Fox Folding Stag & Hunting Knives

Today we are so used to hi-tech folders that perhaps we forget that it was not always this way. My first grown up knife was the classic Buck 110 – brass bolsters and wooden handles in a back lock layout with drop point blade. What I have here is a pair of Fox folders from Italy that very much typify the old way of doing things.

Stag Party

First up and my favourite the Real Stag. This offers a solid build with a brass frame, grips made of deer antler pinned to it, so everyone is slightly different. Up front there’s a plain edge, hollow ground, 3” drop point blade made from 440C stainless with a Rockwell hardness of HRC 56-59. Bolsters are nickel silver and retention is by a rear-mounted back lock. There’s no thumb nicks or lugs; just grab the sides of the steel and swing it out until it locks. Simples!
The handle shows a forward choil then flares out into the palm of the hand, with the stag horn supplying a good grip in all conditions. Weighing in at 6.2oz it’s reassuringly heavy and the old-style look and feel really does give that classic yet functional appeal. It comes in brown leather, open-topped pouch with retaining strap.

Gutted

You either like gut hook knives or you don’t. That function is undeniably useful, but I feel the hook can get in the way and catch for more general use. None the less the other Fox is the Skinner, which in terms of build and shape is near identical to the Stag.
The Skinner shows panels of briar wood, which is a pleasing mid-brown with slight burling and swirls. The grip offered is smooth but tactile; almost sticky if you can believe that. As before, it has nickel silver bolsters, brass frame and rear-mounted back lock system. It is lighter at 5.6oz and this is noticeable between the two, even with only 0.6oz in it!

The blade is again 440C stainless and three inches long. Hollow ground with a plain edge the drop point shape is the same just removed at the top with a long, angled slope down to the cutting hook. This is not a gimmick as once you have made the first incision into the belly skin reverse the knife and you can un-zip the stomach with no fear of rupturing the contents. Equally it’s good for skinning as it makes short work of opening up the hide around the legs. It comes in a nylon belt pouch and is best inserted bolster-down, but be careful as the hook can catch on the edge and cut it.

Prices: Fox 594 CE Real Stag - £79.95
      Fox 2609 RT Skinner - £86.00

Contact: Viking Arms Ltd, 01423 780810
For: Two well made designs
Against: Gut hook function a little specialised
Verdict: A great blend of traditional yet superior build quality