I need help deciding on a chopping tool

H

healthvet

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Jul 6, 2009
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I am looking for opinions on what type of chopping knife to bring on 4-5 day backpacking trips. Currently, when we set out, I have usually brought a SAK (farmer or OHT), and one of either a Grohmann belt knife, Buck 105 or a Mora. I usually brought a Fiskars folding saw. We usually backpack along the ocean, and driftwood is aplenty. The problem we are having is that saltwater seems to really strengthen the wood. It takes a longer than usual to saw through a 3-4" log. On one occasion, a buddy had a 5" blade that did a quicker job than my saw (he's also twice my size, admittedly). The knife was not recognizeable - it was 20 year old 3/16" thick knife that only had 'Japan' stamped on the tang.

I got a CS Kukri to try out. On shorter trips, inland, it has been great. My concern about it is the size and carry - the sheath is not comfortable to carry on belt, so I have it on/in my backpack. I am concerned when I get back to our ocean hiking trails, that it will be a hinder. These trails are very rugged with steep vertical climbs. The most noted of these trails is the Fundy Footpath, FYI.

I have been looking at Becker/Esee knives, and reading reviews about them on this forum. I thought about BK7, but decided (just on reviews) that Esee may have more what I want - plus they're smaller. I was think about an Esee 4 or 5. Then I saw a TV show where an Ontario Spec 8 machete was used, and that seemed appealing - smaller machete, and a 4" fixed blade and SAK.

I can't find to many reviews on this forum about Ontario Spec 8, but would it be better than an Esee. The primary (only?) purpose of the tool would be for processing firewood.

I have to mention that the Footpath is very challenging, and in spring/fall it is cold! You can be out for 5 days and see no one else. The equipment has to be tough, but, paradoxically, don't bring stuff that you would miss. if you leave it behind, you're not getting it back. Knives/tools are something I get attached to, as I have some that I think would do the job, but as they are gifted to me, I want to be able to hand them on in the future.

To summarize Esee 5 (or 4?) vs Ontario Spec Machete. Other ideas?

Thanks to all who make suggestions

Healthvet
 
Well, your post title says "chopping tool".
A 4-5" knife by any maker is going to suck at chopping.

If you're Jonesing for a new blade and want an ESEE, the Junglas or Lite Machete are far better choices flr a chopper. But FWIW, with the CS kukri, you already have a machete.

It's my observation that large blades are much easier to carry with a baldric type sheath than hanging off your belt.

Options (in order of expense):
1.) Have a custom baldric sheath made. Armorall leather or Chuddy Bear for leather, or any number of kydex makers for kydex.

2.) Buy a Bark River baldric from Knives Ship Free. It attaches through the belt loop of an existing sheath.

3.) If you don't want to drop that kind of money, I've used rifle slings -- specifically surplus Mosin Nagant slings -- and run the "dog collars" through the belt loops on the provided sheath and then adjusted the sling length so the blade rode at the height I wanted it to.
 
Are you totally against taking a 18" or 24" axe. IMO, that would be the best chopping tool to carry. I have not had any issues with strapping one to my pack on long trips.
 
tonym said:
Are you totally against taking a 18" or 24" axe. IMO, that would be the best chopping tool to carry. I have not had any issues with strapping one to my pack on long trips.
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The vertical climbs on portions of the Fundy Footpath are killers. To be honest, the ages of our group ranges from 45 to 68, and would prefer to keep gear light. We keep our packs at around 20lbs, including food, not including water (we all carry 1 qt Nalgene). If it gives some idea of the terrain, it takes us 5 days to hike 30 miles. On more 'civil' terrain and trails, we have done that in two -three days. I have, admittedly seen much younger backpackers travel at a faster pace; in fact, I was one at one time:).

We're basically a group of men who enjoy the outdoors, and can still hike the trails, but at our pace. On some of the beach campsites, we were unable to chop up the drift wood as it was too hard, so then we collect from the woods and burn the driftwood we find 'as is'. Sometimes it's just a pain to do that, and besides, I like chopping. If light sabres were around, I'd use that.

We try to keep our gear in our packs except for a belt knife and a 'small essentials' pack that all of us carry (I use an old camera case on belt) for fire starter, heart medication, etc. Stuff in the pockets, I find to be a nuisance while climbing, and I thought about the kukri in a baldric sheath, but was wondering if it would stay put, and not swing around to much, while I'm lifting myself over obstacles, etc.

The spec 8 looked interesting because of the sheath. Esee looked good from reviews. My problem is I can't handle anything before I buy it because no one carries them around here.

Thanks,
healthvet
 
My two best choppers are an 18" khukuri from HI (28oz WWII) and a curved tip bolo from Reflections of Asia (18'/ 24oz). But they're heavy and bulky. The khuk was about $100, the bolo $30.

If size and weight are an issue one of the smaller khuks will outchop many straight blades of similar length. Even my 12"/ 13oz sirupati has enough weight to open a coconut with little effort (if you can equate chopping kindling with cutting a reasonably neat hole in the top of a coconut). Still small enough for belt carry.

