Looking for a decent chopper

P

parkschr

Joined
Nov 21, 2011
Messages
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Hi, I am looking for some ideas for a decent chopper. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Here is what I want:

1. 9" to 10" high carbon blade
2. Micarta handle
3. Under $150 out the door including the sheath.
 
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For under $150 you could put micarta on a Becker BK9 (though I like the stock Grivory handles better) but you only want a decent chopper. BK9 is a great chopper. :D

20111121_ac_IMG_0768.jpg



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Beckerhead #42
 
If I do decide on the BK9, where is a good place to purchase the BK9 and a place to get the Marcarta handle?
 
Look at the Ontario Ranger RD-9 Ready Detachment.

I have an Ontario Ranger RD-7 that I like a lot. Considering the price it's a great knife.
It's 1/4 inch thick 5160 with a full flat grind. The RD-7 chops well and is great for general cutting tasks considering the size. The RD-7 might not chop as well (it'll be close though) as some knives like a Ratweiler and probably a BK, but IMO it probably slices better due to the full flat grind. The RD-9 can only chop better than the RD-7 with the extra length.
I've chopped and baton with it and the edge has not deformed or chipped. This steel with this heat treat probably isn't the best for slicing/edge retention compared to 52100 or 1095, but it definitely isn't bad either. I'd rather have the toughness/impact resistance of 5160 in a knife this big.
Fit and finish on mine was very good. The primary grind was very even and the edge grind was also even and it came hair popping sharp.

The handle...many people gripe about the micarta scales being too blocky. I'm a tinkerer so I loved that it was blocky. That means I get to shape it how I want. I used a dremel and sandpaper to round it out and it fits my hand well. Otherwise, you'll probably need to wear gloves if you use the knife for a long time the way it comes from the factory.
If you have fat fingers the grip might also be a tiny bit too short.
Here's the knife as it comes from the factory:
315049_10100273240415929_11805551_48719482_1749210915_n.jpg

And after some sanding and a little bit of work with a checkering file (yes, that's a giant snickers bar):
390201_10100362863290969_11805551_49342300_439345184_n.jpg


Some people complain about the sheath. IMO it can use some improvement. I took out the factory plastic liner and replaced it with some kydex i molded into the same shape, but I pinched the bottom of it so the blade doesn't rattle when inserted. I haven't had any problems with the retention strap.
If you don't like it, just throw it away and pretend it didn't come with it. It does come free and the knife is still cheaper than a Swamp Rat without a sheath. Better yet, send it to me.

So yeah, i like my RD-7 and the RD-9 should be similar.

If you can wait, Scrap Yard Knives should come out with a 9 inch Sykco sometime. That should be a great chopper but it won't have micarta.
 
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Yep, the Becker BK9 is a great chopper at that price point. I had one and loved the feel and balance of the blade with the exception of the grivory handles. But do yourself a favor and invest an extra $50 to get the Swamp Rat Rodent 9. You get the awesome SR-101 steel, and a handle that melts in your hand. I held one at the recent Dayton Gun show that Busse was part of. Of course, so did you! Come on, get it. You know you want to...;)
 
LightGuy said:
Yep, the Becker BK9 is a great chopper at that price point. I had one and loved the feel and balance of the blade with the exception of the grivory handles. But do yourself a favor and invest an extra $50 to get the Swamp Rat Rodent 9. You get the awesome SR-101 steel, and a handle that melts in your hand. I held one at the recent Dayton Gun show that Busse was part of. Of course, so did you! Come on, get it. You know you want to...;)
Click to expand...

You are killing me dude!
 
LightGuy said:
Yep, the Becker BK9 is a great chopper at that price point. I had one and loved the feel and balance of the blade with the exception of the grivory handles. But do yourself a favor and invest an extra $50 to get the Swamp Rat Rodent 9. You get the awesome SR-101 steel, and a handle that melts in your hand. I held one at the recent Dayton Gun show that Busse was part of. Of course, so did you! Come on, get it. You know you want to...;)
Click to expand...

That's another $100 bucks.
 
If you're not too invested in micarta and standard looking knives, a Himalayan Imports khukuri would fit the bill nicely for a chopper.
 
Scrap Yard and Swamp Rat both have large knives that make good choppers. Prices are not too bad when you buy from them directly.
 
Although not mentioned much here , I think the condor boomslang fits everything you're looking for.
 
i have also been looking at getting a larger fixed blade (7"-9" range). the knives that i have been looking at so far are:

condor varan (maybe even the kumunga)
ontario RD7 or RD9
ontario RBS7 or RBS9
becker BK7 or BK9
 
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jimnolimit said:
i have also been looking at getting a larger fixed blade (7"-9" range). the knives that i have been looking at so far are:

condor varan (maybe even the kumunga)
ontario RD7 or RD9
ontario RBS7 or RBS9
becker BK7 or BK9
Click to expand...

The Kumunga rocks and costs so little you may as well get one regardless of what other piece you happen to stumble across.
 
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