Budget Big Choppers - OKC Kukri vs Condor Dundie Bowie

Z

Zuology

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Jan 19, 2013
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Looking for an oversize fixed blade to add to my collection, and wanted to keep it under $60. I've checked out some review videos of both, and was wondering if anyone had any input. I didn't know if I should post this under the fixed blade forum, so I figured general might yield some input.

Ontario Kukri - OKC 6420
For reference: <deal spot removed>
1095 Steel, 11.5" blade, 17" long total, 1/4" thick blade stock, about 1.5 pounds with a fairly inexpensive nylon sheath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tBVyDEDy6U

Condor Dundee Bowie
For reference: <deal spot removed>
1075 steel, 11" blade, ~17.5" long total, 5mm thick blade stock, closer to 2 pounds with a dangler-style thick leather sheath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrZ7tZRIEu0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYYbb2SFoHk

The biggest difference is definitely the overall shape, and then weight and type of steel behind that. Anyone have any comments on the utility of these two classic shapes? I'm not looking to take this thing out with me all the time, but when I do, I want it to be genuinely useful and not just a huge blade for the sake of being big.

Edit: late-contender: Condor Warlock Machete http://www.condortk.com/productos-detalle.php?producto=15&cat=10
 
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A little more money will get you a bk9. But out of those 2 I would choose the bowie.
 
spydercobenchmadekai said:
Bk9. ;)

And you're deal spotting--you may want to remove the links.
Click to expand...

No, he's not! amazon is a BFC supporter! Let the mods do their job would you!

OP, for $20 more you could have the best budget chopper out there :D

1176224_10151663445997659_1015845196_n.jpg
 
I had both. Traded the Kukri and kept the bowie. I love the damn thing! It's a solid blade with a terrific price point.
 
Thanks ednemo - first ontopic reply that was useful! For me, I was more interested in if the ergonomics of the angled/dropped handle on the bowie made it a better chopper/more kukri-esque than a straight-handled option.

For all the BK-9 commentors: I already own a BK-2 and I'm looking to diversify my collection with some different manufacturers. The "King" is definitely up there on my list, but for a straight-bladed big chopper, I was also looking at the Ontario RD9 in the same price range.

Wasn't trying to dealspot - just trying to provide easy linkage for people to know what I was talking about. If it's breaking rules, let the mods remove the links.
 
Love the ergos of it. I've had straight handled bowies and the Dundee is, in my opinion, a much better chopper.
 
The Amazon links have been edited out. Amazon is NOT a paid dealer here and should not be linked to. I left the non commercial (youtube) and manufacturer (Condor) links as these are allowed.
 
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Hope you are very capable when it comes to hand sharpening blades if you are considering the kukri...
 
What about the Ontario line? The SP 51 & 52 at around 8.5 inches and a quarter inch ( .250 ) thick blade 5160 is pretty darn tough almost indestructible. Choose the blade profile you like. The Ranger line has 1095 cheaper than the 5160 line of RD's.

The Ontario Bowie ( SP 10 in 1095 for 56.95 ) and SP 5 Survival bowie is 10 inches of 1095 is $58.95 ( all knife center prices and currently in stock) are probably near the pinnacle of price/performance available.

The RAT line is still available and priced well.

Good luck whatever you choose. This is a fun class of knives and when you carry them you know you have a real knife with you.
 
The handle ergonomics really work for me for a couple of reasons. When camping I generally have a pistol on my right hip and I like the angle of the handle so I can wear it on my left and crossdraw it. I've found the blade angle works very well for chopping and have used it for light chopping of branches, fish and veggies. I would also like to mention it cleaned and sharpened well.

I love kukri knives but have had some problems drawing them and don't really care for the angle when it is in the sheath on my belt. It tends to hit my pack. Sharpening is a little difficult (but not horrible). As a heavy chopper, I would pick up a kukri any day of the week. All around I prefer the bowie shape.

Every tool has its function. A bowie can chop, cut, and clear, but an axe is better at wood cutting, a machete better at clearing trails, and a kukri better at beheading a goat. So, get what works best for you.
 
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