Big chopper knife?

M1GarandGuy said:
I would not recommend the bk9, my friend owns both the rtak ii and the bk9. Ive used both extensively and the rtak ii out preforms it in every single way. the rtak with its ffg carves wood better, i also think the bk9's handle is a bit too small for chopping. batoning with the rtak is easier because the bk9's clip point is very abrupt, but the rtak's clip point allows you to baton with the full length of the spine. All of this is based on my experience with the knives, and in no way is meant to put down Ethan or his designs. my vote is with the rtak ii (which i will be ordering soon) or the falci manaresso.
Click to expand...

Ok, but OP already has the ESEE Junglas which is an RTAK.
 
Guyon said:
I own or have owned a lot of big choppers. Junglas. Busse Steel Hearts and Battle Mistresses. Swamp Rats. Ka-Bars. HI khuks. Customs. My go-to, however, is still the Becker BK-9. It fits my hand and just plain works the way I like.

P1050553.jpg


Someone mentioned the Siegle Jungle knife. Also a great choice.

P1020468.jpg


You won't go wrong with a T.M. Hunt M-18 either.

4BC9713A-87C7-4E96-B33E-458E6AABFB05-182-00000008A72D4CC5_zps5bf70db2.jpg
Click to expand...

How much is that hunt. That thing looks mean as heck.
 
Bill Siegle's knives come up on the exchange often enough, he's also a member of this forum. Maybe shoot him an email.

I have one of his knives, in 5160 I believe, with a bolo shape and with its FFG it works quite well for chopping/wood processing.



Also have one made by Christopher Berry (Big Chris here) in 3v and right around 4mm thick. Bites quite deep.

 
Last edited:
OP? Btw there are others who search these threads looking through the recommendations so recommending the rtak doesnt hurt, and i also recommended the falci manaresso. just sayin
 
mbkingshane said:
Ok looking for some other options. Wanting a big chopping /camp knife. Nothing really for hiking. Just grab my pack from the truck walk a mile or so, and set up camp. Need this for making primitive shelters, wood batoning, general camp chores. I will also have a smaller fixed blade or folder for cooking and finer camp tasks. The knives I'm thinking of are. Cold steel trail master, Fallkniven thor, Fallkniven A2 wilderness knife. Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks for your help and knowledge!
Click to expand...

Hattori made knives are among the very best production knives in the world!
I think You will enjoy any of the 3 listed.
I own and use the Fällkniven A2, NL1 Tor, but also the NL2 Odin.

The 8" knives are great in a daypack and covers my way of using a big knife.
The 10" Tor is another thing and it's the centerpiece in my collection.

Already the Odin is a great user for the tasks listed.
1258829285-NL2-029.jpg


The A2 has more forward weight in the blade and is more for chopping than the allround NL2.
I rehandled mine in Moose antler, as Kraton isn't a favorite of mine
1426329623-IMGP6065.JPG


When holding the NL1 Tor everything else gets pale in compare.
My Tor is rehandled in a premium piece of Sambar Stag and this one puts a broad smile on everyone, who has handled it.
1295789583-NL1-Sambar-Crown-037.jpg


1406927767-IMGP4763.JPG


1433447063-IMAG0143.jpg

Clearing a fallen Pine, that blocked a corner of the lawn.



Regards
Mikael
 
If you are talking pure chopper then best bang for buck at any overall length is a HI kuhkri - hands down end of story full stop. However weight can be an issue with those and also ability to handle other knifey tasks may be compromised. Personally after trying kuks busses siegles kabars beckers many cold steels a browning competition cutter and I can't even remember what else over the years my go-to is a rehandled scrapyard 1311. 13.5" of wide 3/16" blade with an added choil seems to be the best multi-tasker without weighing too much or costing too much --- but of course everyone's weight, length and $$ tolerance is different.
 
Mikael W said:
Hattori made knives are among the very best production knives in the world!
I think You will enjoy any of the 3 listed.
I own and use the Fällkniven A2, NL1 Tor, but also the NL2 Odin.

The 8" knives are great in a daypack and covers my way of using a big knife.
The 10" Tor is another thing and it's the centerpiece in my collection.

Already the Odin is a great user for the tasks listed.
1258829285-NL2-029.jpg


The A2 has more forward weight in the blade and is more for chopping than the allround NL2.
I rehandled mine in Moose antler, as Kraton isn't a favorite of mine
1426329623-IMGP6065.JPG


When holding the NL1 Tor everything else gets pale in compare.
My Tor is rehandled in a premium piece of Sambar Stag and this one puts a broad smile on everyone, who has handled it.
1295789583-NL1-Sambar-Crown-037.jpg


1406927767-IMGP4763.JPG


1433447063-IMAG0143.jpg

Clearing a fallen Pine, that blocked a corner of the lawn.



Regards
Mikael
Click to expand...

Wow nice collection sir. I really like that Thor the handle is beautiful. So the A2 is a real chopper?
 
The best choppers I have tried are Kukris, from Hi or GK. An AK or Ganga Ram with a 10" or 11" blade will do better than my small hand axe. Imhave tried them out in the backyard. I like a full tang kukri for lots of heavy chopping.
 
mbkingshane said:
Wow nice collection sir. I really like that Thor the handle is beautiful. So the A2 is a real chopper?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words!
I really like those knives and I can confirm that the A2 is a chopper in a compact package.
That said, I agree with the others, that larger knives are better choppers.
The thing with an eight inch blade is that it often has enough power, but in an easier to carry size.

I have read favorable user-reports from the jungles of Malaysia to the wilderness of Alaska, so it's safe to say the A2 is a proven design.


Regards
Mikael
 
How about the Schrade SCHF28?
[video=youtube;lXvWAjzDMek]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXvWAjzDMek[/video]

mbkingshane said:
Ok looking for some other options. Wanting a big chopping /camp knife. Nothing really for hiking. Just grab my pack from the truck walk a mile or so, and set up camp. Need this for making primitive shelters, wood batoning, general camp chores. I will also have a smaller fixed blade or folder for cooking and finer camp tasks. The knives I'm thinking of are. Cold steel trail master, Fallkniven thor, Fallkniven A2 wilderness knife. Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks for your help and knowledge!
Click to expand...
 
Busse Combat Anniversary Straight Handle battle Mistress CG current offering direct from Busse 487 USD
 
Ontario Kukri chops like a beast and leaves tons of money in your pocket, or the Kabar Potbelly (its price dropped recently).
 
Kukris out chop other blade shapes, If stainless and laminated blade are important i'd get a San Mai Cold Steel kukri.

Or save cash and buy an a 2lbs, 18" handled axe haha:P
 
If you were interested in a Busse, they're having a large sale next week in what they call a Ganza. Head over to the Busse subforum for more info if so inclined.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top