Browning knives?

N

No_b00st

Joined
Aug 10, 2008
Messages
563
Does anyone have any experience with Browning branded knives? A friend of mine picked up a Browning folder for like $13. Apparently it's VG-10 steel, has anodized aluminum handles and a thick liner lock. It needed a bit of adjustment to open properly, but seems to be a good quality folder - and you can't beat VG10 for $13. Does anyone know who makes these? The only marking on it is "Japan." Well, and Browning.

-James
 
Mcusta makes one of the models I'm told. Sounds like that may be one of them.
 
Last edited:
Generally Japanese made knives are pretty good these days, regardless of the brand. Browning markets some good ones. I have a couple that I like. They take an excellent edge.

There was a "controversy" a few years back because Browning was marketing these knives as having 440C-equivalent alloy blades. At the time the blades were AUS-8. AUS-8 usually takes a finer edge than 440C, but is not as wear resistant as 440C. They said that they did it because they didn't expect the American public to recognize the Japanese AUS alloy series and that 440C was the closest American equivalent to AUS-8. Now they are happy to promote VG-10 under its right name.

So where did your friend find his deal?
 
Davis' Gun & knife in Raleigh, NC. On the closeout shelf, huge discount. Kind of ugly but very functional. let me see if i can find a stock photo of one...
 
2451739397_f3cb267d61_o.jpg



looks VERY similar to this. But the handle is completely straight on both sides. Same blade shape, and the handles are similar - they are anodized aluminum with those small detents. It's not pretty, but it's a functional knife for $13! I'll see if i can find a closer one.
 
I've got the straight-handled model like the one you describe. Great knife with a super-sharp blade out of the box. Light, smooth, comfortable and affordable at around $40. The $13 you speak of is a steal.
 
Have you had a chance to handle it? If so, what do you think of it?
 
Reeek said:
Supposedly it's the Browning Ice Storm that is Mcusta made:

http://cdnninvestments.com/bricestlilok3.html
Click to expand...


That's the one!!! His is blue, not green, but you get the point.

Wow, a VG-10 knife by McCusta... I will have to see if there are any left. That's amazing.

edit: it looks like they sell ergo and straight handle versions of the Ice Storm. So what I posted is just the curved-handle version of what my friend got, but in blue. If that makes sense.

This seems like a very good deal, then.


fudo said:
Have you had a chance to handle it? If so, what do you think of it?
Click to expand...

Yes. It's quite light. I don't REALLY like the shape of the handles (they are just flat!) but it feels very solid. The pocket clip being part of the liner is impressive, and the blade is VERY sharp.
 
I found one of these Ice Storms at a local sporting goods shop today. Not a great price, but about the same as the CDNN deal when factoring in shipping. I like it so far, blade shape is very nice and it is the sharpest out of box knife I've purchased. The handle does have a sharp corner at the rear that I'll have to file, otherwise it seems nice. The liner does seem a bit thin, but with the thin blade I don't see this as a heavy use knife anyway.
 
No_b00st said:
2451739397_f3cb267d61_o.jpg



looks VERY similar to this. But the handle is completely straight on both sides. Same blade shape, and the handles are similar - they are anodized aluminum with those small detents. It's not pretty, but it's a functional knife for $13! I'll see if i can find a closer one.
Click to expand...


I ordered one on a whim after reading about them in a earlier post here. I immediately ordered two more after receiving it, realizing what a great value it is after handling and using it. And yes, all three were "shaving sharp" out of the box! VG-10 is one of my favorite steels.
 
A great knife for the money.

I have 3 of them including a silver handled version that looks terrific.
Well made Japanese knives with a really fine blade steel.

I think the only thing that stopped them from "catching on" in the marketplace is the clunky, entirely non-removable pocket clip.

But at the going rate of about $35.00 they are definitely a great value.
 
I bought a Browning Fillet knife at Bass Pro. Got it home and the blade was crooked. Bass pro is one hundred miles away. Returned it a month later for another. Inside the clam pack it looked straight. Got it home and the blade is crooked .
 
I bought two green straight handled Ice Storms then turned around and bought the Maroon and Gold one immediataly after handling the first two.

Awesome value in a gentlemen's carry. After running mine on the 1200 Sharpmaker rods for a couple of strokes and stropping these may be the sharpest knives I have in my collection. Smooth and super functional knife for sure.

The green straight handles are my favorites. They work very well for one handed operation both opening and closing.
 
Last edited:
dipbait said:
I bought a Browning Fillet knife at Bass Pro. Got it home and the blade was crooked. Bass pro is one hundred miles away. Returned it a month later for another. Inside the clam pack it looked straight. Got it home and the blade is crooked .
Click to expand...

Browning, like a lot of companies, stamps their name on a bunch of stuff...

Not knowing your knife in question I assume it is Chinese/Taiwanese/Pakistan made.

The knife being discusses in this thread originates in Japan.
A premier knife making country. :thumbup:

I own two and they are all what is being described here and more, as far as value, quality, grinds, and out of the box sharpness. :thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top