Finally, Some refreshing fun outdoors

TheBadGuy

TheBadGuy

Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
5,868
Well folks, today was a awesome day. I finally got to use a fixed blade. For hunting?? Nahh, Hiking?? I wish. Today I just got the urge to go in the woods. I haven’t been in nature for a long time. So I decided I would clear a path in the woods next to my place for me to ride my mountain bike. Well one thing I learned today is I need a larger fixed blade or machete. I strapped on the largest fixed blade I own, which is a Aitor Nato Bowie. This thing has been sitting in a display “Mint” and unused since I got it. It’s now a user ;) I was chopping here and cutting there and having a ball. I felt like a kid again. Then came the trail ride. I learned another thing here. I am WAY out of shape.:( I was huffing and puffing within a few minutes until I accidentally ran into a small stream which mudded me up from head to toe. All in all I had about 30 minutes of fun and about 3 hours of clean up. Tell ya what though, It was worth it and I plan on going out again. It took me about 20 minutes with the bowie on the sharpmaker to get an edge back. The knife I was using was not really designed for what I used it for. But I can’t tell you how invigorating it was to strap on a fixed blade and head out into the woods. I felt like I could live out there for some time before I ran into difficulty. Long story short, Today I got to actually use a fixed blade and got outdoors after a long time of seclusion in the “civilized” world. Now what kind of knife do you guys recommend for clearing a path. Something with some length to it and a good warranty:) I am not sure if a Swamp Rat Camp Tramp would have the length I am after. And guys, no Busse, I can’t afford one right now and I doubt if I got one I would use it. Thanks for listening to what I hope is a positive rant. I had to share my experience. Although it may be no big deal to most of you, I feel like a new man. I REALLY need to go hunting. Alright guys Thanks
 
Try an HI khukuri. Performance is awesome. For lighter brush, small limbs, etc, try something like an 18" Sirupati. For heavier stuff, an 18" Ang Khola should do the trick. Customer service is second to none, and if you break it, Uncle Bill will send you a new one. If you keep your eye on the HI forum, you can usually find pretty good deals on blems as well. Five minutes worth of superglue and sandpaper can save you a fair amount of $.
--Josh
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I think a 18" khukuri is really what I am after. I have NO clue what kind of price point I am looking at. I will have to lurk in the HI forum for awhile to get some more info. :)
 
That's what it's all about. :D Getting out there and busting a bead of sweat and using one of the toys for what it's built.

No matter if I'm hunting deer, ducks, or turkey -- I always have a nice-sized knife strapped to my side. I don't care if I don't need it, or if its "overkill." I like knives, and I like strappin' em to my side.

The best is camping out and doing a "little" whittling and chopping while you're setting around the campfire.

Sorry for my own rambling there -- it's just now getting nice and I got the itch.

For a great chopper, I've found the CS LTC kukri to be a great knife -- it's not too big, it's inexpensive, and it chops like a sumbitch.
 
I had a SRKW Camp Tramp and it's definitely a great outdoor knife, but if you think the length isn't sufficient, take a lot at the Battle Rat.
 
Badguy-- keep your eyes out on the HI forum, and something will turn up. It's not uncommon to find 18" AK's for 80-100$, 18" sirupati is probably a little less. The blems are usually pretty minor-- a spot of rust on a blade or a small crack in a horn handle. It usually takes only a few minutes to fix them up, or they can usually be used as-is with no problems. Uncle Bill usually posts deals in the AM. If you are interested in khukuris, you should post a thread in the HI forum explaining your intended uses, and you'll get plenty of suggestions about different models that might meet your needs.
--Josh
 
TheBadGuy, glad to hear you had a good time.
The outdoors does the same thing to me. Returning to the city always gives me the withdrawal effect.
 
>"Now what kind of knife do you guys recommend for clearing a path."

===========================

Personally, I'd choose a machete, pruners and/or a saw.
 
Hey Badguy, Burchtree has the right idea. One of the Cold Steel Kukris should do the trick for ya. Personally, I would try to find one of the thicker versions; I think they call them the Ghurka Kukri. Might cost you $150 though, but it is 5/16" thick!
 
HI 18" Khukuri. I only have a few khukuris:D, they do better than my other big blades. They are tough with an excellent warranty. I also like the Becker combat Bowie, kinda seems like a compact machette to me.
 
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