This is what I carry as of today.
https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-Woodsman-Fixed-Blade/dp/B0001WAOF8/ref=m_pd_aw_sim_sccl_1/135-1528241-0480261?psc=1&pf_rd_p=748f3efb-3b72-4279-949b-d76063aaad16&pf_rd_r=3PSMS74QR8D3V4FR62W1&pd_rd_wg=kXtMn&pd_rd_w=zT1P9&content-id=amzn1.sym.748f3efb-3b72-4279-949b-d76063aaad16&pd_rd_r=936e6cab-cc4a-4033-abf5-c18ce93de1ba&pd_rd_i=B0001WAOF8&psc=1


I've jabbed myself with that knife, the tip will poke ya.
It's like the smallest,little mini 119 ,stab yourself,pile.
But it does what it needs to as long as you keep your other hand out the way.

The first knife I ever carried....great knives.  Not the easiest to hone in the field, but carried an edge for a very long time.  Great knife. 

[WapitiTalk1]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

[wadu1]

Ruana, Havalon and A Cole folder.

[Widgeondeke]

I love the havalon for skinning, but this is my go to for hunting

[762Armo]

I carry my Yakut and a havalon on every hunt.

[Karl Blanchard]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

[b23]

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

My dad has broken more blades on a variety of different knives than anyone I know so I know it happens but he also uses them, as Karl mentioned, like a pry bar/utility tool.  Like most I've had a variety of different hunting knives over the years and from pocket knives to fillet knives and everything in between and I can't recall ever breaking the tip/blade or other off of any knife I've ever had.  I've misplaced or flat out lost a few though.   If someone is breaking blades with any kind of regularity I think it's safe to say they're using said knife for the wrong purpose.

Ironic this topic has just come up because I was getting ready to order my stepdaughter a new Havalon for her birthday.  For those that are using them which model Havalon do you recommend?  I was thinking one of the Piranta models.

[rainshadow1]

If I ever got out from under the pile around here and went on forged in fire, my signature blade in my signature style would be the drop point. Of course, they'd make me build it 3x too big! A 3-4" cutting edge is ideal as a skinner/utility. Good steel makes the edge last, and good geometry and sharpening skills make it a pleasure to use. Won't be as sharp as a disposable, but it should still shave right off the stone, and cut absolutely effortlessly for an animal or two.

[jrebel]

If I ever got out from under the pile around here and went on forged in fire, my signature blade in my signature style would be the drop point. Of course, they'd make me build it 3x too big! A 3-4" cutting edge is ideal as a skinner/utility. Good steel makes the edge last, and good geometry and sharpening skills make it a pleasure to use. Won't be as sharp as a disposable, but it should still shave right off the stone, and cut absolutely effortlessly for an animal or two.

Thank you for your input.....Any input on what makes good steel.  Is D2 good???  These are the two I am deciding between.....

3.25 blade length on both.  Overall 8.75 on both (or close to).  I have really liked my KOA so was thinking of staying with the brand.  They are very easy to touch up in the field which I really appreciate. 

One is a drop and the other is a clip point. 

[300rum]

I have the KOA Elk Hunter, the first one that you posted on top.  I am very fussy about my knives and in order for a knife to get into the rotation it takes quite a bit as nostalgia, being passed down 4 generations means something to me.  But...  The Elk Hunter was given to me by my dad and it is a great knife.  I have deboned many Elk and Deer with it.  2 Deer or 1 Elk, no problem.  Easy to sharpen and holds an edge nicely.  The Grip is easy for tight work and also great for skinning but I primarily debone.  You can't go wrong with that knife.  I do wish the sheath was a little more slimmed down but it is robust and will hold up to abuse.   

[OutHouse]

Jreb, I have the knife on the top in the picture except the handle is hunter orange. I think its my fourth KOA I've bought. It is an excellent knife. The blade is easy to sharpen but not too easy, and the initial angle of the edge is perfect and needs no alterations. I take pride in my sharpening and I do it all by hand and that knife can get very sharp. Came sharp but its on a whole new level. And, can't lose it in the body cavity or elsewhere if you get the orange handled one.

[hunter399]

Will say I have wanted a KOA for a long time.
Just haven't cried once buy once yet.

My son has one,the camp knife or bush knife.
It's big I know that . If you where into a Bowie knife.
That would be it
Got it for free,brand new in box,I didn't like cause of it's size.
So I just gave it to him,as a Christmas present.
But after seeing it,I always thought there hunting line of knives must be sweet.

