medium to heavy-duty knife, recommendations please

S

shrogran

Joined
Sep 26, 2004
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I am gonna expand my gear, which is always a great idea :D
The next addition is gonna be a knife that is gonna be used for medium to heavy duty. At this moment i have already found two likely candidates:
- Becker Brute
- Ontario Randall ONRTAK1S
Both look fine to me and seem WELL suited for the job. But it seems that the Ontario will have a enormous deliverytime in the Netherlands...
Anyone have experiences with these beasts? Or any other suggestions (both knives above give a good idea of what kind/size i am looking for).

Shrogran
 
It will be used in Peru in the beginning of next year during a serious hike in the Manu region. I will use it for clearing, chopping etc. and also for small jobs i even havent thought of yet, i guess.
Hmmm. Come to think of it, the handle of the knife should not be too large, i am not gifted with very big hands unfortunatly.

Shrogran
 
Quiet Storm said:
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp
Click to expand...

Good choice. Another couple of choices would be the Fehrman with the 5.5" blade or a Busse Natual Outlaw(or, whatever the fusion model is now called).
 
Shrogran, the Beckers are GREAT knives, but the handles are very large. That Swamp Rat may be a better idea. Its grip is exceptionally good, for size, for control, for comfort, and for heavy use.

I have no experience with Ontario, so I can't compare theirs.
 
I'd go with a KABAR D2 fighting knife. It's not too ergonomic, or light, but it's tough. Maybe check out some TOPS knives. I can't speak for the blades, but the handles/grips seem superb to me.
 
Go with a Swamp Rat. The handles are very comfy, great for chopping and hard use. And the warranty is the best there is, and the knives are so tough you will never need it!

Thor
 
swamp rat

also, i read on the forum that d2 is not great for chopping.....too brittle....so maybe the kabar should be in carbon steel??
 
I've heard of problems with carrying largish knives into foreign countries. You might want to contact someone you know in Peru and find out before you drop money on a big knife only to have it confiscated. If you want a good camp-type knife, try a Swamp Rat Howling Rat, and then buy a local machete or three when you're down there.

I would also take something to sharpen with.
 
Fox Hole Atheist is right, bring a good smaller knife and go for local bought machetes- becker and Ontarios you mentione, and Swamp Rats, none are very good for clearing or light to medium jungle chopping, probably you won't be chopping hard woods or dry woods so go for some thing lighter with more reach. In jungles, "Spende more and do less " with expensive bowie or "spend less and do more" with cheap machete, your choice.
Martin
 
Did you research the types of knives and chopping tools the use were you are going?

It seems logical to me to use the tools that are already available there. You will probably end giving away what you bring anyway.

I find when I travel to foreign places I enjoy it more when I try to understand how they do things and use the same tools they use. You'l find the locals appreciate us taking interest in them and how they do things. It makes for a better experience!

Perhaps bring some inexpensive gadgets that you think they will find interesting and be willing to trade for the tools/knives they have there.

It sounds like a fun adventure!

Good luck,
Collecter
 
When I read the suggestion to get a KABAR D-2 Fighting knife, my internal DANGER! alarm started going off. Attempting to bring a fighting knife with a sharpened top edge into a foreign country could very likely get you a free pass to tour a third world prison facility. :eek: This is sooo not good.
I would do in depth research before considering doing something along those lines.
The forumites who recommended getting a machete or something along the lines of what the locals use is a far better way to go IMHO.
After all, who knows better what works and what's legal than the folks who live in that environment.

Best of luck and have a great time in Peru!
 
mwelch8404 said:
The Respirine scales on the SRKW Camp Tramp need to be used to be believed.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Everyone who hasn't handled them seems to think that they're like Kraton when in fact they're nothing like it. Impervious to the elements, even heaviest use won't destroy them and that Resiprene C sure feels comfy as hell.
 
Guys, shrogran had an earlier thread asking about sawback knives where he mentioned this: "I am from the Netherlands and am going on a trip to Peru soon (jungle trek). I was asked to buy a general purpose knife, fixed blade. Machetes will be provided for. "

He's not flying blind :)

The comments about not bringing fighting knives are very wise. I would think it's not a great idea to bring really expensive knives, either. I remember one post a while back where the man suggested his own habit of bringing a SAK and an Opinel, because security won't even notice anything that common. Since 9/11 of course, security wets itself over nailclippers, but the principle remains.
 
Did anyone mention the Cold Steel Bushman? Large and small, bring a few, hand them out like toys to play with :D
 
Get a CS Bushman and wrap a SAK in paper and plastic and tape it into the handle.
I've been to Peru 6 times and I'm headed back next month. I like going there. I've met lots of nice people there. :D
 
Whoa!

Peru has jungle, high dessert, and alpine areas. Where are you going, Shrogan? The more it's like jungle, the more a machete or machete analog is useful, and, equally, many of the above suggestions of good knives are less than optimal. Otherwise, something a lot shorter, while still strong, is indicated.

Do you want to lessen maintenance by using a stainless steel knife?

Are you carrying your equipment/gear/kit on your back? If so, weight is a factor.

As has been said here many times, tools are not "good" in the abstract; they are good for the task(s) and user(s).
 
FoxholeAtheist said:
I've heard of problems with carrying largish knives into foreign countries. You might want to contact someone you know in Peru and find out before you drop money on a big knife only to have it confiscated. If you want a good camp-type knife, try a Swamp Rat Howling Rat, and then buy a local machete or three when you're down there.

I would also take something to sharpen with.
Click to expand...

The Howling Rat is a most excellent shape and size for a camp knife. It is also my favorite Rat. The Camp Tramp and Battle Rat are also good and I have them also, but I'm thinking of the size getting it into the country. The HR and a local bought machete sounds like a good deal.

A GOOD sharpener would be a high priority. Like a DMT or EZ Lap hone that is easy to pack. Not trying to suggest a Sharpmaker in the pocket. LOL For example, MtMike makes a sheath for the Rats with a pouch on the back for a DMT credit card sharpener. Keeps your sharpener with your knife.

FHA is right on the money with this.

Rob
 
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