Big Blade for Buschcraft?

R

revolution13

Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
64
Hey guys,

I'm trying to decide on my big-blade for carrying into the bush. I've got a small folder, a 4" fixed blade, a folding saw, and a small axe....and last but not least (since i can take more weight on my pack) I'm looking to add a really good big blade.

I'm looking at the Ranger Knived RD 7 ($100), scrapyard sod ($250), and the scrapyard scrapper 6 ($ uknown at the moment)...

Anybody know a for-sure winner out of those picks...or maybe a better suggestion? Thanks for the advice and opinions (you guys always seem to settle my chaotic-undecisive mind!)
 
"Big" in what sense (weight" length" thickness") and for what tasks? A machete and a Ranger RD9 or average khukuri are all "big" but in very different ways. Getting lengths of firewood is better done with a saw.
 
I think any of those will work fine for you, but you might also consider a Walter Davis blade. He makes some large blades, and they are very reasonably priced for what you get.

Also Scott Gossman does some nice blades that are powerhouses.

Another that you might like to look at is NWA-incredibly clean fit and finish, and excellent cutting geometry. Higher in price, but if you can afford it, definitely worth it.

Looking at custom knives may put you off at first, but you can get some really nice blades for the same or less than what you might pay for the SOD.

For cheaper options, you might take a look at the Kabar Heavy Bowie or the Kabar Becker line of knives (just saw that the BK7 can also be had in S30V, if you want stainless).
 
Id go bigger. Like an RD9, or BK9, or an HI Khuk. IMO, a 4in will do about everything you need except chopping, and the 9in blades are waay better at it then the 6-7inchers. Ive never been too big of a fan of that size,
 
j williams said:
Id go bigger. Like an RD9, or BK9, or an HI Khuk. IMO, a 4in will do about everything you need except chopping, and the 9in blades are waay better at it then the 6-7inchers. Ive never been too big of a fan of that size,
Click to expand...

Different strokes, I guess. :) I, personally, dont really like a 9-10" blade. I'd rather carry a 6-7" blade as my main knife, and if I need something bigger just for chopping, I'll carry a machete or axe.
 
I would highly recommend the Swamprat Chopweiler if you can find one for sale !

PICT5139.jpg


PICT5140.jpg


PICT5142.jpg


PC190008.jpg


PC190013.jpg


PC190016.jpg
 
Last edited:
EMT_Lee said:
I, personally, dont really like a 9-10" blade. I'd rather carry a 6-7" blade as my main knife, and if I need something bigger just for chopping, I'll carry a machete or axe.
Click to expand...
I'm not wild about large 9-10 inch blades either, but I think at least part of the previous posters idea was that if you have a 4-5 inch fixed blade, that taking a 6-7 inch blade does not really gain you much. At least not enough to justify the weight and bulk of carrying a second blade. The 4 inch blade will do everything the 6 inch blade will do, except maybe chop/batton and the 6 inch blade is not as good at that as a larger blade. IMO, pick one or the other (4-5 inch or 6-7 inch) not both. If you want a larger blade than the existing 4 incher, get one that is enough bigger to be able to handle different taskes (in other words, a 9-10 inch blade)

Looking at the OP's blade list, I'm not really sure why he would need a "big" knife anyway. IMO the only real reason to carry a large (7+ inch) knife is to serve as a substitute axe/hatchet. Since the OP already has a hatchet, I just don't see any reason to add a large knife to his already extensive load of bladed tools.
 
mdauben said:
I'm not wild about large 9-10 inch blades either, but I think at least part of the previous posters idea was that if you have a 4-5 inch fixed blade, that taking a 6-7 inch blade does not really gain you much. At least not enough to justify the weight and bulk of carrying a second blade. Pick one or the other (4-5 inch or 6-7 inch) not both.

Looking at the OP's blade list, I'm not really sure why he would need a "big" knife anyway. IMO the only real reason to carry a large (9+ inch) knife is to serve as a substitute axe/hatchet. Since the OP already has a hatchet, I just don't see any reason to add a large knife to his already extensive load of bladed tools.
Click to expand...

Right. You've hit the nail on the head, in both cases.

Jake was saying -in addition- to the 4" blade, he would choose the 9-10". I was saying, I like to condense it down to just one blade, which is why I prefer the 6-7".
 
I really like Pitdogs swamprat knife!! thanks for the pics.
One important factor i left out concerning my blade list......This list of equipment is being arranged for a scenerio as follows: I'm going out into the bush, and wont be able to return to "society". No more money, no more new blades...
 
Im thinking that a knife over 7" (agreeing mdauben) will be pointless because i will have an axe (gransfors small forest). BUT....i would love to have a knife that can handle more abuse than my 4" blade, and that could be used for chores that an axe would be a bit too much(such as pitdogs pics). Anybody follow...?
 
revolution13 said:
Im thinking that a knife over 7" (agreeing mdauben) will be pointless because i will have an axe (gransfors small forest). BUT....i would love to have a knife that can handle more abuse than my 4" blade, and that could be used for chores that an axe would be a bit too much(such as pitdogs pics). Anybody follow...?
Click to expand...
Well, its more bladed tools than I would carry, but then I have a friend who thinks that I carry too much (he hiked the whole Appalacian Trail with only a 2 inch Gerber LST folder) so I try not to judge other people. :p

Unfortunately, since that's not a niche I ever felt the need to fill, I can't offer any useful suggestions . ;)
 
At least with the Chopweiler once ya have it you are covered for life against damage...best warranty going...not that you will ever need it, LOL !!!!!
 
Get a 8'' Leuku - IMHO the best bush blade in that size - it will chop great,baton good and cut pretty much like a kitchen knife ;)
 
I've got a Chopweiler although it's not photographed as much as Pitdog's. It's a great blade but so is my RD-7. Justin is a great guy to deal with and you can send the knife back to him for mods any time you want.
 
Never want to put someone off from carrying knives but it seems to me you already have your bases covered - I try to take LESS not more when going bush, but you could dump the axe and get an HI khuk, great value and will outchop most things, plus its really a custom made knife in its own way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top