Chopper/large camp blade

The RTAK sheath and the Becker sheath are basically the same, so if you don't care for the RTAK sheath, chances are you won't like the BK sheath either. But you can get good quality sheath for about $50. Also, read the info on the thread below about modifying BK handles. This is important and the reason why I got rid of my BK's a long time ago. Slippery handles when dry and downright scary when wet or wet with blood. For me it made the knife almost useless. Truth is, I wish I had kept them now that I see the micarta handles, but back then there was none and the mods shown below just didn't attract me. However, if you get the BK9 and do the below mods, you should be good to go.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Modifications-The-Complete-Guide-(Hopefully)
 
No one mentioned that golok, because it is probably out of the price range you are looking at. I think it goes for mid $200's.
 
Condor Golocks are pretty sweet. Well within the price range stated, as well.

I've done some re-profiling and handle shaping on mine to fit it up for my uses. There's plenty of material there to reshape the handle, so you can shape it down and test it until it's perfect.
 
live2hunt72 said:
First off thanks for the replies fellas, I was originally leaning toward the junglas, checked out A bk9 today which seemed nice. I've heard bad reviews about the rtak2 sheath, is there a good replacement out there? As for the custom in the classifieds, that's a beautiful chopper, a bit out of my price range though.

I've noticed that no one has mentioned the brkt golok, how would that compare to the junglas.
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Nothing particularly wrong with the RTAK II sheath if you don't mind the nylon sheath with pocket on the front and plastic insert for the blade that dang near every knife company seems to think is the best thing ever. I hate it but not for the quality, just a personal preferance. Chestnut Rudge Knife Shop sells kydex for them but if you're gonna drop $50-60 on a replacement sheath you might as well go for the Junglas. The RTAK II has a pretty big handle too. BK9 is awesome, my go-to blade but it does come with the same style sheath as the RTAK II and others. I got a kydex sheath from AZWelke which is great and just put some innertube on the handle and it's good to go as far as I'm concerned.

Ontario makes a few good choppers, Ka-Bar has the zombie line and the Heavy line. Condor makes some good stuff, some of it much less expensive than even a BK9. Finally the Cold Steel Kukri Machete. Works pretty good once you sharpen it. FortyTwoBlades sells them through his site (and many other good choppers you might like) and he'll even fix up the edge for you.
 
Cobalt said:
Not knocking spydie, but there is much better out there for the money. The hossom goes for $200 and is 15" OAL, approx. So in that range you have a slew of good knives. BK9, Junglas, Browning competition cutter as well, of which I just picked one up in trade, so I have or have had all three.
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I'd love to see that Browning.
 
Strigamort said:
I'd love to see that Browning.
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I will take some detailed pics of it. It is a beauty and with 1084 steel should be plenty tough. It truly has some custom features that you do not find on a $100 ish knife. I would not trade it for either an RTAK or a BK9. The micarta handles are ergonomic and comfortable and that coupled with the tang taper and distal taper, I find it amazing that they can make this knife and sell it for so little. Here is a good detailed thread on it:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Browning-Crowell-amp-Barker-Competition-Knife
 
Becker BK 9 with micarta handles and AZwelke sheath is my go to blade for large camp chores.
 
just google it and you should come up with a bunch of places selling it for well under $200. Just remember that they also sell it without the sheath for less, so pay attention to the listing to make sue it includes the sheath.
 
Cobalt said:
I will take some detailed pics of it. It is a beauty and with 1084 steel should be plenty tough. It truly has some custom features that you do not find on a $100 ish knife. I would not trade it for either an RTAK or a BK9. The micarta handles are ergonomic and comfortable and that coupled with the tang taper and distal taper, I find it amazing that they can make this knife and sell it for so little. Here is a good detailed thread on it:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Browning-Crowell-amp-Barker-Competition-Knife
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That looks freakin awesome. I really want the Benchmade chopper but it's out of my price range. This looks like a good alt. if it's still available.
 
Condor makes some excellent choppers, the Warlock in particular is one of my favorites. I also like their Barong, as it has a little more utilitarian use. You get a ton of quality for the low prices! Go to YouTube and check out some reviews.
 
I'm kind of on a Kukri kick right now, so I'm going to suggest you look at Himalayan Import Kukris. If you're patient and wait for a deal of the day you can pick up a nice one for $125 - maybe less. There are probably better pure choppers out there, but they make a fun, versatile camp knife.
 
houndoggy said:
I'm kind of on a Kukri kick right now, so I'm going to suggest you look at Himalayan Import Kukris. If you're patient and wait for a deal of the day you can pick up a nice one for $125 - maybe less. There are probably better pure choppers out there, but they make a fun, versatile camp knife.
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Very good recommendation. Keep in mind that some of those 15"-20" (overall length) khukuris will out-chop many swords. The M-43, WWII and Ang Khola would all make solid choppers and camp knives with a unique style.
 
I have a Potbelly, love it ! Although it has only seen kitchen duty, its a lot of fun to use. I have never owned a blade design like this before, but I really like it. The handles look cheap but are very durable, especially for the constant washing that kitchen knives go through.
 
Torm said:
Very good recommendation. Keep in mind that some of those 15"-20" (overall length) khukuris will out-chop many swords. The M-43, WWII and Ang Khola would all make solid choppers and camp knives with a unique style.
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Swords generally aren't intended for woody targets, so that's kind of a given. Totally different classes. :)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Swords generally aren't intended for woody targets, so that's kind of a given. Totally different classes. :)
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I meant in terms of rope, tatami, bottles, etc rather than just wood. The length-to-performance ratio on a good khukuri is comparable to a sword more than twice its size in many cases.
 
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