Choosing a large knife

R

Root Jr

Joined
Jan 13, 2026
Messages
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Hi! I am looking at a few options for big choppers that don't break the bank so I don't feel as bad about using them as a tool. I am currently eyeing the Kershaw Camp 10, the APOC Wallace Bowie, and the Ontario RTAK II. I can pick any of these up right now for less than $110. I think that I would mostly use these like a mini froe, but may do some minor chopping, delimbing and other camp task. I would love to hear thoughts and experiences with these models. I am also open to any other suggestions, I don't mind spending more if the value is there and I can always keep an eye out for sales. Thanks!
 
Root Jr said:
Hi! I am looking at a few options for big choppers that don't break the bank so I don't feel as bad about using them as a tool. I am currently eyeing the Kershaw Camp 10, the APOC Wallace Bowie, and the Ontario RTAK II. I can pick any of these up right now for less than $110. I think that I would mostly use these like a mini froe, but may do some minor chopping, delimbing and other camp task. I would love to hear thoughts and experiences with these models. I am also open to any other suggestions, I don't mind spending more if the value is there and I can always keep an eye out for sales. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Also, Off Grid Knives seem to be a good value - the Tracker XXL is $110. I don't have it or any of the ones you listed though. Might be able to find a good deal in the exchange, maybe a used Scrapyard.
 
I'm a big knife guy myself, used a bunch, made a few. Ive used then for batoning, trail clearing, firewood chopping, shelter building, you name it.

Condor makes some pretty good knives for affordable prices in the chopper size though you might need to do some edge work. Their 10 inch Kukri does some solid work. Alan Kay used one when he won season 1 of Alone.

Could always look for used TOPS knives as well, they are pretty hard to beat for some hard core beating, but they usually have thicker grinds. These are more or less the affordable version of Busse.

The 240 skrama is a great affordable chopper from Finland. Not sure if the tarrifs have caused it to jump up in price though.

Definitely look for something full tang in carbon steel, 3v, or aebl if you are going to beat on it.

If you want to drop some serious coin, buy once cry once, a busse battle mistress or carothers should last a lifetime, my ASHBM is by far my favorite chopper and my carother Mc is my go to trail knife, but these cost a lot.

The junglass/rtak is a solid choice. Id recommend the esee over the Ontario, better quality, nicer sheath, unbeatable warranty.

A kukri from Nepal wouldn't be bad either at a very affordable price, but they tend to come with a pretty thick wedge of an edge. Ive used a few khhi and they have all been solid, more bashers than cutters though.

cold steel trailmaster is a solid classic as well. Had a san mai that was a beast. Might be able to find a solid deal on one.

3/16th thickness for a lighter, snapper chopper, and 1/4 for heavy duty. 5/16 if its got a full flat isnt bad either.

Hope it helps!
 
BaKor knives seem pretty cool, Ive got a few and for the sale price they are a hell of a deal ( 30 ish bucks). I think they are definitely good for a knock about knife, I like the Pioneer a lot
 
Kailash Blades makes excellent khukuris in Nepal that would fit your needs. They are definitely built to cut and chop well, no thick edges unless you specifically ask for it. They're a bit more expensive but can still ne had for less than $200.00.
 
In that price range (or just a bit higher now for new ... I think around $135.00 was the lowest I've seen lately) the Becker BK9 is a great choice and a work horse. It will handle batoning but it's still light enough and not so overbuilt that it will cut well.
20200315_193732.jpg
 
ESEE or Becker I think you'll appreciate the difference between those and your current choices.

Ontario got bought out and their US knife making facility got closed. Not sure that RTAK line is currently available. Check stock before ordering if that's the way you decide to go.
 
Root Jr said:
Hi! I am looking at a few options for big choppers that don't break the bank so I don't feel as bad about using them as a tool. I am currently eyeing the Kershaw Camp 10, the APOC Wallace Bowie, and the Ontario RTAK II. I can pick any of these up right now for less than $110. I think that I would mostly use these like a mini froe, but may do some minor chopping, delimbing and other camp task. I would love to hear thoughts and experiences with these models. I am also open to any other suggestions, I don't mind spending more if the value is there and I can always keep an eye out for sales. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I would go for a Skrama, too. The 240mm is coming in at $126 with an outstanding leather sheath. With just the plastic insert to cover the blade, it is going for $84. About $5 less for the 200mm version. I have had great results with the 240, though I have heard the 200 is a better all-rounder. If you buy it and do not like it, you will probably have no trouble selling it here on the Exchange (though you will need a membership to do that).
 
I don't think anyone Warned you yet.......

Buying a low cost Chopper is a surefire gateway into pricier purchases. It's how I started.

I first bout a cheap 1095 butcher knife Like an Old Hickory. Cheap, but the long blade really takes a beating. Now, it's used as a beater machete.
But then the purchases started happening.
Beckers.
Ontarios
Paranatang
Junglass
LT Wrights
Siegles
DM
jK
Etc Etc....... then, NOW.

*Just warning
It could happen


It just starts with one
 
The challenge is finding the right steel in this price range. I dont like 1095 so I would look for something on the top end of this chart. Or AEB-L for stainless if you can find it in your price range. Again, the Exchange has deals, you just have to keep an eye on it.
low-alloy-steel-ratings-table.jpg
From Knife Steel Nerds
 
Tritium said:
The challenge is finding the right steel in this price range. I dont like 1095 so I would look for something on the top end of this chart. Or AEB-L for stainless if you can find it in your price range. Again, the Exchange has deals, you just have to keep an eye on it.
View attachment 3076112
From Knife Steel Nerds
Click to expand...

A8mod is also excellent for choppers.

I make/like my Choppers and Tough knives out of
AEB-L/NitroV, A8mod, 8670, 80crv2, 15n20, 52100, and started a couple in Procut. Just to See
 
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