Best Chopper for Vehicle Under $80?

O

Owie

Joined
Mar 19, 2011
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I'm interested in getting someone a quality made, versatile & inexpensive blade/chopper for the cab space behind their truck's rear seats mainly for emergency use etc.
Something that can break down big pieces of wood & won't incite too much sadness if lost or stolen.

So far these are the only 3 I could come up with:

Becker BK9
Esee Lite Machete
Estwing Camper's Axe 17 5/8" OAL

Honorable Mention:
Condor Golok

If you could only pick one, which would you choose, or are there in fact better options?
 
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BK9 would be a better chopper than the BK7.
ESEE is excellent, chops wood better than I would have thought.
Eswing's are okay.

Don't rule out something like the Ontario 12"(or)bigger machete's. The one's that are 1/8" thick are 1/8" for their entire height, except for the edge. The 12" Cutlass is longer than the BK-7 or 9, more heavy duty than the Lite Machete, and more compact and versatile than the Estwing.
Put a convex edge on an Ontario machete(thry come with no edge) and they will bite deep. Replace the scales with micarta, and you actually have an excellent chopper, for $20 + .
 
I keep a cold steel special forces shovel in my car, mostly because I don't have another great use for it (too heavy to bring backpacking, etc.) but I like that it can dig and chop. Can't say that i've used it for anything since it's been in my car for the past 6 months though. I do think it's more versatile than a machete though. I'd say shovel + mora or other cheap fixed blade for the car.

Another good thought is a cheap bowsaw like a bahco if your worried about cutting down trees blocking the road, etc. You could easily get all 3 under $80.
 
ontario sp8 survival machete, $50-$70 bucks great sheath, comfy handle and it looks badass too! i have one in my truck right now. my esee 5 is my favorite knife, but at $130bucks it goes inside with me.
 
Cold Steel Special forces Shovel.

;) Only because you said it was for vehicle emergencies, not camping. I figure that shovel will do more for a vehicle than any one knife could.

The Condor golok is a heavy hitter value, I own one. Warranty tested.
 
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I like the SP8 as well, but it's a thick edge, not the best chopper in my collection. It is tough as nails and sharp. I do like the sheath, heavy duty snaps, and thick leather.
 
Oh man I meant to put BK9, it was a long day.

The Ontarios are great suggestions, the quality/price ratio seems really high. That 12" Cutlass that Foxx suggested looks like a winner.

I had seen a picture of a Condor Golok with a cracked handle and that put me off, but I'm sure it's the exception rather than the rule.
 
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My Estwing hatchet came dull, but once I convexed it on the belt sander it turned into a chopping monster. Out of those choices I'd go with the trusty ax, tons of power.
 
Perhaps the Gerber Parang. I haven't tried it out but there are some reviews on the forum. I have had several of the Gerber Brush knives which are very good.
Gerber-Bear-Grylls-Parang-Machete-31-000698-600x348.jpg


It goes in the $40 range, I believe.

Andy
 
Kabar Cutlass Machete.
Kabar Heavy Bowie
Condor Kumunga
Condor Hudson Bay

You can get each of them for less than $50.
 
Cold Steel shovel, Cold steel kukri machete.
I have a CS shovel in my trunk. Highly recommended.
 
Let me add to your list:

how bout a 14"-16" Tramotina Bolo Chete..??

or if you plan on having it within reach maybe a BK2 as a hefty smallerish type chopper thingy that can be readily available if you need it to pry or smash your way out of your car.. :D
 
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I bought an Ontario Spec Plus 8 for about $50. I chops and batons really well. It also has a "saw" on the back that kind of works. Plus I could possibly use it to pry open a car door or some such thing if needed.
 
Owie said:
Oh man I meant to put BK9, it was a long day.

The Ontarios are great suggestions, the quality/price ratio seems really high. That 12" Cutlass that Foxx suggested looks like a winner.

I had seen a picture of a Condor Golok with a cracked handle and that put me off, but I'm sure it's the exception rather than the rule.
Click to expand...

I saw the same pics. The Condor Golok now comes full tang.
 
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