Webley & Scott Hunter

Webley & Scott, sadly I’m old enough to remember their revolvers and the classic winged bullet logo. Today this quintessentially British brand has been given new life by Highland Outdoors as this name now appears on a range of shotguns and airguns. Perhaps not made in the UK but none the less some good stuff as many shooters will attest to.

Surprise and Pleasure

So it was with some surprise and pleasure when I was talking to John Bright Highland’s MD at the Bisley Live show he showed me the latest piece of Webley & Scott branded kit - a fixed blade hunting knife. At the price, which is under £50 it’s doubtless made in China, but and much like Spyderco’s Byrd range of knives, which is also made there, Highland has gone to a decent manufacturer. Which is self-evident from the end result.

The Hunter was designed by a South African hunter and embodies to my eyes a simple, elegant and practical layout. The 3.34” blade is made from 420 stainless steel and offers a full tang layout, with a deep, drop point shape for its size. From the box it comes shaving sharp, be warned!

There’s a short half guard, which acts as a stop for either the fore finger or thumb depending if you are using it edge up/down. The handles are two smooth scales of rosewood that expands from front to back and offers a bit of belly. Not big but hand-filling and comfortable, though a bit of chequering or texturing would not have gone amiss to improve grip in the wet. These are held in place by two, hollow brass rivets, the rear most one can double up as a lanyard hole too.

Nice Product

Weighing around 3oz the Hunter measures 8 ½” nose to tail and is well presented with a good wood to metal fit, with no extraneous tool marks to mar the finish. Chinese-made knives are everywhere now and do represent a cost effective option. However, quality-wise this is well above the norm and a very good example of what can be done if you pick a decent manufacturer.

The sheath is a simple, ¾-length bucket that retains the knife by friction alone. The leather is of reasonable quality and the stitching is also acceptable. However, I think a bit of leather food/compound would improve the look and longevity no end. The integral, two inch belt loop is riveted to the back and appears serviceable!

In use this is an elegant and practical field tool, the edge held it sharpness well enough to field butcher a deer and is easily touched up. The blade shape works well in tight areas and it’s a light and handy design, with the added kudos of the Webley & Scott name.

For: Well priced, well made and efficient
Against: Handle a bit smooth
Verdict: Good knife and a great bit of marketing

PRICE: £49.99