Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife

The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife is a fixed blade knife designed for hunting and general outdoor use, brought to you by Sawmill Cutlery. With its high carbon stainless steel drop point blade and multi-color wood handle, it promises both functionality and classic aesthetics at an accessible price point.

I was looking for a reliable, budget-friendly knife to keep in my truck for those unexpected tasks on hunting trips and while camping; something that could handle basic cutting tasks without breaking the bank. My initial impression upon unboxing the Ark-N-Saw was that it looked decent for the price.

While I own higher-end hunting knives from brands like Benchmade and Buck, I needed something that I wouldn’t worry too much about damaging or losing. The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw seemed to fit the bill better than a Mora Companion, which felt too light for heavier tasks, or a Gerber StrongArm, which was overkill for my intended use. I was pleasantly surprised, it felt better in hand than I expected.

It’s not going to replace my primary hunting knife, but as a backup or general-purpose tool, it seemed promising. At $16.99, my expectations were realistic, but I was keen to see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw on a weekend camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. The weather was damp, and I needed to prepare kindling for a fire, as well as some basic food prep tasks.

The knife performed reasonably well for splitting small pieces of wood. The drop point blade allowed for controlled cuts, even when the wood was slightly wet. Initial sharpness was adequate for slicing vegetables, though it wasn’t razor sharp out of the box.

I did find the handle a bit slick when wet, and the brass guard became slippery with even a small amount of moisture. There were no major issues, but the handle could definitely use a better grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Ark-N-Saw for various tasks around the yard and on subsequent camping trips, it showed some signs of wear but continued to function. The edge retention was decent for the price point, but required more frequent sharpening than my higher-end knives.

The blade developed some minor scratches from cutting through thicker materials, but there was no sign of chipping or significant damage. Cleaning the blade after use was simple, though I noticed some slight discoloration where the blade met the handle. I previously used a similarly priced Rough Rider knife, and the Sawmill Cutlery definitely outperforms it in edge retention and overall feel.

While not exceptional, the Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw is a reliable beater knife for basic tasks. It handles what it’s designed for adequately.

Breaking Down the Features of Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife

Specifications

• Blade Material: High carbon stainless steel provides a balance of corrosion resistance and edge retention. It is a common steel choice for budget-friendly knives, prioritizing ease of sharpening over extreme durability.
• Handle Material: Multicolor wood offers a classic aesthetic and a reasonably comfortable grip. The wood offers a good aesthetic for the price.
• Guard and Pommel: Brass guard and pommel add to the traditional look of the knife. While they contribute to the overall design, brass is primarily decorative and doesn’t offer significant functional advantages.
• Blade Length: The 4-1/8″ drop point blade is versatile for various tasks. It allows for precise cutting and is suitable for both hunting and general utility.
• Blade Thickness: 5/32″ thickness provides a balance of strength and slicing ability. This thickness is sufficient for most cutting tasks without making the blade overly bulky.
• Blade Width: 1-3/16″ blade width offers ample cutting surface. It is adequate for skinning and other field dressing tasks.
• Overall Length: 8 1/8″ overall length provides a comfortable size for handling and carrying. The size makes it suitable for both experienced users and those new to fixed blade knives.
• Sheath: Deluxe quality brown leather belt sheath allows for safe and convenient carry. The sheath is a functional addition, although the “deluxe quality” may be an overstatement.
• Origin: Made in Pakistan. Knowing the origin helps manage expectations regarding manufacturing quality and materials.

Performance & Functionality

The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife performs adequately for its intended purpose as a general-use hunting knife. The drop point blade is versatile for various tasks, including slicing, piercing, and skinning.

Its primary strength lies in its affordability and general utility. While it’s not going to win any awards for performance, it gets the job done. The blade requires frequent sharpening, and the handle can be slippery when wet.

For the price, it meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly hunting knife. It is a good option for those who need a cheap, reliable knife for light-duty tasks.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Ark-N-Saw is decent for the price point. The materials are adequate for light to medium use. The knife feels relatively lightweight in hand, making it easy to handle for extended periods.

The ergonomic design is acceptable, but not exceptional. The handle could benefit from a more textured surface for better grip, particularly in wet conditions. The knife is relatively user-friendly with no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw is moderate. With proper care, it should last for several years of light to medium use. Regular cleaning and oiling of the blade will help prevent corrosion.

Sharpening the blade will be necessary to maintain its cutting performance. The knife is simple to disassemble for cleaning, but there are no readily available replacement parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife comes with a brown leather belt sheath. There are no listed customization options from the manufacturer. Due to its construction and price point, significant customization is not practical.

The sheath is functional and allows for easy carry. Modifying the handle or blade may be possible but likely not cost-effective.

Pros and Cons of Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife?

The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife is perfect for: those needing a budget-friendly backup knife, beginner hunters, casual campers, or anyone wanting a general-purpose utility knife without spending a lot of money.

Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters or outdoorsmen who require high-performance, durable knives should look elsewhere.

A sharpening stone would be a must-have accessory. This will keep the blade in optimal cutting condition.

Conclusion on Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife

The Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw 8 1/8in Hunter Knife is a decent option for its price. It provides a functional tool for basic hunting and outdoor tasks. While it’s not a high-end knife, it delivers acceptable performance for those on a tight budget.

The price is justified for what you get. It’s a cheap and reliable backup knife.

I would recommend it to someone needing an inexpensive, general-purpose knife that they won’t worry too much about. If you’re in the market for an affordable knife that can handle basic cutting tasks, consider the Sawmill Cutlery Ark-N-Saw.