I’m a knife guy.
I realize that’s nothing special. If you’re a serious hunter, you have to be infatuated with a razor-sharp edge, right? I have a knife drawer in my garage filled with everything from handed-down Buck Knives to still-in-the-sheath Browning blades. Funny thing though, I keep buying more.
Recently, before heading to north Texas in search of muleys, my good friend from Providence Marketing, Glenn Walker, added to my knife collection. I wasn’t familiar with the Wiebe emblem on the front of the black nylon sheath, but I was eager to check it out.
The Wiebe Vixen
At first glance, the Wiebe Vixen looked pretty standard: wood handles laid over what appeared to be an aluminum frame. Upon picking the knife up, I was surprised at the weight. Light for a 7½-inch (when open) blade, it felt great in the hand. Much like a bow’s grip, a great knife should melt into your hand.
The Vixen features a removable blade rather than a solid piece of steel. The blade was surgical sharp and changing the blade — a task I worry about with these slice-your-finger-to-the-bone surgical blades — was easy.
Changing and Replacing the Blade
Using a Leatherman, I gripped the blade, making sure the sharp edge was facing away from the tool. You can carefully using your index finger on the opposite hand to apply a bit of pressure to the heel of the blade. With pressure on the heel, simply pull using the needle-nose pliers. The blade will slide free.
Replacing the blade was just as simple. Again, you can use needle-nose pliers, grip the non-sharp side of the blade and slide it over the attachment point. After passing the heel of the blade over the end of the attachment, the blade clicks into place.
The Bottom Line
The surgical blade allowed me to work quickly in frigid, northern Texas temperatures, while the knife’s comfortable weight and feel sped the work along. The single surgical blade was enough to gut and skin the entire deer. And, overall, the blade’s strength was on point.
I was curious about changing the blade when the knife was covered in blood, but it wasn’t an issue. With the needle-nose and a firm grip on the knife, the aforementioned process worked like a charm.
Note: When the blade and knife are covered in blood, be sure to use the pliers and not your hands. On slip and you’re cut to the bone.
Cleanup was quick and easy. Plus, I still had 23 wicked-sharp replacement blades to work with.
I’ll put the Vixen to work again soon.
