Garlands’ hunting knives

As I often say; a knife is simply a piece of sharpened steel with a handle, which is undeniably true. They like any other item can be cheap or expensive, and though I both collect and use them, I have never been able to justify shelling out the really big bucks that I would for rifles and scopes.  All they have to do is cut and for a field blade you don’t want too pretty or exotic. With this in mind let’s turn our attention to Garlands who have a good selection of what I call in-house products; one line is a range of what appear to be cheap, Chinese-made knives.

I’m Not A Number!

None of the models have names, instead just a designation number, though they all look familiar, as they are not unlike the Winchester-branded cutlery that was on offer a couple of years ago. The build goes for stainless steel blades, red/brown laminate handles and brass furniture on two models. All come in slim, leather sheaths.

First up is the 5502 and 5501, which are more your classic hunting drop point and are identical apart from one obvious difference. Blade length is 4 ¼” with a hollow ground edge, overall is 8 ½”. The handle is round and hand-filling though smooth, up front is a long half guard and at the rear a pommel, both made of brass. The 5501 offers a standard blade shape, with the 5502 being a gut hook configuration; if you like that sort of thing.

Working Blades

The 7CH01 and 7CH02 use a full tang build with slim scales riveted on. The handles show a practical shape with a deep forward choil to aid grip, at the rear is a brass-lined lanyard hole. Major differences here are blade shape/size. The 01 is the smallest with a Bowie-style at 4” with an overall of 7 ¾”. The 02 is shows a drop point layout at 4 ¾” and 9 ¾” total. Like the 55 both are hollow ground, personally I found the 02 more to my tastes due to its larger handle. Sheaths are simple leather with a slim belt loop and press stud retention. They are serviceable enough, but not the sort of thing I’d hang off my belt for too long!

In use the stainless steel came up a little soft in terms of edge retention, but will do a deer or two easily enough, though I’d say keep your sharpening kit at hand… In truth the 55 and 7CH knives show no surprises and are exactly what they are - cheap, machine-made items. However, for many who do not want to waste money they will get the job done at what is little short of amazing money.

For: Cheap and they work

Against: Not a lot

Verdict: If you want to keep it cost effective

PRICES: 5501 £19.95, 5502 £19.95, 7CH01 £9.95, 7CH02 £13.95