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Abuse knife better than ScrapYard 711?

N

NeedItCheaper

Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
371
Sorry for the newbie "Recommend me" post, but Google is failing me. I simply want another batoning knife I can abuse. I stopped batoning almost entirely while winter backpacking, but recently moved to a place with a backyard fire put and started up again. I thoroughly enjoy sitting down and batoning while watching a fire and throwing pieces in. I've had my 711 for about 14yrs and although it's still going strong, I want something different to play with. And my Googling is showing basically a Bark River Bravo 2 and not much else.

- Esee 5; Too short and most people say they'd rather have a Becker BK2.
- BK 2; Too short.
- Bravo 2; This might be the one. DLT trading said they'd modify the handle a little because it's a bit too thick for me. But this might be my winner.
- LionSteel M7; I like the look of this guy the most, but I don't know how much abuse it can handle. I'm outright disrespectful to my 711 at times.
- FallKniven A1; I need to see more videos about it's ability to withstand abuse.
- Tops Steel Eagle 107E; Already owned and sold. Terribly uncomfortable handle.

It's gotta be 7''+ and over .22" thick. I'm simply not finding many knives that look like they have a comfortable handle, meet the first 2 conditions, and made for shear abusive treatment. And then there's the issue of cost. Although I've got the money, I simply can't bring myself to pay more than 350$, otherwise I might get a TRC Apocalypse. Anyone have a favorite batoner they'd like to share?

Edit; I'm well aware some hate the idea of batoning. I have a GFB axe that works well. I know it seems dumb to baton, but I find it relaxing. Your splitting maul recomendations will fall on deaf ears.
 
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When you say it's gotta be 7"+, I assume you're referring to the blade, the the overall length? I ask as the A1 only has a 6.3" blade, and of those you've listed, it's the only one I have, an A1X, and I've done some batoning with it, and it seems to be just fine, no rolls/chips. The wood out here in Maine is mostly oak or maple. You may also look at some of the stuff from LT Wright, but they're a bit thinner than what you referenced. Maybe the Varusteleka Skrama knives, I have one of their Jääkäripuukko knives, and they are super durable, have also used it for batoning.
 
Harbor freight has wood splitting axes for $27!

image_7163.jpg

You can up your game with a hydraulic 10 ton wood splitter from Tractor Supply. $199

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Why are you abusing a knife, that shouldn't be used like that? There are better ways to split wood, without ruining a knife.

You can even use wood to split wood, save that knife for other tasks.

most-effective-way-of-splitting-hickory-logs-without-a-maul-v0-1ezleioz4o6c1.jpeg
 
GreX said:
When you say it's gotta be 7"+, I assume you're referring to the blade, the the overall length? I ask as the A1 only has a 6.3" blade, and of those you've listed, it's the only one I have, an A1X, and I've done some batoning with it, and it seems to be just fine, no rolls/chips. The wood out here in Maine is mostly oak or maple. You may also look at some of the stuff from LT Wright, but they're a bit thinner than what you referenced. Maybe the Varusteleka Skrama knives, I have one of their Jääkäripuukko knives, and they are super durable, have also used it for batbatoning.
Click to expand...

Yes 7" blade. I have a Skrama 240. Works very well. But want shorter and thicker. I might still get a Skrama 200.
 
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350 should get you lots of options....even in custom.

I love batonning .....but my opinion is not to limit yourself to that thickness.
3/16" thick is pretty good, too.

A Becker BK9 is a good cheaper option.
 
Find an MMD v1. I got both of mine for ~$300, I remember. Thick and (slight) hollow ground, in S7, perfect !

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i-g9rcddz-X2.jpg
 
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Condor Hudson Bay is also a possibility.

Whatch JoeX videos, list the knives that could handle all the test until the shotgun (the Messerfeiber Hauer O1 even survived shotgun and only died after several shots from the assault rifle, but it's (for now???) only available in Europe) and then check about availability in your country (US, correct?). I think some fine gentleman from the forum already made a list with some of those knives, maybe he will participate here!

I would go the custom route. A well made knive in 6150 with the right geometry can survive anything. Battoning is not considered abuse at that level of toughness.
 
Well under your budget the Becker BK9 works great for that. I still use my BK9 quite a bit even though I reach for my CPK Choppers (a bit over your budget, but well worth the price tag) most often.
 
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