Let’s Dive into Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak promises a complete field-to-freezer solution for processing game, all neatly packaged in a portable set. With its blaze-orange handles and diverse blade selection, it’s designed to be a hunter’s all-in-one companion. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another set of knives destined to gather dust in the garage?
My years in the field have taught me the value of a reliable knife set, and also the frustration of lugging around multiple ill-fitting tools. I wanted a compact, functional set for processing game in the field. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak seemed to offer that solution.
Upon unboxing, the hard-side carry case felt robust and well-organized. The knives felt lightweight but not flimsy, and the blaze-orange rubberized handles definitely catch the eye. My initial thought was: promising, but the real test is in the field.
I considered other options like the Havalon Piranta Edge (for its replaceable blades) and the Buck Knives Field Dressing Kit (for its reputation), but the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak‘s all-inclusive nature and positive initial reviews tipped the scales. I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak was a hog hunt in the Texas brush country. The environment was hot, humid, and teeming with sand and grit. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak was used to completely butcher two good sized hogs.
The rubberized handles provided excellent grip even with sweaty, grime-covered hands. The gut-hook skinner made quick work of the initial field dressing, minimizing contamination. The caping blade, however, felt a bit unwieldy for the finer work around the head.
I did appreciate the ribcage spreader; a simple but effective tool that made the process much cleaner. I noticed the carbide sharpener came in handy after some bone contact to keep the edge keen.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use on multiple deer, hogs, and even a black bear, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak has proven relatively durable. The blades still hold a decent edge after repeated use, although I do find myself using the sharpener more frequently now. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak has proven itself as a reliable set for field butchering.
The hard-side case has held up well to being tossed around in the back of my truck, with no cracks or broken hinges. The orange handles have faded slightly from sun exposure, but that’s purely cosmetic. Cleaning the blades is relatively easy, although the rubberized handles can trap dirt and grime if not properly cleaned.
Compared to my previous assortment of mismatched knives, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is a significant upgrade in terms of organization and portability. I’ve definitely found myself reaching for this set more often. The blades have held up well over time.
Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak
Specifications
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak includes eight pieces: a 2.5-inch caping blade (8.3-inch overall), a 4.0-inch skinner blade (8.5-inch overall) with a gut hook, a 5.0-inch boning blade (9.5-inch overall), a 6.0-inch bone saw (9.3-inch overall), a carbide sharpener, ribcage spreader, game cleaning gloves, and a hard-side carry case. The entire set weighs 2.4 lbs / 1.1kg. The Manufacturer is Outdoor Edge Cutlery.
The blades are made from what appears to be a decent quality stainless steel, but the specific type isn’t specified. This is a bit of a letdown, as knowing the steel type would help assess edge retention and corrosion resistance more accurately. The blaze-orange handles are made from a rubberized material with a horn pattern inlay. This provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions, enhancing safety during use.
The variety of blades allows for tackling different tasks, from delicate caping to heavy-duty boning. The included sharpener is a valuable addition for maintaining edge sharpness in the field. The overall lightweight design makes it easy to carry the entire set without adding excessive bulk to your gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak performs admirably for its intended purpose: field dressing and processing game. The skinner’s gut hook is efficient and precise. The boning knife allows for clean meat removal. The bone saw, though not as aggressive as some dedicated saws, handles rib cages and smaller bones effectively.
The blades, while not razor-sharp out of the box, hold a decent edge and are easily sharpened with the included carbide sharpener. One potential improvement would be to offer a slightly finer grit on the sharpener for a polished edge. The rubberized handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even when hands are wet or covered in blood.
The kit exceeds expectations for a set in this price range, although a higher-quality steel and more aggressive bone saw would be welcome improvements. The blaze orange handles make it easy to spot the knife in underbrush. The hard sided case allows for clean and secure transport.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak prioritizes functionality and safety. The rubberized handles are ergonomically shaped for a comfortable and secure grip. The blaze-orange color is a practical safety feature, preventing accidental loss in the field.
The blades are well-balanced, although the caping knife feels a bit long for intricate work. The hard-side case is sturdy and keeps the knives organized. The overall design is user-friendly, even for those with limited experience in game processing.
There’s a slight learning curve to using each blade effectively, but the well-designed handles and blade shapes make the process intuitive. It is important to use the correct knife for the job to maintain its edge. The knife design is good for both right and left handed people.
Durability & Maintenance
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is reasonably durable for its price point. The stainless-steel blades resist corrosion, and the hard-side case protects the knives from damage during transport. However, the blades are not as resistant to chipping as higher-end knives.
Maintaining the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is straightforward. Clean the blades with soap and water after each use, and dry them thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Regularly sharpen the blades with the included carbide sharpener to maintain a keen edge. The included gloves can be washed and reused, but replacements are recommended for sanitary reasons.
With proper care and maintenance, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak should last for several hunting seasons. The blades may require occasional professional sharpening to restore their original edge, but overall, the set is designed for long-term use. The cost of the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is well worth the investment for many hunts to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak comes with a carbide sharpener, ribcage spreader, and game cleaning gloves. No additional accessories are directly offered or compatible. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is more of a self-contained set rather than a platform for customization.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak
Pros
- Portable and organized with the included hard-side case.
- Blaze-orange handles enhance visibility and safety.
- The rubberized handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
- The carbide sharpener allows for easy edge maintenance in the field.
- All-in-one solution covers most field dressing and processing tasks.
Cons
- The Steel type is not specified
- The caping knife feels a bit long for intricate work.
- The bone saw could be more aggressive for larger bones.
Who Should Buy Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak?
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is perfect for hunters of all experience levels who want a complete and portable field-to-freezer solution. It’s especially well-suited for those who process their own game and value organization and convenience.
Beginner hunters will appreciate the all-inclusive nature of the kit and the ease of use. Experienced hunters will appreciate the portability and the convenience of having all the necessary tools in one place. Those who hunt in wet or challenging conditions will appreciate the secure grip provided by the rubberized handles.
Anyone who prefers premium, high-end knives with superior steel and advanced features should probably skip this product. Hunters who primarily process large game, like elk or moose, might find the bone saw to be underpowered. Professional butchers will likely prefer individual knives of higher quality.
Must-have accessories include a portable cutting board for a cleaner work surface, extra game cleaning gloves for sanitation, and a higher-quality sharpening stone for achieving a razor-sharp edge.
Conclusion on Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers a functional and portable field-to-freezer solution for processing game. The blades are adequate for most tasks.
While the steel quality could be better, and the bone saw more aggressive, the overall performance and convenience of the set make it a worthwhile investment. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak is a definite asset for any hunter looking for a reliable and affordable field dressing kit.
I personally recommend the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild-Pak to anyone looking for a comprehensive and portable game processing set. It’s a reliable companion in the field, and the price is hard to beat.