$100.00 Chopper???

valcas1

valcas1

Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
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I have been pondering this question for several weeks and would like to put it out here for comments or suggestions.

I am looking for a large knife, lets say over 8" blade. Is there a knife that falls in a price point of $100.00 that you would feel comfortable recommending. I have read a lot about modded machetes. I think I would like a little thicker spine than the typical .125"

Could you please tell me what you have used or carry now that might fit into this category.

Most of my experience is in the northeast so hardwoods will be encountered. I also already have wetterling axes and norlund hatchets. I also have plenty of Moras and pocket knives. I want to try a large knife to see how it will work into my general woods experience.

As always thanks for your input and knowledge.

Paul
 
ontario rtak2.

still, a machete will do. i like the cs magnum khukri machete, it's the only machete i own and it competes well with my him imps, even with its crudely finished edge. him imp chops the best, but only marginally better than the $18 cs, which also handles grass and weeds well.
 
There is also the Ontario SP5 and the Kabar Heavy Bowie in the $40-60 that are 0.25" carbon (1085 and 1095) choppers. They aren't full tang, but have been reported as almost bomb proof by many folks here on blade forums.

Still if I had $100 to blow, I'd go after the RTAK II or save up another $30 and get the RD-9.
 
I highly recommend checking out http://www.valiantco.com/java1.html - large choppers with full convex grinds:

IMG_4746.jpg
 
Dogfather_med.jpg


139.95 - You'd only find it at that price when avail at the scrap yard knives store tho.

The Dog Father is the epitome of the "big chopper". Its 10 inch long blade with near full height grind and convex edge allow for enormous chopping and cutting power. The Resiprene C handle offers a high level of shock absorption under heavy impact. The Dog Father stands to redefine value and performance in the "big chopper" category.

This item will ship 7-14 days after receipt of your order.

Specs at a glance:

Steel: SR-77
Hardness: 58 - 60 Rc
Handle: Resiprene C


Thickness: .275 (Between 1/4" & 5/16")
Blade Length: 10"
Overall Length: 15"
Click to expand...
 
Ranger RD 7-9

I've got a semi-custom rd7 in the mail. Justin is great to deal with, if your custom modifications can be implemented on an existing blank he can do it for a very reasonable price. For example I ordered mine with a drop point instead of clip, he probably had to grind down an RD9 to do this, but only charged me +$15.

If it's doesnt have to be a knife chopper I'd highly recommend a Gransfors Bruks axe/hatchet. I recently got one and its the finest axe Ive ever handled, and with just a little stropping it's shaving sharp. They sell for around $100 at lee valley.

The dog father looks like one hell of a chopper for $140, but just try and find one. Unless you troll the scrapyard forum for months until they release a batch of knives youre stuck with the secondary market and their obligatory $100 markup.
 
I would recommend Himalayan Imports for khukuris and Ranger knives RD serie for straight knives.

Both are great, trusted, great service and in your price range.
 
Ka-bar kukri is a great chopper, the heavy bowie might be more versatile though, I'm getting one soon.
 
Several of the Ontario knives would work well. The Kershaw D2 Outcast is over looked as hell. It has a ten inch D2 steel blade and sells for 70.00. The Kabar Camp knife or Heavy Bowie are unbeatable at ant price.
 
I thought D2 was prone to chipping when it comes to chopping. Does anybody have a RTAK II? I really like the blade shape. Wondering if I might be able to put a convex edge on it to toughen up the cutting edge. I also like the browning competition. Keep the ideas coming gentleman.

Has anybody heard from Skammer, I would like him to weigh in on this one as well. He seems to use a large knife quite a bit.

Thanks again

Paul
 
My vote goes to one of the Carbon-V Trailmasters by Cold Steel if you can find one. I know a lot of people on this forum dont like C.S. but ive used mine hard for years--KV
 
I own and use my RTAK II alot for chopping and it is factory cut,no mods and I like the way it performs....right outta the box so to speak...
 
kvaughn said:
My vote goes to one of the Carbon-V Trailmasters by Cold Steel if you can find one. I know a lot of people on this forum dont like C.S. but ive used mine hard for years--KV
Click to expand...

Ditto. I have at least 2 of 'em. No, they are not for sale.
 
I have not been able to dhip the D2 Blade so far but then I do 99 percent of my wood chopping with a real wood chopper, A Hatchet or ax.
 
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