Cold Steel Trailmaster alternative?

A one off that I helped to design and Tim Olt made.
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natchezz said:
@jbmonkey , Thanks for the tip! I’ve been wanting a TM for a while now, and I don’t have anything in 52100. Never bought from that place before, so I’m hoping for a good experience.
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I've bought from them several times and its always been great. As for 52100, if its anything like the drop forged series 52100 from CS, everyone will be highly satisfied! Cold Steel has a long tradition of taking solid, but not fancy, steels and giving them a heat treat that makes them punch above their weight class. Fingers crossed that this one is no exception. If it's as good, GSM will hit a home run and go a long way in following LT's foot steps.
 
y53p said:
I’m looking for a 8-10” blade bowie knife for brush clearing around the property and just generally as a chopping knife that’s as efficient as it gets on what you’d reasonably chop with a knife (wrist thick stuff and whatnot). The Trailmaster’s way too expensive for my taste (rubber grip, crappy sheath, made in Taiwan or even more expensive if made in Japan etc) but it seems to be the “gold standard” as far as deep-biting chopping bowie knives go.

What are some good alternatives in terms if bowie knives in that category, made in the US/Europe, with better materials in the same price range or lower? (Up to $350ish) I was thinking about the 1909 Michigan Bowie by Bark River or their Shining Mountain bowie but they’re not up anywhere. Any alternatives?
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beeinak said:
Skrama 240. Fantastic knife for a great price.
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I second the Skrama from Varusteleka. It is most definitely NOT a Bowie and the 240 does have that very long handle, but it is as heavy and sharp and durable as the original Trailmaster amd does great work on brush and light timber. The 200mm Skrama would do just as well and give you that normal length grip.
 
The Zieg said:
I second the Skrama from Varusteleka. It is most definitely NOT a Bowie and the 240 does have that very long handle, but it is as heavy and sharp and durable as the original Trailmaster amd does great work on brush and light timber. The 200mm Skrama would do just as well and give you that normal length grip.
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Definitely not a Bowie. I find myself recommending the Skrama anytime someone mentions brush/trail/chopping. 🤣
I have a Carbon V Trailmaster, and my 240 chops much better for sure. I like the long handle allowing for differing grips and power. Every time I use it, I am impressed with it. One of my favorite blades I have. They really make great knives.
 
beeinak said:
Definitely not a Bowie. I find myself recommending the Skrama anytime someone mentions brush/trail/chopping. 🤣
I have a Carbon V Trailmaster, and my 240 chops much better for sure. I like the long handle allowing for differing grips and power. Every time I use it, I am impressed with it. One of my favorite blades I have. They really make great knives.
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I  had a Carbon V Trailmaster with stag handle from the early 80s and I am sorry I sold it back in the early 2000s. Your comparison to the Skrama here salves that wound a bit 🥲 I don't see myself selling the Skrama 240 anytime soon.
 
I see people suggesting the Junglas and Skrama 240. During covid those were scarce so I bought an Ontario SP53 which is a great chopper. Am I missing out by not having the Skrama or Junglas?
 
DMG said:
I see people suggesting the Junglas and Skrama 240. During covid those were scarce so I bought an Ontario SP53 which is a great chopper. Am I missing out by not having the Skrama or Junglas?
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I don't have the skrama, but I've had a lot of stuff ....
The SP53 Bolo is Definitely in everyone's best bang for the buck category.

I wanted to like the Junglass, I really did. I had a very low number, skully version. It just wasn't good....hard to describe. I have bigger palms. I like bigger handles. That handle Sucked.
It's like holding a 2x4.

The SP53
Becker BK 9
Skrama are the ones to beat.....for the money.
So, to answer Your question....You are Good.


Now, if $ is no object.....the choices are endless.








 
DMG said:
I see people suggesting the Junglas and Skrama 240. During covid those were scarce so I bought an Ontario SP53 which is a great chopper. Am I missing out by not having the Skrama or Junglas?
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I use my Skrama for brush, clearing trails, and firewood prep. One thing I love about it over other blades, is how well it peels bark as a draw knife. I am not saying you are missing out, but I will say that I will never get rid of mine.
 
beeinak said:
I use my Skrama for brush, clearing trails, and firewood prep. One thing I love about it over other blades, is how well it peels bark as a draw knife. I am not saying you are missing out, but I will say that I will never get rid of mine.
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He should probably get Both..... Either one, doesn't feel like a bad choice
 
goldie said:
52100 Trailmaster AND Recon Scout! I musta been asleep at the wheel w this one! Ill be all over those and add em to the 3v ones i have already !!!
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I wanted to buy 52100 Recon Scout... ended up buying another 3V AK47 field knife. I have Italian made one for years now and it's my favorite user by far... so I got Taiwan version as a back-up... in JoeX tests it held up the same as CPK so I'll be good with that.

I might get 52100 Trail Master as a Christmas gift to myself by the end of the year though...
 
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