Becker Brute: 1st Impressions

Brian, that was an absolutely outstanding review. And your conlcusions didn't surprise me one bit. I have a Becker Companion and a Magnum Camp and both really "get the job done." I really appreciate these types of "real world" reviews. Jeff Randall's reviews are similar and I always look forward to one of his. I'm really not concerned if a knife can't chop a ball bearing in half or bend like a pretzel in a vise. Also, I do think how many times you can slice up a rope and still maintain a good edge is helpful information but not all that important for real world application unless of course the knife is really a POS.

There was a recent review of several "survival" type knives in the backwoodsman (don't have it handy so I'm a little fuzzy on it) and the overall winner was actually a Grohmann survival knife (the one with the "worst" steel!). These knives were tested in the field on a north country canoe trip. They found that the Grohmann was not particularly stellar for any one task but had the greatest range of application. You're not going to find out the "range of application" by chopping 2x4s or hanging rope. That's why I enjoy field tests from people I trust.

Also, one of the great things you pointed out which I really appreciate about the Becker line is the bang for the buck. They are one of the best values around. Comfortable, durable, and overall excellent quality.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next installment. Great job!

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
Thanks, Hoodoo -- glad you enjoyed it!

Your point about "widest range of application" is an excellent way to put it. "Application" means how well it applies to your particluar circumstances and goals -- what it will do for you. Knives are a means to an end. Too many forget that. Okay, well, some blades ya just gotta have becuase it's an addiction, but hey, you know what I mean.
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~Brian.
 
Nice review, Brian, Thanks! I was trying to hold out for the Bush Hog, but I'm too impatient. Now it looks like I'm going towards the Brute or the Magnum Camp.

HooDoo, how's that Magnum Camp for general purpose with light chopping and hacking?

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by sgtmike88:
HooDoo, how's that Magnum Camp for general purpose with light chopping and hacking?
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I think that is exactly what it was designed for. It's not great for cutting down large timber but no problem with small green saplings like you would use to make a shelter. I also cleaned a couple squirrel with mine. Piece of cake! As the trees get bigger, you will work a little harder and that's where the Brute would work better with more mass. Same for the Companion even though in appearance they look vastly different, their chopping ability is somewhat similar. The tip on the MC gives you a little edge for finer work, though, compared to the Companion. But I really like the Companion for ease of carry. Short knife with decent chopping ability that won't be banging on your knee. Thus it's the perfect upland hunting companion. I carry a smaller blade for field dressing game (my current favorite is a Dozier Personal Utility) and the Companion for chopping things that want to poke you in the eye or grab hold of your legs. It takes the paws off of squirrels in a flash too.
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The Magnum Camp works equally well for this, it's just not as compact.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
I see our blade tastes running quite similarly HooDoo. I'm currently using a Dozier K9 and a Busse Basic 5. The Busse's handle is a little small for my tastes however, so it's up for sale. I'm really looking hard at that Mag Camp and Brute.

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.
 
Good News SgtMike: I just now got off the phone with Brigade Quartermasters (1-800-338-4327). I placed my order for the Bush Hog at$74.99 plus shipping. It is in stock and on its way. Excellent review article. I own at least one of every Becker except the Tac Tool ( not sure what I'd use it for ).
 
I have had a Becker Brute for some time.This knife does nothing but impress me every time I use it.I liked it so much that I ordered a Bush Hog to go with it.I will also be ordering a Companian later.
 
Hi Brian...Do you favor one sharpening media over another to sharpen the Brute's blade ?
 
Hi, FF,

I usually carry two very small sharpeners -- a fine diamond rod (from Mission Knives, I believe made by EZ LAP), and a coarse DMT flat sharpener. I find them to be more efficient for bringing back an edge when the daylight hours are waning and I gotta keep on working.

I also sometimes bring along a Spyderco double-sided ceramic when I'm contemplative around the fire and want to polish off the edge a little more without removing too much material.

~B.
 
Brian,
Great real world review! I hope you continue to enjoy your BRUTE as much as I do. Please let us know how your upcoming trip goes and how the BRUTE works out.

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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com
 
I have had a brute for about six months. I agree with the review - it's an excellent knife. It's a liitle heavy for most backpacking, but great for car camping chores or bushwacking survival type hikes. The best attribute of the Brute is its price/value. At $ 90 or so, it's a very high quality product, but not tooo expensive that you are afraid to really use it!
 
Good point BillD,

We've been looking for a dependable blade in that price range. Brian will be giving it a real-world test during our two week survival outing/video. From what Brian has said in conversations and communications that I have had with others who own the blade, it is a real performer. I may borrow it from him for a day or so...
smile.gif


Ron

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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
Will,
Thanks -- I'll let you know...

...I'll hafta keep it hidden away from Ron...
wink.gif


~B.

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Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum
 
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