What is your idea of the ideal 7"-9" blade

valcas1

valcas1

Joined
Feb 25, 2007
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Over the past several months I have been watching the forum and seeing various 7-9" blades- camp knives. Some I like, some I am not to fond of. I would like to ask everyone here there opinion as to what makes this blade useful. what design features do you look for. Most important ***Which one is your favorite, and remember pictures always help!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

I am thinking of making one or having one made in this size to incorporate into my warm weather outings. I don't see it during cold weather because I don't believe it could effectively replace a axe. I would like to see if it will do everything I ask of it when it is accompanied with my Koster Bushcraft and my Victorinox Farmer.

What do you think this size blade can not do? if anything.

As always, thanks for your input

Paul
 
Sorry no pics but,If you're looking for a camp knife that size,I'd suggest looking into Fehrman's knives.3V full tang + great balance & better than most ergos.
 
If you're going up to 7 or more inches, its a mid to large knife IMO, and it has to be able to do stout jobs like chopping. Its not a finess knife at all, so you've got to pair it with something that can do fine cutting.

JMHO.
 
I got to work with Ray Laconico recently to design my ideal 8" knife. Here's the link to some pics: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=548585

I think the blade shape on this one is ideal for large chopping work, but will still slice nicely. The handle is shaped well for gripping to chop, but the finger choil allows a nice choke up to do somewhat finer work. Granted, nobody is doing a lot of fine slicing with a 1/4" thick 8" blade. The steel is 1/4" 5160 which is very tough and easy to sharpen, and the edge is convex for added strength.

For me, this is the ideal large knife!
 
JerkeeJoe

I did see the knife that you received from Ray. It is beautiful, and very close to the size I am thinking. I really like the angle of the handle I think it would be comfortable for chopping. Do you have any pictures from the top of the knife that shows the shape of the handles, are they contoured for the hand? is there any palm swell? Also do you know how much that knife weighs? Thanks for the replys everyone.

My steel selection right now is either 5160 or 3V I am up in the air with this decision. more input is welcome.

Paul
 
Andy,

I agree with you that the knife has to be accompanied with a smaller task specific knife. What are your thoughts on steel selection?

Paul
 
No top down pics, but the handles are basically just rounded at the edges. I also don't know how much the knife weighs, but it's surprisingly light, at least it feels that way. It's very well balanced.

You really can't go wrong with 5160 or 3V, but 5160 is cheaper, and I feel that it performs excellently. (Is that a word? :))
 
At the moment this is the only knife I have in that size range, it's an Army issue MOD4 Survival knife made by Rodgers of Sheffield England.
I have used and abused this knife as much anyone other than Noss ( of Knifetests fame ) can do and it's come through laughing.
During the colder months I use it daily for splitting my fire down to smaller sizes with a batton. I have occasionally gone through nails that I did'nt know were in the wood and the edge has just taken a tiny roll that can be felt with your finger nail and could be steeled out so although I don't know exactly what Carbon steel it is I do know it's tough.
I will put this into retirement next month when I get my SwampRat Chopweiler but this has been a great knife !!!
PICT4345.jpg

Things to consider with this size knife are:
Is it for hiking or just Campsite use....if you are going to be hiking then weight will be an issue.
Is this going to be used for everything, chopping and food prep....You said you will also carry a smaller blade so I guess this will just be for larger tasks.
Will you also have an axe.....if you do then the axe will likely do most of the chopping so you can opt for the lower end of your size range for the knife.

I meant to add....

1095,5160,52100,A2,O1,3V,S7........the list could go on, will all serve you just fine for a heavy duty big knife providing the heat treat is good !!!!
 
Anything made by justin at ranger knives!!, Well 5160 is great, .25 thick, convex edge, micarta scales, full tang(of course).
 
I LOVE my BK7. Got it for around $60 brand new in box. Since then, I've moving towards liking a smaller blade 3-5" and an axe or a saw. Although, I recently got a new machete, and my Becker is pretty lonely. I plan to do a lot of knife swapping in the next few months to keep refining what I like.

Here is an older picture of my Becker with some friends:
IMG_6997.JPG

And a sort-of-in-hand shot:
IMG_6989.JPG
 
Pitdog,

Can you explain to me the reasons you decided on the SwampRat Chopweiler? No right answer really, just looking for your perspective.

Is it for hiking or just Campsite use....if you are going to be hiking then weight will be an issue.
Click to expand...

Weight is a consideration but not a determing factor. I don't do any long hikes. Most of the time it is less than a few miles to the selected spot.

Paul
 
I chose the Chopweiler for a few reasons. One being the unconditional lifetime guarantee that comes with Swamprat knives. Another reason being that I prefer drop point blades.
The size seemed just right to ( 7 1/2" blade ) not too big and not too small and the reviews that I have read on it all say that it chops like a larger blade anyway.
And finally I guess because of all the posative reports on the forums from people that have them. I have wanted a Ratweiler ( the old model ) ever since Backwoodsman mag was singing their praises.
I was going to hang out for a Scrapyard version but I prefer having a full tang as if the scales ever break they can easily be replaced. I know Scrapyard offer a full guarantee anyway but it would mean sending the knife back to them...still no big deal I guess.
 
The chopwieler is a hard knife to beat. Great steel and heat treat, full tang, and nicely forward balanced. It's very close to perfect in that size. I keep going from that to my Busse SH E as to which I like better.
 
I love my Beckers. Very good knifes for the money. The brute is a great camp knife for chopping and splitting.

KR

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I'm not normally a fan of re-curves but I have always liked the look of the Brute !!!
 
The Brute is one heck of a camp knife. I'm glad I got one before they were discontinued.
 
pitdog said:
It takes forever to chop trees down with those neckers !!!:D
Click to expand...

But then my BK7 would still feel like the big man in town! I just love the Becker Neckers. I'll be interested to see if the Brute comes back through Ka-Bar.
 
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