Ok, the pictures. Took the knives out to a little wood near me for an field test. We had snow yesterday and overnight, but nothing really significant, and all the roads are clear. The woods were pretty though.
First, the skinner. As I said, I really like this one. My initial concern was the the indent for the forefinger goes slightly into the back of the blade edge, leaving a slightly sharp corner, and I could see myself cutting my finger if I put any pressure on the knife. However, it isn't as sharp a corner as I thought, and when I did press hard the grip was secure and I don't think this will be a problem after all. The knife sits in the hand nicely, and the fielwork on the back gives extra grip when needed. It cuts well and I'm really happy with it. The sheath is simple and compact, but doesn't hold the knife as securely as I might like - if you turn it upside down the knide can slip a good inch or so out of the sheath, and there is a risk it might fall out altogether. It is also going to take a little bit of ingenuity to rig up a cord that will allow me to use it as a neck knife. The sheath has a belt loop for wearing on the hip, though I don't think I'll do that much.
Overall, I'm very happy with it, considering what I paid for it.
Next the hunter. I wanted something rather more weighty than my mora, and this fits the bill. The scales are not real wood, and the holes in the tang seem to be decorative rather than functional. My initial concerns about the grip have been allayed by using it. It sits fine in my hand, and I was able to carve green wood easily. I did my first ever batoning with this knife too, which was definitely an aim beforehand. I'd still rather use an axe, but having a knife that is up to the job is a good thing too. The sheath is leather, and holds the knife securely using a simple press stud. The sheath is a little marked on the back, but nothing significant - just a surface stain from storage I think, and the belt loop isn't straight. The loop also seems to have a tendency to twist a bit in use but seems secure.
I paid a fraction over £30 for these two combined, including shipping, which seems to me to be a very good deal. neither knife is perfect, but for production blades at the cheaper end of the market my initial reactions are extremely positive.
