Large Knife Choices

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Vivi

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I was considering spending a paycheck on a large knife to use during winter camping trips and hikes. I'm having trouble deciding between all the different styles of knives out there. Here's everything I've been looking at:


Leuku
Machete
Becker
Axe
Khukuri


Right now my largest knives are an 11 inch Khukuri and a 5.8 inch Brusletto Puukko style knife. I want to buy something that can be used for a variety of tasks, like brush clearing, chopping, batoning etc. Right now I'm leaning towards a Leuku because I like scandi style blades. The blade isn't too thick and the handles are very round, so it's still fairly light and comfortable in the hand. Khukuris work well for me but are usually a little more stressful for my arm. I think something like a Becker might feel overbuilt and too thick behind the edge, but it still looks worth considering. I don't have much experience with either an axe or machete but decided to put them on the list too.
 
I have a leuku that i have had for few years and i really dont like using it that much.

:thumbup: The good: it is sharp and holds an edge well and chops and cuts well, sharpens easily, it is plade heavy but the balance is good for a chopper. I really like this blade shape and size. it is light weight.


:thumbdn: The Bad: The handle feels wrong to me. it is large and round, and fits my hand poorly, plus there is no protection from the hand sliding up the blade, I dont mind this on a small Mora or Phuko but on a chopper it bothers me. The sheath while attractive seems more designed for carry in a bag than on a belt as it has no belt loop. I have ben thinking about re handling the knife because i truly do like the blade. I may try to add a D guard to the handle to make it feel more secure.

I like my ontario Machetes, I have the full size and the 12 inch, the latter may be better for your purposes.

I do not own any Large beckers but i have never heard anythind bad about them

If you want another option try Valiant or Reflections of asia
They have some grat light choppers

I hope this helps
 
You know this has been something on my mind for a while, And the big knife that allways comes up in the end, Is a kuk. I sugest looking around the HI site, there are many kuks with a blade length of 12" and up so there are lots of choices.
They make a British army model that has caught my eye many times.

My personal choice however, has been a wetterlings Large hunters axe. It was cheaper than a GB, and with a little work, It has come out a Very fine axe. Excellent chopping, and has a knife like edge, which I've used to make fuzz sticks. Which also is awsome!
 
Speaking of Ontario... how about an RTAK II? Kind of light, 10.5" blade, great handle, very sharp, not too thick, 1095 steel, not too expensive, decent sheath... I love mine.
 
If its chopping you want to do I would go with a becker BK7, great value right there. I'm surprised fonly didn't mention it, he loves his. I will probably be picking one up myself soon.

Ontarios are a bit pricier, but have a full flat grind (which I love, but makes for a lighter blade, less chopping power) and are great looking blades. The handles are comfier then beckers I hear, as well,
If you like ontario check out the RTAKII like diceman said, or the RAT7.

Now just decide if you will be doing more slicing or chopping.
 
haha, Ya your right Liam. I love my BK7, it is really another brother of mine :D

No, in all seriousness, the BK7 is an awsome knife, great mixture of chopping and cutting ability. The only problem I can forsee is not being able to find one, But if you can you should get one just because :D
 
Right now my largest knives are an 11 inch Khukuri and a 5.8 inch Brusletto Puukko style knife.

Well, you already have two great tools already. The only thing you'd need now is a http://ragweedforge.com/wett30.jpg

For me, a decent knife, a kukuri, and an axe or hatchet is all one needs. Look at it this way. What are the typical things one does out in the shit. kills animals (tie your knife to a branch, and rambo em to death, or spear fish) skin game, dig, clear brush/ chop branches, hammer makeshift tent pegs into the ground, break rocks/flint/obsidian with butt/spine, stroke a mag bar or a fire starter, self defense. and whatever else you can think of. a knife does some of those, the kukuri is a great chopper/branch clearer, and the axe well, it does all the rest. especially the pounding/choppping tasks.
A good axe is all you need after that. Youll have it all covered then. Try not to double up on your task handlers.
The Leuku is already covered by your kukuri and puukko. The machete is already covered by your kukuri (and your hatchet if you get one) The becker, while a great knife, is already covered by your kukuri and puukko. the kukuri is well, already covered by your kukuri lol. the only tool left, that can do, what the stuff you already have cannot, would be the axe in my mind.
 
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