American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife Review

First Impressions of American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife is presented as an all-in-one solution for hunters needing both a larger bowie-style knife and a smaller caping knife. This set, manufactured by American Hunter, aims to provide versatility in the field, covering tasks from heavy-duty cutting to intricate detail work. What initially piqued my interest was the promise of a complete set at an affordable price point, something that could potentially save space and weight in my pack without sacrificing functionality.

For years, I’ve carried a separate bowie and caping knife on hunts, a setup that’s always felt a bit cumbersome. The prospect of a piggyback system streamlining my loadout was appealing, especially given the challenges of maneuvering through dense brush while tracking game. My initial thought was whether this set could truly deliver on the performance of dedicated knives, or if it would be a compromise in quality for the sake of convenience.

Upon unboxing, the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife immediately presented itself as a robust package. The overall design with the brass guard and pommel and pakkawood spacers offers a classic hunting aesthetic. I picked it up expecting a lightweight feel, but the heft hinted at durable materials and a solid build. Compared to my usual setup, which includes a Gerber StrongArm and a Buck 113 Ranger, the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife seemed to aim for a middle ground in terms of size and weight.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and skepticism. While the design and apparent robustness were promising, I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world hunting scenarios. The price point of $37.49 raised some concerns about long-term durability and edge retention, but I was willing to give it a chance to prove its worth.

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Real-World Testing: Putting American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife on a recent deer hunting trip in the Texas Hill Country. The terrain is rugged and diverse, requiring a knife capable of both clearing brush and processing game efficiently. This environment was a perfect initial proving ground.

The weather was particularly challenging, with damp mornings and dusty afternoons. During field dressing, the larger bowie knife handled the initial cuts with relative ease, though the blade required more frequent wiping due to the animal’s fluids. The smaller caping knife proved invaluable for the finer work around the joints and tenderloins, offering precision that would have been difficult with a larger blade. After the initial use, I was impressed with how the blade performed in various conditions.

The handle’s ergonomic design allowed for a secure grip even with wet hands, though I did find myself adjusting my grip occasionally to maintain optimal control. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the edge of the bowie knife dulled slightly faster than expected after processing the deer. The smaller caper felt very precise, yet I noticed it needed sharpening a bit after first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife has held up reasonably well, though not without some signs of wear. The blade’s initial sharpness has diminished noticeably, requiring frequent honing to maintain a working edge. This is something to keep in mind.

The brown leather belt sheath has also shown signs of wear, with the stitching beginning to fray in a few spots. Regular cleaning and oiling have helped to preserve the integrity of the blades, but I anticipate needing to replace the sheath within the next year or two with consistent use. Overall, the knives have proven durable, but they do require more attention to maintenance than some of my higher-end blades.

Compared to my previous experiences with knives like the Benchmade Bushcrafter, the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife doesn’t quite match the same level of edge retention or overall durability. However, considering the significant price difference, it provides a respectable level of performance for casual to moderate use. It outperforms lower-end knives I’ve used in the past, offering better grip and a more balanced feel.

Breaking Down the Features of American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife

Specifications

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife boasts a set of features designed for versatile hunting applications. The set includes two knives: a bowie-style knife and a smaller caping knife, both housed in a single sheath. These specifications affect the knife’s overall use.

• Bowie Knife: Features a 7.25-inch blade.
• Caper Knife: Has a 3.25-inch blade.
• Overall Length (Bowie): Measures 12.25 inches.
• Overall Length (Caper): Measures 7.25 inches.
• Handle: Constructed with black and brown pakkawood spacers, providing a comfortable grip.
• Guard and Pommel: Made of brass, adding to the knife’s aesthetic and balance.
• Sheath: Made of brown leather belt sheath, allowing easy carry.
• Application: Primarily designed for hunting.

These specifications impact the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife’s performance by providing a combination of cutting power and precision. The longer bowie blade is suitable for heavier tasks, while the shorter caper blade excels in detail work. The handle design contributes to a secure grip.

Performance & Functionality

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife performs adequately for its intended purpose, but its functionality has both strengths and weaknesses. The bowie knife is effective for clearing brush and making initial cuts, while the caper knife is excellent for intricate tasks. However, the blade’s edge retention leaves something to be desired, requiring frequent sharpening.

The set’s strengths lie in its versatility and compact design. Its weaknesses are in edge retention and the sheath’s questionable durability. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly hunting knife set but falls short of exceeding them.

Design & Ergonomics

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife offers a classic hunting knife design. The pakkawood handle is comfortable in hand and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. Its weight is well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver.

The set is user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. However, the sheath design could be improved to allow for easier access to both knives. It is an easy to use tool, but sheath improvements would add comfort.

Durability & Maintenance

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife is reasonably durable for its price point. However, the blade’s edge requires frequent maintenance and the sheath’s stitching may need reinforcement over time. The blade is easy to clean, requiring only soap and water followed by oiling.

With proper care, the knife set should last for several hunting seasons. Repairing minor damage, like sharpening the blade, is straightforward, but significant repairs may not be cost-effective. Overall, this knife is a great value, but care is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife comes with a brown leather belt sheath, which is the only included accessory. There are limited customization options available for this set. Replacing the sheath with a higher-quality aftermarket option is possible, but modifying the knives themselves is not recommended.

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. However, a custom sheath could be made to accommodate additional tools or accessories, but that is not advised. There are no accessories for this knife, just the belt sheath.

Pros and Cons of American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife

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Who Should Buy American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife?

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who need a versatile set of knives for general field tasks. It is a great choice for those who are new to hunting and want an affordable set. It is a great starter set.

This product is not suitable for professional hunters or those who require high-end blades with superior edge retention. Anyone needing supreme tools should skip this product.

Must-have accessories or modifications would include a quality knife sharpener and potentially a replacement sheath. A sharpening stone will come in handy, or a belt sharpener.

Conclusion on American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife

The American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife offers a decent value proposition for hunters seeking a versatile and affordable knife set. It provides both a bowie-style knife and a caping knife, covering a wide range of tasks. Its low price makes this knife attractive.

While the edge retention and sheath quality are drawbacks, the overall performance is adequate for casual to moderate use. The price is justified for what you get.

I would recommend this product to beginner hunters or those on a tight budget who need a functional set of knives. Pick up the American Hunter Piggyback Set Knife today and get out in the field!