Seeking Suggestions for a Chopper

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polarwolf21

Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
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I have been looking to obtain a new chopper to go out with me. I have currently an RC-6 (too small) and an ESEE Junglas (touch too long and heavy). I have a few blades in the 4-5" range, so the chopper would not have to do any chores except chopping/maybe batoning. My budget runs up to about $250 or so. I'm not really looking for anything custom.

I was looking at the Bark River Grasso Bolo II or Bravo II, but got scared away from BRKT based on some of the reports of issues.

I have a GB SFA, but don't feel that comfortable with a short axe, especially when out alone.
 
I do not have a chopper but am searching from one

I am very interested in the Becker BK 9 or the Becker BK 4 Machax
Both are about a 9" blade, and less than 1 lbs
Both under $90

If 9" is too long then the BK 7
 
What "issues" with BRKT?

I have the Grasso Bolo III and it is very well made. I don't carry it much because of the weight. The BRKT Golok is lighter & thinner, and I prefer its handle.

I also like my Scrapyard 1311 because of its light weight and great grip and Busse BWM because it is just a great knife.

Have you considered using a Silky saw instead of chopping? Depending on the nature of the excursion, this is my choice over a big chopper.
 
If you want a Bowie/knife for a chopper, the Becker BK9, BK4 and Kabar Heavy Bowie all fit in those categories. They are also reasonably priced.

For hiking and Backpacking, I normally carry a 12" Bladed Machete (Ontario Cutlass w/d-guard, Fiddleback forge, Tramontina) or a 15" to 20" Light weight Khukri. A month ago, I went backpacking for 4 days with a friend. My 12" Fiddleback was used to cut and carve tent pegs, plain wood smooth for a seat/table, brush clearing and the like. Thinking of packing my Khukri's this weekend. They have not been out in a few months. LOL!

Another option is a knife like the 7" or 10" Old Hickory Butchers knife. A 7" was my machete as a kid. Was great cutting grass, brush or food. Picked up a 10" a few years ago, am modding it into a 9" Clip point bowie. Even with the hump gone, it's still quite the chopper. :) Got to refine the clip point, work over the handle and build it a leather sheath.
 
polarwolf21 said:
I have a GB SFA, but don't feel that comfortable with a short axe, especially when out alone.
Click to expand...

If safety is a concern, you can always try a good saw to go with the Esee-6.


polarwolf21 said:
I was looking at the Bark River Grasso Bolo II or Bravo II, but got scared away from BRKT based on some of the reports of issues.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't let internet rumors influence my decision. You may be surprised with the quality that BRK puts out there for us to enjoy. I know I am.
 
I use the Rat RC6 for my normal batoning and when I actually plan on chopping I use my Busse Basic 11. For a thicker 7" knife I always really liked my Fehrman, but that size knife always seemed a bit in between for my preference and wasn't great for smaller tasks or larger ones either.
 
BK9
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Get the condor Solobolo ,super nice excellent balance,not too heavy,just got mine love it. Parangs make decent choppers and aren't that heavy
 
I did a test a while back of several choppers available on the market and the best one I could find was the original RTAKII. It performed better than the BK9, RK9, Scrapyard, and everything else because of it's blade geomery. It went through wood better than anything else I tested. The only thing I changed on it from the factory specs was I gave it a 30 degree overall edge angle. I think it came with around a 40-50 degree from the factory. I haven't yet tested the new Junglas from ESEE, but I imagine it would be right on par. I can't say for sure though. Honestly, if I want a dedicated chopper though, it's really hard to beat an 18" machete. Not as easy to carry unless you strap it to a pack, but it works better than anything else.
 
I'm just wondering how was the junglass too long and heavy? how tall are you? what belt do you use?
 
Scottman said:
I'm just wondering how was the junglass too long and heavy? how tall are you? what belt do you use?
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I'm 6'0 but the Junglass goes on my pack. I'm just looking for something kind of in between the Junglass and RC6.

I know I originally said I wasn't looking at custom, but the XL Wildland from MLL Knives is really interesting to me. I've seen 1 YouTube review done by a member here on that blade. Does anyone have any experience with MLL Knives, or the XL Wildland in particular?
 
if you want something smaller than the Junglas but still a great chopper than a BK9 is a heck of a performer. Now with your budget there may be something better out there (I don't have any experience with knives over $100) but the BK9 is tough to beat.
 
polarwolf21 said:
I was looking at the Bark River Grasso Bolo II or Bravo II, but got scared away from BRKT based on some of the reports of issues.

I have a GB SFA, but don't feel that comfortable with a short axe, especially when out alone.
Click to expand...

Definitely get the Grasso Bolo if you want one. The Grasso Bollo II or III will do everything a short axe will do, and also work as a knife.

I wouldn't go with any "chopper" that did not have a convex edge. The convex grind allows more material to support the edge. The thicker convex edge will perform when regular, thin "knife" grinds are rolling and chipping. BRKT's are convex ground. Occasionally one will make it out that was ground too thin (they're handmade, and not 100% consistent, but close enough for confidence) but you'll know it fast when you use the knife.

The Grasso Bolo III is basically a US made Khukuri, with a sexy assortment of handle materials to choose from, and it wasn't made from an old leaf spring. Mine is a GI Camo G10 handle and it looks as good as it cuts and chops. I've used mine to remove several small (2-4" diameter) trees. Most of them were cut cleanly through with one diagonal chop.

It really bites deep:

 
Another vote for the Grasso Bolo. I have no idea what 'issues' you're referring to, but I've had no issues with mine at all. It's a chopping machine. The weight forward design, combined with the excellent ergonomics make it the most effective chopper I've used, when combined with proper technique. :thumbup:

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