Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S Review

Table of Contents

First Thoughts on the Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S promises a comprehensive solution for hunters and outdoorsmen needing to process game in the field. This kit, produced by Outdoor Edge, aims to provide every tool needed for a successful outing. The inclusion of individual sheaths and a rollpack organizer hints at a well-thought-out design.

My work as an outdoor gear specialist often leads me to remote hunting camps. Efficient game processing is crucial, but carrying multiple knives and tools separately is a logistical nightmare. I needed a complete, organized kit capable of handling everything from skinning to quartering.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was of a serious, purpose-built kit. The weight of 3.5 pounds felt substantial, indicating quality steel and robust construction. The orange handles offered a good grip, even when wet.

I considered other options like the Havalon Piranta-Z Edge skinning knife set and a Gerber Vital Big Game Folder. The Havalon excelled at fine work, but lacked the heavier tools for bone processing. The Gerber was robust, but not a complete kit. The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S seemed to strike a balance between fine work and heavy processing.

I was cautiously optimistic; a complete kit like this is appealing, but the devil is in the details. Would the individual tools perform as well as dedicated single-purpose knives? I was eager to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S on a recent whitetail hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was cold and damp, typical for late-season hunting. I processed the deer entirely in the field, utilizing almost every tool in the kit.

The gut-hook skinner performed admirably, opening the body cavity cleanly and efficiently. The caping knife proved useful for detailed work around the head and antlers. The folding boning knife helped to remove meat from the bone with relative ease.

The axe, while compact, struggled a bit with larger bones. The wood/bone saw worked well, though required some effort to get through the pelvic bone. The ribcage spreader functioned as intended, although a bit clunky.

No immediate failures occurred, but I did notice that the sharpener was essential to keep the edges keen after prolonged use. The orange handles provided a secure grip despite the damp conditions, and the individual sheaths kept the knives organized and easily accessible.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of use, primarily on deer and small game, the Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S has held up surprisingly well. The 420J2 SS steel, while not a premium steel, has proven adequately corrosion-resistant. Some staining is visible after multiple uses, but no significant rust.

The individual sheaths have protected the blades well, preventing damage during transport. The nylon rollpack organizer has shown some wear and tear at the seams, but remains functional. The handles have maintained their grip and structural integrity.

Compared to using individual knives, this kit is a significant upgrade in terms of organization. However, the axe’s performance on larger bones and the saw’s effort requirement leave some room for improvement. The kit overall provides a convenient and generally reliable field processing system.

Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S

Specifications

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S is a comprehensive hunting set designed for field dressing and processing game. Key specifications include:

Type: Cleaning Kit, but truly a field processing kit.
Blade Type: 8 Piece Set. This encompasses a range of tools designed to cover every step of the field dressing process.
Blade Length: Multiple. Each tool’s blade is specifically sized and shaped for its intended purpose.
Length: 10″. This likely refers to the approximate length of the rollpack organizer when closed.
Steel: 420J2 SS. This stainless steel offers a balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
Handle Material: Orange. The bright color enhances visibility and grip in various conditions.
Weight: 3.60 lbs. This total weight encompasses all the tools and the rollpack.
Sheath: Yes. Each tool has an individual sheath for safety and organization.

These specifications impact performance and user experience. The steel type dictates how often the tools need sharpening. The individual sheaths protect both the user and the blades during transport. The weight affects the portability and ease of carrying the kit during a hunt.

Performance & Functionality

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S performs most tasks well, although some tools excel more than others. The skinner and caping knives are particularly effective for their intended purposes, providing clean and precise cuts. The folding boning knife allows for easy separation of meat from the bone.

The axe and saw, however, are somewhat less impressive. The axe is smaller than a dedicated hatchet, limiting its chopping power. The saw requires significant effort, particularly when dealing with dense bones. Overall, the kit meets expectations for smaller game but falls slightly short for larger animals requiring more robust tools.

The kit’s strengths lie in its completeness and organization. Its weaknesses are in the compromise made on the axe and saw’s size/power. The individual tools are of generally high quality, however, the axe and saw could benefit from a design overhaul.

Design & Ergonomics

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S is designed with functionality in mind. The orange handles are comfortable and provide a secure grip, even with wet hands. The individual sheaths keep the blades protected and easily accessible, minimizing the risk of accidental cuts.

The rollpack organizer keeps everything neatly organized and easy to transport. There is a slight learning curve to using each tool effectively, particularly the ribcage spreader. However, the kit is generally user-friendly and well-designed.

The build quality is solid, with durable materials used throughout. The weight is manageable for most users, though extended carry might become tiring.

Durability & Maintenance

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S is built to last. The 420J2 SS steel offers good corrosion resistance, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning. The orange handles are made from a sturdy polymer that resists cracking and chipping.

The individual sheaths are made from a durable nylon that protects the blades from damage. The rollpack organizer is also made from nylon, but the stitching may be a point of weakness over time. Maintenance involves cleaning and drying the tools after each use and periodically sharpening the blades.

Minor repairs, such as replacing a worn sheath, may be possible. But, the kit is generally designed for long-term use with minimal need for repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S includes the following accessories:

Gut-hook skinner
Caping knife
Folding boning knife
Axe
Wood/bone saw
Ribcage spreader
Sharpener
Nylon rollpack organizer
Individual sheaths for each tool

Customization options are limited. Users could potentially replace the included sharpener with a higher-quality model, like a diamond sharpening steel. The individual sheaths could potentially be modified or replaced with custom-made versions.

The kit is generally self-contained. It does not lend itself to significant customization with accessories from other brands. The focus is on providing a complete, ready-to-use system for field dressing and processing game.

Pros and Cons of Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S

Pros

Comprehensive Tool Set: Includes nearly everything needed for field dressing and processing game.
Excellent Organization: Individual sheaths and rollpack keep tools protected and readily accessible.
Durable Construction: 420J2 SS steel and sturdy polymer handles ensure longevity.
Good Value for Money: Offers a complete solution at a competitive price point.
Secure Grip: Orange handles provide excellent grip, even in wet conditions.

Cons

Axe Performance Limited: Smaller size reduces chopping power on larger bones.
Saw Requires Effort: Cutting through dense bone can be physically demanding.

Who Should Buy Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S?

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S is perfect for:

Must-have accessories or modifications? A higher-quality sharpening steel or a pair of cut-resistant gloves would be beneficial additions.

Conclusion on Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S

The Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S provides a well-organized and comprehensive solution for field dressing and processing game. While the axe and saw could benefit from some improvement, the kit’s overall value and convenience are undeniable. The price of $109.95 is justified by the quality and completeness of the kit.

I would personally recommend the Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S to hunters seeking a complete and organized field dressing system. This kit will streamline your game processing and give you the confidence to get the job done. Pick up the Outdoor Edge Outfitter Cleaning Kit 8 Piece Individual S and transform your hunting experience today.