This is the one my son has.

https://www.blackovis.com/brands/knives-of-alaska/knives-of-alaska-bush-camp-fixed-blade-knife-1

[blackveltbowhunter]

   Depends on a variety of factors, but typically when I think  " hunting knife" it is blade that can cover a large variety of tasks decently and do a couple very well. It doesn't really specialize in any.  For me this is usually a drop point/Canadian point blade in the 3.5 to 4.5 range.  I am in Karls camp on the havalon. Used it on a ton of critters and love it, cant remember ever breaking a blade. But it is not a hunting knife to me. Its an animal breakdown tool and it specializes in that task. I don't want to split kindling, cut roasting sticks, trim shoelaces and paracord, slice apples, spread mayo, stag the bottom of my jeans or shirt because i forgot tp, punch holes in belts, or even field dress a buck with one. Its amazing for skinning and boneless breakdown, but its the knife in my pack not my belt or pocket. 

[ThomMedic]

In Vietnam I carried a standard issue bayonet that I found next to a flight pad. Repaired the handle and taped it to my LBE.  Could not break it. The MPs took it from me when I left country. Later I carried an issued pilot's survival knife in Desert Storm. Loved it. The right weight, the right size, the right shape, the right steel. Used it for everything, from first aid to splitting wood. The sheath was easily adapted to particular needs such as hanging it down from straps for quick retrieval. Used to be able to get one for about $18. Now they are $80 on Amazon and about $60+ in Cabella's. It is still my first go-to blade.

[WapitiTalk1]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

Can’t argue with those stats brother. I stand corrected. It’s probably my over indulgent wrenching on the H blades that caused my difficulties/negative opinion.

[elksnout]

Gerber Gator on the belt and one of those new chase me, catch me Outdoor Edge razor knives in pack that I actually don’t care for…


elksnout

[Shoofly09]

havalon for outside work like skinning, old puma game warden for inside chest cavity work

[Karl Blanchard]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

Can’t argue with those stats brother. I stand corrected. It’s probably my over indulgent wrenching on the H blades that caused my difficulties/negative opinion.

you pound nails with channel locks from time to time don't you 

[WapitiTalk1]

Of course, doesn’t everybody 

[fishngamereaper]

Am I the only one that carries on average 4-5 knives when hunting...

And no less than 2 any given day...
So my answer is D..all the above

 

[C-Money]

I like a skinning blade for skinning, and a small 4" or 5" Rapala wood handle filet knife for butchering/de-boning. A regular folding hunting blade for gutting, and pretty good for skinning.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

I like a clip point for gutting. And more of a drop point for skinning.

[NOCK NOCK]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

Can’t argue with those stats brother. I stand corrected. It’s probably my over indulgent wrenching on the H blades that caused my difficulties/negative opinion.

you pound nails with channel locks from time to time don't you 

What good handy man doesn't? JS   

[rainshadow1]

If I ever got out from under the pile around here and went on forged in fire, my signature blade in my signature style would be the drop point. Of course, they'd make me build it 3x too big! A 3-4" cutting edge is ideal as a skinner/utility. Good steel makes the edge last, and good geometry and sharpening skills make it a pleasure to use. Won't be as sharp as a disposable, but it should still shave right off the stone, and cut absolutely effortlessly for an animal or two.

Thank you for your input.....Any input on what makes good steel.  Is D2 good???  These are the two I am deciding between.....

3.25 blade length on both.  Overall 8.75 on both (or close to).  I have really liked my KOA so was thinking of staying with the brand.  They are very easy to touch up in the field which I really appreciate. 

One is a drop and the other is a clip point.

D2 is excellent if the heat treat is done well. Some patina over time, but very good performance.

I just don't like the clip for working. I like it for a big bowie to take some weight out of the tip, and it looks so cool with a good double grind... but the drop point is just so much easier to use blind. The clip will cut things you don't want cut.

[finnman]

   Depends on a variety of factors, but typically when I think  " hunting knife" it is blade that can cover a large variety of tasks decently and do a couple very well. It doesn't really specialize in any.  For me this is usually a drop point/Canadian point blade in the 3.5 to 4.5 range.  I am in Karls camp on the havalon. Used it on a ton of critters and love it, cant remember ever breaking a blade. But it is not a hunting knife to me. Its an animal breakdown tool and it specializes in that task. I don't want to split kindling, cut roasting sticks, trim shoelaces and paracord, slice apples, spread mayo, stag the bottom of my jeans or shirt because i forgot tp, punch holes in belts, or even field dress a buck with one. Its amazing for skinning and boneless breakdown, but its the knife in my pack not my belt or pocket. 

PLUS 1!!
I own a Havalon. It has its use and I have broke several blades. Usually when trying to use it like a standard knife.
I have a small collection of various knives, and like my quoted friend above, prefer fixed blade drop point knives in the 8-9 inch OAL size. I like mid grade steels that keep an edge but do not required shop time to return the edge.
I have knives that I have never used but will….when the time comes.
I own knives by great manufactures like,
Bark River
Battle Horse knives
Blind Horse knives
Arno Bernard
TRC from Latvia
Enzo of Finland
Manly of Bulgaria
Muela of Spain
Russell of Canada
Camillus from NY
Queen from Pennsylvania
Brisa of Finland
Boker of Germany
Koster
LT Wright
Marbles of Michigan
White River
Moki of Japan
Seki Cut of Japan
Puma of Germany
Schatt & Morgan
Great Eastern knife co.
Case

Some of these are more bush craft style, others are folders, others clip point or skinners,
The point being there is no perfect knife. So why limit your exposure to a simply Havalon? Life is too short to not enjoy multiple knives!
I typically carry 3-4 knives in my pack. One is a havalon. It’s my least favorite tool.

