4Falls Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Wanting to purchase a replaceable blade knive. Havalon, Gerber and Outdoor edge all make one. Are they pretty much all the same or do you guys prefer one over the others? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PelaPapas Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Havalon gets my vote! Great knives and they are scary sharp! Replacement blades are cheap too! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I have the Havalon and Outdoor Edge. I've used the Havalon the most (couple of deer and an antelope), and really like it. The blade is a little thin (like a scalpel...by design) so could possibly have issues in joints, pelvis, or other heavier work, and have to be careful not to flex the blade too much. But like I said I love it. Changing blades is a little tricky at first, and would never change them with just my hands...always use pliers or leatherman. Got the Outdoor Edge as a freebie from Eastman's with a subscription. Haven't used it on any animals yet. Much heavier blade which seems like it would handle heavier work and flexing better. Seems to be a little easier to change the blades too. Hopefully introducing it to my buddy's elk tomorrow morning. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesPursuit Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I have both Havalons but I usually just carry the Baracuda now, it has 3 interchangeable blades, one finesse/fillet, one stout/sturdy, and a saw blade. I also resharpen my (non-saw) blades. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I have the Havalon and Outdoor Edge. I've used both on animals. I broke a few Havalon blades on one deer. I prefer the Outdoor Edge. It is more sturdy and stout for all around use. No broken blades on last deer....about took off the end of my finger though. Both have blades that are scalpel sharp. The OE is easier/safer to change blades. Eastman's is still offering the OE free with subscription....can't go wrong. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MuggyMan Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I have the Havalon barracuda and really like it. Like others said, the blades are wicked sharp. I can change the blades with just my hands, but there was a learning curve. Broke a flimsy blade in an elk joint - only complaint. Like it and will continue to use it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4Falls Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Much has been said about the low cost of replacement blades for the havalon. Are the OE blades just as affordable? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I've had both the Havalon and the Outdoor Edge. My Havalon was "misplaced", which is why I got the Outdoor Edge. I'd say both are excellent knives and I'd buy either again in a heartbeat. But I'll give the nod to the Outdoor Edge. As others have said, it is a bit more stout and sturdy. The blade insert is much better at keeping the blades from snapping, not to mention the blades themselves are a bit larger. My one negative on the Outdoor Edge is that the insert spot for the blades has a very narrow opening they tends to get full of "stuff" (meat bits, hide, etc) and it can be a little bit of work to get inside there to clean out after the hunt. Not a big deal, and I would still buy it again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Much has been said about the low cost of replacement blades for the havalon. Are the OE blades just as affordable? They are bigger blades and slightly more expensive. The cost is about $2 per blade (Havalon are about $.75 per blade). On my last elk I went though 3 Havalon blades due to breaking and dulling, but like you said they are cheap. Just don't try to do any lifting or prying at all. One blade snapped while skinning just by lifting the hide a bit. Haven't used the Outdoor Edge on an Elk yet, but I did an entire coues deer with the Outdoor Edge and the original blade is still razor sharp. I just used the same blade to debone my dove breasts and it slid through like butter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kazpilot25 Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I have the Havalon and the Outdoor Edge as well. Like others have said, the outdoor edge is much sturdier and just as sharp. I personally like the housing/handle of the Outdoor Edge a little better too. The Havalon is plastic, whereas the Outdoor Edge seems like a sturdy metal with a nice rubber finish. I like them both, just prefer the Outdoor Edge. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murfys69law Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Outdoor edge. Thicker blades and they have changed the design from a few years ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZHUNTER05 Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Outdoor edge is a way better knife then the havalon. I have both and the blades on the havalon become dull rather quickly and they snap easily. The blades on the outdoor edge are solid blades and exchanging them is much easier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Becker Report post Posted September 10, 2015 I use both. The outdoor edge is good for general hard labor. Removing legs etc. the havalon is not a bulky heavy duty knife. Doesn't need to be. With the sharpness of it there is no need to be applying pressure. Hence if you are breaking blades you are doing it wrong. If you know your joints properly and how to manipulate a knife you should be able to perform the necessary processes with a havalon and be able to use one blade on multiple animals. That being said I am impatient and wanna get animal out as soon as possible. With the outdoor edge you can slam through joints with ease. Lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4Falls Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Great info gentlemen thanks. Looks like I'm leaning towards the OE. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vixen Report post Posted September 10, 2015 You can get different thicknesses and sizes and shapes for the havalon. Just sayin. They have rounded ones that are perfect for caping. the thicker blades don't break near as easy. As said before. If you are breaking them, they are not getting used properly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
