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CRKT Hunt'N Fish Knife  It was with both joy and sadness that we prepared this review of the Hunt'N Fish knife. The designer, Larry Fischer, passed away in 2014 of pancreatic cancer before he had an opportunity to see his first and only knife design become a reality for sportsmen around the world. Larry was the consummate outdoorsman, preferring the traditional bow to the compound bows so common today. He was an avid hunter and a passionate conservationist who literally brought all of the experience he had learned over the years into the design of what was to be his inaugural knife. This fixed blade knife is a real work of art that flows seamlessly from the tip of the blade to the butt of the handle. There are traction grooves down almost 3/4 of the spine, to provide optimal control of the knife when dressing or skinning game. The handle features a single finger groove behind the hilt to keep fingers off of the sharp edge of the blade, while the rest of the handle has a hand filling, ergonomic shape with complex curves. It looks good and feels good. The laminated G10 handle scales are a work of art. Not only is the multi-colored pattern attractive, it provides a positive grip, even when wet, which is characteristic of G10 materials. The scales are firmly secured to the full tang by three large rivets. For those not familiar with G10 laminates, they are produced by using glass woven fabric impregnated with epoxy resin binders and compressed under high pressure. They are incredibly durable, being unaffected by temperatures below 180C, or moisture. In fact, G10 laminates are strong enough to have found a use in several industries as structural supports, gears and high tolerance machine parts in electromechanical equipment. You will not have a problem with the handle of this knife. This is not a big knife, as the blade is about three inches long, but do not let that fool you. It is more than adequate for skinning everything from a cottontail rabbit to a bull elk, as well as cleaning fish. The drop point blade has a flat grind to a fine edge. It is finished with a satin polish. The sharp edge curves from the tip rearward for about 1/3 of its length, with the next 2/3 of the edge essentially straight to the hilt. It is a good, multi-purpose blade shape. It is made of 8Cr13MoV Chinese stainless steel, which is tough, corrosion resistant and holds a good edge, yet is easy to re-sharpen when needed. For those not familiar with this steel from China, when hardened to 58-60 HRC, it approximates Japanese AUS 8 stainless steel. Thinking of everything, Larry designed a sheath that you mount horizontally on your belt. This provides for either a left or right hand-carry option. Not sure whether it was Larry's insistence or CRKT's idea, but the sheath is constructed from the toughest and thickest leather that we have seen in a long time, much like the heavy-duty sheaths that came with premium knives when we were kids. Finally, an attractive basket weave pattern covers the entire sheath and belt loop. Specifications
Like most of you reading this, we have a lot of knives, but nothing like the Hunt'N Fish. We recommend it for your collection and for use in the field. It is an exceedingly useful knife, perfect for those combination hunting/fishing trips. As a fitting tribute to Larry's fourteen month fight against pancreatic cancer, CRKT is donating 100% of the net profits of this knife to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://www.pancan.org) in his memory. Even if you do not need another knife, it is worth spending the hundred bucks to get this one, as your contribution will help find a cure for this painful and horrible disease. Besides, every time you use it, you will know that Larry put over a quarter century of experience into its design . . . for you. |