Havalon skinning knife

[coyotewhisperer]

Has anyone used the Havalon skinning knives with the replaceable razor blades? If so was your review good or bad?

[gcs]

I did buy that set up at a Sportsman show, but never got a chance to use it yet. It uses replaceable scalpel blades and is VERY sharp, seems plenty strong and don't see how you could go wrong with it.

[trappincoyotes39]

are you guys talking about the pirana series??? I thought about that setup myself and not having to sharpen knives........ That or buying a buffing wheel and going that route, if you have a good quality steeled knife they don't take long on that wheel with some rouge and they are razor sharp again. I have one where I work and they are sure nice.

One can tell good steel from marginal in how many passes on the wheel it takes to put back a good edge, that is for sure.

[coyotewhisperer]

yes the piranta line i believe. I too thought about buying a buffing wheel for the fur shed. but skinning in the field the Havalon knives seem like they would be really fast and no messing around with a steel. Im trying to cut time out of the day. One thing i do not enjoy while skinning in the field is sharpening.

I went ahead and ordered one from F&T.

[kelly]

Just picked one up at our convention on the recomendations of another trapper who uses them for several years. He said they stay sharp for long periods-even dull is still sharp by home sharpening methods. Be very careful as they are "SCARY" sharp.

[thorsmightyhammer]

I have one.

They are good but not the be all to end all.

I use mine for skinning the heads on rats, they are sharp and a thin fine blade.

[Brad H]

I've got one and love it. But they're insane sharp, like surgical tools. I found it very easy to cut through the hide. I think with some care and caution they make great skinning knives.

Brad

[chamacat]

Yep...I have used them for years..It's the only way to go these days..For example when your in the field dressing a large animal such as a Oryx/Elk..It takes no time at all to skin and quarter..It generally takes two blades...Don't have time for sharpeners..plus depending on the steel in the blade..a sharpened blade may have to be worked several times..to do the same job as the surgical replaceable steel blades...Anyways they are a tool that you must be very careful using the knife will take a finger to the bone with the slightest pressure...

[TrapperRon]

I have one. Also I further pursued the scalpel handles and blades. Bought a box of 100 blades and several handles. Yes they are sharp as all knives in the fur shed should be.

These are great for pelting small critters and doing fine work on taxidermy furs such as wolverine, bears and wolves.

I make them available to my students for $6.00 each (price fluctuates with the price of the handles). A very good inexpensive knife for the beginner, and the veteran alike.