Large blade (10"+) to accompany my RC-4?

S

ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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I know this is not a RAT-thread, but I want to hear suggestions from those people who are "on my level". The fans of RAT knives know where my priorities are, regarding quality, value, aesthetics, performance, etc. PLUS, a lot of the people here are "real users" whose opinions I respect. Mods, if you feel this is the wrong section for this, feel free to lock it and suggest a better sub-forum. I can re-post it in a more appropriate section.

I have an RC-4 as my main, go-to blade. Just because I like to be prepared for anything, I am looking for a large, heavier, chopping-style blade. My needs include: clearing brush, felling small trees, shelter building, splitting firewood (6"+ dia.), batoning, etc.

I was previously interested in a Ghurka Khukuri blade, but I haven't been impressed with the quality of steel used. I want something with a decent tang. Currently, I am looking most seriously at the Kershaw Outcast, KaBar Kukri Machete, and (maybe) Cold Steel Kukri. It seems that I am looking for something with a recurve blade and I'd like a blade at least 3/16" thick. I like the blade shape of the CS Kukri, but it seems so thin (2.75mm or 0.11"). Also, I’m not sure if the D2 steel used in the Outcast is too brittle for this type of blade.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!
 
buy an Axe.... go to home depot and pick up an Estwing axe / hatchet last forever,I have had my leather stack handle one for 20+ years...
toss in a pocket knife of your choice and your good to go with that trio
 
I have all the blades you mentioned and are all up to your list of task's except the 20$CS Kukri. It is too light for the heavy chopping and splitting but great for vines etc.
Is there a reason that you did not like the SK-5 in the CS Ghurka. There has been many positive reviews of this steel and my sk-5 trailmaster has been abused to no end.

I have never had a problem with my D2 outcast but have seen post's and reviews of chipping potential. I have never used it on frozen wood because of this.
Go with the Kabar or CS Ghurka
regards
Brad
 
KA-BAR Becker Combat Bowie
Cold Steel Trail Master Bowie
Ontario RTAK 2
 
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A Bark River Golok would be my suggestion. Not too heavy to make it uncomfortable to carry but will chop like the dickens. The convex edge holds up great to chopping and is easy to maintain. And it comes with a no questions asked warranty. I haven't batonned anything 6" or above but I'd imagine the Golok would probably do it. I'd most likely use an axe on something that size.
 
Pick up a Himalayan Imports kukri. Personaly I use a model M43 but another super strong model is the Chiruwa Ang Khola. These kukri's have a lifetime guarantee and are made from leafg springs. I have personaly built two trappers cabins, many other types of shelters and chopped up a ton of firewood with mine. I honestly can't endorse these blades as highly as they deserve.
 
It's only about 9 - 9.5" in blade length ... but I think it's worth considering.

Swamprat just issued an open call for orders on the new knife and it looks like a beauty to me. Most of the legendary performance qualities of Jerry Busse's main line of knives for considerably less money.

Mosey on over to that sub-forum and take a look.

On the custom side, you might chat with Laconico or Bill Siegle. Both are known for outstanding custom choppers for a reasonable price. I know I've enjoyed their fine work.
 
I'll throw in with Wildmike and suggest a Himalayan Imports Kukri. There's plenty of models to choose from and sizes to choose. Just remember if you order the length specified is overall length, not blade length. If you have a certain blade length in mind, add 5 inches to that and that's the length to order.

If you have a certain blade thickness/weight range you want, email Yangdu at
HIMIMP@aol.com and she'll tell you which model is closest to what you want. You can get them anywhere from light, machete-like blades to 1/2-inch thick choppers.

They'll also make a custom size if you want.
 
I have had my hands on most of the choppers out there. Owned MANY different knives. Have chopped many TONS of wood with knives and machetes. The best chopper I have ever owned or used in the 10 inch range is Webster Marble's 1908 design -- the Trailmaker:

http://www.marblescutlery.com/cutlery/trailmaker.html

Very old school. But made in a time and place where people bought a knife like this to use, not to look at. Highly optimized cutting geometry for wood and a literal razor blade from one end to the other. The handle is spot on. Don't buy one with bone or fragile handle materials, though, for hard chopping. The solid wood or stacked leather will stand the test of time.

