Montana Knife Company is about to do another online knife drop, and this one might be worth waiting in line for. Whether you call it the MKC X Rinella Stubhorn Knife or the MKC X MEATEATER Stubhorn (the brand refers to it both ways), the knife itself has been a pleasant surprise that Im glad to have on my belt.

　　I tend to view collaboration knives in the same way I view the new seasonal YETI color. Yeah, its fun. But is it really worth setting a timer to get online to get one? Usually, Id say no. With this knife, it brought more than just a name and a new color. Its a totally different blade and handle and I happen to love it.

　　It officially drops tonight (Thursday, June 27, 2024) at 7:00 pm MDT. Is it worth logging in and trying to get your hands on one before they inevitably sell out?

　　In short: The Stubhorn, branding and collaboration aside, is a rad knife and it might finally bump my beloved Stonewall Skinner out of my pack. At $325, it isnt cheap but it falls in line with what you should expect to pay for a knife of this caliber.

　　MKC X Rinella Stubhorn Knife

　　Specs Blade steel MagnaCut stainless steel Design Full-tang construction Overall length 8-7/8” Blade length 4-1/8” Blade thickness 0.135” Knife weight 5.25 oz. Blade finish Stonewash Handle material G-10 100% made in the USA Pros Great balance between blade and handle Solid, ergonomic palm feel Capable as a skinner or breakdown knife Sharp on arrival with free lifetime sharpening Cons Likely to be sold out Rachelle Schrute Check Availability at MKC MKC X MEATEATER Stubhorn Knife Review

　　(Photo/Montana Knife Company) One of the first things youll notice when you have this knife in your hand is the balance. The handle and blade are almost equal lengths, making it feel nimble and secure. The handle itself has no frills in design; it just fits well in your palm.

　　At 5.25 ounces, it feels shockingly substantial. When I first pulled it out of its sheath, I couldnt tell the difference between it and the few Stonewall Skinners I have. Those knives are seriously substantial.

　　So I had to go to the side by side.

　　Before you view the next image: Josh Smith: I apologize. This is my least taken care of, most abused knife. Ive loved it to death and havent been good to it. Left uncleaned, blood turns to rust.

　　My most used and abused knife, the Stonewall Skinner (top), compared to the new Stubhorn (bottom); (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Once you let the shock of that abused Stonewall Skinner wear off, you can see theyre similar but different in a few key ways.

　　The Stonewall is longer overall, with a longer blade/handle ratio. It also has a smooth, slightly downward-curved spine, whereas the Stubhorn is dead straight with traction ridges.

　　The safety guard on the Stubhorn is built into the handle, not the blade. This is a huge benefit over the Stonewall for me. Theres extra security when wet or bloody hands have a tendency to slip.

　　The deeper belly and surgical-style tip of the Strubhorn just might mean I can finally swap out my old Stonewall and get it in the mail to MKC for a little (OK, a lot of) much-needed love.

　　The Stubhorn is available in seven different handle colors, including MeatEaters go-to Hunter Orange.

　　So, What Do I Think About the MKC X MEATEATER Collab? Listen, if you havent noticed by now, I really do like this knife. It hasnt been through a hunting season yet, but I have no reason to doubt its performance.

　　The shorter blade, bulkier guard, and top-notch material mean the MKC X MEATEATER Stubhorn is everything I need in a hunting knife and nothing I dont. If you happen to be a MeatEater fan, well, thats just a fan bonus.

　　If I were you and I was looking for my next hunting knife, Id get in line and get one before theyre gone.

　　MKC Stonewall Skinner Review: MagnaCut Hunting Knife Done RightExceptional components, refined design, and a classic blade shape combine to form the Montana Knife Company Stonewall Skinner. Read more

　　Rachelle Schrute Check Availability at MKC