New Survival Knife

I.N.F.K

I.N.F.K

Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
1,896
Tax season is here and eventually, at least some of us, will be receiving our refunds. Now I'm lucky enough to be able to use my refund on a new toy, unless I have some unseen expenses. I would like a new knife for my excursions into the woods. I usually come out of the woods with a couple of sapling on my back that I eventually make into walking sticks, so the knife must be able to chop. I have been looking at some Busse Scrapyards, Himalayan Imports, Beckers, and a couple of TOPS. Do any of you fellow knife lovers have any suggestions from those brands? I would like to keep it under $200, preferably around $150. I'm also open to other brands as well. Thanks for your help
 
Swamprat Ratmandu or Rodent 6.

Tops BOB Fieldcraft knife is good as well, but not as good as the Ratmandu once you convex the edge.
 
You say you want a chopper.

A khukuri is a knife made to chop - a hand-axe analog but more versatile. Himalayan Imports sells real khuks, not KLO's (Kukri-like objects) Watch for cosmetic blems for real values.

When I hear "chopper," I think of something that has the length and weight to do well chopping. You will not get a Busse or Bark River chopper for the $$ specified. Busse's more economic lines (Bussekin) are within reach. The Ratmandu is under 6" and is not, by any means, a dedicated chopper as compared to a khukuri or a big Bussish knife - too short and too light.

The TOPS Fieldcraft is not a chopper. Nice knife - all-rounder - just not a chopper.

Survive is showing a 10" bladed-knife in 3v, I think, that seems at your upper limit $$-wise.

The best tool by far for harvesting poles is a folding pruning saw. Silky and Corona are more heavy duty. The Fiskars/Gerber is very light but still cuts well. You will not be sorry to have a good saw for woods wandering.
 
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I have been buying knives like crazy and a hard use is next on my list. I have been lurking around here a while and I am considering a becker. Check out the becker guys they all seem pretty happy. I like the two and the 16.
 
The ones you listed are excellent. Fortunately, there are quite a few great companies out there. I would also look at Bark River in Michigan and SurviveKnives.com, a new company that has done well with Elmax and CPM3v steels. Also ESEE is excellent.
 
Thomas Linton said:
A khukuri is a knife made to chop - a hand-axe analog but more versatile. Himalayan Imports sells real khuks, not KLO's (Kukri-like objects) Watch for cosmetic blems for real values.
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What do you mean my cosmetic blems? I'm not to worried about cosmectics, I put all my choppers through hell, and not too many of them are pretty afterwards
 
From what I've seen the HI khukuris are incredible choppers, especially for the price. Scrapyard also has some really good stuff in your price range.
 
Scrapyard 1311 :)

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By cosmetic" I mean nothing to do with function.

Lots of "nice" knives. I prefer a knife other than a chopper myself, but every nice knife, even if made by Busse cos (I own 8), is not the chopper that the OP specified. A YP puukko is a nice knife, but it is not a chopper. (This happens over and over. Every request for input is read as if it said, "What is your favorite knife/brand?" :rolleyes:)

Some really do like machetes for chopping, and they clear away brambles and light brush better than a heavy, shorter blade.
 
pap11y said:
Scrapyard 1311 :)

img0008zjy.jpg
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Monster chopper! What does it cost and is it available?

Ed: Not shown as available on SYKCO website and when sold, came without a sheath. Sold to "members only" and sold for $215 without sheath. Much more on secondary market.
 
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So I looked at the ESEE Junglas, but is it worth the almost 60 bucks forvthe sheath?
 
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