First Large Knife Suggestions Under $125

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hbs1906

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Dec 2, 2008
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I am looking to purchase my first large knife and would like to tap into the forum users wealth of knowledge. :D The knife will be used as general all purpose camping knife. I don't forsee having to chop through anything much larger than 3-4 inches diameter. I am looking at the following knives Kershaw Outcast, Ontario SP-10, Ka-Bar/Becker BK7/BK9, Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie, and Ranger RD7/RD9. Short list isn't it:D First I am having trouble deciding between 7 and 9 inch blade. Are there any significant trade offs between the two lengths? The second is blade thickness, would the blade thickness of the knives mentioned limit their ability to do fine cutting? The third is quality, is there a knife mentioned above that shines above the others in quality? I expect a wide variety of opinions but that's the purpose of asking questions on a forum. Let the opinions and suggestions begin.:D
 
I have a few larger knives, the Ontario SP-10, the KA-BAR Heavy Bowie, and Ontario RAT-7 and a kuhk.
7" blades seem for me to be too small for real chopping, and too big for any cutting tasks, aside from cutting large fruit perhaps. But the 9" blades to do a pretty good job of chopping. And at around $50 for a 1/4 piece of 1095 it aint a bad deal either. I dont think you could do much better for twice the price.
The only negative side to the KA-BAR is its poor quality sheath, its not horrible, but i would have prefered full leather as opposed to leather and nylon. But it does do its job, and will fit a wide belt, and even has a leg tie down.

Also, the SP-10 has a terrible sheath, just so you know.
 
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The outcast is a very solid blade for the price. It benefits greatly from a convex re-profile. The factory bevel is way too obtuse for my taste.
 
I've owned a Becker, still own some Rangers, Ontarios, and the Outcast.

The Outcast, without a doubt, is the best hunk o steel. Big knife, AMAZING price, superb steel.

Definitely needs reprofiled, but its worth the work.

2245andoutcast50nf7.jpg
 
+++ for the outcast, you can use the left over money for a HF 1x30 and some leevally belts.
 
The BK-7/9 and the RD 7/9 would be your best bet. They are practically bulletproof and have a great price. As for choosing between a 7" and 9" blade, you really have to look at what you're going to use the knife for. I'd say just spend the extra (not very much extra) money to get two more inches of usable blade. It seems like you already have a bunch of smaller knives to take care of the finer work so splurge and get a monster!
 
J_Curd said:
I've owned a Becker, still own some Rangers, Ontarios, and the Outcast.

The Outcast, without a doubt, is the best hunk o steel. Big knife, AMAZING price, superb steel.

Definitely needs reprofiled, but its worth the work.
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Why would you buy something that needs to be changed?
 
hbs1906 said:
How much of a reprofile would you suggest on the Outcast and why?
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I've handled an Outcast, but I do not own one. Although I hope to rectify that in the near future;)

I can't comment on a specific number of degrees needed as I hand sharpen by eye. What I can say is that my buddy's Outcast, while sharp, was very very thick at the edge. It was suited well for chopping, however it lacked the mass to really excel at it. I took the edge down for him maybe 5-10 degrees (the grind wasn't exactly the same on both sides), gave it a slight convex like I do with almost every knife and especially any chopping knife, and buffed up the edge on a loaded strop. It would shave hair, slice paper, and chop till the cows came home:D The Outcast is a fine piece of steel for the money. Kershaw really knows how to get the most out of their imported knives so that they almost rival their USA made ones:thumbup:

Personally, I would lean toward the Becker. I am thinking about getting one of the smaller ones to compliment my big choppers (Khuks are my cutters of choice when it comes to the big stuff). The Becker line was fantastic before the previous manufacturer pretty much pi$$ed itself away. The Beckers that I have handled have always seemed very well made and with a lot of utility in mind. I would assume that Ka Bar is going to continue this trend, and I look forward to picking one up soon.:thumbup:
 
Guys thanks for all your input. I think I am going to lean towards the Becker BK9. I have read good things about Becker knives over the past couple of days.
 
I've only been able to use the outcast and it impressed me. I like its ability to hold its edge after repeated use. The only thing that has stopped me from buying one is how i would sharpen it when it needed it. Looks to me that some here have done it and there are some lessons here to be learned.
 
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