Makwakee
The fact that you don't seem to own any of these implements ("should i buy...") implies that maybe you haven't actually gone camping yet. Is that true?
For many places in this country, you won't be doing much if any chopping/splitting/whatever. In some places, there's plenty of kindling-size wood on the ground much of the time. These things all determine how much chopping you'll be doing, and you'll need to know the local conditions to get the "best" item.
For example, you know what I carry? A $10 machete. The machete definitely won't chop or split like a kukri or an axe. On the other hand, it's much lighter, much cheaper, is better for brush clearing (hey, maybe that's what you'll be doing most of, right?), and does a hell of a chopping job on limbs under 2".
On the other hand, if for some reason you're doing a lot of ultra-high-impact camping, or you're also using the item to chop wood around your yard and to split firewood, then something bigger would be more advised.
I agree 100% with Cliff's first 3 sentences. Actually, I agree with all he said, but want to especially emphasize the 1st 3 sentences. Your first camping priority should be a light small high-performance knife, in my opinion. And if you haven't done so, go camping once to see what kind of chopping you do (or more likely, don't do
) before committing a lot of money to a big chopper.
If I'm wrong and you have camped extensively, please tell us what kind of chopping you forsee ahead, and I'll change my answer!
Joe
jat@cup.hp.com