Heavy Duty Chopper

T

The_Guide

Joined
Feb 1, 2009
Messages
604
I am in the market right now for a chopping knife. I am looking for
something with the blade length around the 10" + range, designed
specifically for hard use chopping and batonning.

This knife is going to get beaten to hell, and I need something that can
handle a lot of hard (ab)use.
I plan on building shelters with it, preparing firewood, and all those other
unexpected uses one requires a big blade for. I am basically looking for
an axe in a knifes body.

I am not too concerned with cost, and I really want something that will not
chip and can handle heavy batonning. I have looked at Busse, Fehrman, and
all the other high quality contendors, but I want some real world experience
and not some sales pitch.

What would you suggest for such a knife?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
shecky said:
Save your money..
Click to expand...

Well thats no fun :p

Not too concerned with $$$. Just quality.

I work in the bush 6 months of the year (a wilderness guide in central BC) and get all my food covered by the ranch. Decent paycheck, no expenses. The other 6 months I live in a cabin by a lake, and basically live off the land. I really have nothing else to spend my money on. Its hard work, but so damn worth it :D

The_Guide :)
 
Both Himalayan Imports and Busse will fit your needs perfectly. Here is a 18" CAK by HI, 12" blade if I recall. 10 1/2" diameter tree.

DSCF0005bb.jpg
 
Check out the Becker BK-9 Combat Bowie, less than $ 100.00 and it comes with a sweet little neck knive they throw in for free. The BK-9 is an outstanding chopper and I think you'll be satisfied with it. Best bang for your buck. You said cost didn't matter... check out the Busse website, they make what many on this website the best choppers in the business. Both Becker and Busse have sub-forums on Bladeforums.
 
While both Busse and Fehrman are great choices, you should also check out Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works. Ted makes some monsters out of 5160, I've beaten mine a lot, no problems.
 
If money is no option, you should by both a Busse, and a Fehrman. Post frequent reports on how they hold up, with pictures. I am sure lots-o-folk would love to see the results. I love seeing '"user" knives in action as much I enjoy a well lit, sexy photograph of sleek lined steel.
 
Hands down if you can find one get a Busse Nuclear Meltdown Fusion Battle Mistress. The best chopper I have used, if you can't get one get a Fat Fusion Battle Mistress. You will not be disappointed.
 
welton said:
Hands down if you can find one get a Busse Nuclear Meltdown Fusion Battle Mistress. The best chopper I have used, if you can't get one get a Fat Fusion Battle Mistress. You will not be disappointed.
Click to expand...

I am probably going to get the Fehrman now, so I can have a good knife for this coming season, and keep an eye out for a Busse. I have had bad GAS for both of those a while now. (GAS=Gear Acquisition Syndrome)

Regarding the Bark River Clax, I almost bought one of those. Like filled-out-the-form-and-everything almost. But when it came time to the moment of no return, I just couldnt push the send payment button. Dont know why, it looks like a beast. Just couldnt do it.

So the Fehrman and the Busse are still the top contendors.

Any one have any experience with any of the custom builders? The Trace Rinaldi Armageddon looks like it could hold its own. They offer it in A2, S30V, and 3V.

I was impressed by some of the stuff from Murray Carter as well. Hes got an amazing Koshinata Japanese style machete that has an 11.5" laminated blade.

So many options. I really want to get it by April, so I think the custom route is out of the question.

Thanks for all the replies so far. Much food for thought :)

The_Guide :cool:
 
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Well, I just stumbled upon a NMFBM. Well see if it's still available, and if so, I am buying it. I really like the extended blade at 11.5".
 
Kelsey Creek Knives (David Wesner) makers EXCELLENT customs!! I have a few in A2 and 5160.

The Battle Mistress in most forms is the end all knife!
But the Fehrman Extreme Judgment is worth looking at also!
 
Busse NMFBM is the be-all end-all for pure chopping, and makes a great draw knife as well due the the long straight rounded spine. But a CGFBM with a 10" corrugated (= lighter) blade might be easier to carry. INFI is a proven performance steel. BUT some people like the ergonomics of the Fehrman line better, and his 3V steel is reportedly exceptionally tough and wear-resistant.
 
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