Best 7" Chopper?

MW740

MW740

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
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I am trying to find a knife that has a 7" blade that will be used for an all around camp/ trail knife. I would like something that is balanced for chopping. What are my options?
 
what are you gonna be chopping? what percentage of use towards cutting? Chopping? Fighting?

A seven incher isn't going to make for good chopping, but if you must, look for a lot of metal in the blade. look for a quarter inch thick blade...

The new Cold Steel Recon Scout might be an economical option.
 
The Swamp Rat Camp Tramp is the most blade-heavy knife in the size category you're talking about that I know of. It is differentially tempered, has a resiprine-C handle that is much tougher (and nicer to your hand) than kraton, and has an unconditional lifetime warranty. The Recon Scout is a strong and heavy knife but with its straight handle and long clip point it is designed and balanced as a fighter. Lowest you'll find the Recon Scout (unless it's used) is about $100.00 even. Swamp Rat is easily worth the extra $28.00.
 
I briefly owned a Recon Scout that never saw use but it sure weighed and balanced like a chopper - and the thick edge (like Busse) seems designed for chopping duty. Also has a very strong tip.
 
well , hmmm theres the BK7

or theres the BK7!!!

seriously, for the low price its a quality tool, and you can get a good knife for a lower price so you can spend money on some other things.
 
The BK-7 is a very well made, tough knife and an excellent value. It's too light and centrally balanced to be a good chopper, though. The BK-9 is a good chopper, but obviously in a larger size category.
 
hmm good point, i have the bk9 its a GREAT chopper,


if 9" is ok then get the bk9
 
You and I are in the same boat. We are looking for the same type of knife.

After much research and various extremely helpful opinions from here, I think the Camp Tramp is in my future. It seems to be a well rounded knife - jack of all trades, master of none type of knife. A camp knife doesn't need to be a master of much, but rather a good all around tool IMO. With a great reliability reputation and unsurpassed warantee, the CT seems tough to beat.
 
bk-7

i say this with some heavy chopping under (and on...badumdum) my belt. it's a great knife for the job. i use it for everything around the campsite and found it to be great. if only it could locate a spot to sleep without a huge root running down the middle :-)
 
The Becker #7 and #9 do not chop well for their size, the #7 is readily outperformed by a Camp Tramp, and the #9 just slightly betters it, and would not fare well in comparison to a Battle Rat, the blades are simply too neutral in balance. This comparision of course assumes you are talking about cutting stiff wood, if it is light vegetation then the Beckers can hold their own.

To clearify, the Camp Trap isn't optimal for chopping however, specifially the edge profile could most likely be decreased in thickness and angle, how much so depends on the user strength and skill level. This of course is something you can do with a sharpening stone and a little time. The basic profile and weight are solid for a heavy chopper on stiff woods and the handle a nice complement giving a firm, secure and comfortable grip.

-Cliff
 
BK7 is a lousy chopper, though it works ok with a baton. I actually like the 7 alot, and carry one when hiking/camping. Great for cutting yourself loose from brush, splitting smaller stuff, and preparing kindling, but a chopper it isn't.
I'd go for the Camp Tramp, and would own one myself if I didn't have a Basic 9, already.
Camp Tramp has a much better balance for chopping, along with much more secure, and comfortable, handles.
 
Another camp tramp vote. Tan is less Rambo-like; a good colour if you are using in public campgrounds etc. Have you ever considered a small Gransfors hatchet? I have one that only weights 1 lb and is a perfect compliment to a smaller more versatile blade.
 
Another posibility is to design your own. Lots of good makers who will build a blade to your exact requirements at a reasonable price.

-- Dizos
 
Well, I'll chime in since I have most of the knives being discussed.

The Beckers have an excellent steel, but for me, I haven't found them to be good choppers. The CU/7 is a great knive, but not designed to be a chopper. The BK9 is better, but the edge is just thin enough that in wood it binds all the time. For other vegetation, however, it is terrific. They both have wonderful steel that takes and keeps a great edge. I use them for other things.

As for the CS Recon Scout and the Camp Tramp, for me it's a draw. The Camp Tramp seems to hold it's edge a little longer, but the handle is a little thin for me for hard chopping. The Recon Scout has superb balance for chopping, and also has great steel.

If I were looking at JUST chopping for a 7 inch knife, I'd go with the CS Recon Scout. For all around use, including chopping, I'd probably go with the Camp Tramp, although the line between it and the RS is very thin indeed.

For hiking, it's hard to beat the Beckers. Fantastic steel, light weight, and chopping (or batoning) in a pinch.

They're all 4 good knives. Pick one, learn it, get comfortable with it, and you won't have made a mistake.
 
I agree that you should go with the BK-9 if you can. Those extra couple of inches and the accompanying boost in weight can't help but aid with chopping and the like.
 
Why is everyone assuming that this guy is looking for a budget knife and has no money? He asked for the BEST 7" chopper, not the best value 7" chopper. Get a Busse Steel Heart-E, I think you'll like it.
 
I stongly agree with kbog on A camp knife doesn't need to be a master of much, but rather a good all around tool. How about Aitor hacheta? I think that the Aitor hacheta and Aitor bowie makes a good pair.
http://www.aitor.com/ go and have a look is under products and hunting.
 
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