camp - chopper comparison - opinion needed

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uncleknife

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May 25, 2000
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I am looking for a large blade to be used for general chopping/cutting/camp type uses.

A.G. Russell has the Browning Crowell and Barker Competition Knife 10" blade for $139.

I am comparing it to Scrapyard's "The Dog Father" also 10" for $139.


The Scrapyard has a Resiprene C handle & coated blade - almost totally mainenance free, just the bare edge needs protection from rust.
- I do not know if it comes with a sheath or not.


The Browning's 1085C HC Tool steel blade will need to be rust protected, either with sentry solution, oil, wax or whatever. - comes with a leather sheath that will either need protection or be replaced by a kydex sheath by Eric of Onscene tachnical.

Is there anything else I need to look for to determine which is "better"?
 
Your personal chopping/cutting style and hand shape will make the final determination. Are the Dogfathers available again?
 
I (like a lot of members on this forum)---have a boat load of knives)..and know how best to answer this question....

If possible---try and hold both before you buy one and purchase the one that fits you best.(or get both and re-sell the one you like least)

But it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to TELL YOU which one is better--for you.

The Browning might be more "refined" and sharper out of the box so to speak--but the Scrapyard "Dogfather" would be a great choice for a hard use knife you do not have to baby.(If you can locate one)

Also---here is a site selling the Browning for $119---
http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10expand.asp?productcode=bro580

You will look long and hard trying to locate a Dogfather (even used) at that price.You should plan on spending close to $175-200 for a Dogfather(used)

If you intend to do a lot of chopping the Dogfather handle would absorb a lot more shock ....

Again--try and see which one fits best in your hand...

Sincerely
Dr.Bill
 
The Dog Father is great chopper. It is great on wood, but a bit heavy for clearing or machete work. I recently got a Swamp Rat Ratweiler. The blade is just under 8", but it really chops well and is not too bulky. Of course, if you are serious, get a good machete and carry a folder for finer work. The Ontario RTAK II is a good compromise between a machete and a bowie. For heavy chopping, an axe is best. I own a bunch of "choppers". I like them. But in all honesty, its hard to beat a good machete.
 
interesting, I too was looking at buying the browning comp. knife as a chopper/woods/camping knife. Have there been any reviews? I've looked but didn't find any, they seem like great knives. But you know about looks...
 
The BRKT Golok is supposed to be out before Christmas - I would get that in preference to either of the above.
 
Get the browning! it may not absorb the shock as well but it comes super sharp and ready to do damage.
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Get the browning! it may not absorb the shock as well but it comes super sharp and ready to do damage.
Click to expand...

I have one, but have not used it yet, so I could not recommend it. It did come nice and sharp. Have you used yours? Another chopper I have that I have used for years is the Ontario Survival Bowie. I know some on this forum have broken theirs, but mine has withstood many years of hard use. I had their Marine Raider and found it just too heavy to carry around. It did chop well, but so does the much less expensive and lighter Ontario Camp machete.
 
No flames please......Ontario 12" machete w/saw back $18. :)
Not the skinny bladed one.
Replace the oversize crappy plastic scales before use.
Then get a really nice custom knife for the tasks requiring finesse.
 
I have both and for general camp use would suggest the Crowell and Barker as it is just easier to use as an all-arounder. It is a pretty sweet knife, especially for the price. The DF is a great knife but it is thicker at the spine, more blade heavy, and I wouldn't expect it to hold an edge as well. To me, this knife is a pretty dedicated chopper.

If you need something more "hard-use" than the C&B in that size range (or just want a Busse family blade), I would suggest the Swamp Rat Battle Rat as having a more neutral balance and being "handier".
 
I agree with the Ka-bar Heavy bowie...check out knifetests.com when Noss tested one, great bang for the buck !!!!
 
I have the browning and I have the dogfather. The Dog father is a beast and obvously the better knife for heavy use/abuse. It's tough, will do some serious damage chopping. The resiprene handle is super sweet. Then there's the excellent Scrapyard lifetime warranty whereas the browning is made in taiwan with perhaps questionable quality.
 
Horn Dog said:
I have one, but have not used it yet, so I could not recommend it. It did come nice and sharp. Have you used yours? Another chopper I have that I have used for years is the Ontario Survival Bowie. I know some on this forum have broken theirs, but mine has withstood many years of hard use. I had their Marine Raider and found it just too heavy to carry around. It did chop well, but so does the much less expensive and lighter Ontario Camp machete.
Click to expand...


I don't own one but have had the privilage using one. The balance of the blade, which towards the tip, makes chopping quite comfortable and the full convex grind is a beast when dealing with hard woods.

With all that said I use my Kabar Heavy Bowie more than I would if I owned the Browning since at nearly 1/3 the price of the Browing I find it to be a much more abusable knfe.
 
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