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First custom chopper

again, email a maker use the photo for a reference and talk about what changes you'd like. I'm not sure how every maker works, but a lot of us will give you feedback on what sort of changes we think will and won't work. It's a large part of the style.

For example, I'd dropthe upsweep on the blade a fair amount, recurve it a bit, and go for the lightest hint of a spear point. I'd also modify the handle for maximum usable length and a solid pinky catching drop at the rear (though I do like the looks of those ball ended handles.)
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Very cool! I've been browsing Makers all night and my head is SWIMMING! Some amazing work! Including your company! Thanks for the info! I'll take my time, investigate, and piece it together slowly. Enjoying the process already :thumbup:
 
Iboschi said:
Very cool! I've been browsing Makers all night and my head is SWIMMING! Some amazing work! Including your company! Thanks for the info! I'll take my time, investigate, and piece it together slowly. Enjoying the process already :thumbup:
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You got to be careful browsing the makers forums on here, you could end up with a wallet that is screaming for mercy.:eek: But that just means that you could carry around a bigger knife since your wallet is substantially lighter.:p
 
You got to be careful browsing the makers forums on here, you could end up with a wallet that is screaming for mercy. But that just means that you could carry around a bigger knife since your wallet is substantially lighter.
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NO DOUBT!!! I'm thinking I may be in trouble already =D
 
Here are my suggestions. They're "all-rounders" actually that could serve for chopping chores as well -

1. Bill Siegle's works have already been mentioned.

2. David Farmer's Dangerous Curves

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3. Brian Goode's TTW (To the Woods) Knife

TTW.jpg
 
That TTW is very eye catching, love those slabs on it. Somewhat similar to what ive been drawing out already.
 
Bruce.... You sure have brought that one to life, my friend!!! well executed!!!

This is one of my favorite models I have in the chopper range...

Parang02.jpg

Parang04.jpg
 
Bruce Culberson said:
I'm working on my first chopper for a BF member:

parang001-1.jpg


parang002-1.jpg


It's a collaboration of sorts. I cut out the blank, Dacry Ellis forged the bevels, I did the grinding, heat treating, and now after doing some playing....er I mean testing:) - I'll be putting on a cocobolo handle. The 12" blade is made from 1/4" sawblade steel. The grind is convex with a secondary edge bevel.
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Bruce that looks awesome buddy, can't wait to see it finished !!!;):thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
From what i've seen so far im drooling and have started narrowing it down between makers. Bill siegle, jk, and several others are sitting high up on the list. I saw a couple people recommending fehrman knives. I started looking at them and they are pretty sweet, but wanted to get some of you respected outdoorsmens opinion on them.
 
I bet a $6 Bolo Tramontina would out chop all the knives listed.....but what fun is that. From the design, and testing I have seen on the site here, Kosters Monster Nessie would rule as a chopper splitter. It has the blade width to bring the thunder and should hold a great edge. If not that...a semi-production beast of note would be the NMFBM. But if it were me, I would let one of these customs studs on BF make something cool and unique.
 
Also, you should check out ML Knives. That guy is crazy when it comes to making old school knives. Thanks to Pitdog, and Joe, I've recently started to develop a real obsession with Matt's knives. They are something special.

http://www.mlknives.com/
 
I would go with 1/8 thick max, with 10-15 inches of blade. Pay special attention to handle shape and material. (ergonomic, grippy if possible)
You want a tough steel primarily, I wouldnt worry about getting super duper edge retention as well. (After all you are going to bash this thing into wood full force, again and again)


If you are going to use the chopper, also consider the sheath.If you are not carrying the knife, it pretty much doesnt exist. A sheath that allows quick removal is most convenient when carrying choppers in my experience. See if you can find a frog style or baldric sheath. If you can make your own, its not really an issue.

I wouldnt go handmade or custom until I knew exactly what it is I was looking for. Instead spend some bucks on a handful of trams and old hickories in different lengths. Maybe pick up a barker competition knife or something. (thicker than 1/8")

Then, when you know what it is you think you need.... get in contact with the makers.

My 2 cents (CDN)
 
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