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Review: Havalon knives

You may never have to sharpen your knife again, says the editor credit: Archant Despite years of trying to learn to sharpen knives well, I still find it a difficult and tedious job. I prefer to wash the knife and give it a quick sharpen every time I’m preparing rabbits and pigeons. It keeps the

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You may never have to sharpen your knife again, says the editor

credit: Archant

Despite years of trying to learn to sharpen knives well, I still find it a difficult and tedious job. I prefer to wash the knife and give it a quick sharpen every time I’m preparing rabbits and pigeons. It keeps the edge keen rather than letting it get dull, which takes more work to recover.

So what about a knife that never needs sharpening? Sounds good to me.

The Havalon range from Sporting Cutlery comprises 14 models, offering a choice of handle materials and shapes in various sizes so you’re sure to find one you like.

Basically, they’re folders with a liner lock and a blade that accepts a variety of scalpel blades. The 2 1/2” blades are savagely sharp from the packet, far more than a conventional knife, so be careful.

Standard fitting

Although they look like the common Swann Morton blades, they’re thicker, making them more suitable for field use.

But remember knives are not screwdrivers or crowbars, and heavily side-loading is not going to end well. That being said, if you did snap one it only costs a few pence to replace. The Swann Morton blades will fit, at a pinch, but they’re designed for office use, so tread carefully.

I chose a model with bright orange handles made from ‘military grade’ polymer and rubber inserts on one side for added grip. The handle is wider than my palm and thick enough for a secure grip without unnecessary pressure from me.

I love how they’ve used a completely open frame to make cleaning easy, something I value highly in knives used to prepare meat for the table. It can even be stripped down for a deep clean and to lubricate the pivot every year or so to prolong its working life.

Carry options

On the side, there’s a pocket clip – my preferred carrying method – and there’s a neat little belt pouch included with a pocket to carry a spare blade along inside.

There’s a good choice of blades to suit different jobs and preferences. I liked the look of the 115XT, in a drop-point pattern, which works best for me when cleaning and skinning game.

Packs of 12 blades start from around a fiver and go up to £16 for the more specialist shapes.

Having skinned and gutted a few rabbits with the Piranta, I can confirm it’s spectacularly sharp and I soon got used to its slightly unconventional use. Just think – I’ll never sharpen it again!

Manufacturer: Sporting Cutlery

RRP: £34.96

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