Thoughts on the Tracker design

[Leviathan Arms]

Recently I acquired a tracker made by Wenger Blades. Super comfortable handle and seems like it’ll be a knarly chopper but I was curious to see what others think of the design in general. Those that have used one what advantages does the design have over similar designs? General pros and cons or other thoughts?

 

[not2sharp]

It is not used like a traditional knife; but more life a small hatchet combined with a draw knife.

n2s

 

[shane45-1911]

I haven't found a purpose for a tracker that no other "normal" knife can fulfill just as well - or better.

 

[DMG]

The Tracker is an answer to a question no one asked.

 

[ferider]

You probably know already, but best known because of Hollywood. Movie shows several uses.

 

[Twindog]

I love the Tracker. For its length and weight, it's an awesome chopper. The only chopper in that length that I have that is better is Cobble Blades' Beastly Forest Hatchet, which is a monster slab of M4 steel at 63/64 Rc. But it's a lot heavier at almost 2 pounds. The Tracker is 21 oz.

The Tracker chops really well. And the saw teeth make notches fast, clean and easy. The draw-knife portion of the blade acts pretty much like any sheath knife. Taking down saplings for a shelter and making tent stakes or digging sticks is easy peasy. Coupled with a good EDC, like the Rukus, the Tracker pretty much does everything in a wilderness situation other than acting like a machete. And the coolness factor is just plain fun.

[FYI: The Beastly Forest Hatchet is made in Ukraine. The heat treat is awesome -- I've turned a lot of firewood rounds into kindling with it. The F&F is also superb.]

 

[Hashishiin]

I saw these things on BudK when I was first getting into knives, even then I was like "WTF, this is one of those wonky designs..." and stayed well away. I was amazed to find out it was a REAL type of knife!

 

[shane45-1911]

The Beastly Forest Hatchet

I'm diggin' that cleaver/hatchet.

 

[Twindog]

I'm diggin' that cleaver/hatchet.

It's absolutely awesome. Usually I chop small firewood rounds in my cabin, next to my stove, with a regular hatchet. The Cobble Blades' Beast chops just as well, because the weight offsets the lower speed. But it gives me better control, because the weight is close to my hand and the speed of the blade is slower.

I was worried a bit because of the high Rc, but the blade, even with a sharp, acute edge, chops with no damage at all.