New to forum -- hope I'm in the right place

[Burchtree]

Hello all, I just registered today and I’m hoping I’ll be able to learn a lot from everyone. I’ve been perusing these threads for a few weeks now and it seems like most everyone in here is knowledgeable and courteous.

I’m not a knife dealer, manufacturer, or maker – and hopefully that doesn’t matter in here. I grew up with a passion for knives and have purchased as many as my meager budget could allow me through the years. All of them have been production including, CS, Katz, SOG, TOPS and many others. I haven’t delved into customs yet – but hopefully I can remedy that in the future.

But enough with the sunshine-spreading, I am wanting to get my hands on a good brush-cutting, stump-thumper. I’m looking for something similar to the Mineral Mountain Ozark Brush Hog. Functionality is very important, but the “bad-ass factor” definitely plays a large part too. I want it to be from 18” to 30” so I can stap it onto my backpack.

I know a good axe, or kukri is probably more practical, but I already have plenty of the previous two. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael Burch

 

[Ken Cook]

Hi Michael!
Welcome to BFC.
Nope, you don't have to be a Maker, Manufacturer, Dealer, or even a User. You just have to like knives.

BTW, check out the Himilayan Imports Forum to see some awesome "stump thumpers."

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Hope you enjoy the ride here at B.F.

 

[Peter LC]

Judging from what you already own and still want, you ARE in the right place. Have a great time here!

...Those d*mn smilies are addictive, BTW...

 

[LizardKing]

check these guys out

NEWT LIVESAY

 

[Jeff Clark]

Welcome aboard.

It may be a little shorter or lighter than you intended, but look at the Becker Patrol Machete. See this review and links to Cliff's website where he gives many detailed reviews.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194054

 

[Jeff Clark]

Oops, I guess the link to Cliff's website were only pictures. Here's a link to his table of contents.

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/reviews.html

 

[Jeff Clark]

The Wilderness and Survival Forum has talked about machetes fairly often. Here's a thread that will give you a lot to look at.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=118250&highlight=machete

 

[Burchtree]

Thank you all for your replies.

LizardKing -- I really like the looks of Newt's knives. They appear very practical, durable and the prices are great. The webpage only had links to a few of his knives though -- do you know where I could find pictures of his Adventure Knives series? I searched the web, but came up with nothing.

Jeff Clark -- One of my buddies has a Becker PM and he likes it a lot. I don't like the sheath too well though -- it rattles a bit and can get annoying during treks. It is a little smaller than what I'm looking for, but thanks for the help.

I'm not sure why I'm looking for a sword/machete/brush-shredding machine, I have a kukri and a Blackie Collins Ontario Machete, which work perfectly for what I'm wanting. I think I've bought too many smaller practical knives lately, that I'm in dire need of a good ol' mean-looking monster to swing around the woods. Damn knife addiction.

Another question? What do you all think of Mineral Mountain products? Have any of you tried the Ozark Brush Hog, Cane-Cutter, or Speed Stick? Better yet, do you have any Hossom blades you'd like to donate to the Burch Needs A Big New Knife Foundation?


Thanks Again,

Michael Burch
burch@outdoorsite.com

 

[Jeff Clark]

Mineral Mountain immediately came to my mind as having the kinds of designs and materials for your purpose. I particularly like 5160 alloy for big choppers.

If you could find one at a pawn shop or antique flea market you might like the WW-II Corpman's machete.