well it happened today.
2 young billy goats copped a headshot each from the 280 and became meat.
the von gruff hunter/skinner was used exclusively - a new experience for me, as i have always found it quicker to use a number of knives rather than sharpen during the job.
first impression is that it is a big knife and a little knife, doing the jobs of both.
it is surprisingly versatile and nimble, in part due to the blade shape, and in part the handle.
to the blade first.
it runs the cuts down the legs and up the belly/chest very well, holding the cut but not digging in.
the blade is long enough to shove down the hole in the pelvis to clear the lower stomach tube, bladder, etc., ready to remove the guts.
this blade can be used in a number of ways due to the design flexibility.
as to the edge, it started in a condition that would "pop hair" when it shaved your arm.
gutting, beheading, and removing lower legs had it in a condition where it would just shave hair, but ypu could feel it pulling hair.
removing lower legs included cutting hair, as i just cut inward on the joint, snap the joint manually, and then separate it with the knife.
a few light uses of the little steel were included in the process.
the blade is easy to use on the point, back from the point, and back near the hilt when required.
i then brought the bodies home with the skin on to keep then cleaner in the back of the ute.
the cuts were made, then the knife used to start the skin which was then mostly punched off.
the bodies were then boned out with the same knife, and all the meat cut into cubes.
at the end of all this and using the steel, the blade would still shave hair but also still pulled a bit.
5 strops per side had it shaving cleanly again without pulling hair.
which raises the point that it did lose some sharpness, but could be kept at a good useable sharpness.
i could have started another goat willingly without doing anything to it.
i sometimes wonder how hard warm meat is on blades.
i had hit bone a number of times with the edge.
now to the handle.
i have never used a handle like this one.
i discovered a myriad of ways to hold it for different tasks, and every way it just plain worked well.
it can be used 3 fingered, 3 1/2 fingered, and 4 fingered.
it can be pushed and pulled equally well.
it is equally comfortable right way up, upside down, and sideways.
it can be used edge up or down with the blade coming out of the back of your hand.
and all of this with comfort and control.
i have never had a knife handle so user friendly.
and the rough micarta scales do as garry said - grip your hand. they are not slippery when wet either.
it is part of the key to the knifes nimbleness.
all in all it is easily the best knife i have ever owned for the work i do.
i can now sell all my pumas happily
bruce.
