Recommendation Thread: high quality large fixed blade

I would recommend checking out the Cold Steel Trail Master or my favorite the Gurkha Kukri, it is a chopping beast. If you aren't jacked about Taiwan SK5 you can get either one in USA made Carbon V on the second hand market in NIB condition well under your max price.
 
CDKJudoka said:
Anytime. As much as we suggest the Becker, you are still going to be the one who will own it, so you gotta love what it is you buy and use. :)
Click to expand...

I probably should have mentioned before now that I do have a few smaller Beckers and Kabars and whilst the 1095 is serviceable, in this case I have some extra cash and I am looking for something superior.
 


Ontario SP-51 in 5160, 1/4" thick, 8 7/8" long blade, 14 5/8" overall length.



Ontario SP-53 in 5160, 1/4" thick, 9 7/16" long blade, 15 1/4" overall length.


Both can be had for around $80 each + shipping. They are awesome blades & hold an edge & are easily sharpened.

I batoned a couple of pieces of nasty knotted & twisted fire wood & they did this (shaved hair) afterwards.








Out of the 2, I like the SP-53 better.
 
Lots of great recommendations. I have some of them myself. I'll add to the list :

Svord Von Tempsky large, or 7 inch. Both fit the qualifications, are L6 steel, convexed edges. Pretty tough. Around $180

Ontario Ranger knives. Same 5160 as in the SP51 & 53 above. V grind, not even a hundred dollars.

Browning Crowell Barker competition cutter. 1085, convex ground. About $130 where still available. Works better than it sounds. It is a great cutter, chopper, slicer.

The occasional Custom from makers here that would fit your needs and price range. Some are really nice!

Etc.

Good luck!
 
Cypress said:
There are MANY 1311's in the exchange right now...

Just sayin :D
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing this out, I'm definitely interested.

The Mastiff said:
Lots of great recommendations. I have some of them myself. I'll add to the list :

Svord Von Tempsky large, or 7 inch. Both fit the qualifications, are L6 steel, convexed edges. Pretty tough. Around $180

Ontario Ranger knives. Same 5160 as in the SP51 & 53 above. V grind, not even a hundred dollars.

Browning Crowell Barker competition cutter. 1085, convex ground. About $130 where still available. Works better than it sounds. It is a great cutter, chopper, slicer.

The occasional Custom from makers here that would fit your needs and price range. Some are really nice!

Etc.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Some of the bigger Svord knives to look quite interesting. I'd like to hear more about the performance of the L6 steel but it seems pretty good.

I like the look of alot of Ontario's 5160 blades, just have to weight up my options at the moment.

***

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations, I have a few days till pay day to decide what to get, it's going to require some deep thought :D!
 
Another vote for the SYKCO 911. It is big enough for almost everything, but small and light enough to carry around without feeling like a machete on your hip. Right around a pound, 1/4 in thick, SR-101 steel that begs to be beaten on then begs for more, Res-C handles that are comfortable, grippy and shock absorbing... I could go on and on but I'll just come off as a fan boy. I've got numerous big blades, but that is the one I carry the most at the moment.

That shot is after using it to chop down a small forest on my property, just a little smoothing on the coating. It didn't need sharpening afterwards and still shaves hair. Just my recommendation. YMMV.
 
Last edited:
Moses2792796 said:
5. Price: Would prefer not to go over $300, will consider going up to $350 for the right blade but absolutely no higher than $350.
Click to expand...

You are well into custom territory at that price range. There's simply no sense spending that kind of money and not getting exactly what you want. Look around at some of the custom makers here, and post your requirements in the Services Wanted section.
 
p1015677.jpg

Grasso Bolo II

Overall Length: 14.675 Inches
Blade Length: 9.250 Inches
Blade Steel: 5160 @ 57-58RC
Blade Thickness: .217”
Weight:20 Ounces


p1015785.jpg

Grasso Bolo III


Overall Length: 17.250 Inches
Blade Length: 12 Inches
Blade Steel: 5160 @ 57-58RC
Blade Thickness: .217”
Weight: 27.4 Ounces


Both in your size and price range.

Because of their weight forward design and serpentine grind, they are very hard hitters.


oen3.jpg

BRK Prototype Parang

The Prototype Parang slots in between the two, but is not yet available as a regular production item.




Big Mike
 
Wow, I agree that Parang looks awesome. I am also been tempted by the Grasso Bolos. I've got some tough decisions ahead for sure!
 
@Big Mike,

I got to looking at the Bark River knives and I thought I might prefer the Golok over the Grasso Bolo. Since you seem to be the expert on their products I was wondering what your opinion of the Golok is and how it compares to the Grasso Bolo (II or III not sure which I will go for yet).
 
Moses2792796 said:
@Big Mike,

I got to looking at the Bark River knives and I thought I might prefer the Golok over the Grasso Bolo. Since you seem to be the expert on their products I was wondering what your opinion of the Golok is and how it compares to the Grasso Bolo (II or III not sure which I will go for yet).
Click to expand...

The Golok is a lighter tool for lighter work.

If backpacking I would go with the Golok, it's great clearing green vegetation and light chopping work.

But for the heavier chores I do the big Grasso Bolos rule.

p1015823.jpg

GB Mini, GB Basic, GB-1, GB-II, and GB-III

The II and III both work extremely well, even the Grasso Bolo I is a very efficient chopper.




Big Mike
 
Hmm, I may have to get both! I believe starting this thread is going to send me into bankruptcy! Thanks for the info. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top