Kukri vs. big chopper..

T

theblacksheep

Joined
May 19, 2007
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help me decide. I need a big chopper/kukri. it will be attached to my daypack for hunting and hiking trips. I will use it to clear twigs, small trees, branches and the occasional pelvic bone on hunting trips. which would be a better fit.

Big chopper--10 inch blade, 1/4 thick
swamp rat
scrapyard
bill siegle
gossman
maybe even a custom?
can anyone think of any others

Kukri-
never had one or even handled one but have heard great things
only know of H.I. and Condor

I need bladeforums help on this matter. so please give me your opinions.
 
Sounds like you want something light yet pack a bit of punch.
Look for something not too big to hinder your movement and can be easily drawn from waist/ your preferred way of carrying.

All of what you mentioned above are capable of doing so- basically boils down to what you will want to have eventually.
I found that light carry is a big plus as i start to do more longer hikes now.
 
Junglas or Rtak II.

I noticed you listed no price... If money is no option, you will not beat a Busse or Bussekin.
 
theblacksheep said:
Kukri-
never had one or even handled one but have heard great things
only know of H.I. and Condor
Click to expand...

Kukris are a good multi-purpose blade, capable of knife like tasks as well as heavy chopping. H.I. has a sterling reputation, but I haven't tried them...Condor makes great low cost, high value machetes and camp knives, but their kukri is a bit smaller than I prefer. Of course, you could also take a look at Cold Steel's Gurkha kukri(shortwinger posted a pretty comprehensive review of that one on the Cold Steel subforum here), or get a traditional one from one of the Kukri houses.
 
if both have for example a 10" blade, the kuk will be heavier and a better chopper, but also harder to use than the big knife for other general knife tasks, and doesn't really work well as a draw knife at all
 
I like big choppers and they're generally a little lighter to pack then a big Kukri,

...but, :eek: :foot: :eek:

...if you find the right Kukri (with a good balance of weight vs. performance), it might serve you quite well.


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Big Mike
 
If price is not a factor, Busse B10 or 11 or a Killa Zilla 1or2 if you can find them. Also right now there are a lot of sykco 1311s on the exchange. The best cheap option to me is the cold steel kukri machete. I picked mine up for $13.
 
I think for occasional use, a regular fixed blade is all you need. If I know that I intend to do some chopping, then I carry something larger. My current big chopper is not a kukri design. I use the Condor Pack Golok. Weight and size are real important to me for occasional use. The blade gets left at home unless I know I will likely need it for more than occasional use. That said, I keep a Condor Golok in my vehicle all the time, but I seldom carry it.

I have been fishing along rivers in my area and have finished up my fishing but not ready to go home. Taking a walk with my camera and my Pack Golok to trim up some trails that grow closed with vegetation is an activity I sometimes do. This is so that the next guy has an easier time navigating the narrow paths with his fishing equipment.
 
There are a bunch of good choices out there, but I would go with an 18 inch Ontario machete. As I've mentioned before, these blades seem to glide through wood (both hard and soft) and make good defensive weapons due to their length. Weight is a factor if you are packing the tool day in and day out, and every pound makes a difference. I have some really sweet choppers but the majority of them are too heavy for extended use...anything over 1.75 pounds seems excessive and tends to put quite a bit of strain on the wrist during protracted chopping sessions. Keep in mind that a lot of strain can be negated by proper technique. Also, the proficiency level of the user is probably one of the most over-looked factors when attempting to make a selection amongst the vast array of knives. What works for one person may not be a proper fit for another. I tip my hat to the 1311, which works great for many applications, with notable mention going to a vintage CS ATC which has been a faithful companion for many moons. Also, the newer SK5 kuk from CS can take a serious beating and might be a viable option for your needs.

As mentioned, the basic CS kukri might be a decent option if you are short on green. These pack well and are ultra tough, strong enough to split any pelvis. With the extra reach, you'll benefit from the mechanical advantage that a ten inch blade can only dream of. Of course, all these tools are really a trade-off of sorts. For maximum chopping power, there is a reason that my jersey pattern five pound axe has a lengthy handle!
 
In all honesty, the jobs you're describing would best be done with a saw. I recommend Silky. Lighter, faster, and less prone to taking fingers and toes off. ;)

For a knife I would look hard at anything with Res-C. It's a great handle material for choppers.
 
Hey Big Mike,

What's that blade at the top of your photo? It's quite a looker.


EDIT: Ah, it looks like it's a Thai e-nep. Where did you get it?
 
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The BRKT Golok is a great chopper and not too heavy.
The Browning Barker/Crowell competition cutter bowie is great also.
 
well I bought a cold steel kukri at uncle sams,didnt like it,didnt seem like the one I bought two years ago,they let me exchange it for a Ontario 18" machete,the okc has a lot thicker blade,the cold steel felt flimsy to me.blade could be bent easy,plus the handle was all chewed up.right out of the package,this is replacing my welded/rehandled bear grills parang I got sweet talked out of.like my hi kukri"s too. .condor has a heavy kukri too,like their boomslang,looks nice.good luck with your search.
 
philllll said:
Hey Big Mike,

What's that blade at the top of your photo? It's quite a looker.


EDIT: Ah, it looks like it's a Thai e-nep. Where did you get it?
Click to expand...



From Thailand. :eek:


4hg9.jpg



Seriously, a friend of mine from Thailand got that for me a few years back. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:




Big Mike
 
For pure chopping power at an economical price point, it is REALLY hard to beat the KaBar #1249 Kukri Machete (top). Around $59 to your door. Or the KaBar # 1248 Cutlass Machete. Also around $59 to your door (middle).



If you want something thicker than them, try the Ontario SP-53. Same blade shape as the Cutlass but 1/4" thick.



Around $89 to your door.
 
Here is my Bonecutter next to a 1/4" Ontario SP-8. The "Big" chopper doesn't have a chance when compared to the Khukuri.
 
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