I have the opportunity to get a new hunting knife (OK, I actually do need one), and I have a bit of an issue to decide. It will be used for field dressing whitetails, and maybe some feral hogs.

Knife 1: Cabela's Fixed Griptilian with D2 blade (PE edge)
Knife 2: Cabela's Brand B with a hollow-ground S30V blade and rubber grip (it shall remain unnamed for fear of angering the powers that be for discussing a non-BM knife on their forum).
Knife 3: Bass Pro Brand G with a hollow-ground S30V blade, full tang and stag handle. The handle is not quite as ergonomic as either Cabela's knife, but still good.

With the gift cards I have been given, the price for the Bass Pro knife is about $50 less than the Cabela's knives (both about the same price), but performance is more my concern (buy right, cry once kind of thing).

My question is which one would be the better steel for a hunting knife? The S30V would be a bit easier to sharpen in the field, I'm guessing, but may chip more easily. The D2 might not even need to be sharpened after gutting and skinning a few deer, but if it does need it, it'll be a bear to do with my Sharpmaker. I'm also a bit uncertain about the blade shape of the fixed Grip and how well it would work on a deer.

I've used my f-i-l's old Western Knife that was really nice and worked pretty good, but he wouldn't sell it. I was given a SOG Field Pup, and have used it on a couple of deer. That was the tipping point to get a good hunting knife. Money isn't the deciding factor, but funds are tight (family of 8), and this knife will likely be my only hunting knife for several years. I'd like to get it right the first time.

If there really won't be any difference in performance of these steels when I'm gutting, skinning and butchering 4 deer or so (yes, I do it myself), then I'll probably just get the least expensive one, but if the D2 will offer a real advantage, I will probably spring for the Grip instead.

Thoughts, anyone?

D2 is a little tougher IIRC. It is not as corrosion resistant though. But if you keep a knife clean I would take D2 over S30V for a hunting blade.

Get the D2. It is a harder steel and it will keep the edge longer. if you have the sharpmaker there will be no problem to get a good edge.
Also even that, it is not as corrosion resistant as the S30V it is still stainless steel. (over 11% of chromium = stainless steel, d2 has 11.5%-12%) If you clean the knife rust will not be an issue.

I'd base my decision on blade shape and handle shape, not the differences between D2 and S30V steels.

quote:

Originally posted by orthogonal1:
I'd base my decision on blade shape and handle shape, not the differences between D2 and S30V steels.

Hence my uncertainty about the fixed Grip. I almost bought a Buck Vanguard a few years back because it felt so good in my hand, but I didn't like the 420HC steel. Now a Vanguard with a D2 blade would be an awesome knife!

I have not had an opportunity to hold either the fixed Grip or the Brand G knife (the closest Cabela's & Bass Pro are hours away). The handle on the Bass Pro knife does not look quite as ergonomic as the mini-Grip or the Cabela's Brand B (which I have held), but it may feel just fine. The blade shape definitely looks more functional for field dressing and skinning. I am certain that the handle on the fixed Grip is good (I have a mini-Grip), but I am uncertain about the blade shape being the most effective.

quote:

Originally posted by orthogonal1:
I'd base my decision on blade shape and handle shape, not the differences between D2 and S30V steels.

I agree with this, both are good steels so ergos and blade design will determine how functional the knife is in a hunting environment.

If you open a new post in the open chit chat section you can mention the other knives you are considering. If we knew all three contenders we could give you a little better feedback.

Maybe a Benchmade 211 or 201... that's the activator right?

way better for blade shape than the Grip, even though I think it could have it's tip ground back a bit and re-profiled.

please mention the other options.

the steel shouldn't matter that much, the main thing you want is a good heat treat, and if you get a bad heat treat the option of getting a new knife free of charge with no hassle.

Also, you live in Kansas and I live in Oklahoma, you pay for shipping and I guarantee hair shaving sharpness, unless you want a convex edge, I can't get those hair shaving too easily

Both are good steels but you have to make sure that you wipe the D2 blade before putting it away or it will rust on you. S30V will require less maintanance than the D2.

I'd go with the $50 Rant in 440C.

quote:

Originally posted by orthogonal1:
I'd base my decision on blade shape and handle shape, not the differences between D2 and S30V steels.

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