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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Burnsie on February 13, 2014, 11:28:00 AM

Title: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Burnsie on February 13, 2014, 11:28:00 AM
Does anyone have any experience with the light weight scalpel type knives that are out on the market.  Folding lock blade style with the ability to replace blades.   The one I have seen is the
Havalon Piranta-EDGE.  They seem like a pretty practical way to go.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: awbowman on February 13, 2014, 11:42:00 AM
The Edge is the one I have and I LOVE IT!!!!!!  It's always in my pack along with a small pair of pliers and a couple replacement blades.  I skinned four deer and deboned one this year and it's still plenty sharp.  

The only bad thing I could say is that you can't put a huge amount of sideways force on the blade or it will break.

They are stupid sharp and the edge lasts a lot longer than I had expected.  I'll never be without one.

Just be careful, you won't even know you cut yourself until you see blood!       :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: meathead on February 13, 2014, 11:43:00 AM
Great little knives for the price. I have a couple. I use them at work more than for hunting but they would work fine for field dressing. Have extra blades handy. I break one every now and then.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Butchie on February 13, 2014, 12:28:00 PM
Piranta is great!  Able to gut, skin and bone 1 or 2 deer without needing blade change.  As said, be careful as they are silly sharp and can break with too much sideways pressure.  I also have my multi-tool in my pack in case I need to change one.  The thought of changing without scares me.     :scared:
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: beachbowhunter on February 13, 2014, 01:52:00 PM
Good call on the multi-tool. Slippery with fat and blood makes blade changing a little dicey.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Vesty on February 13, 2014, 02:17:00 PM
Catch Steve Rinella on Meat Eater some time and you'll see how impressive these replaceable blade knives are.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: rxhntr on February 13, 2014, 02:42:00 PM
I carry one---bright orange so if I set it down I don't lose it and I love it, ditto on the use of a multi-tool to carefully change blades.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: bulldog18 on February 13, 2014, 02:55:00 PM
Great knives. Used for the first time this year. Scary sharp.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: 2treks on February 13, 2014, 03:58:00 PM
I have considered getting an order of these in. I can get any of the models as well as the blades.
If you are interested, let me know and I will place them on my next order.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Burnsie on February 13, 2014, 05:19:00 PM
Thanks guys, I'm thinking I may have to pick one of these up. I've never been a connoisseur of fine knives, just give me something simple and sharp.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Matty on February 13, 2014, 05:27:00 PM
A client of mine had one on a hunt a couple years back and I was rediculously impressed with it as we cut up 2 mulies without a blade change. He bought me one the next week. Another super benefit I haven't seen mentioned. Is it's weight. For backcountry hunts like we do out here. They weigh next to nothing.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Stone Sheep on February 13, 2014, 07:45:00 PM
I used the Havalon Piranta on my elk this year. I wish that I had bought one a long time ago. Also hard to beat for caping heads out.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: awbowman on February 13, 2014, 08:19:00 PM
I also carry a small plier for changing blades.  Just the thought of my hand slipping while removing the blade scares me.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: kagross on February 13, 2014, 10:27:00 PM
Really guys?
Grab a cheap Mora knife.  They usually come very sharp at under $15. With a flat stone, and minimal knowledge, you can use it your whole life.  I used my Mora 546G for 3 seasons, went through 4 deer, sharpened it once (took about a minute on my patio railing with a DMT red diamond), and it's still shaving sharp (bevel knives are great that way).  Still carrying that knife.  I have a new companion (another Mora knife, military contract), it'll probably serve until I die. Total cost, under $25, performance worth about a million bucks.  There are red and orange handled versions too. Carbon steel 511s are less than $10, and will last a lifetime if cared for. Very popular with the bushcraft crowd.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Hummer3T on February 13, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
buy one or more, you won't regret it.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: sawtoothscream on February 13, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
I have the piranta, used it for the first time this year and love it.  Made skinning my deer fast and easy.  Going to buy myself a back up
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: -snypershot317- on February 14, 2014, 12:29:00 AM
maybe im old fashioned, but the thought of a replaceable blade knife is somewhat worry some to me..when i pick up a knife i would want my blade to be nice and solid and stable. so im gonna side with kagross in getting a good sharp solid bladed knife to use. my favorite for dressing game is my gerber..its sharp steady in the hand and easily sharpens (i dont remember where i picked it up at or for how how much) but ive beaten the snot outta it and it still cleans up good as new, although it needs new scales as the ones on it broke (cheap plastic/rubber grip that froze and cracked    :banghead:  )then i have an elk ridge knife that i keep scary hair popping sharp for finer tasks and condor bushlore for anything that needs a little more convincing/force...out of all of them im prolly gonna replace the condor because i dont like the grind or handle set up but it was a gift so im not complaining. otherwise i dont like the idea of carrying blades for my knife...seems kinda  odd to me. but thats just my $.02
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: azhunter on February 14, 2014, 12:35:00 AM
Havalon Piranta, love it. Cleaned many deer and an elk with mine and once you use one you will recommend them to all your friends.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: LC on February 14, 2014, 02:51:00 PM
I've watched Meat Eater (the only "hunting" show I watch and am intrigued by the knife. I admit I'm old fashioned myself  but if you have to carry extra blades and a leatherman as suggested to change where is the benefit? If your bowhunting on a back country trip your probably already caring some type of sharpening tool. A quality made knife properly sharpened is a impressive tool if well handled so I just question the replaceable blade concept.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Lethalflight57 on February 14, 2014, 04:44:00 PM
Opinion over replaceble blades versus rigid, blade design, durability, length, handle/grip etc. are what makes us all individuals when it comes to preference. I own many knives and they all have a purpose. The Havalon Piranta (and its new big brother folder) with the ease of having a sharp blade without having to resharpen is awesome.  I love mine!  On any hunt where reducing weight is a concern (or not) Havalon rocks.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: 2nocks on February 14, 2014, 04:50:00 PM
I've heard good things about the Wyoming knife also. Anyone using one?
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Uncle Buck on February 14, 2014, 08:08:00 PM
for at least 15 years I have carried an AG Russell woodswalker while small game hunting or fishing and occasionally while deer hunting. It comes with a flat leather sheath that fits in your back pocket. The blade steel is AUS-8. I keep mine razor sharp. It also fits nicely in the inside pocket of my suit coat, very handy for wedding receptions and banquets when every one else is trying to cut their mystery meat with a plastic knife.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Paul_R on February 14, 2014, 08:23:00 PM
Personally I won't use any kind of folder to cut food be it meat, fruit, whatever. They always get gummed up and full of gunk and unless you can break it down completely it's not coming out.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Burnsie on February 15, 2014, 04:28:00 PM
up
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: Burnsie on February 15, 2014, 04:29:00 PM
up
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: GrayRhino on February 15, 2014, 04:53:00 PM
Anyone using the Buck Paklite knives?
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: beendare on February 16, 2014, 01:08:00 AM
I have that Buck Alpha with the S30v blade and its the 1st knife I've owned that can process a whole elk without touchup.