[turkeyfeather]

I've never tried a havalon. I've always thought the blades look flimsy and have been concerned how long they last before having to replace them.

[Dan-o]

I've never tried a havalon. I've always thought the blades look flimsy and have been concerned how long they last before having to replace them.

I absolutely love Havalons for skinning, but you need a knife with a spine to break animals down (or at least I do).
I always have a Havalon and a fixed blade along.

[Alchase]

I like a clip point for gutting. And more of a drop point for skinning.

 

Basically because I suck at skinning with a scalpel sharp knife 
I would never make it as a Trapper that actually had to make money of my skins. 
I tried twice, and I cut through the skin so many times it looked like I used Bird-shot to kill the deer. 

I use a Browning Hunter Drop point to skin, and a SOG SEAL Pup Elite for everything else, hunting.

[Okanagan]

Drop point.  My preference lines up with Rainshadow’s, and a 3 ½ or 4 inch blade is all that's needed.  If I need more knife, then a saw or ax would likely do the job better.  I carry one knife, but have two more in a critter processing kit in my vehicle.  One of those is an orange handled Mora and the other is a narrow Frost fish fillet knife with a yellow handle.  My carry knife is an orange handled Buck folder.  I like to see knives on snow or duff in dim light. 

I’ve been in on a lot of critter from moose to small game, and the smallish to medium drop point is my preference.  YMMV.  I got a kick out of Rainshdow’s comment that a clip point cuts things you don’t want cut.
 

I have an Outdoor Edge lock blade folder a little larger than my Buck that has proven to be an excellent knife that holds an edge.  I think the steel in it is Aus8.

[Sakko300wsm]

Drop point is definitely my favorite! I’ve got a few havalons and they are great , but not for doing a whole animal.
Many knives have their own place
Here are a couple pics of by far my favorite knife I own - way better than benchmade and KOA
And locally made

[Cylvertip]

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

Can’t argue with those stats brother. I stand corrected. It’s probably my over indulgent wrenching on the H blades that caused my difficulties/negative opinion.

you pound nails with channel locks from time to time don't you 

Whatever a havalon blade is. That's the point I like 

I carry a havalon, especially when deer hunting.  The only bad thing about the havalon is how weak the blades are....thus why I switched to the outdoor edge.  Equally as sharp and a little more rigidity to the blade.  Still love the Havalon!!! especially for skinning.  I would say it is very close to a drop or straight point.   

Yea, this. The havalons are super great for a pocket knife, I have a few, great for cutting paracord when setting up camp, cleaning under your finger nails (careful, they are shop) but are too weak and fall short on a big game critter. I like a fixed blade drop point (I have a few) and like jreb mentioned, the OE replaceable blade knives…. My favorite combo. Edit: and those tiny havalon blades are way too small to skin off elk hide either doing boneless/gutless or even just quarters during warm weather, there’s a time crunch in those situations……

We will have to agree to disagree on that one sir as I've broken down no less than 50 elk with a havalon on we'll over a hundred deer. Sheep, mountain goats, etc. I honestly can't remember the last time I've broken a blade  They are a cutting tool, not a pry bar. Treat them as such and there are no issues

Can’t argue with those stats brother. I stand corrected. It’s probably my over indulgent wrenching on the H blades that caused my difficulties/negative opinion.

you pound nails with channel locks from time to time don't you 

What good handy man doesn't? JS   

No, no, no...  That's what tape measures are for.  Especially 30' Craftsmans. You want some heft to it.  Good thing they are guaranteed

[Sakko300wsm]

I have the KOA Elk Hunter, the first one that you posted on top.  I am very fussy about my knives and in order for a knife to get into the rotation it takes quite a bit as nostalgia, being passed down 4 generations means something to me.  But...  The Elk Hunter was given to me by my dad and it is a great knife.  I have deboned many Elk and Deer with it.  2 Deer or 1 Elk, no problem.  Easy to sharpen and holds an edge nicely.  The Grip is easy for tight work and also great for skinning but I primarily debone.  You can't go wrong with that knife.  I do wish the sheath was a little more slimmed down but it is robust and will hold up to abuse.   

Unless I got a bad one - my KOA elk hunter snapped in half brand new. Granted it was -5 , but I do not think I’ll ever buy another one of their knives

[Sakko300wsm]

And outdoor edge are complete pos