Is this the knife?
Looks like it would be good for chopping people's heads off, but since I don't have any plans for that I'll stick to my 110s.
Since it is my knife in this picture, I guess I should provide some information.
The Hoodlum is made by TOPS. The steel is 5160. It is Teflon coated.
The blade length is 10. Thickness is 3/16. Weight is 14oz, which is extremely light for a knife this size. It handles very well and doesnt promote fatigue like many of the heavier styles do.
The handle is skeletonized and removes vibration very well. The design of the handle provides effortless snap cuts.
The angle of the blade and handle is about 13 degrees. I think this works much better than straight handle designs.
Large knives arent for everybody. However, once you learn to use it, you might wonder how you ever got along without one. A frame for a debris shelter, for example, can be made in far less time with a large knife than a small bushcraft blade. (Which I also carry.)
The notch was designed by Ron Hood to serve several purposes. First, as a wire breaker, which it does very well. Second, as a bone scorer. Third, as a pot lifter if you so choose.
As far as the notch being a Weak point, some observations are in order.
First, Ron Hood designed the knife. He wouldnt design a flaw into a knife. He knows better.
Second, the blade is full thickness up to the notch point, thereafter it distal tapers to the point. Only an idiot would chop with that section of a knife.
Third, this is not a sharpened prybar. If that is what you are looking for, go elsewhere. As Ron said: The world is full of thick, heavy knives. This knife is not designed to be like all the rest, and it isnt. In many ways its much better.
Fourth, 5160 is about the toughest knife steel available. Ron gave this knife to a bunch of Marines in the sandbox to test out for a month. He said that although he figured they COULD destroy it if they really tried, they were unable to damage it beyond minor scratches and scrapes.
Fifth, most large knives have a choil, whether large or small, on the bottom, right at the point where the handle meets the blade. Do they break there? Its a notch isnt it? And in a really bad place!
Seems to be a non-issue for most people.
So far, this has proven to be an excellent knife. Hopefully Buck can offer the knife in a similar fashion at a reasonable price. If anyone can, its Buck!