 I struggle with "Replaceable" stuff but see where those Havalons are a great option. Talked to the rep at the SCI convention and they have the new heavier blades out now which he said are far superior to the old ones.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: JimB on February 16, 2014, 01:37:00 AM
I'm a full time taxidermist and have used a ton of different blades over the years.I have a bag full of custon knives for skinning and caping,maybe 12-15 of them.I don't want to calculate how much I have invested in them.A few years ago I bought two of the Pirantas with orange handles and carry them,several blades and a couple pairs of 6 mil,nitrile gloves in a baggie,whenever I'm out and about.I love them-and they are easy to thoroughly clean.

I love the custom knives and still use them occasionally but these days with my old eyes,I'm not as keen on touching up blades in the field,especially after dark.A couple years ago I shot a 350 lb bear just before dark and had to skin it and quarter it on the ground,by myself in the dark with a hoard of mosquito's tearing me up.The Piranta came in handy and I got through the job with 2 blades.I'm picky about the sharpness of blades.

If I remember,the Piranta weighs about 1 1/2 oz.I used to carry 3 custom knives and they weighed at least 2 lbs plus take up more room.The piranta has its place.

Use it with respect.The blades are very sharp.I think the new,thicker blades would be even better.
Title: Re: Lite Weight Pack Knifes
Post by: youngarcher1 on February 16, 2014, 08:22:00 AM
My dad had the old version blades and we recently ordered a few new sets and i can echo everyone else's praise about the simplicity and the functionality of the handle and blade. I was able to field dress a good sized doe, debone and then clean up the meat with one blade and just washing it. It's a great system and the new blades hold up much better