The machetes from Tramontina are an amazing value, if you're so inclined. I really like both of mine. Better fit and finish than some more expensive machetes I've handled. No sheath, though.

Frank
 
healthvet said:
The primary (only?) purpose of the tool would be for processing firewood.
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19" hand axe from Wetterlings or Gransfors. If your intended use is chopping and splitting wood an axe is the obvious choice. For other big blade jobs you already have a machete.

The Gerber/Fiskars axes are pretty good too. Lighter than wood handled ones aswell.
 
healthvet said:
. . . and I thought about the kukri in a baldric sheath, but was wondering if it would stay put, and not swing around to much, while I'm lifting myself over obstacles, etc. . .
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Well, you can rig the sheath so that the shoulder strap takes most of the weight, and run your belt through the belt loop, which will keep it in place (also help you keep your pants up :D).
 
BK9, Junglas, Kabar Cutlass Machete, CS Kukri. In that order. The Junglas is a beast, the 9 is easier to carry, and its a Becker (Beckerhead). The Kabar Cutlass I checked this weekend is a beast, I almost took it home with me. The Ont SPECOPS Marine Raider (10") will chop a mean lick also. Good luck, and post pics when you choose. Moose
 
Under the conditions (including age - I'm 70 !) you describe, The dedicated tools for processing firewood are an axe and/or a saw... leave those overpriced, overweight, "chopper knives" to those with unresolved compensation issues.... seriously, my Becker Brute, as well as my Tramonitas, are considered more multi-purpose 'survival' tools, although the machetes are a necessity in thick, light brush (real bushwhacking). If weight is a concern, remember that old boy scout patrol method of distributing the weight among the group...

I don't care if you are covering only 10 miles in five days... you have my admiration and encouragment ! Keep it up !!! (the hiking, I mean...)
 
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healthvet said:
I got a CS Kukri to try out. On shorter trips, inland, it has been great. My concern about it is the size and carry - the sheath is not comfortable to carry on belt, so I have it on/in my backpack. I am concerned when I get back to our ocean hiking trails, that it will be a hinder. These trails are very rugged with steep vertical climbs. The most noted of these trails is the Fundy Footpath, FYI.

Healthvet
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Hi Healthvet, I'd carry the Khukru machete on/in the pack and pull it out when needed.
 
docgra said:
leave those overpriced, overweight, "chopper knives" to those with unresolved compensation issues....
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Hey--some of us need to have a matching set! :D

I do agree with you that an axe/saw combo is the ideal for dedicated wood processing, but when the main concern is on weight I'll go with a long-bladed knife any day. Batoning works well enough for wood processing, though it does take more time and energy, and saves significantly on weight and bulk. But then again, everyone has their preferences. The above are just mine. :)
 
I have a BK-9 & a BK-7 and in my chopping tests I found that the BK-7 really doesn't make a good chopper. It would take well over twice (probably over 3x) as long to chop the same wood with the BK-7 compared to the BK-9. Based on this experience I would suggest forgetting about anything < 8" as a chopper.

There are many good options - sorting out how to best carry the Condor Kukri you already have would be one. Others include good chopping knives like the BK-9 or the ESEE Junglas or anything else in that size range. I understand wanting to go smaller & lighter, but a chopper needs to be longer & heavier to be effective.
 
For what you describe, I would think a larger Silky Saw would do the trick. Maybe something in the 200-300 mm range. They are lightweight, cut like crazy, and cost little when compared to a knife or axe. I would pay attention to the TPI if the wood is as hard as you state. Man, you sure are a bunch of old bastards. Oops, slipped my mind I fall nearly in the middle of that range.
 
jw2n said:
For what you describe, I would think a larger Silky Saw would do the trick. Maybe something in the 200-300 mm range. They are lightweight, cut like crazy, and cost little when compared to a knife or axe.
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I think you should go to a saw forum to spout off that kind of common sense! ;)

But honestly I have found that some wood is easier & quicker to saw while other wood is easier & quicker to chop (thin & springy wood can be a right pain to saw but can be chopped with one blow). But I have also found a knife to be a more versatile tool that can handle a variety of tasks including chopping, which can make it a better tool to take when hiking.
 
We have alot of really steep, rocky terrain covered by pine scratch that shreds your arms as you try to scramble the grade, so having a low profile kit is pretty important. The highest performance chopper for the size that I have ever used was the Condor Khukri. Light and small with a 13 inch blade, it's the BEST chopping blade I own. It kinda depends on your pack... my Maverick is layed out perfectly for hiding big blades snagproof while still being easily accessible. I don't carry large blades on my belt-the bouncing around drives me nuts, and heaven forbid if it wacks your knee... I would NOT consider most 4-5 inch blades capable choppers. I have plenty of them in all thicknesses and steel types and I think it would be worth packing the larger blade.

Look at the Dylan Fletcher Hatchula. It's kind of an axe/knife hybrid, with a 5 inch blade. I hear it's a great chopper for it's size. That may be your best option, or a smaller Himalayan Imports Khukri, like a 13 inch Ang Khola or something.
 
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