Havalon Knife Question

[Kessler10]

Looking to purchase one of these. Should i go with the Piranata or Baracuta? Appears one has a longer/wider blade (Baracuta), that is the only difference I see. I will mostly use this for quartering and deboning Deer and Elk.

[WapitiTalk1]

Luke, I gave my Piranta its day in court last year on an Idaho bull. After three broken blades within the first 5 minutes, out came my fixed blade. I know some folks swear by the havalons but IMO, the blades are just too darn flimsy for anything besides maybe some caping work. Maybe I'm not gentle enough with the blades but boning out an elk in a timely manner isn't necessarily a "gentle" operation, lol. I've replaced the havalon with an OE replaceable blade knife and I think it'll do the job just fine. Blades are much thicker, and, are much easier to change. Of course, I'll still have my fixed blade in my pack for a good portion of the process (just can't beat a good fixed blade knife). This year, one of Norm's Elk Track knives will be in my pack for both WA and ID. Best of luck with whatever you decide! RJ

https://www.outdooredge.com/collections ... ite-series

[Charina]

I used the piranta to open the skin, and do all the cutting work on last year's cow. Too sharp and small for me to do a decent job skinning with it, and resorted to an old curved skinning knife.

Although the piranta was small, it was more than adequate. I learned to cut in a butcher shop with mid sized boning knives, and that is what I've carried in the field in the past. So I was a bit apprehensive at the smaller size of the piranta. Worked just fine though.

I didn't have any issues with breaking blades like RJ though. Guess I used mine for cutting my elk apart, not prying it apart. Or perhaps its better suited for tender cows, not tough bulls? I sure did enjoy being able to switch blades midpoint to a new razor sharp edge.

[Brendan]

Very important to realize a couple things about Havalons. First, there are two different blade types - you want the heavier duty. Second, you cannot pry or bend - you have to let the blade do the work.

I made it all the way through my last elk without breaking a blade - I used the Baracuta. That includes hip sockets and cutting off the head, a complete de-boning - I didn't have a saw with me.

Also, bring a small leatherman to change blades with bloody hands.

I'll be using the piranta this year, smaller and more compact.

[Elkhunttoo]

I just bought one a few days ago... Hope it works good

[jtaustin]

One thing I've learned when working inside an elk with a partner is a smaller blade is safer. Haven't broken any of the heavy blades. Looking forward to using a Shockey folding blade/quick change blade combo this year.

[Kessler10]

how do i know which one is the heavier blade? I bought the Piranta Bolt.

[Brendan]

how do i know which one is the heavier blade? I bought the Piranta Bolt.

Blade style has nothing to do with the model.

I believe it is 60A vs 60xt. 60A I think is thicker and stronger - all info on Havalon's site if you look

[Bullseye]

I used the Havalon Piranta for the first time on two elk last year. I came away a fan. While I did break one blade on the thick hide of the neck, it worked perfectly for skinning. I will be carrying it again this year and "hopefully" be putting it to use again. However, there will always be a place in my pack for a fixed blade. And this year, it will be my new Elk Track knife!