My first chopper is on the way

F

Foilist

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Dec 20, 2004
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I am doing a swap for a Kershaw Outcast, which I hope to get in the mail early next week.

I have never had a chopper before, so I figured this was a good way to try one out. I've read mixed things about the Outcast, but mostly good. I am a bit worried about dealing with D2 though.

I plan mainly to use it around my property hacking away stuff that can't be dealt with by the weed trimmer or axe, but it may find itself coming along into the woods too.
 
I'd never think of D2 for a chopper but I've only heard good reviews about the Outcast so I wouldn't worry !
 
I have heard mixed things on the Outcast as well. The grip not comfortable for some people, the extremely obtuse edge, and that it is D2. I would get one if it weren't only in D2. I don't want a blade that big in D2.
 
I wouldn't have run out and bought one, but trades are a fun way to try out different things without laying out a bunch of $$. I'm looking forward to playing with it, and I will probably eventually send it off to one of the usual sharpening gurus to convex it.
 
TheGame said:
I have heard mixed things on the Outcast as well. The grip not comfortable for some people, the extremely obtuse edge, and that it is D2. I would get one if it weren't only in D2. I don't want a blade that big in D2.
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There are a lot of better choices

After you compare it to several others in the same class-I'll wager you will agree

Handle is not comfortable for most people.
 
i've beaten one for years now, the handle failed the plastic inside cracked on broke off the end, i've never had any issues the steel that wasn't my fault it holds a edge and i find it easy to sharpen.
i do swear i have a slight bend from years of chopping blackwalnut, but nothing real bad.
i did rehandle mine and i came out okay, i just took the current scales off today and plan on giving it another shot now that i think i have a better idea of what to do. :thumbup:

good luck with yours, it is a good blade.

some pics :D

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WILLIAM.M said:
There are a lot of better choices

After you compare it to several others in the same class-I'll wager you will agree

Handle is not comfortable for most people.
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Yea, I figured as much. Thanks for confirming :thumbup:

Even after several people had positive reviews, each one of them mentioned the handle. If it is not comfortable to use, I won't use it. And I don't like safe queens.
 
This Outcast having an uncomfortable handle thing is in my opinion, misguided. It has a nice spongy (santoprene?) handle on it that is very comfortable and absorbs shock better than any micarta handled knives i've handled and it's WAY more comfy than my palm wrecking khukri. I always wear gloves when using this knife (as I do with my khukri) and make no mistake, it is a chopper through and through. Have no fears about this d2 blade, I have never heard a report of the blade failing. The only pics i've seen regarding failure are the snapped off thong tube portion of the handle. But the handle is so long that the average person would be able to use the remaining portion no problem. In its price range I can't say there is much else (10" blade, decent sheath, Kershaw warranty for around $70) that can touch it for value vs. performance. I'd say handle one before passing judgement on the handle. I look at Beckers and think, "man, that blocky handle looks like it would hurt like hell" but people seem to like them.
 
crom said:
This Outcast having an uncomfortable handle thing is in my opinion, misguided. It has a nice spongy (santoprene?) handle on it that is very comfortable and absorbs shock better than any micarta handled knives i've handled and it's WAY more comfy than my palm wrecking khukri. I always wear gloves when using this knife (as I do with my khukri) and make no mistake, it is a chopper through and through. Have no fears about this d2 blade, I have never heard a report of the blade failing. The only pics i've seen regarding failure are the snapped off thong tube portion of the handle. But the handle is so long that the average person would be able to use the remaining portion no problem. In its price range I can't say there is much else (10" blade, decent sheath, Kershaw warranty for around $70) that can touch it for value vs. performance. I'd say handle one before passing judgement on the handle. I look at Beckers and think, "man, that blocky handle looks like it would hurt like hell" but people seem to like them.
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Becker handles are a LOT more comfortable to most people than the Outcast.

I chop more in a month than most people do in a year--and bring patients and students with me 99% of the time

I may be many things--but misguided is not one.

You should not have to use a glove when chopping to make the handle more comfortable---unless the handle was designed poorly.

The Outcast is one of the most uncomfortable knives most of the people I let use mine said they ever felt.

I sold it and never looked back.

even when I wrapped the handle--it still sucked

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The Becker BK-9 will outchop it--and your hands will thank you in the process.
 
Wow - I had not idea the Outcast was so controversial!;) I'll just have to wait and see for myself.
 
Well I guess this is controversial:D I have both the BK-9 and outcast. I would say if the outcast had a handle like the BK it would be a great knife, but for me the handle is a non win. That said, I like others wraped the butt of the handle with gutted 550 with success. Over all, with the convex edge I put on there I really like it now, it actually competes for woods time with the BK ;)
So don't worry about the outcast, even out the heinous grinds and enjoy it when it arrives :thumbup:
 
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