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

[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.