Best chopper for <$120?

TheGame

TheGame

Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
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Alright, before we all go bonkers and tell me this has been done multiple times, I know, as I searched for it via google. However, most of the suggestions ended up being over the price point because of "just a little more and..." than there was a "just a little more than that..." etc.

Anyway, I was wondering what you guys would consider the best chopper for under $120.

I am going to be getting a BK9 soon, but I am on a chopping kick right now, so I wanted the opinions of fellow WS&Sers for what another good chopper is.

Of course, I do have one rule - Under $120 ONLY. No "Add a little more and.."
And I prefer nothing from Ontario. Ok, two "rules" but oh well.
 
hi Khuk is a good bet... obviously a BK9..... RTAK is agreat if you don't mind the politics
ALso I have a feeling we'll be seeing something ne from one of our talented makers...
 
Well the ranger and RTAKII are out because of the Ontario thing, also any of the SP-ontario models. The Crowell-Barker is out because the lowest I can find it for is $139.00. So you are left with Kabar Heavy Bowie or the BK9. Of the two, I'd go for the BK-9. I don't know of any other big production blades at that price point.
 
I got a sweet chopper a couple of days ago from Walter Davis for under a hundred bucks. I haven't gotten to use it yet thanks to the ice and snow this weekend, but the fit and finish is great, the sheath is well made, and it is SHARP. I will have to do some testing ASAP and write a review so this knife gets the attention it deserves. Check out the knifemakers' for sale area for some pictures.
 
Browning Crowell/Barker competition cutter - might be able to find one for around $120, has a lot of popular reviews. I sold mine only because I wanted to spend more money on INFI, not due to any deficiency in performance.
 
When I was looking, I really liked the RD-9, but if I get one if is going to be via secondary market.

The Crowell Barker I saw, but I couldn't find any specs on it at all. Anyone have any?
 
Yeah - true enough 11x11. Can't discount an axe. Heck, you might be able to get a Gransfors bruks for that! Also the kukri's as mentioned above.

Crowell Barker is 10" and 3/16" if I recall correctly. There were a pile of old threads generated on it when it first came out. I never seen a bad post about one. They seem to be great tools and have mircata handles to boot!
 
kershaw outcast??? :) ask siguy to put a sweet convex on it and you'll be in business.
 
BK9, Crowell/Barker, used CS Trailmaster (my favorite), the Kabar large Bowie, HI Kukri (best chopper by far, but the design might get in the way of other camp chores) , Tram Machete...all of these are spot on choppers...and I bet there are a few more. I have owned all of them, and still own most..I rotate them into and out of carry. Today I carried a CS Recon Scout( small trailmaster) on a short plant walk..good knife, but I prefer the Trailmaster, good general bowie, tough, and chops well. I have the CS Kukri, its way over your price range..but its awesome. HI Kuks are some of the most brutal choppers out there IMO. I have 2, and love them, I keep trying to sell them, but they are worth more than they sell for...which is why you should buy one.
The Crowell Barker is a very good knife for the money, the handle is made for larger hands though.
The BK9 and Kabar are solid performers well under your price mark.
If you can save a few more dollars..I recomend a Fallkniven A2 or Busse Battle Mistress..both fantastic survival choppers.
 
My vote is for Ka-Bar heavy bowie or cutlass.
I just one of each in the other day and they are massive.
I haven't done anything with them yet but I know they will take on anything!!!!
$40-$60 and its a big chunk of steel that actually is pretty sharp and serves a purpose.
 
AmmoHouse said:
My vote is for Ka-Bar heavy bowie or cutlass.
I just one of each in the other day and they are massive.
I haven't done anything with them yet but I know they will take on anything!!!!
$40-$60 and its a big chunk of steel that actually is pretty sharp and serves a purpose.
Click to expand...

they hold that edge and take a better one too. I beat the snot outta mine a week ago, and it was still shaving sharp.
 
Condor Beaver Tail. I can't impress on you enough how massive the thing is and it chops like a beast. Unfortunately I can't find any pictures of one in-hand, but it's HUGE. Nice leather sheath with a swivel belt loop. Don't be fooled by the stainless thing, either. The heat treatment of the 420HC is fantastic, and it comes from the factory with a polished convex edge.

Can be found for around $50, too.

beaver-tail-tool-md.jpg
 
The Recon Scout is a great chopper for its size. (Own one) Was going to get a Trailmaster when they were $50 at .. wherever it was.

HI Khukri is on my list as well.

I can spend more than $120, just tring to get the "bang for the buck" factor. (Because if I just posted best chopper we'd be getting all kinds of Busse ... Busse.. Busse :D)

Hey, 42Blades, what is the warranty on the Condors? I need to look that up I think..
 
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