For a "survival Knife"

[Cliff Stamp]

I think that Cliff is onto something with his idea of good chopper also being good cutters.

Not my idea, Swaim studied this on rec.knives many years ago and while it is true that in order for a knife to chop well it needs a certain weight and balance, it also needs an efficient geometry. Basically the balance of the knife is what allows you to generate power and the grind geometry is what transfers this power into cutting ability. If either of those is lacking then the chopping ability will be low.

... as you may not cut down that 3 foot diamter Oak with your 6" fixed blade.

Generally not, that's ~hour with a decent axe.

I just feel more comfortable with a axe.

Most tools are like that and there are a lot of large blades. If you use a machete and a heavy khukuri the same then the performance will be pretty bad for one of them.

-Cliff

 

[Moine]

Cutter or chopper, you'll have to both cut small and big stuff. If your cutter is long and tough enough to baton through small trees and knots, it'll do it. If you chopper is versatile enough to be used on small stuff, it'll do it as well. The only thing is that you don't want a specialized tool that will ONLY be usable as a chopper or as a cutter.

Cheers,

David

 

[Trout Tamer]

The only thing is that you don't want a specialized tool that will ONLY be usable as a chopper or as a cutter.

Exactly, unless one is willing to schlepp one of each. For car camping, I will definitely do so. For backpacking, no way. For survivaling, I'm willing to consider it... maybe.

 

[tacticalsteel]

What if you were FORCED to take only ONE cutting tool? Chopper or cutter? I have traveled the world, working in wilderness areas.

From my viewpoint, if you have to "grab and go" I would prefer a larger knife that would be able to cut AND chop.

My choice for adventure travel is an older Busse "Steel Heart II" with a 7-inch blade. Thick spine. This is a compromise between big choppers and smaller cutters.

 

[skammer]

Cutting for sure, any chopping i need done, ill use the hatchet i carry with me.

I will use my 7.5 inch blade for everything, chop, pry, skin, slice and dice.

Its a compromise but it does it all.

SKam