Becker Machax or Brute?

Daniel L

Daniel L

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 2, 1998
Messages
1,978
I'd have to say that this line from Camillus represents OUTSTANDING value (even if it is in US dollars for us poor kiwis). Which one to get? Yes, I know you guys will say get both!
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What's the difference in purpose for these two? Did the Brute evolve from the Machax? They're obviously both choppers with the brute having extra mass on the spine for the sweet spot - while the Machax has the familiar khukri shape (and hatchet like) and a much thicker grind. I have an HI WWII - bu have always wanted something with modern materials and "design"... but that Brute looks so much more aesthetically appealing.

Any comments from current owners? (of the original BKT I suppose)

Cheers,

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Daniel
 
I could be way off on this, and feel free to correct me, but wasn't the Machax the very first BK&T product?

I talked to Ethan Becker years ago. Nice fellow. Wasn't it his mother who wrote "The Joy of Cooking"? I could have sworn that I saw a cookbook in Barnes&Noble that he's written.
 
I was wondering the same thing as you, Daniel. Going solely by pictures, I think the Brute is more of a "knife," while the Machax would be better for serious woodcutting (chopping), and things like prying and digging,due to the squared off end.
 
Daniel,
The Machax is the first BK&T design. The ergonomics of the Machax's Kukri-dreived blade make for incredible, versatile power in a compact package, great for chopping and splitting, a good drawknife, excellent froe; IMHO the best all around BK&T camp knife.

The Brute is an in-line version for those (who are many and vocal!) who detest the aesthetics of the Kopis.

Both work, but my favorite is the MACHAX!

Thanks for the kind words.
Ethan


[This message has been edited by Will Fennell (edited 02-05-2000).]
 
Whetstone,

You are dead on. the Machax was indeed the first BK&T project.

I doubt I would recognize you by the name Whetstone if we talked some years ago. I would guess we talked as real people rather than internet personalities, but I am glad I made a decent impression.

And you're right on the second count....my grandmother wrote the original Joy of Cooking in 1931. Mom took over in the 50's, and I have been in charge since the late 70's.

Enjoy!
Ethan
 
Burke,
Despite it's size (approximately the same length as the Brute) and configuration the Machax is capable of pretty fine work. No it is not any easy whittler, but for drowning stakes and such, and drawknife work on round stock like limbs and saplings for camp sonstruction, it works great. The mechanical advantage of the Machax makes it possible to work longer with less effort. The Brute is prettier.

Enjoy!
Ethan
 
Great to see the man that started it all pop in here. Thanks, Ethan. I sent you an email a few days ago.

-Bart
 
Ethan- I'm Glad you're here.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
Hello Ethan,

Your original Machax is also my absolute favorite BKT product & IMO, far superior as a general bush tool to any other kukri/kopis chopper ever made. I use my >12 year old model extensively in spring to fall camping (about 30 days per year) which ranges from primitive-rustic to tenting in the odd campground. I also teach/practice primitive/emergency wilderness survival in the foohills & badlands of southern Alberta - used the Machax to make many shelters, quick bows & atlatls, etc.. In explaining the virtues of your tools design to students I place the Machax on a chalkboard, trace the end's cutting edge & the handle, remove the tool - connect w/ straight lines & it has identical geometry to an excellent Sandvik hatchet I own.
If I ever figure out how to attach pics to these posts, I'll send the picture of the prairie weathered abandoned telephone pole I chopped down w/ my Machax (to get the insulators for sambuca shot glasses of course) - took about 15 min w/ no significant hand discomfort.

Just happy I can buy a spare Machax sometime soon... .Thanks, Dudley Driscoll
 
Hi Ethan! I didn't expect to see you here. Boy, I'm sure glad I didn't have anything bad to say about you! We spoke on the phone several years ago. You took the time to answer all my questions and give me a brief history of BK&T. I still have the literature you sent me on your knives. I'm delighted to see them once again available. I hear there will be Machaxes available soon. I plan to get one at the Blade Show. Will you be attending?
 
Ethan will be at BLADESHOW. Look forward to seeing ya'll there....




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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery


 
Anyone who knows -- how much does a machax
actually weigh? (including the sheath -- after all, if I'm taking it down the Amazon, etc., I have to consider the total!)
An odder question: if I am looking to avoid opportunistic theft -- would it be harmed be letting the back/side of the blade gather a little bit of rust? Is there any other way it can be "modified" to disguise it as merely a funky-shaped POS as opposed to the tremendous tool it actually is?

Ethan -- you must be a man of truly broad interests and talents. I'm just dying to know how many of those recipes you have at some point prepared with one of your tools...especially the machax...:^)
 
johnniet,
I don't have the weight of the MACHAX and sheath yet, becuase we aren't due to bring that knife out until BLADESHOW. But, the Brute is just a little bigger, and it weighs 1lb., 12 ozs.[sheath and all]. I would estimate that the MACHAX would be about 4 ozs less.

As far as disguising the quality of the MACHAX,......I dunno what to tell you. The blade will be coated to protect from rust. The sheath is very sturdy. You may have to use your imagination
wink.gif
.

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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery


 
Will,
How much does the Brute weigh by itself sans sheath?

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
Will and Ethan,

Thanks alot guys!
Now the fires are lite to pick up another knife.
"Honest honey ... that Machax is for you! Thought you'd enjoy a new knife instead of going to Hawaii ..."

Mike



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Mike's Emergency Preparedness Forum


No matter what you do, some things won't work out.
No matter what you do, some things will work out.
Worry about those things that you can make a difference with.
 
Ive used the Brute
I love it . Ive chopped most types of wood,
dug the earth, cut rope , smashed garlic bulbs, hammered with the top of the blade ect.
The brute is a great tool!
Holds a great edge, and performs.

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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
NEW WEB SITE TAKE A LOOK!!!!!!!!!
New projects and pics to look at !!!!
 
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