What should I chosse for a big knife?

J

jjcoolay

Joined
Jul 4, 2002
Messages
769
I am having a hard time deciding on a big fixed blade that I could use as a camp knife,survival knife etc...

I have been stuck between 3 blades and cannot decide between the three.

There is the Trailmaster from coldsteel
A Sog Tigershark or Navy seal knife
and the Bk7 or Bk9 from Camillus.

Each has it's positives. The flat grind of the trailmaster is extremley appealing to me. The Sog knives have a great reputation while the Becker Knife and tools have a very appealing price point as well as a flat grind to them.

So if there is anyone with any opinion on which one I should save up for, please speak up.
 
The becker Bowie is easily ahead of the Trailmaster and a far better knife than either the SOG Tigershark or SEAL knife. The Trailmaster has a nice blade profile, however the handle is not very ergonomic nor secure. The edge is also a little thick and obtuse so it won't cut as well as the Becker nor sharpen as easily. The SOG's are more obtuse at the edge with shallow primary grinds and thus cut even worse and take more time to sharpen, plus the steel is softer and burrs easier. The handle ergonomics and security are also poor, even boxy on the SEAL, and the overall durability is much lower than the Becker.

On the positive for the other knives. The Trailmaster has a very slim point which raises penetration, but does weaken it significantly. The handle also makes it very easy to throw like a big dart. It also has that large double guard which may have combat-type advantages (it generally gets in the way in cutting work). The SOG's stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than the Beckers obviously, but is more brittle, not as strong and in general is easier to damage.

The Battle Rat from Swamp Rat knives is a step up from the Becker Bowie, but it does cost significantly more. You are getting a lot for your dollar though. It has a differential temper which will greatly improve impact toughness and flexibility, a penetrator tip which really adds to penetration without a significant loss to top strength, and a much more shock friendly handle for heavy cutting, which is also more secure and completely encloses the steel tang so it is very temperature friendly.

Andrew Lynch has reviewed the Becker Bowie in the Reviews forum, ref :

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=238283

-Cliff
 
I'm with Cliff on this one. For the uses you have
detailed i.e. "hard working blade" the Becker
is by far the best choice. The Trailmaster has
the sexy looks but will rust in a heartbeat.

There is one other place to look that you may not
be aware of. Check out www.Knifeware.com for
a look at some really good AUS-8 steel blades
in various hardworking shapes. I bought the
"Work'r" model for general use and find it to
be really good at every task I use it for. Plus
it is VERY comfortable in the hand with no
blisters. :D The price is great also. :)

Whatever you buy....remember sexy doesn't always
translate to a user friendly cutting tool.
 
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