New Member Needs Advice

C

computerguy

Joined
Apr 19, 2004
Messages
15
Hi Everyone, First of all let me say thanks to the admins and mods of this forum. I have only been looking around for a couple days and WOW what alot of info. I have always been facinated by knives and now I have a place where I don't feel WEIRD. So Thanks. Here is my delima, I want a big knife and I am looking at both TOPS and Extrema Ratio. Main usage would be the very rare camping trips I plan to take but mainly just to have a quality large knife :) Any advice on which is better or other brands to look at.

Thanks
CG
 
Get a Swamp Rat...or make it 2....
For camping...get a camp tramp/battle rat combined with a howling rat/bandicoot...
 
Point44 said:
Get a Swamp Rat...or make it 2....
For camping...get a camp tramp/battle rat combined with a howling rat/bandicoot...
Click to expand...

Hey CG,

For big wood choppers I recommend

Himalayan Imports 18" Ang Khola Khukuri - this will be the last big chopper you will ever need. Its big and heavy and about 1/2 thick.

For a hiking blade - I would choose Swamp Rat's Camp Tramp or Battle Rat.
 
Another vote for Swamp Rat. If only one, get the Camp Tramp. If 2, the Battle Rat/Howling Rat make a helluva duo. So do the CT/HR combo, but with the smaller blade of the HR it's easier to go with the larger blade and not have to make it do smaller blade tasks.

The Kurk is indeed a great chopper, but is a bit limited in other duties. Still, a great knife.

Check out www.swamprat.com, lots of info there. Or check out the Swamp Rat forum here on BF.

Strider and Reeves also excellent, but much more $$$.

Rob
 
Welcome! If you want big and quality, look no further than Himalayan Imports. Check out the forum here for more information and the nicest group of people I've had the privilege to meet online or in person (check out the recent Midwest Khukuri Convention thread for more details on the 'in person' part). I can't recommend these blades or this company enough. The only problem is that they have been known to become addictive. ;) But it's still fun.
 
You and I have the same needs in a knife. I just bought a Camp Tramp after much research.
 
Check in the makers forum and look at the Siegle M.U.K. Bill makes great knives. I will also throw in a plug for Peter Jensen and Busse knives. Swamp Rat has already been mentioned, you cannto gor wrong there. Look at the Siegle though. Seriously.

Cerberus
 
I'm not going to tell you to buy another brand.
Both brands of knives that you have selected are EXCELLENT products.
A couple things to keep in mind is that ER uses a stainless similar to 440c which means good corrosion resistance, and it's easier to sharpen, which is important for beginners like you and me.
However, TOPS does make a tried and true camp knife design, the Armaggedon, which is just bad-a$$, so it's up to you if you want a knife with high carbon steel, which does hold an edge longer. Also, TOPS knives are coated, so you don't have to worry about corrosion too much, but I wouldn't let it sit wet for too long.
Good Luck.......
please let us know what you decide. thanks.
 
Becker could be your beater knife on the cheap, and you can buy a custom with mirror finish and fancy sheath that you won't feel like getting covered in sap and dirt.
 
Thanks to everyone for their advice. I am going to order a swamp rat camp tramp and Howlng rat. Everything I have read about them says they are awesome. So thanks again and time to let the waiting begin. :)

CG
 
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