Big camping knife for a friend

I am very happy with my BK9.

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Thing is, chopping isn't only thing what he needs (or more likely wants) a knife for.

Machete would be rather long and thus more tricky to carry. Despite the fact they're really cheap and easily available.

I'll tell him to look into SP-53 like some of you suggested, it's almost half the price of BK-9 here. But it's also a lot heavier and BK-9 likely holds s better edge. But, 5160 might be tougher...
 
the kershaw camp knife is worth a look. 65mn steel and hefty. good chopper but bit thick for fine slicing. that is if country of origin isn't a concern.
 
jbmonkey said:
the kershaw camp knife is worth a look. 65mn steel and hefty. good chopper but bit thick for fine slicing. that is if country of origin isn't a concern.
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I can try, he doesn't care where is it from, but he often looks reviews online before purchase.

I just saw a number of pics of heavily damaged knives on Amazon. From what I see it's hit and miss with their heat treat, and Ontario at least has better reputation, and Becker has even better reputation and should be even be on top with fit and finish when we look at all 3 of them.
 
Cold Steel SRK in SK5 ~$43
Estwing 14" hatchet ~$38 (Fiskars or CS has some in this price range too)
Swiss Army Knife Fieldsman ~ $39 (about the cheapest SAK with a good saw)
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Total about $120.

For $10ish more then a BK9, you get a set of tools that will cover all your needs. The biggest drawback is the added weight.

The only reason I push a hatchet. When people keep saying "chopping", it is the best tool for the job. Any decent fixed blade can chop a few times but for repeated batoning or chopping, grab a hatchet imho.

Good luck.
 
jbmonkey said:
the kershaw camp knife is worth a look. 65mn steel and hefty. good chopper but bit thick for fine slicing. that is if country of origin isn't a concern.
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I can try, he doesn't care where is it from, but he often looks reviews online before purchase.

I just saw a number of pics of heavily damaged knives on Amazon. From what I see it's hit and miss with their heat treat, and Ontario at least has better reputation, and Becker has even better reputation and should be even be on top with fit and finish when we look at all 3 of them.
Vaytsee said:
What’s he wanting to chop? Brush, firewood or onions?
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Brush, tree limbs, on rare ocassions firewood.
 
If functionality, usability, ergonomics and “quick results from minimal effort” are priorities, I would be looking at a small hatchet/Fiskars XA23 brush hook + smaller knife.

If he/she just wants a big knife to play with, then the options the other guys have suggested look best.
 
gazz98 said:
I'm guessing he couldn't be talked into a hatchet? If chopping is his main requirement, he might be best served with a nice hatchet paired with a 4-5" fixed blade.

For the price, a BK9 or BK7 might be the best option.
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This /\.
 
Thanks for suggestions.

He just ordered SP-53.

SP-53 is going for 94€ while BK-9 is 175€ here (I know, you guys have different prices).

Kershaw Camp 10 is at 91€ so at that point it's a no brainer to pick Ontario.

BK-9 argualby has better tang and edge retention, but 5160 at that thickess is just very tough, and is easy to get sharp.

He'll definitely use it at cold weather too, so hidden tang at least has that added comfort.

All in all, 5160 is a good steel and this is way better option for the price
 
The Zieg said:
Since "Smatchet!" is not realistic or serious, go with the 240mm bladed Skrama by Varusteleka. I love mine.
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This might sound weird, but if it had a drop point, clip point or even tanto point I'd be all over it, this way despite knowing it's great blade I still just don't really feel it. And price is same as with SP-53.

Drop bear said:
The kabar Bowie isn't a bad chopper. And pretty thin so it isn't super heavy.

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Biggest issue is that I just can't get this anywhere in europe (trying to find it now to see the price).

And I want something with some heft to it, but I'm also looking at SP-43 as something more normal though...

SP-53 wouldn't break the bank and at that size and weight it's just something that's sheer power once you swing it.

I admit I have no real need for it as I have a hatchet and a warcraft tanto, but it can be more convenient for removing tree limbs and stuff like that, or just to mess around with it.
 
Just to muddy the waters… Condor Village Parang is a chopping machine, great 1075 is a breeze to sharpen in the field (back yard) and the convex grind is super thick out at the end where the weight is, and laser thin by the unique wood handle, allowing for surprisingly decent fire making tasks. It’s definitely heavy but maybe fine for a larger hand/human, it may be an interesting alternative. It feels at home in your hand like few other machetes imo
 
FloridaDreams said:
Just to muddy the waters… Condor Village Parang is a chopping machine, great 1075 is a breeze to sharpen in the field (back yard) and the convex grind is super thick out at the end where the weight is, and laser thin by the unique wood handle, allowing for surprisingly decent fire making tasks. It’s definitely heavy but maybe fine for a larger hand/human, it may be an interesting alternative. It feels at home in your hand like few other machetes imo
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Nothing wrong with good old 1075.

I just checked it out, it's a beast :D

I'm not really liking that tip, but the handle definitely looks cool, kinda like monkey tail.
 
EatingSarma said:
This might sound weird, but if it had a drop point, clip point or even tanto point I'd be all over it, this way despite knowing it's great blade I still just don't really feel it. And price is same as with SP-53.


Biggest issue is that I just can't get this anywhere in europe (trying to find it now to see the price).

And I want something with some heft to it, but I'm also looking at SP-43 as something more normal though...

SP-53 wouldn't break the bank and at that size and weight it's just something that's sheer power once you swing it.

I admit I have no real need for it as I have a hatchet and a warcraft tanto, but it can be more convenient for removing tree limbs and stuff like that, or just to mess around with it.
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I have the marine Bowie. And that would suit. If you wanted heftier.

The sp10

 
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