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What A Steel
Four fixed-blade hunting knives for any budget.
Everyone’s got an opinion about what a good hunting knife should cost, so we took four worthy fixed-blade big-game knives—ranging in market price from under $50 to over $250—and put them through the ringer. Each knife was tested and graded for its “craftsmanship,” meaning the overall look, design and durability; “ergonomics,” which takes into consideration the feel in hand, ease of use and comfort; and “performance,” which refers to the overall quality and usefulness of each design. Rating Key 4 stars= Excellent 3 stars= Very Good 2 stars= Good 1 star= Fair
Kershaw Echo Overall Rating: 3 stars Designed by Ken Onion, the Echo has his trademark recurve blade, which helps draw the edge in as you pull cut and offers a nice tip curve for skinning. The AUS8A stainless full-tang blade is tough yet easy to sharpen. The weatherproof polyimide handle is very comfortable. (8 5⁄8 in., 4.8 oz.; $49; kershawknives.com) Report Card Craftsmanship: C Ergonomics: A+ Performance: C+ AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENT |
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Photo Gallery Comments (5)
I like the looks of the first and the last. I'm not a big fan of knives with guthooks, seen too many people hurt themselves and I almost got cut by a guy who "knew how to use it". One of those, "trust me, I've done this lots of times" deals.
I think I'll stick with what I've got for now, but the first and last ones do kinda catch my eye.
@Bo - ditto.
No love for Columbia River? The CRKT knives I've owned have matched or exceeded any of my Kershaws, and their workingman's price ranges are appreciated by this workingman. Just my 2¢
I have owned and used the Kershaw Echo for a few years now and I agree with the ergo score of A+, but I would score the craftsmanship a B or B-, and the performance a solid B. The knife feels really good in your hand it is very balanced, and it also holds an edge pretty well. I skinned at least 5 deer and helped with 2 elk before I had to sharpen it. The one down side is the shape of the blade makes it difficult to sharpen on a traditional wide flat stone. It is easier to use a round steel, or a V-style system. Lansky would work too.
I love CRKT knives, in fact I carry one almost everyday (for EDC I switch back and forth between CRKT Badger and Kershaw Composite Leek). Kommer designed some great hunters for Columbia River, but I just decided to choose these four knives for this article. I love the SOG because it eliminates a tool from my pack - and SOG always makes good quality stuff. I love the Boker because it is such a well-made prod. knife - even though it's going to cost more. The other two I chose because they are good representatives of the type of prod. hunter that the average guy would buy - at "working man's prices," as dneaster3 said.
The boker's are worth every penny you pay.
German steel is quality stuff.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)
I like the looks of the first and the last. I'm not a big fan of knives with guthooks, seen too many people hurt themselves and I almost got cut by a guy who "knew how to use it". One of those, "trust me, I've done this lots of times" deals.
I think I'll stick with what I've got for now, but the first and last ones do kinda catch my eye.
I love CRKT knives, in fact I carry one almost everyday (for EDC I switch back and forth between CRKT Badger and Kershaw Composite Leek). Kommer designed some great hunters for Columbia River, but I just decided to choose these four knives for this article. I love the SOG because it eliminates a tool from my pack - and SOG always makes good quality stuff. I love the Boker because it is such a well-made prod. knife - even though it's going to cost more. The other two I chose because they are good representatives of the type of prod. hunter that the average guy would buy - at "working man's prices," as dneaster3 said.
@Bo - ditto.
No love for Columbia River? The CRKT knives I've owned have matched or exceeded any of my Kershaws, and their workingman's price ranges are appreciated by this workingman. Just my 2¢
I have owned and used the Kershaw Echo for a few years now and I agree with the ergo score of A+, but I would score the craftsmanship a B or B-, and the performance a solid B. The knife feels really good in your hand it is very balanced, and it also holds an edge pretty well. I skinned at least 5 deer and helped with 2 elk before I had to sharpen it. The one down side is the shape of the blade makes it difficult to sharpen on a traditional wide flat stone. It is easier to use a round steel, or a V-style system. Lansky would work too.
The boker's are worth every penny you pay.
German steel is quality stuff.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)