General use outdoor fixed blade

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boyscout157

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Jul 21, 2010
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I've been looking for a slightly smaller substitute for the Becker BK2 that I bought a while ago. The main purpose of this knife would be, like the title suggests, for general use. Something large enough to chop smaller wood, yet not weigh an entire pound, like the BK2. Something that's good at cutting and carving, but not swiss-army knife size. I've been looking at the Fallkniven S1 forest knife, along with the Benchmade 140 Nimravus. A plain edged, fixed blade is preferred, but some serrations are acceptable. Obviously, I want the highest quality blade that a 15 year-old's (jobless) budget can buy. Right now the S1 is looking pretty good, but again, availability is important. Any suggestions?
 
S1 is a great blade and recommended .... but it isn't a chopper. Get a folding saw to go with it and make a baton.
 
The BK2 isn't what I would call a chopper. Anything smaller and you would have a hard time putting a dent in a toothpick.

If you're on a budget go with a mora and a machete.
 
I'd look into a ESEE-4. I've got one and I love it. It's certainly not a chopper but it's very stout. I've used it when batoning on multiple occasions and its held up very well, even still shaved hair after 4 or 5 2" saplings!

The guys who own ESEE knives(Mike and Jeff) also have a very active sub-forum here on bladeforums as well, which IMO is always a plus.
 
I get through 5 inch+ solid logs just fine with my Becker. It might take a while, but it gets through. I don't know if that's considered "chopping", but it works for me. I took out a half-rotten 10 inch birch tree with it just this morning. I'd say maximum money I'd put down for a blade is $130, maybe up to $150 with Christmas approaching. The ESEE-4 looked good, but i think a slightly thinner blade like the S1 would be better for carving... unless I'm wrong?
 
boyscout157 said:
I get through 5 inch+ solid logs just fine with my Becker. It might take a while, but it gets through. I don't know if that's considered "chopping", but it works for me. I took out a half-rotten 10 inch birch tree with it just this morning. I'd say maximum money I'd put down for a blade is $130, maybe up to $150 with Christmas approaching. The ESEE-4 looked good, but i think a slightly thinner blade like the S1 would be better for carving... unless I'm wrong?
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I guess it's chopping, but I wouldn't call the knife a chopper.
ESEE 4 (3/16") is a hair thinner than the S1 (5mm)
 
What I meant was thinner vertically along the blade. Has anyone had experience with the Benchmade, or any other such knives?
 
boyscout157 said:
What I meant was thinner vertically along the blade. Has anyone had experience with the Benchmade, or any other such knives?
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I have a Benchmade 140 in M2 steel and a 141 in 154CM. Great cutters. I have chopped a little with the 140 it worked on small branches. Good all around blades but I wouldn't say heavy duty.
 
What you want is a little perplexing.

When you say you are looking for some thing large enough to chop smaller wood, do you mean limbing trees or what?
 
I mean light chopping (2-3"), medium batoning (3-4"), yet portable enough to not weigh me down. Right now, the S1 is looking to be at the top of the pile.
 
So many choices in this category, the S1 is going to be one of the top choices. Cold Steel SRK is good all arounder in that category, ESEE makes some fine options also.

I
 
That Cold steel looks just looks just like a fallkniven A1/S1. how does it compare functionally?
How well does the Dumpster Mutt work as an outdoor knife? looks like Scrap yard advertises it as a military knife.
 
The Fallkniven looks like the SRK. The SRK is enough knife for the money.

Dumpster Mutt is great .. heavy duty and tough.
 
For decent chopping you need weight and/or length. If you don't have those, it won't do much as a chopper.

Anyway, the BK-9 chops well and weighs a couple oz less than the BK-2!
 
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