Choosing a large knife

Sorry all, I haven’t had a chance to check this for a bit. Looks to me like the most common answer came down to BK-9, Junglas, and Skrama with several other good recommendations sprinkled in the mix. I read up some about the goings-ons with Ontario back in 2009-2010 that wasn’t cool.

I have a couple of other questions.

1: What is up with the Junglas? They are pretty much out of stock everywhere. Do they sell out that fast, just made is periodic batches, or not being made anymore?

2: What are the chances that I am going to want to upgrade the scales and sheath on the BK-9. If that’s the case, then the Junglas might be the better bargain in the long run.

3: It seems like the two are pretty close in raw performance, but can anyone give me a comparison in ergonomics, fatigue while using, and mounting the sheaths (on a pack and person. Possibly changing the mode of carry in the field.)

I like the Skrama too, but after shipping, taxes, duties and a kydex sheath for it, I think it would be $220-230. For that kind of money I’d just assume buy American.

I have also looked at the Architect AK-8 in 1095, but I worry it might be too much of a compromise for what I am wanting to use it for.

There also might be a non-zero chance this doesn’t end up being a single purchase anyway, making all this kind of irrelevant.
 
Junglas has an Excellent kydex sheath. It's made Very well. That's the only reason to get the Junglas.

More importantly, what sized hands do you have?
The Becker is made for Large hands.
The Junglas is made for Gorillas.

I have large palms, the Junglas feels like holding a 2x4.

BK 9 is a better knife.
 
Last edited:
Crag the Brewer said:
Junglas has an Excellent kydex sheath. It's made Very well. That's the only reason to get the Junglas.

More importantly, what sized hands do you have?
The Becker is made for Large hands.
The Junglas is made for Gorillas.

I have large palms, the Junglas feels like holding a 2x4.

BK 9 is a better knife.
Click to expand...
This is a problem I encounter often. Handles are so often too fat and too tall.
 
Root Jr said:
Thanks, for the input so far and definitely keep it coming. I was shying away from the simple carbon steels simply due to Larrin's article on Knife Steel Nerd, even though I know they are the staple for the platform and sufficient for the task. But I should have included the BK-9 on my initial list. I had looked hard at the Skrama a couple of years ago when making a purchase from Varusteleka. I wish I'd have snatched one up then. Shipping and taxes were much better then. It is $84 for shipping, duties, and taxes for an $84 knife now.

I don't think I could justify $500+ for a Busse or the like for my personal use-case, (I have always admired Busse though. A friends dad used to collect them.) but $200-250 is not out of the question and maybe even up to $300 if I feel like the value is there. This is more of a "want" than a "need", too. I have other tools that can serve the role, so I can wait for a deal or to find something on the used market if I can nail down what I'm looking for and what I should probably pass up.
Click to expand...

Not all Bussekin run that high. For example, you should be able to find a SYKCO DT12 for $250 or so. I got several of my Mountainmandu variants for around $300. Etc.

Just saying.
 
I would say the Skrama, but with the customs duties and the higher shipping now (DHL is charging double what I paid, so it's even more than UPS now) it's about $158 without any state sales/use tax. And they do charge that tax. Another $16 for me in Washington for a total of about $175. When the knife itself is only like $94 with the plain plastic sheath/blade protector. I'm glad I bought both of mine a few years ago.
 
Root Jr said:
Sorry all, I haven’t had a chance to check this for a bit. Looks to me like the most common answer came down to BK-9, Junglas, and Skrama with several other good recommendations sprinkled in the mix. I read up some about the goings-ons with Ontario back in 2009-2010 that wasn’t cool.

I have a couple of other questions.

1: What is up with the Junglas? They are pretty much out of stock everywhere. Do they sell out that fast, just made is periodic batches, or not being made anymore?

2: What are the chances that I am going to want to upgrade the scales and sheath on the BK-9. If that’s the case, then the Junglas might be the better bargain in the long run.

3: It seems like the two are pretty close in raw performance, but can anyone give me a comparison in ergonomics, fatigue while using, and mounting the sheaths (on a pack and person. Possibly changing the mode of carry in the field.)

I like the Skrama too, but after shipping, taxes, duties and a kydex sheath for it, I think it would be $220-230. For that kind of money I’d just assume buy American.

I have also looked at the Architect AK-8 in 1095, but I worry it might be too much of a compromise for what I am wanting to use it for.

There also might be a non-zero chance this doesn’t end up being a single purchase anyway, making all this kind of irrelevant.
Click to expand...
In my opinion, the BK9 is a much better knife with micarta handle scales over the stock scales so you may very well want to change those if you go with the BK9.

Comparing the BK9 and Junglas ...

Some already talked about the handles. I wear extra large gloves and the BK9 fits my hand very well, the Junglas handle has lots of extra space for me. I can choke up for better control on detail work or I can slide my hand towards the pommel on the handle for a little more power chopping. But to me the Junglas' handle is blocky and not nearly as comfortable as a BK9. If you have extremely large hands you might perfer the Junglas.

The BK9 is lighter and better balanced than the Junglas. I get less hand fatigue with the BK9 if I use either for extended periods.

The Esee factory Junglas sheath is better than the Becker BK9s factory sheath, but I prefer an aftermarket kydex sheath for both. Both are easy to strap to a pack for carry. I don't mind carrying the BK9 on my belt but the Junglas I only carry strapped to a pack or baldric style.

In my opinion the Junglas might have a very slight advantage in chopping power, but for everything else the BK9 is the much better knife. The BK9 cuts better, is much more comfortable, and is much more nimble to use over the Junglas.

I read everything I typed and it almost sounds like I dislike the Junglas, but I actually like both knives I just found for all around use the BK9 just performs better for me.

There are several videos on Youtube comparing these two if you haven't checked those out yet you may get some answers there.
 
I think the skrama has been the most impressive chopper batoner I have owned.

And I recently bought a Kizer drop bear 7 and have been very impressed. And It is really cheap.
 
So, I pulled the trigger. I was able to get a BK9 and a Condor Bushcraft Parang shipped for about $30 less than the Skrama with leather sheath (including duties, taxes, and shipping). I'm definitely going to still keep my eye's peeled for a deal on a Skrama or SYKCO. I also inquired Carother's about the 10" medium chopper that should be available again soon. I absolutely love the way that thing looks, but I don't think I can justify that kind of expense right now.

Drop bear said:
I think the skrama has been the most impressive chopper batoner I have owned.

And I recently bought a Kizer drop bear 7 and have been very impressed. And It is really cheap.
Click to expand...
I've looked hard at the DB7, and is what kind of started me back down this path. I might end up with one, but I have a few fixed blades in that 5-7 inch range, and have been lacking something with a 9-12 inch blade. Well, other than a rondel dagger, but that's not very well-suited to woodscraft.

Thank you to everyone for your insights and advice!
 
Root Jr said:
So, I pulled the trigger. I was able to get a BK9 and a Condor Bushcraft Parang shipped for about $30 less than the Skrama with leather sheath (including duties, taxes, and shipping). I'm definitely going to still keep my eye's peeled for a deal on a Skrama or SYKCO. I also inquired Carother's about the 10" medium chopper that should be available again soon. I absolutely love the way that thing looks, but I don't think I can justify that kind of expense right now.


I've looked hard at the DB7, and is what kind of started me back down this path. I might end up with one, but I have a few fixed blades in that 5-7 inch range, and have been lacking something with a 9-12 inch blade. Well, other than a rondel dagger, but that's not very well-suited to woodscraft.

Thank you to everyone for your insights and advice!
Click to expand...
Pics!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top