Best chopper for <$120?

[Gossman Knives]

I recommend the Browning Crowell/Barker, RTAK or RTAK II. I have the first two that I've used extensively. Especially the RTAK.
Scott

 

[TheGame]

I recommend the Browning Crowell/Barker, RTAK or RTAK II. I have the first two that I've used extensively. Especially the RTAK.
Scott

I should've asked this to someone earlier, but, oh well.

How well does the Browning Crowell/Barker chop? Anything you can compare it to, perhaps?

 

[looking.around]

Foster Brothers Cleaver. They can be found for about $20.

Great idea--where are you finding these? Only one I saw that wasn't on eBay was $89 and the wrong size and shape.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I should've asked this to someone earlier, but, oh well.

How well does the Browning Crowell/Barker chop? Anything you can compare it to, perhaps?

Extremely well. It has a flat grind/convex edge.
Scott

 

[rifon2]

Cool. I paid a little too much for mine but it was worth it. Specs here. A very good knife if you can overlook the "made in Taiwan" thing... which does bug me for personal/political reasons.

The Ka Bar Heavy Bowie is also Made in Taiwan.
And IIRC both the Crowell Barker and the Ka Bar use 1085 carbon blade steel.

For chopping, I'm with those who've recommended getting an axe.
There are a lot of good ones around at reasonable prices.

 

[kvaughn]

Old Cold Steal Carbon V Trailmaster.--KV

 

[chewbacca]

The Outcast is a good chopper, but if "Made in China" sticks in your craw, it would be out.

I really like the BK9, it chops well, and is made in the States. Actually, I think it chops better than my BK1.

Has anyone tried the Woodsman's pal? That Condor Beavertail looks pretty similar.

 

[d_filgate]

Becker BK9 (9") ($60 range)
Khuk (10" Sirupate) ($40 range)
Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie (9") ($50 range)
Kershaw Outcast (10") ($80 range)

 

[James_Terrio]

The Ka Bar Heavy Bowie is also Made in Taiwan.
And IIRC both the Crowell Barker and the Ka Bar use 1085 carbon blade steel.

For chopping, I'm with those who've recommended getting an axe.
There are a lot of good ones around at reasonable prices.

They might be made in the same factory, for all I know. As to axes, well, the OP asked for a chopping knife. If I really wanted to cut a lot of wood, I'd buy a chainsaw, so let's not go there, shall we?

Extremely well. It has a flat grind/convex edge.
Scott

I agree. The edge is not thick by any means, thinner than my vintage CS Trailmaster, for instance. I have no problem shaving leg hair and cutting newsprint with it, yet the edge holds up very well without chipping or rolling over when chopping wood.

It balances just in front of the plunge. It feels lively and has plenty of power for heavy work.

One small beef I have with it is, the full tang shows small spots of corrosion typical with 1080/1085 steel, and this is kind of a bear to scrub off without scratching up the handle material. I consider this to be a user knife, so I'm not bothered by that very much. But if you keep your knives pristine, this may be an issue for you.

Old Cold Steal Carbon V Trailmaster.--KV

I have one (again, despite the politics involved). Excellent blade, excellent steel, terrible handle ergonomics. I put a nickel silver guard and maple handle on it. I didn't like the way the handle came out, so it's currently sitting in a drawer with no handle at all. I'm thinking of putting a new handle on it and putting it up for sale.