Thinking about a new camp knife: Help me choose!

I think of the suggestions, the Breeden knife has come closer to the price range I'm in. However, it is almost half as short as the dimensions I'm looking at.



I am getting all kinds of valuable information here. At the same time, let's try and focus more on the dimensions and price range I have outlined. I know there are many magnificent blades out there, but I have my own stipulations and limits. That's what makes this socialization fun!
 
burddogg said:
I'd suggest a Breeden Peace Maker or an RC-6 for an affordable work horse. Any bigger is just extra weight for me.
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I've run miles and miles with pounds of delicious, scrumptious Hormel beef stew on my back just for the hell (and taste) of it. A few extra ounces won't change my plan, but it is a valid point to make.



Read: I do what I do. :D
 
what is the price range?

Something else to consider that isn't on your list. . . http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knife-and-Tool-KSF-Machete/c465_583/index.html

I have one with Black Micarta and red liners, it is a good cutter.

machete2.jpg
 
Mmm, I thought I was looking at around $100, but the Becker's have undercut that by almost $30. Because of that I am looking at around $75-$115 including shipping. The Bark River you have recommended looks interesting, but IDK how interested I am in an Ontario stock machete with custom grips for a 100%+ mark up.


I guess there is more value added with the addition of a full convex grind. That should be considered. Hell, the addition of a nice leather sheath is a plus as well.
 
I have checked out the BK 7 & 9 and am currently sharpening my Boss' 7. I forgot how much I liked these knives. They are well made knives and the prices are good too. The handles are big and kind of blocky, but they do work. I do however like the RTAK and would love to check one out someday, more then just fondling in the store. I have no experience with Ranger knives(is that Justin Gingrich???)

Good luck in your search.
 
MBTull said:
your choices are a lot of knife for backpacking. I would think about what you are using it for first and then find a tool that is most suitable.
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I tend to agree with MBTull. Unless you have your heart set on a "big knife" - I'd first ask questions like,

How long will one trip last?
Do you intend to cover long distances and/or large elevation changes during your trips?
Are you camping/hiking on well traveled trails or back country?
Are you using stoves or campfires?
Are you building your shelters or using premades?
How do you feel about extra weight?

Anyhow.. it isnt just weight but also a question of how comfortable you can carry and use this item.

Just something to think about if you care to.
 
Cap - For $90 you can pick up that sweet looking roughcut chopper that Landar15 is currently selling on the knifemaker's sale area... As a matter of fact, if you don't, I might:D........
 
SpookyPistolero said:
The BK9 would be at the top of my list there. I'd consider checking out the KaBar heavy bowie too, it's inexpensive and just superb at that role. I've beat the snot out of mine and it's not blinked an eye.

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I'm gonna second Spooky here and tell you to take a look at the Kabar..I just got one of these..and it is VERY tough for the cheap money, it rides well, isnt overly heavy, and holds its edge very well. I think its over looked in this catagory. Gene
 
This list was compiled earlier in the summer:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=565984&highlight=chopper

The cheaper ones (but still good quality are): Kabor heavy bowie and Ontario marine raider bowie. Becker bk9 is somewhat higher price category. RTAKII, RD-9 and Crowell/Barker Competition knife are up next in price. Any one of the knives would be a good purchase I think.

For production blades in the 'chopper' category, I think the Becker bk9 provides the best price/value point. The kabor heavy bowie is good quality but kind of a beast while the BK9 has great F&F. Going to the next price category, again the RD-9 is a brute, survive anything knife while the Crowell/Browning is a bit more refined. Both the latter knives justify their cost via providing higher end mircata handles.

However, in the end, I agree with Okoban and others. A 9-10" knife really isn't a very versatile knife unless what you like to do is whack at wood. Carrying a 9-10" knife almost guarantees that you will have to carry a smaller accessory knife (oh the BK9 comes with one) and the reality is you will find that the big chopper spends a lot of time sitting on top of the picnic table until it comes time for fire prep.

A 6" to 7" knife is far more versatile as a camp knife on its own IMO. The RC-6 or Breeden Peacemaker would make excellent camp knife (I own and use both for that purpose routinely). Of these two,the RC-6 is quite a bit bigger because of its 1.5" width (blade width makes almost as much difference in perception of knife size as length). The breeden is more comfy on the belt and lighter in application - it is a 6" knife the feels and operates like a smaller blade but has the extra length to do batoning etc. The peacemaker makes a great camp knife for those who like a lighter on the run knife. The RC-6 feels like a bigger knife than its 6" suggest and is capable of more chopping than the peacemaker at the sacrifice of finer control.

Finally, I'll echo talking to a few of the custom makers around these parts. First you can ask them their opinions and come up with something that is new and unique to your specifications. Bryan Breeden and John (JK-knives) are very open to implementing a client-initiated design. Also Koyote has been cranking out a bunch of wonderful big blades as of lately. Mneedham mentioned Landar - who had a beautiful bowie up for sale not too long ago either.
 
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