Advise for a rookie knife guy

Thanks. I'm curious on your thoughts for the Ontario Ratk2 as a chopper compared to the bk? It's not 1095 but has pretty good ratings for a chopper but I'm trying to factor in the $30 difference for bk-21 or $70 difference for junglass
 
Basp2005 said:
Keep in mind moras and ka-bars are not full tang and won't hold up to abusive tasks.
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No so.

Depends on what you mean by abuse of course.

Plenty of non full tang and non full exposed full tang knives works just fine for, what they were designed for.

Anything can be deatroyed of course.
Just have to put some effort into it.
 
I think I'm just scared as a novice knife guy spending the price on the junglass and screwing it up. I just need to get over it. It took me forever to move up from cheap 7/11 sunglasses to a pair of Costa Del Mar's. When I realized the difference from being on the water fishing it was a night and day difference. The money I spent over time on those cheap sunglasses most likely was more then the $200 pair I got now and they never came anywhere near the quality. No difference with knives as to quality steel as to sunglasses with lenses and construction of the product.
 
I think the ESEE 4 would work well for you if you're comfortable with the price. I prefer a leather sheath and that has been one of the reasons I haven't stepped out beyond the ESEE 4 in their line. Their handles on the standard models are a little thin for me, and probably would like the HB better. Just about anything Buck is good; especially for the price. Take a look at the Condor line too. I would lean toward one of their short machetes for the chopper like the Condor Pack Golok or Village Parang. They also have a pretty broad assortment of knives in the 4" length range if you like the shape. All come with a functional (real good as far as I'm concerned) leather sheath.

In terms of knife laws, I don't know the law in NJ. There is a serious difference carrying a large knife down the street versus wandering around the woods in terms of practical legality.
 
I looked into the law and there really isn't a set length of carrying size. It's under their assumption as to where and why I have it on me. A 5 to 6 inch blade or higher will most likely cause them to question me. I grew up into law enforcement as my father and uncle were both police officers. My dad always said rule of thumb is no longer then your palm is wide. I have big hands so I'll stretch it lol.

As for the Esee I'm trying to decide on the 4 or 5 and which series. For the most part I'm leaning towards them or Tops. I really like some of their models.
 
I hear ya on the sunglasses. Since I wear prescription glasses, regular and expensive sunglasses haven't been an issue. But I do wear the over the top sunglasses for driving and found that the extra $ for the Foster Grant versions sold by Sam's Club are worth the extra money for the clarity of the lens material over the less expensive ones that Walmart sells for example.

Condor has some other BIG regular knives too by the way. I have a fairly large assortment of their knives from fixed blades to machetes and I'm pretty well sold on the company.

I would not get the ESEE 5 or the BK-2 for that matter. Go with the ESEE 6 if you want the length unless you're planning on cutting your way out of a downed aircraft or something. Then yeah, ESEE 5 or BK-2. I have a BK-2 and never use it. Just too clumsy to use and not a great chopper length wise. The BK-9 is a much better chopper.
 
Timothy79 said:
I looked into the law and there really isn't a set length of carrying size. It's under their assumption as to where and why I have it on me. A 5 to 6 inch blade or higher will most likely cause them to question me. I grew up into law enforcement as my father and uncle were both police officers. My dad always said rule of thumb is no longer then your palm is wide. I have big hands so I'll stretch it lol.

As for the Esee I'm trying to decide on the 4 or 5 and which series. For the most part I'm leaning towards them or Tops. I really like some of their models.
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Also my first real knife I do want quality not a beater. The mora is already in my cart and waiting cause for the price I can buy them all day
 
22-rimfire said:
I hear ya on the sunglasses. Since I wear prescription glasses, regular and expensive sunglasses haven't been an issue. But I do wear the over the top sunglasses for driving and found that the extra $ for the Foster Grant versions sold by Sam's Club are worth the extra money for the clarity of the lens material over the less expensive ones that Walmart sells for example.

Condor has some other BIG regular knives too by the way. I have a fairly large assortment of their knives from fixed blades to machetes and I'm pretty well sold on the company.

I would not get the ESEE 5 or the BK-2 for that matter. Go with the ESEE 6 if you want the length unless you're planning on cutting your way out of a downed aircraft or something. Then yeah, ESEE 5 or BK-2. I have a BK-2 and never use it. Just too clumsy to use and not a great chopper length wise. The BK-9 is a much better chopper.
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That's why I was curious about the Ontario ratk-2. Vs Bk 9. Some reviews have it higher then bk for chopping. The chopper is what I will be using in the yard and camping. It's awkward carrying a hatchet for me. I don't use a heavy back pack and would rather have the sheath on my side. I live in the pine barrens of NJ so it's mainly pine trees and scrub oak. I think I will eventually get the junglass but just not this time. I'm already purchasing a pricey belt knife. I also had my eye on this CRKT Mah-Chete Fixed Blade with Sheath Designed by Liong Mah https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TACNN9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2Q-QAbG2RS2WZ
 
Now depending on the day I wouldn't be chopping with it much. However I think it would do great for tasks for kindling and clearing.
 
Your analogy of the sunglasses is spot on for how to look at knives after all it is a tool and you want a quality tool designed to do the work you put it through. This doesn't mean there are not some great brands with lower costs than some you may be looking at. If you feel too uneasy about ESEE I would say Buck will be the best place to start you should be able to find an options at a price your more comfortable using while getting a quality piece.
 
I have a buck folder which I cannot figure out how to add a picture yet on this. However it's been my workhorse for ten years now. Still holds a edge and I have no complaints for buck.
 
One thing to keep in mind with chopper knives or blades.... generally 9" is the smallest you want to go. I prefer a little weight for choppers which is why I don't own a BK-9. I do have a BK-7 and others. Have too many blades to really use often.
 
22-rimfire said:
One thing to keep in mind with chopper knives or blades.... generally 9" is the smallest you want to go. I prefer a little weight for choppers which is why I don't own a BK-9. I do have a BK-7 and others. Have too many blades to really use often.
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Which do you use and prefer?
 
Timothy79 said:
Which do you use and prefer?
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I use a Condor Kumunga (10"), Condor Pack Golok, and Condor Village Parang the most. Often I just use a regular stiff machete. I don't generally chop down large trees and generally not hardwoods that are any size. I use a saw for those. So, you can see from the ones I mentioned, I do like Condor stuff and your choice of the CRKT is a good one. These chopper machetes are just a bit of a burden to carry on trails unless you know you need them. Hence, you compromise with a smaller blade and make do in that situation. That is where the popularity of the Kabar Becker BK-9 comes into play as it is more versatile. I'm comfortable with 1075 or 1095 myself. 3V would probably be a little better. Very comfortable batoning with these if I need to.

Take a look at the Fletcher custom knife sub forum and you will see what he calls the Griffin. Hell of a chopper!! Runs around $300-$400 area.
 
Thanks man you have been very helpful. When you lube your blades what product do you use and how often? I've never done it with anything I've ever had and do you wipe it on with a soaked cloth or just spray it and leave it?
 
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