Author Topic: QUESTION (Read 866 times)

Encore28 · « **on:** November 26, 2003, 06:29:56 PM »

I was wondering if anyone has a Buck AlphaHunter or Gerber Gamepro--I was interested in them as my new gut knife. Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks
Encore28

Joel · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2003, 03:46:15 AM »

I don't own either, but looking at them in the Christmas Edition of the Smokey Mountain Knife Works Catalog, I'd take the Buck with the Resin handles, and the ATS-34 blade. Strongly advise against the 420 blade, unless you enjoy sharpening your knife a lot, or you only intend to use it on one Deer(or whatever) a year; just for field dressing/skinning. Gerber doesn't say what kind of steel they use, which always make me suspect they're also using 420 in that knife. Whenever a knife company uses one of the better steels, they advertise what it is; "surgical" stainless can mean almost anything.

Neanderthal · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2003, 11:55:26 AM »

There are hundreds of similar knives out there. and I'm certain you will hear everyone's favorite in due time. One of my recent purchases is the Bark River "Highlander" in A2 tool steel with micarta scales and 4" blade. The "Woodland" is the same knife with a 3.5" blade. Search www.bladeforums.com for reviews on this outstanding steel. MSRP is $69.95, but I believe www.agrussell.com has them for $10.00 less. The blade is full convex grind and takes a "hair popping" edge but is not stainless. Minimal maintenance ( drying or rinsing & drying) is all that's required. The handle ergonomics are magnificent. This knife has replaced my Dozier (~$185) for deer hunting.

Joel · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2003, 03:58:50 PM »

"Just used that steel for the first time (5/32" X 1 1/2" A2 stock) for a new personal use blade for myself. Six inch, flat ground, drop point blade(light because I used a LOT of distal taper), Black canvas Micarta Scales held on by Loveless Bolts. Cold blued the Blade. Been carrying it for about a month now as my "Beat it to death" blade in addition to my "normal" blades, and really like that steel. Texas Knifemakers Heat treated it to around 58 Rc, holds an excellent edge, and is flat Tough. NIce stuff.

Neanderthal · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2003, 03:49:09 PM »

Joel, the "Highland" also has black canvas micarta scales (my favorite handle material). I believe Mike Stewart hardens these blades closer to 60. Sacrifices a little toughness for increased wear resistance, but how much toughness is required in a 4" blade. Sounds like you built a tank. Step aside Mr. Busse.

Joel · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2003, 05:44:24 AM »

LOl, actually it's a cross between Busse and Falknivens big one (A2?). Everyone should have at least one, if you spend much time outdoors. I'll probably let it tag along Monday with me, even though it's a bit on the clumsy side for field dressing.

TimWieneke · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2003, 09:02:53 AM »

Don't know about the Gerber, but I have the Alpha and I have affectionately dubbed it the quickest waste of 90 bucks I have committed thus far. There are some major, imho, design flaws with this knife.

First the handle is awful to grip when it gets either the slightest bit cold or the slightest bit wet. It's design provides no insulation between the cold-absorbing steel and the fingers. Plus, the smooth as glass resin slabs that are inset from the edges of the steel are hard to grip when dry, when they get wet, they slip unbelievably. The ridges carved into the top for your thumb don't help that much in keeping the blade from slipping and actually hurt the thumb with any amount of use.

Also do you see that nick where the edge and the ricasso meet? You would think that the blade is edged all the way to that nick when it fact it is not. The edge just kind of falls away above that nick where the die cutter drifted away from that blade. Buck didn't ante up the extra little bit of money to come back and continue grinding the edge up to that nick. They left if for you to deal with when you are try to start a cut at the point just above the nick only to waste energy trying to push flat steel through whatever it is you're trying to cut.

IMHO you would be much beter served purchasing the Buck Vanguard. It performed for me well recently on field dressing a 350 lb. hog and costs half as much as the alpha. I'm not sure what Buck is trying to get at with the Alpha hunter... When you look at it, it's really alot of quick, easy, slapped together work given a shiny package - maybe it's meant for the yuppie hunter, I don't know....

Tim