Kershaw Outcast

Md 25v

Md 25v

Joined
Jun 11, 2008
Messages
1,409
I want the opinions of guys who own an outcast.
How was the factory edge?
How was the balance? It looks very tip heavy,kind of machete weighted, which will be great for a chopper.
I'm looking at getting one on Friday and want to know if its solid. I also want to know how the edge retention is, as well as ease of sharpening. Just to clarify, I love D2 (if its done right). I have a couple Dozier's that have great D2 steel and hold a beautiful edge. I also have two Ka-Bar knives, one folder and one fixed, in D2 and neither will even take an edge (compared to the Dozier's) at the same angle. I'm looking at the outcast as a heavy-brush clearing knife to replace a 12in machete. I want a little extra weight and the outcast looks about right, not to mention how inexpensive it is.
 
The Outkast is one an awesome knife for medium chopping and any type of batoning. Its my first chopper and I still grab it when I'm beating on knotted wood or something I'd rather not put my Fehrman EJ too :P It is tip heavy, the handle shape is awesome and to some the pattern is great but the pattern feels a bit too squishy for me. I have thick tough hands so I don't really notice them getting beat up.

As far as the edge, it's what got me loving D2. The darn thing just doesn't dull no matter how long I chop with it. Even near the middle to lower guard are where I have it at about 25-30 degree it stays sharp for a VERY long time man. The ONLY thing it will do is chip should you hit nails near the thinned area of the knife. It is much thicker at the top 5"'s. Where its thicker I have not chipped cutting through nails.

I ALMOST think it does a better job chopping than my RTAKII. I'd have to compare those and see though. If you want I wouldn't mind doing that tomorrow and getting back to you or maybe posting a short vid of me chopping with the Outkast then shaving paper afterwards, let me know.
 
Nemesis- that would be great. I have an RTAKII and a comparison between them would be perfect.
 
Md 25v said:
I want the opinions of guys who own an outcast.
How was the factory edge?
How was the balance? It looks very tip heavy,kind of machete weighted, which will be great for a chopper.
I'm looking at getting one on Friday and want to know if its solid. I also want to know how the edge retention is, as well as ease of sharpening. Just to clarify, I love D2 (if its done right). I have a couple Dozier's that have great D2 steel and hold a beautiful edge. I also have two Ka-Bar knives, one folder and one fixed, in D2 and neither will even take an edge (compared to the Dozier's) at the same angle. I'm looking at the outcast as a heavy-brush clearing knife to replace a 12in machete. I want a little extra weight and the outcast looks about right, not to mention how inexpensive it is.
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Before pulling the trigger on the Outcast, check this out:

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=9464

EDITED:

You already have one! LOL
 
Thanks for the suggestion, but if you see my above post, I already have an RTAK-II. Its a very good chopper but I want more, more, more,more!!! Anyway, the outcast looks like it might be my next chopper.
 
Md 25v said:
Thanks for the suggestion, but if you see my above post, I already have an RTAK-II. Its a very good chopper but I want more, more, more,more!!! Anyway, the outcast looks like it might be my next chopper.
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If you want no less than the absolute maximum performance from a chopper, then your best bet is the Busse Fusion Battle Mistress. This beast cuts wood like a chainsaw.
 
The handle was too small for me to use. I do not have large hands and it seemed to want to rotate when I used it. Sold it.
 
Already have the original Battle Mistress. I love it, it is BY FAR my favorite chopper, but I'm clearing trails in a park and other people often use my machetes and knives and I'm not about to let one of my Busse's leave my sight.
 
Md 25v said:
Already have the original Battle Mistress. I love it, it is BY FAR my favorite chopper, but I'm clearing trails in a park and other people often use my machetes and knives and I'm not about to let one of my Busse's leave my sight.
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Wise decision.
 
I've got the Outcast and RTAKII, like different thing about both. Better factory edge on the RTAKII,better sheath w/the Kershaw.Still think my 14" Tram bolo will outchop them both. Still fun to play with tho.
 
I have several trams, including 2 14in bolos from knifesupply.com that now have cord wrapped handles. As inexpensive as it is, the Ka-Bar kukri is a great chopper, especially for the price point.
 
Md 25v said:
Already have the original Battle Mistress. I love it, it is BY FAR my favorite chopper, but I'm clearing trails in a park and other people often use my machetes and knives and I'm not about to let one of my Busse's leave my sight.
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Whats on the trails?
light vegitation?
Why not just get a ontario 1095 machete, I wouldnt drop a pretty penny for that line of work, unless your looking for an excuse for a new blade.:D
 
I have a lot of machetes. I've got 14 and 18in trams, ontarios both 12 and 18in, 3 condor K&t's, 2 HI kukris that weigh a ton, a woodsman's pal, and two chainsaws. I don't need any more brush clearing equipment. But I can always use a good excuse for a new blade. This particular trail has both Kudzu and Multiflora-rosa (non native) that can be removed with the machetes and light tools as well as a lot of 3-4in trees that are really a job for a small chainsaw but chopping with a blade is great stress relief when the volunteers are screwing around instead of working.
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions so far. I'm glad that I already have most of the knives that have been suggested. Since you guys are suggesting knives that you personally use and have had good luck with, it means I've made some good selections so far for hard use knives and tools.
 
Sounds like you are looking at the knife for run / enjoyment and as an excuse to purchase a new knife. Go for it. It has gotten many good reviews.
 
Md 25v said:
Didn't feel like waiting any more. Just ordered it.
I also got this in the mail today.
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_purpose/camping/a_g_russell_camp_ax_with_black_micarta.html
Man is this axe nice, full convex edge, fit and finish far exceeds the $95 I dropped on it.
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Lol, patience grasshoppa :P j/k Sorry man I couldn't get to this post earlier (LONG day at work man) So now the ax is in addition to the Outkast you bought or it replaced the Outkast? Awesome looking axe man :cool: Anyhow if your still interested I can do a video of the Outkast and the RTAKII this weekend as I'm leaving for the woods tomorrow afternoon. I can bring some 2x4/4x4's and cut tree's as well if you like :) Let me know brotha.



nephildevil said:
isnt D2 better for small knives?
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After using the Outkast thats a negative. Its awesome for a chopper despite the ability to chip on metal IF it's thinned out too much. Keep the edge angle right and you'll be a happy camper.
 
Nemesis- Video would be cool. It would give me something to watch over and over until my outcast gets here. I bought the axe a week ago from AG Russel. It arrived today. I ordered the outcast today about an hour after the axe came.
 
Md 25v said:
Nemesis- Video would be cool. It would give me something to watch over and over until my outcast gets here. I bought the axe a week ago from AG Russel. It arrived today. I ordered the outcast today about an hour after the axe came.
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Sweet man. Sounds good about the video. If I get back at a reasonable time on Sunday i'll post it then if not Monday for sure. Now I'm no Noss, I will do my best to video tape it well. Ive never filmed anything other than my 4 wheeling so bare with me. I know it isn't rocket science but you never know man, might end up filming my feet the whole time :P

About the knife, My best results come from a convexed edge just thinned out a LITTLE bit.
 
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