Good Blade?

C

ChadCD

Joined
Dec 2, 2005
Messages
9
Hello,

Nice forum! I've spent several hours reading the last two days.

Can you give me some feedback?

I'm looking for a good general purpose blade (big). I'm thinking along the lines of a camp/survival knife. Leaning towards a price point of $200.00 or so.

Is there much difference in the usability and durability of say:

1) Bark River Evolution

2) Busse Hell Razor

3) Ranger RD9

4) TOPS ATRD01 Armageddon

Most of my time was with a kabar but that was years ago. I always have several folders around(spyderco) but would like a high quality big blade. A step up from the kabar line I think. May never use it, but that never stopped me from buying something before.

Any favorites you would offer up as suggestions in the 9"-11" and $200.00(+/- $100 :) ) price range?

Thanks
Chad
 
Go for a Bark River!!! I'm glad you stumbled upon them on your own, because they're one of the best knifemakers out there right now.

Honestly, if you get aomething as big as the Evo, you'll use it very little. Get a North Star and you won't be able to put it down!

Welcome to the forums.

Peace.
 
The Swamp Rat Battle Rat is very popular for a large chopping knife. I have one and used it in my yard to cut small branches off trees. It cuts great, although the heavy weight caused fatigue very quickly.

There was a test of factory large camp knifes in Blade Magazine a year or so ago. I don't recall all of those that were tested, but the Marbles Trailmaker was judged the best.
 
Welcome! For that price, my choice would be the Battle Rat, no question. There are a few interesting alternatives for less money, but if you are willing to spend $200, you are probably not going to find a better (large) knife. For around that price you may be even able to get the mircarta handle "upgrade" if it is already out.

Edit: Well of course if you spend another $100+ you can probably find a Busse Battle Mistress (if you can convince an owner to part with it that is...)
 
ChadCD said:
3) Ranger RD9
Click to expand...

That probably makes the most sense as an upgrade from a Ka-Bar, and is the least expensive. Get the full flat grind and specify that you are looking for a camp and not a tactical edge grind which is left thicker for harder work.

-Cliff
 
Thanks for the information gents. I see we have 4 replies and 3 picks! Imagine that:eek:

I may have to order more than one!?!?

Keep the opinions coming in! I will probably order in the AM.

Thanks for the effort and money you guys put into your reviews. I notice there are some 'opinions' on various testing methods? All looks good and provides some insight to a rookie like me.

I do like the looks on that EVO! Sweet lines....Remember back when I think it was the Mamba...shape looks like it would be an asset in chopping (not that I would know).

Most I used the kabar for was throwing:o Pocket knife and machete got most the workout in the usmc.

Nice reviews Cliff, ever done the RD9? I did not see one on your website.

thanks
Chad

(Beck, thanks for suggesting the Marbles Trailmaker, I will check it out)
 
the best knife in my opinion is the tops tom brown tracker its in your price range but if you want to pay more get a roger linger wsk
 
ChadCD said:
...ever done the RD9?
Click to expand...

No, I plan on picking up some of Justin's knives though, Thom has used them and they get discussed a lot on his forum on Knifeforums.com.

-Cliff
 
My vote goes out to the hellrazor or a swamprat. I own busse's and they take a beatin and ask for seconds. Plus the hellrazor is wicked lookin.
 
Ordered the Bark River Evo! Did the deed last night, late, when no one was around. Could not wait for the AM, was afraid they may run out of stock! What a sweet looking blade! I've been wanting one since the Mamba days. Safe Queen? Dunno, need to buy a safe first....:confused:

Went to sleep with dreams of knives dancing in my head....

Woke up and ordered the RD9! TWICE:eek: (shipping one to a buddy). SOB better appreciate it.

RD9 looks like a workhorse:thumbup: .

Thanks for the advice gents.
Chad
 
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