Tracker Knife Opinions

M

michaellhoodjr

Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
40
I am looking for advice on which version of the Tom Brown Tracker/Wilderness Survival Knife to buy. I had a Tops Version but sold it because it was not up to the standards I was looking for. Now, I understand that Dave Beck has a version, and that Roger Linger has version as well. Can anyone give me any advice about which to buy.

michaellhoodjr
 
You might want to try the custom knife forum here. TOPS is the only version anyone I know has any experience with, although they loved theirs.
 
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Guys I picked up my tracker repro today. It is a real piece of work. My longtime custom knife maker took some photos I gave him and came up with this masterpiece. I am overwhelmed. :eek:
 
Wow, I like the Linger version of that knife. Does anyone know if he has a web presence, I tried doing a search, but came up with nothing.

Lagarto
 
What steel is the custom tracker made of. ?
I also have copied the tracker on many occassions. I will try to get a picture on line for your guys review. Mine i made out of L6.

Philip Lee
 
How much does the Linger version cost? I know the TOPS version is around $300. Would also like to know what Lord of Discipline's knife would set me back. I like the tracker knife, I just don't wat to pay $300 for TOPS version.

Jeff
 
Sorry but....
I Really hate the tracker,... talk about hype.
I don't think many knives have generated more threads on this forum.
I only ever used the TOPS version though.
Another guy making a version is Peter Jensen.
http://www.jenseneliteblades.com/evo.htm
Worst thing about the design (to me) is how the part of the edge meant for chopping curves up like that, not making it very energy efficient. Combined with the handle on the TOPS I remember the knife as a real pain. (at least for chopping)
Jensen however makes a knife that deals with both issues and still is an obvious Tracker offspring:
http://www.jenseneliteblades.com/evosurv.htm
He offers several steels, I would love to try one of these in o-1. (since other choices are D-2, ATS-34 and S30V)
Hope this helps, good luck on your purchase.
 
Can anyone out there give me the contact info for the JensenEliteBlades? I looked at the links here, but there is no contact info for them, and I want try and get in touch with him to see about making me one. Someone, please give me a way to contact him.

Michael
 
roknjs said:
How much does the Linger version cost? I know the TOPS version is around $300. Would also like to know what Lord of Discipline's knife would set me back. I like the tracker knife, I just don't wat to pay $300 for TOPS version.

Jeff
Click to expand...

The TOPS version has come down quite a bit due to the eBay price wars. Now you can pick one up for about $225 w/ shipping. I went through www.knifeworks.com. Great people.
 
z537z that is a valid link to Peter. I talk to him via email at least twice a week and get email updates as to what he has on the docket. If you go to the website and check the "knives available" link, there used to be one there that was ready to go. The Jensens are great to deal with, just be aware that there is a huge time difference.

Cerberus :cool:
 
Just looked again at Knifeworks. Tops version is down to $219. I just don't like the saw tooth design on the Tops knife. Still on the fence I guess.
 
I use to own a Dave Beck Tracker, I think they are a work of art and they are cool to look at, BUT!!!! I took my into the woods and I did not think it chopped good at all nor did it carve good. So I sold it! But it was a great knife to look at.

Rickj
 
I like Jensen's style of knives allthough I'm not too fond of the chisel grind on his EVO (tracker).

However, I like Jensen's new V ground prototype of his EVO;
evo_proto.jpg

I've tried to get in touch with Peter through email a few times but to no avail...oh well.

Linger's WSK may be a bit pricey and there's a waiting list, but it seems to be a quality knife.
linger_wsk.gif

I've been in contact with him and will be placing my order next week.
I'm really looking forward to owning one.
 
stropper said:
Worst thing about the design (to me) is how the part of the edge meant for chopping curves up like that, not making it very energy efficient. Combined with the handle on the TOPS I remember the knife as a real pain. (at least for chopping)
Click to expand...

Every good choping hand axe I have has an angle of attack opposite that presented by the Tracker and its progeny.
 
I agree, the angle is opposite. For example, consider the extremely efficient Woodsman's Pal.

My opinion of the tracker knife is that it's movie knife. I understand all it's desing features but for it's price and other compromises I cannot recommend it to anyone. I'd recommend a 12" Ontario machete, a solid 4-5" fixed blade that cuts well and a SAK...all of which excel at their intended uses and all can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of one Tracker.

Cheers,
Collecter
 
I agree. It's cool as hell, but doesn't seem super useful over a smaller knife, or less sectioned blade.

_z
 
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