Must be they had to compete on price with some brand that was more popular. Too bad, because the one I have would last anyone a lifetime, and hold up admirably to any normal use.

Marble makes a great hunting knife in the $50 -$100 range and are quality craftsmanship marbleknives.com

Straightarrow, as I understand things, they went from 440 C stainless to lesser grade 420 J2 because it' s more ' cost effective.' The 420 works better in the machines they use to stamp out blades.

I have to agree with Arthur, my best knifes are ones that were my Grandfathers. I also have an old German Hunting Knife that is just marked Standard which my Uncle gave me 25 years ago. That is my main knife. It is a 4" blade and is fixed. I have an old Case folding knife that was my fathers which is also a great knife.

I have a few newer knifes includuding a little 1 3/4 inch Buck, that I ussually have in my pocket. And I have a puma folding knife that I have taken on a hunt on occassion.

But, if you want to find some of the best knifes out there I would suggest watching garage sales and flea markets.

I' d recommend either an older Buck. I have a 15 to 20 year old Buck fixed blade 5" that is great. But my current knife of chioce is the Kershaw Alaskan blade trader. Very shape holds and edge great and I have had very good luck with it. If you don' t want the gut hook/skinner blade they have other options including the hunter trader. I just like mine and would feel comfortable taking it anywhere to go hunting with.

http://www.kershawknives.com/huntfish.htm

Case also used to make an affordable knife that is of good quality, I am not sure what they are like now though.

Anyone ever used or seen a SOG knife??? Saw an ad in Rifle magazine and checked this one out. Looks nice.





www.sogknives.com

one name...buck knives....... i have a buck special with a 6 inch blade.... it hold the edge for a long time if sharpened right and doesn' t knick.... works great

Vote : Buck
Vote : Fixed Blade for most Folding for pack hunting.
Vote : Spend as much as you can you get what you pay for.

i have bowie knife that has a blade that is 14' ' long nice knife it is survival type knife. it works good field dressing deer.