thoughts on John Brown Tracker

It isn't a John Brown knife. It is a James Brown knife! The godfather of survival. :) Ok I'll go take my medication now.
 
Benny,

It is a solid knife, but as with any knife you should think of the purpose you plan to use it for before selecting. If you are going to choose a WSK style of knife you have plenty of options and each maker has their take on the subject. But ultimately you know why you are selecting a blade and your plans for using it. TOPS is a solid product and I own their Screaming Eagle. I do not own the Tom Brown Tracker nor have I had a chance to use one personally. The reputation of TOPS is excellence and it will do most anything you have the skill to make it do.

There are many, many MANY threads on the Tracker or WSK style knife. Pro's and Con's Success and Failures everyone has an opinion but ulitmately your Cash and Your Decision on how you are planning on using it. These types of knives are a compromise to replace multiple tools. But ultimately for sawing chore a chain saw would be preferred. You use what you have at the moment. If you can carry a chain saw in the field I would suggest it. A pack saw is great and will outperform it. But in actuallity the knife was not designed to out perform an Axe, Chainsaw, gut hook skinning set. It was designed to perform the desired task if you don't have those tools available.
This knife is solid and can get it done. May not be as effecient as the tool designed to do the job but it will get you through it comfortably.
I know you are looking for some guidance on the knife but the fact of the matter is it's your cash You decide if its for you.
Hell I wanted a Beck WSK so bad and couldn't find one affordable I built it and it has turned into an opportunity much more than I ever imagined.
The custom makers I have encountered will probably first ask, What do want to use the knife for and What's your budget? and then they make some suggestions to fit your answers.
There are some great guys making WSK's like: Tim Horan, Mark Terrill, Jurgen Schantz, Roger Linger, Mike Billman(he does alot of reprofiling of Trackers) and I am sure there are others that I am probably insulting by leaving off and I apologize for that.
Good luck with your search.
If we can help further let me know.
Aaron
 
My wife has the smaller version. It's a cool knife and sharp but it's got the typical V ground edge. The edge could be much finer but I was surprised it cuts like a knife well but the sawing and chopping thing not so good.

When my wife was chopping with it she remarked to me "It's obvious that Tom Brown never tried a khukuri"

IMO they are cool but a khukuri handles and chops better. The tracker cuts like a knife slightly better than a khukuri but I think the khukuri is a better value for the performance you get:thumbup:
 
Hollowdweller, sounds like you have some woman there mate !!!
Benny I bought Tactical Knives magazine yesterday and they have an article on the smaller Tracker, the one that hollowdwellers wife has ! They give it a really good review, I would say if you like them you would definately buy one after reading the article !!!
 
I've had a few through the shop for sheathing. I don't understand them from a survival point of view. But to each his own. I'll sheath it no matter who made it.I'd still recommend a hatchet and a SAK, and with the savings a decent jacket full of matches and food, but that's just me. If it makes you feel like you're a better man, buy it.
 
The smaller WSK's are not effecient at all. We experimented with a smaller version before we launched our Predator WSK. It just does not have the weight you need to get it done. It was a great knife for a kid learning some skills but not effective. We quickly disposed of the idea for lack of performance. I am surprised they actually launched with that product but for some reason there has been high demand. I think the demand is just an idea that a couple of guys want to see until they own it and experience it. IMO if I was spending the money go get the Full size, better bang for the buck.
I have seen very little objective review out of Tactical Knives but more praise and it is a great place to advertise and promote products. So I seriously doubt that hollowdwellers wife's type of opinion would be voiced there.
 
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