Now I'm sure when RAT comes out with their machete, it will be every bit as good! :D
 
Yes, I know I am pretty particular...

texastonydobbs said:
buy an Axe.... go to home depot and pick up an Estwing axe / hatchet last forever,I have had my leather stack handle one for 20+ years...
toss in a pocket knife of your choice and your good to go with that trio
Click to expand...
I have an Estwing hatchet. I like it, but for the weight being carried, axes are very limited in their uses. What I mean to say is that... axes are excellent for any chopping-type activity; cutting and slicing are not an axes highlights. Also, not great for clearing brush. I'd like a tool that can accomplish all the tasks listed in the first post AND function as a knife, even if not ideal for all knife-tasks.

Brad "the butcher";6517838 said:
I have all the blades you mentioned and are all up to your list of task's except the 20$CS Kukri. It is too light for the heavy chopping and splitting but great for vines etc.
Is there a reason that you did not like the SK-5 in the CS Ghurka. There has been many positive reviews of this steel and my sk-5 trailmaster has been abused to no end...
Click to expand...
The SK-5 caught my eye too! Looks very nice. However, at more than double the price, is it noticably better than the Outcast?

NorCalMtn2 said:
KA-BAR Becker Combat Bowie
Cold Steel Trail Master Bowie
Ontario RTAK 2
Click to expand...
Can any of these really chop like a Khukuri-shaped blade? I have looked at a bunch of those in the past. Maybe the cost has me turned away from them.

smcclown05 said:
A Bark River Golok would be my suggestion. Not too heavy to make it uncomfortable to carry but will chop like the dickens. The convex edge holds up great to chopping and is easy to maintain. And it comes with a no questions asked warranty. I haven't batonned anything 6" or above but I'd imagine the Golok would probably do it. I'd most likely use an axe on something that size.
Click to expand...
Good idea. I have checked it out in the past, but I will take a closer look. Also, whatever I get will end up getting a new, covex edge.

wildmike said:
Pick up a Himalayan Imports kukri. ... These kukri's have a lifetime guarantee and are made from leafg springs...
Click to expand...
The 'unknown' type of steel leaves me uncomfortable. I want something that will hold a semi-decent edge. Something close to 1095 would be good, or at least a 'known-type' of steel :)

I saw the review done by Noss and I think he was right on one thing... because each is hand made, the product quality and steel heat-treat may be quite varied. Maybe you got a good one? How is the edge retention on yours?

NetShocK said:
A firm budget would definitely help.
Click to expand...
Good point :o I want to stay under $100.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I will definitely check out all the ideas that I didn't directly respond to.
 
jdm61 said:
Browning Crowell-Barker competition cutter.
Click to expand...

This is one of the few 10 inch knives on the market I believe would measure up to the performance of the Marble's Trailmaker. I have not handled one. But the difference between a thinly ground rolled edge versus a thick primary grind with a wide flat secondary edge bevels (as with most choppers) is absolutely night and day when cutting wood. The thin rolled edges almost cut by themselves, driving deep and releasing easily. Not surprising to find that kind of edge on a blade that was a winner in wood cutting competition.
 
Minuteman said:
This is one of the few 10 inch knives on the market I believe would measure up to the performance of the Marble's Trailmaker. I have not handled one. But the difference between a thinly ground rolled edge versus a thick primary grind with a wide flat secondary edge bevels (as with most choppers) is absolutely night and day when cutting wood. The thin rolled edges almost cut by themselves, driving deep and releasing easily. Not surprising to find that kind of edge on a blade that was a winner in wood cutting competition.
Click to expand...

I have one. Convex it is but also the edge is pretty thick. I wasn't
as impressed as I thought I would be with its chopping ability.
I've begun reprofiling it to thin out the edge. I did the same
with my Becker C/U 7 and it now chops and slices admirably.

On the plus side it has great balance and should eventually
be a great performer.
 
Jake Bauer said:
Becker BK9

KA BAR Cutlass Machete
Click to expand...

+1 on a big Becker. The patrol machete is also pretty sweet.

Even better would be a nice machete. I would suggest a 12" or 14" Bolo from Tramontina. Spend an afternoon modding it and making a sheath all for less then $50 easily.
 
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