Which chopper?

B

Bolt

Joined
Aug 28, 2007
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Alright, I know that this will start a big snowball down hill, but I am really interested in sorting through this issue. I have listed the canidates below, and would like to hear from those that own them. What are the pros and cons of each. I am looking to put together a small trail pack for day hikes. I find that I would carry three styles of knives: a strong folder; a good 3" fixed blade, and a chopper for brush clearing and firewood collecting. As I am always looking for the best fit in these three catagories, the chopper is the item being looked at here.
Here are the contestants that I have rounded up:

Kershaw Outcast/Good Price Point/ D2/ 10" blade
Ranger RD9/Good Price Point/ 5160 Steel/ 9 1/2" blade
Scrapyard Dogfather/Good Price Point/ SR-77/ 10" blade
Busse Battle Mistress/ High Price Point/ INFI Steel/ 10" blade
Bark River Golok/ Don't know Price/ 0170-6 Steel/ 11" blade
Cold Steel Trailmaster/ One over priced; one reasonable/ SanMai 3/ 91/2"

Don't know much about 5160 or 0170-6 steel

Feel free to add any that maybe worthy of hanging with this group.

Ok, let's start the snowball rolling!!!
 
Boy, that's tough, they're all nice. Personally, I'd probably get the Ranger RD9. However, my current large chopper is an Ontario RTAK II. Decisions, decisions. :D
 
You might want to include the Browning Baker/Crowell Competition Chopper. It was designed by two of the tops in that field, made with 1085 carbon steel, micarta grips, has a convex ground edge, 10" X .25", and 15" oal. Comes with a nice leather sheath. I've used mine and it is a great chopper. Big plus is the low price (~$130.00), and do not let the "made in Taiwan" fool you as this is a quality piece of equipment!:thumbup:.
 
In order

Busse BM, Scrap Yard, Ranger, BRKT, Cold steel, Kershaw.

Note. The BRKT will come with a much finer and sharper edge than all of these, but may not be as tough, when it comes to abuse as the first 3. It all depends on how you intend to use the knife.
 
Haven't used any of them but the Browning previously mentioned definitely looks nice.
 
Busse BM would be the first choice followed up by a scrapyard or ranger. Bark River is excellent but I don't have any experience with their choppers.:thumbup:
 
As per Cutter, don't forget the Browning Barker/Crowell - born out of cutting and chopping competitions - 10 inches of 1085 Carbon. I have the Outcast, and it is a quantum leap in performance.

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Just looked on Brownings website, and they have a cool video of this chopper. It is definately on the list now!!!!
Great advice, Thanks!!
 
I have only used two one your list. Out of the two I say the Busse FBM the Browning is very good also but not as blade/tip heavy. The Browning is very light
and fast but solid.
 
I have the Kershaw and it's always done fine on yard clearing and light chopping. It has good edge retention and hasn't suffered any chips or cracks, which I've read is a concern with D-2 steel. The handle feels best at extension rather than when it's at rest in your hand. It lacks the mass and "feel" of my Dogfather, but I've never really chopped anything with the DF because it's too pretty and 'spensive. The DF's handle does feel better, but the Kershaw's scabbard is more versatile.
Overall, I'd pick the DF, but of course it is 3-4 times the price.
 
your budget and steel/brand preferences will determine what you get. looks like a ranger rd-9 or rd-7 may be what you are looking for. pair it with a small knife and you'll be good to go.
 
I'd say if you can afford it go with the BM, if price is a concern, for a dedicated chopper I'd go with the DF- it has a nice forward balance for chopping and a great price for the quality. The Comp knife is a great all-around big blade, but as per the linked test, is not as good as a chopper. I have all 3 of these. Can't speak to the Golok, but Bark River makes great knives.

Out of curiousity, if you're carrying a folder, why not a 3 1/2- 4" fixed blade? For me that's a better size if I already have a small blade. Also, I would really look at Bark River for this knife- love those convex edges and they're strong without being too heavy.
 
I would agree with many here and say if you can afford it go with the Busse FBM, then the DogFather, then the Ranger RD9. Have you looked at HI Khukri's? I have an AK an it is a massive chopper as well....all depends on your liking. I like the RTAKII better than the RTAK and they are reasonabley priced.

Really it comes down to price and style you could go cheaper than those and get a KABAR Heavy Bowie which is not a bad piece. I end up buying at least one of every chopper that appeals to me anyway so its all good.
 
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