Large fixed blade quality

T

thunderdome

Joined
Jan 29, 2006
Messages
12
Hello, I am looking for a quality fixed blade with a 9-10 inch blade. I wanted to purchase a Scrapyard Dogfather, but after contacting Scrapyard, I found out that they only sell the ‘Son of Dogfather’, and that the other models are not being sold anymore:(. So I started looking into the carbon steel Trailmaster from Coldsteel. Does anyone have any experience with this knife? I have read mixed reviews about it, some people seem to swear by it, others say that is a Chinese made piece of junk. Are there other large performance fixed blades that can be recommended that are under $250?
 
Masteroffajitas said:
What are you going to be using it for?
Click to expand...


Mostly for cutting up fire wood, field cooking, odd jobs around the house, a bit of garden work. Just a general utility knife, that is up to some chopping as well. I know that the Busse Battle Mistress is probably the best knife to get, but I am not willing to pay 500+ dollars for one.
 
Concerning the TM: The handle isn't the sturdiest construction and some users have removed the handle and put something on the knife that is more reliable (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595994). The Crowell/Barker would also get my vote, as the Rangers are pretty rare on the market right now, and Ontario hasn't come up with the models from Justin yet.
On the other hand I saw some Dogfathers in the exchange recently, so you maybe wanna give it second look. Unfortunately the price will be around 250$ and above. Good luck, CZ.
 
Another vote for the Outcast. 10" blade in D2. About $ 80 or so.

If you know how to convex the edge, it makes it a monster.
 
I think the Ranger or Ontario RAT-7 might suit you well. If you want an even nicer blade, maybe take a look at the Bark River Hudson Bay camp knife.
 
I received the following message from Scrapyard:

‘Hello. The only knife that we have available is the SOD and the SOD LE. We are only offering one or two models at a time and once that model is no longer available it may not be available for another year, or two, or maybe never. As far as the original Dog Father, your best bet is to check the secondary market. Thank you.

Renee’

I already own a Spec plus survival bowie from Ontario, and I am not too impressed with this knife. It’s edge does not last, and the grip is unwieldy for me.
Maybe I will have to stretch my budget a little and go for a 2nd hand Dog Father. Man these decisions are hard…..
 
You can find Scrap Yard Dogfathers on the Busse exchange right here on the site. They go for 200+ ish.

I have owned a Cold Steel trailmaster in the sanmai steel (which is the laminated steel). It was made in Japan, and had a great full height convex grind. It held a really good edge for quite a long while it seemed. But the laminated steels are very pricey, and for that price point I would recommend the Dogfather, or similar sized Swamprat.
The CS Trailmaster was my large user/chopper for many years. It had good piercing potential, and was a great user. I was always considering replacing the Krayton handle. They are a bit too grippy when used for extended periods with your bare hand. Also, the handle design, while it makes a neutral handling knife, tended to allow the knife to roll in the hand with really hard chops. I think for the price I would look for a Dogfather or Swamp rat. The warranties on these are the best. CS has some decent users at lower price points, but their warranty is not as great.
 
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+1 on the Crowell-Barker. The Dogfather would work, but is biased towards chopping (blade heavy). Also, if you can find one, a Battle Rat would be excellent.
 
Hey Guys...

I'll also recommend Rager knives,, as well as the RAT 7..
I have several Rangers as well as a Rat 7 and they are tough duty knives that won't break the bank...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
KA BAR Utility, comfy handle, $55-90. RTAKs are pretty well suited for chopping, big handle, I have medium sized hands, I almost bought it online and I'm glade I didn'y because was awkward feel to it, too big for field cooking and house work too.
 
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If you don't mind a waiting list and an ugly knife that's very functional, check out Grayman Knives.

Scrapyard's DF though is a topnotch chopper. They're regularly on the exchange here.
 
Looking at the jobs you plan on using it for and the fact that it'll be used around the house and yard you might want to pick up a hatchet (for the fire wood) a machete (for weeds and brush) and a quality fixed blade. A lot of makers make solid camp knives and you could find a blade that could do everything but it won't be great at any one thing. If you don't need to worry about packing all three I'd think it'd be better to have the tools that really excel at a task over one general tool that does all the jobs but not as well. I have an older Cold Steel SRK that I carry in the field but I don't feel complete without my cheap tramotina machete on my pack.
 
i would agree with the kershaw outcast crowd. i've had it for a few years now and have modified the original edge to a convex one. works lovely and was a great price. i did strip the coating though. one of my favorite camp knives.
 
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