Big Fixed Blades

My vote is also for the swamp rat battle rat. My first large fixed blade was a Becker matchax, then I picked up a HI WW2, and then a Battle Rat.

I really like the style of the Becker, the low price and the “no frills” attitude of the company, but I will say that I was a bit disappointed with the strength of the steal (I was clearing out some brush is my parents backyard and I glanced their mow strip. This both chipped and rolled the edge- and I don’t think I actually hit it that hard). I should also add that the coasting on the blade showed wear a little easier than I had expected. (I know you were thinking about a BK9 but this is the only “big” Becker that I have experience with).

The HI is a good knife, although the brass insert at the end of the handle keeps digging into the butt of my hand and needed to be filed down and glued to fill the gap. Plus the uncoated khurks need a lot more care as far as rust prevention goes. All this to say that they are tough knives and you can get them for great prices on their forum—I got mine for $50 shipped.

I just recently got my Battle Rat in the mail. I really like the handle of the knife, it is very comfortable, both to hold and it absorbs shock when chopping. The knife comes with an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, both on the blade and on the handle—that is something that is hard to beat! This knife was also by far, the sharpest of the three out of the box—I know that that doesn’t say too much about quality, but it still is a nice thing! I did however manage to chip out its edge this last weekend when I was prying apart some palates for a bonfire. I managed to locate a nail and when I put the edge on it (unintentionally) and applied pressure, the steal just popped out. Never the less, the knife remained shaving sharp, and the customer service at Swamp Rat was great. They said I could send it back to them and they would either replace the whole knife, or fix up the edge for free. Oh yeah, and the costing on this knife is near indestructible, after prying, chopping, and splitting, there was not a single place on the blade where the coating had rubbed off.
 
Originally posted by collecter

I have not found one single knife that can do eveything as well as tools designed specifically for their task.

For light chopping, the best tool I have ever used is the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe - $65.00

For clearing a path thru a web of thin vegetation or branches, the best tool is a simple 18" US issue machete - $25.00

Total $90.00...there is not one single knife that will out-perform this combination.

If your reason is simply because you want a big knife, which is a valid reason, buy only what you like.

Cheers,
Collecter
Click to expand...

I would like to point out that I use one big knife that outperforms the combination you mentioned, at least for the kind of brush that I have to clear around here. It's my 24" long hunting Bowie.

For succulent plants, like common pokeberry, smartweed, black nightshade, musk thistle, etc., the ligher machette is indeed better, since you won't get tired from swinging, and more importantly, trying to slow down, the bigger Bowie.

However, when I'm actually clearing "brush", like soon when we start moving deer stands and need to open firing lanes, I will be encountering more numerous tougher plants. In later fall especially, wild blackberry, snakeroot, leafy spurge, iron weed, and 1/2"-3/4" diameter hardwood saplings, etc., can be especially tough. The greater weight of the Bowie carries it thru big patches of the stuff much better. And, the extra 6 inches of blade generate even more speed than an 18" machette, and give more reach to take out a bigger swath with every swing. (and more distance from thorns)

This Bowie also chops serious wood as well as any hatchet, as I found when I needed to remove a 4" diameter limb from a dead (seasoned) oak tree, and a 10" diameter limb from a pecan tree, and had my knife with me. (Umm... I hate to point this out on a forum devoted to edged tools, but axes aren't really the best choice for serious wood cutting either. That's why we own 6 or 7 chainsaws. If we have some REALLY serious wood to cut, we borrow my great uncle's chainsaw with the 4 1/2 foot long bar, so we can reach the center of big trees.) I've experimented with the edge geometry of hatchets and double bitted axes, and found that if I make the edge thin enough to really penetrate the wood, it will bind and be hard to pull out again with every swing. So, I sharpen them with a more obtuse, less efficient edge, so they don't penetrate deep enough to bind. In contrast, the Bowie can get by with a much more efficient and thinner edge. This is because it bears against the wood across a much *longer* surface, which keeps it from penetrating too deep to bind. Thus, each swing removes a chip that is shallower, but longer, and actually removes more wood. If I want a stouter edge to do some rough work, well then I simply turn the knife over in my hand and use the 13" long sharpened false edge on the spine. It is ground at a steeper angle, with edge geometry more like an ax, and I actually do use it almost as often as the main edge. My knife is slower than a machette, but still quicker than a good sized hatchet, and that extra speed comes in very handy when cutting the unsupported ends of long hardwood limbs that are in my firing lane. And, again, the Small Forest Ax is only 19" long. It's often surprising how much an extra 5" or so of reach can help.

I concede that my knife certainly wasn't as cheap as the combo you proposed, but it does have the advantages of both tools combined into one easy to carry package.
 
I've got to mention the Greco Xplorer knives, they are inexpensive and almost indestructible. With that said I highly reccommend you handle as many big knives as possible. They all have there own feel and balance, I have large hands so the big knife that fits me best has been the Fehrman final judgement, the smaller handles of the other knives caused me to smash my pinkey. What ever you buy from the knives already listed you will be extremely happy. Just my 2 cents.
 
There is a lot of personal preference when it comes to knives.

I never thought I could be impressed by something as simple as an axe. I think for some one to appreciate the GB SFA, they would have to use one against their other cutting tools to understand my admiration for them.

The 19" length feels just perfect for light chopping. I've used their shorter axes but they don't feel as confident or safe especially if you need to use them two handed.

I should mention that these axes are razor sharp. Most guys are impressed by the edge on their VG-10 blades such as on the Sere 2000...these axes are every bit as sharp and they hold their edge. You can use them to slice your tomatos which they do very well.

Before I got my SFA I was a Trailmaster fan. They have chopping power but that's all they're good for. Their edge is too thick for decicate cutting chores..you won't be slicing tomatos with the factory edge. There was no point in carryng one after I found that small axe.

I always bring a small folder and a 4-5" fixed blade along with the the machete anyway. The machet also works well for light digging. I wouldn't do any digging with any knife that cost more that $25.00.

The Trailmaster at approx. $120.00, costs more than my small folder which is a Vic Soldier, plus my GB SFA and my machete combined.

I'd rather spend my money on an ovepriced 4-5" fixed blade. We all have our preferences.

Collecter
 
United Cutlery

The problem with United is common to most "bottom buck" lines - lack of consistency. One piece is heat-treated just right:D . The next example of the same model is too soft:( . A third is too hard:barf: . Give them a try if you want, and good luck.
 
I'm really happy with my Swamp Rat Knives "Battle Rat". Blade is approx. 9 and 1/2 in. Nearly indestructable. Whacks through wood and plants like nobody's business and keeps a sharp edge. The knives are built for abuse, are made by a spinoff company of Busse and cost about half the price.
 
Fehrman Final Judgement,
It can slice really well and chop like a beast and hold its edge for a very long time.This blade is so well put together that I have not seen any "semi custom" or whatever ya want to call them come close to the quality of a Fehrman.
 
In reference to UC brands. The SEAL machete done in ATS34 is the one to get if you can find one. I assure you you will like it. I have not heard negative comments on that particular survival/camp knife. I think even Cliff Stamp in a test said it was OK. AS for the other UC stuff I have heard nothing but negative comments on them. So no matter where you go there you are. Keep'em sharp
 
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