Big Chopping Knives?

Chris Pierce

Chris Pierce

Joined
Nov 15, 2006
Messages
4,837
So it seems like there are a lot of good sized knives on the market. I'm talking about knives like the Rat-9, the Ka-Bar heavy Duty Bowie's and the Becker's, that sort of thing.
I havent used any of these big knives before and i've been wondering, why spend $50-$100 on a big knife to abuse when you can buy a Machete for between $10-$20?
Are they really that much better? I know they're a lot more compact than a typical Machete but wouldnt that just make them harder to chop with?
Some guys talk about cutting down 6" trees with a 12" knife. Seems like a lot more work than just using a folding saw, or even a hatchet. But then again i've never cut down a tree with a knife.
So my question is: Why spend then extra money on a fancy heavy duty chopping knife when there are cheaper machetes on the market?
Is it just for the compact size? Is it a just a fad? Is there something i'm missing?
Thanks
-Chris
 
I'm certainly no expert, but doesn't a machete have a thinner blade designed for slicing through vegetation? I think machetes break if used hard on wood.
 
The Ontario Spec Plus Survival Machete is terrific for about $50. It has a much thicker and heavier blade than a typical machete and works quite well on wood...
 
the truth is your right you could get a 12 inch mechete. it most likly is the better chopper probley better than swamp rat and busse to for chopping. and the ax is better as well and the saw . but what you don't realise is that most of these guys don't use there knives they eather sit in the gun safe with there guns that they dont use eather or there dresser and they set there and gather dust . well we better hide now ithink i stirred up the bees nest now:D :D :jerkit:
 
bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I do to use my knives!!!!! They're in the safe and on the dresser for a reason!! That's where I want them used!!!!
:D
 
I'm afraid that is too often the case Nitestocker.
I actually have a Kukri thats just been sitting in a drawer for about a year. Gotta go out and use her one of these days.
So that may very well be my answer. Are these big knives just too sexy to refuse?
 
nitestocker said:
the truth is your right you could get a 12 inch mechete. it most likly is the better chopper probley better than swamp rat and busse to for chopping. and the ax is better as well and the saw . but what you don't realise is that most of these guys don't use there knives they eather sit in the gun safe with there guns that they dont use eather or there dresser and they set there and gather dust . well we better hide now ithink i stirred up the bees nest now:D :D :jerkit:
Click to expand...

Hmmm.... what is this?

RD3.jpg


And this?

B95.jpg


And this?

FBMCG2.jpg


And this?

PoplarChop.jpg


And this?

FBMLE6.jpg


Yep, you're right. Just a bunch of safe queens gathering dust. ;)
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
So my question is: Why spend then extra money on a fancy heavy duty chopping knife when there are cheaper machetes on the market?
Is it just for the compact size? Is it a just a fad? Is there something i'm missing?
Click to expand...

As you can see, I have some Swamp Rats and Busses that I use. I also use my large Beckers and a few other choppers (HI, Ranger, Ontario). Why the $$$? With the Busses in particular, I know I've got a knife that can take whatever I dish out, and it'll keep coming back for more. Do I absolutely *need* that much overkill? Probably not. But I do like having it in my pack when I head out into the woods. Add the performance to the best warranty in the business, and I don't mind spending the extra money.

However, you can get a great chopper that will give you a lifetime of service at the $100 price point. Just look to Ranger knives or Becker knives for some outstanding values in a large chopper.
 
Now my machetes, I keep in a silk-lined drawer and wipe them down every day...

Machetes2.jpg
 
I would get a Swamp Rat or Busse if I could affort them. But if it's about chopping, a HI khukri is a good solution at a more friendly price. You should check those.
 
cybrok said:
I would get a Swamp Rat or Busse if I could affort them. But if it's about chopping, a HI khukri is a good solution at a more friendly price. You should check those.
Click to expand...


I agree. HI khuks kick some butt when it comes to chopping, and they too come in under $100 very often. Not quite as pack friendly as a straight-line blade, but just outstanding choppers because of all that weight behind the blade. Here's a HI 18", 30 oz. CAK made by Bura. Full tang with horn handle:

BuraCAK.jpg
 
Is it because a larger heavy knife will beable to do the same things a hatchet, a folding saw and a machete will do (all though maybe not as well) but also beable to do things like food prep and lighter cutting chores?
 
All kinds of philosophies on the chopper front. Some folks prefer a small axe or hatchet combined with a smaller knife (SAK, small fixed blade, etc.). Others seem to prefer a medium sized (6 to 7 inch) blade that is an all around tool. They carry it and nothing else. I'm in the camp that prefers one large blade (8 to 10 inches) and one small blade. I find the larger choppers easier to use and easier to pack than a small axe, and just as good at splitting when you throw a baton into the equation. I also carry some sort of smaller knife (3" fixed blade) for detail work or field dressing duties and a multi-tool (SAK or Leatherman) for everything else. With those three tools, I can take care of any situation that comes up.

Also, you can do lighter work with the big chopper if push comes to shove. Certainly easier than with an axe. Still, I'd rather carry a little extra weight and have a nice 3" fixed blade for small chores.

You just have to experiment and see what works best for you. I don't think there is a right answer here.

My favorite little fixed blade...

DenningHunter.jpg
 
I'd posted this over in the Busse forum, but it works here too.

We got out today to play. The HI Khuk's are the best bang for the buck for choppers. But like Guyon said, they aren't too pack friendly in their factory gear. The DOTD specials at the HI forum have some great prices on some incredible hard use knives. 15" HI AK by Sher, FBM by Busse ;)



fbm_AK15.jpg
 
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