Recommend a knife

[25 Sharps]

That’s fact

Well, it’s not, as the OP said it’s opinion.

It’s a valid opinion but in my opinion folders are a no go, especially if like me you do a full gralloch in the field. They get filled with crap and blood and can’t be cleaned properly.

I used a couple of small fixed blades of a similar size to an opinel no 4/5, one a custom gifted to me by the maker and one an Aliexpress copy of an Esee, size wise both up to the job but much easier to clean before they’re put away.

 

[Happy stalker]

I have several custom made knives that have been gifted to me, but in my opinion there really isn’t much that beats a Mora for a good cheap all rounder easy to clean easy to sharpen workhorse perfect and has worked well for me over many years.

 

[johnnytheboy]

DMT Magnaglide, allthough I agree with the above that stropping is essential and quite forgiving tbh

 

[Bowland blades]

I very much recommend those new to sharpening knives learn on a flat stone and knife in hand . I recommend Faithfull tools diamond stones in the three grit box ( the box acts as a stand btw) . I have demonstrated these at the last Stalking Show and brought some very worn customers knives of different brands back to full sharp .
Add a good solid Hardwood strop with a fair amount of compound worked into the leather and your good.
I do sell the strops myself and the diamond stone sets can be ordered directly online from Faithfull tools

 

[AJC]

I like Buck, always found them to be a decent quality

 

[stalker58]

Only if it’s sharp!

 

[stalker58]

View attachment 427549

no other way

 

[25 Sharps]

no other way

I agree. I was was referring to the OP where he said he couldn’t sharpen his opinel.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Don't give up:

K

 

[Scarpa]

I have to admit that I love my custom F1 with a convex grind. I use a strop regularly to keep it pretty sharp and fine wet & dry paper over a mouse mat every year or two if it gets too much use and needs a proper sharpen. You want to see my skis... I keep them all at an 87 degree angle and go down to a 1500 grit diamond file for the final finish

 

[Selous]

In my opinion if its just for gralloching..A small Opinal is perfect,I only do a short gralloch in the field

I use an Opinel for heads feet and back ends. I think it’s the thin blade that helps it slip into the flat joints more easily

 

[Jagged77]

I’m surprised the Spyderco Sharpmaker doesn’t get more mentions, I’ve had one for years and it really works. I have Shapton glass stones too but always go for the Sharpmaker unless I need to thin down or reprofile the edge.

 

[zambezi]

A surprisingly coarse diamond stone will get the edge sharp in a few minutes.

I have a Lansky and a raft of Japanese waterstones in a variety of grits. All do a brilliant job.

But I recently bought a diamond stone and am utterly amazed at the performance. The biggest single difference in use is that the blade does not have to be held to the surface as positively as I do to a waterstone to get a good result. And it is quick.

I imagine the Lansky is probably creating a mirror finish whereas the diamond stone is possibly leaving a micro saw-tooth. It matters not: the blades cut well.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Victorinox bushcraft knife £60 I’ve had mine now 2 years and it’s not seen a stone yet, just a little tickle with a steel at the end of stalking

 

[sy247]

I use a Victorinox Rabbit knife. Cheap and does the job.

 

[prometheus]

I want quick no fuss sharpening of my hunting knives, I mainly use Mora, cheap safe re sharpen time and time again. I also carry in my pocket the odd spare quality folder like a Victorinox as a backup. I use an electric sharpener at home and it takes no time at all to get a nice edge back after working some deer. I run my used knives through it when i get back home taking no time at all so they are always ready for the next outing.

 

[Dave_45]

I’ve spent a lot of money on knives


Now I just use a mora and a Ken onion work sharp

Take two with me in the field because two is one and one is none.

I suppose I’m now in the camp of you want your head examined for spending £400 quid on a knife that you’ll blunt just as easy as the £12 quid mora.

 

[Essexsussex]

I’ve spent a lot of money on knives


Now I just use a mora and a Ken onion work sharp

Take two with me in the field because two is one and one is none.

I suppose I’m now in the camp of you want your head examined for spending £400 quid on a knife that you’ll blunt just as easy as the £12 quid mora.

And I expect the expensive ones are more easily lost because of the law of the sod.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

And I expect the expensive ones are more easily lost because of the law of the sod.

An expensive knife is a waste of money in my opinion!

Just a fad, look at me, look at me is usually the case.

 

[sy247]

I guess it's like a lot of things in life, it's a nice thing to own and enjoy but you would cry if you lost it. You can own a nice mechanical automatic watch or a £10 Casio. They both tell the time.