Best Hunting Fixed Blade?

[@martinmdl6879]

Vanadium is the alloy element for max edge retention. S30V is 3% Vanadium. S90V is 9% Vanadium with the highest edge retention for an alloy that is not crazy expensive and reasonably common. Benchmade has 2 "hunter" series knives in S90V. I have one of each, with the Steep Country in S30V as my light weight backup knife. I also use a TS Prof Kadet Pro with 4 Pc Atoma 1x6" diamond stone set, 140, 400, 600, and 1200 Grit which put a "PRECISE" 17 degree angle on most knives I carry and a mirror finish. I have found a good sharpener is indispensable regardless of how many knives I have. Three factors for edge retention 1) the steel, 2) the heat treat, 3) the geometry (sharpener).

[@navigatethewild]

Thanks so much for the insight. I still suck at sharpening blades. Currently I’m using a mkc speed goat 2.0 but I’m super tempted by the magnacut rage. Any insight on that?

[@chrisfarey8924]

Benchmade makes a great knife, however if you really liked the Esee AGK, they have one in S35VN for about the same amount that you paid for the Benchmade. The S35VN AGK comes with the 3D scales and a kydex sheath, which might work for you in Florida. Just a thought. I hope you enjoy the Benchmade and let us know how it works out in the field.

[@micahdeweese4038]

I bought my steep country a few years ago and havent looked back. Great knife, its too bad they discontinued it.

[@DavidWaldrip]

Just got an email today. It’s been “reintroduced”.

[@edlozano8694]

Where did you purchase the slim clip? Thanks

[@navigatethewild]

Its an ulticlip 3, you can get them off bladehq and amazon. Just so you know I took it off. It did not work well with the design of the sheath.

[@Osprey1994]

Benchmade jacked their prices up to a level that is just not sustainable. I'm not sure what Benchmade thinks they are doing, but it's unfortunate for people like myself who used to look forward to picking up their knives.

[@tmille10]

Like MKC but they are underdelivering at that price point I’ll give you ten better blades at 1/3 price point, great bid and always love real world review

[@jordanjohnson7266]

I’d love to hear some suggestions as I am in the market!

[@DavisInDuval]

MKC makes the best.

[@navigatethewild]

I’d agree if you have $300 for a knife. They are in my future for sure but didn’t fit the budget this season.