Best chopper under $100. What do you say?

I

icediver

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Nov 15, 2008
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I have been trying to decide for awhile know what I want for an all around carry knife when hunting/camping. I am looking for something with a large enough blade to perform well if needed for chopping, as well as clearing brush etc. A 9-10" blade is what I am leaning towards. I don't want a thin bladed machete either. I want a knife.

Here is what I have been looking at so far.

Becker BK-9 has been leading the list due to price and warranty.
Kershaw Outcast is appealing as well.
RTAK II

What other knives out there meet my criteria? What would you prefer?
Just to add, dont tell me to buy a $50 chopper and a $50 smaller blade knife, I already have that covered. I'm looking for other peoples opinions on the best general use chopper for $100 or less.

Thanks!
 
The Browning Crowell / Barker comp knife is a great knife for the money carbon steel blade good chopper and can be had for a little over or around 100 on ebay
 
A few days ago I ordered a 15" BC/BGRS for $85. Regardless of the precise name for it, they're reputed to be excellent choppers for the size. :thumbup:
 
JParanee said:
The Browning Crowell / Barker comp knife is a great knife for the money carbon steel blade good chopper and can be had for a little over or around 100 on ebay
Click to expand...

+1 on the Crowell/Barker. I don't own one, but it's on my short list. All reviews seem positive, and the price point is very good. Another one to consider is the Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie (the large is a tad over 9" blade length). A great long knife, but perhaps not a great amount of heft for heavy chopping (the blade is a bit thin). And if you have small hands, you may find the handle a bit big for a secure grip. But it's a steal at $45, you really can't go wrong. Finally, if you scout around a little, you might find a deal on a discontinued Cold Steel Trailmaster in SK-5 (the chinese model). I know recently on the exchange I saw one for $105. I almost snapped it up, but I'm waiting for the Taiwanese version to appear later on this year for a tad over $140.
 
I think I saw the same trailmaster you did. I was tempted as well, but I'm still securing the funds at this time. My wife doesn't understand $100 knives, or $100 flashlights, or $1000 guns, go figure.:D
 
I have a Browning. Exposed full tang and 3 tube rivets for lanyard attachment. Great leverage and great leather frog sheath.
I prefer the CS Trail Master all-around but as previously stated, the newer Taiwan one is over your budget at 150.
Really think the extra $30-50 bucks is worth it for one of these but if you have to have it under 100, the Becker is the most popular.
 
I think a BK7 would work... But go with the 9. A recent thread asked for peoples oppinions on the BK9 vs the Outcast and a good chunk of the people who owned both said they liked the BK9 better. The D2 in the Outcast was prone to chipping, the steel is a lot harder to re sharpen than the BK9 due to the D2 and recurved blade. The BK9s 1095 carbon steel is much easier to resharpen in the field.

Ontario... well.. they are known to have some heat treat problems, and they are also not the best company to give your money too. IMO of course.
 
Browning is a great knife, both chopper and camp knife, has lots of utility - Trailmaster is heavier but the edge geometry isn't as good and I find the tip too thick to be useful.
 
IMHO Kuk = good as a dedicated wood chopper but not as good for clearing brush & general camp chores, does not make a good food prep knife for example
 
As much as I like the Khukuri design, I don't think one would be the best choice for what i have in mind.

Has anyone who owns the Browning beat the crap out of it as a chopper? Just curious since I haven't read anything on here about them. (I have to upgrade so I can search pretty soon :))
 
Check out a 6" Buck 119 'Special' at your local discount house - they were as low as $34 at Wally World. The same knife enlarged is the Buck 120 General - with it's 7.5" blade. It is only available from Cabelas now - as their 'Pro Line' - $65 + s/h. That'll leave you enough for a small hatchet, should you need one.

Stainz
 
Probably have gone up to $100. since the 60's.

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I already have several mid sized knives including more than one buck but thanks for the suggestions. I am only looking for a larger blade at this time. The browning is starting to grow on me the more I look at it.

Colubrid, did yours come with a leather or kydex sheath? :D
 
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