Why we love big choppers!

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,692
I know, some of you don't love them and will probably chime in. However, for those of us that do love them, tell us why! Let us count the ways and POST those pictures!

I enjoy the knowledge that some of my choppers will take a licking and keep on ticking. Regardless of the errand I send them on, they'll report back with success. Ounce counters don't like them. I LOVE them. They get the job done, and ofttimes, in less time than smaller knives. Choppers have a versatility that smaller knives lack, they're the jack-of-all trades.

I suppose they have an inherent beauty as well. Something forged and sculpted by humans into a substantial tool (and potentially a weapon). They're majestic aren't they?
 
I love my FFBM, it can pretty much do any job besides skin a small squirrel, and it might be able to do that with enough practice.

I love big knives because big knives can do everything a small knife can, but a small knife can't do everything a large knife can.



Besides, sometimes you just need to chop the s*** out of something :D
 
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I like a big chopper in my hiking pack during the Great Lakes winter months when everything is frozen.

Plus, like M67 said, it's nice to chop the snot out of something.
 
A big chopper plus a 4" woods orientated knife is my fav combo...I do like a good hawk, but prefer a chopper hanging from my belt or pack strap.
 
Robert.B said:
A big chopper plus a 4" woods orientated knife is my fav combo...I do like a good hawk, but prefer a chopper hanging from my belt or pack strap.
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Agreed. For me, the difference between an axe and a thick-spined chopping knife (like a kukri) isn't very noticeable (except with really dry hardwood) until you get enough handle length on the axe to be able to use it two handed. Since the knife has more versatility and is capable of taking on a larger range of tasks, I generally prefer it over a comparably sized hatchet.
 
My "chopper" is a Cold Steel Trailmaster - not a design-specific "chopper", but it will do the job!!!

I like it and chose it because:
1) it's a supremely versatile blade design
2) is a great quality knife (especially for the price)
3) the kraton handle!!!
a) makes chopping/batoning comfortable
b) in the cold i *KNOW* i won't feel the freezing cold of the steel -
kraton "warms" quickly
c) *if* i damage it, CS can replace it for a nominal fee
4) the steel is pretty awesome stuff - not INFI (i'd LOVE a Trailmaster from INFI) - super tough and holds a decent edge

From chopping like mad to notch-making and semi-fine detail shaping tasks, the Trailmaster can do it all. OK, i have a Buck Paklite Skinner for food prep and skinning duties, but if i needed to get the job done, the TM could do it - albeit "quick-n-drity".

Sorry, I don't have any pics b/c my digicam has been in the shop and i've not been taking too many photos of my outdoors activities.
 
Choppers---Now we are talking my Forte :)

I have tested well over 200 different ones-soI know what they can and can not do.

Most will not compare with a decent axe--but Choppers are a Blast to use.

The BEST chopper I have ever used is the Middle Siegle in the LAST photo

Here are some I have tested
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This reminds me of a knife I had to pass up, a Benchmade CPM-M4 Chopper. Felt great in hand, its proven its performance and for its size you would barely notice it in your pack.

Might look into getting one next year.
 
I love my Busse BWM. It's the knife I would want if I could only keep one. It's not too heavy to backpack with, chops as good as my 2lb. hatchet and splits wood easier for me.
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My chopper is hidden away - a Christmas present from Mrs. Stainz. It's the Benchmade 171 Chopper - an Osborne design made for 'BladeSports'. From what I can determine - and BM is not very vocal about it's specs, certainly not in it's current catalog (It was introduced at the SHOT Show this year.) - it's a fb Wharncliffe on steroids. It weighs in at 1.7 lbs and is 15" long - including it's 9+" blade of .294" thick CPM-M4 steel at Rc 60-62. Steep/straight grind - not much of a slicer - or a splitter - made for chopping. I've heard it's handle is recycled horse stall mats - and others said surbothane. Whatever it is, it is comfortable to hold - and should help my CTS-riddled wrists bear with the impacts of chopping. I looked at it's protective sheath - no way to belt tote the knife with it. Finally, a BM in the Busse tradition - if you want a sheath to tote it with, it's up to you to find one! At least it comes with the sheath for protection - beats a cardboard slip. No pix until Christmas AM, I am afraid. Woodsmonkey, and the BM forum, both have good reviews.

My previous 'chopper'? A KaBar I wish I had taken better care of!

Stainz

PS Where could she have hid that big box? If it was priced by weight, imagine what CRK would charge for the 171... a Sebbie is ~4 oz...
 
I think we all like choppers because using them gives us a chance to take out our frustration on a hunk of wood! :D

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Why do I love big choppers? They're fun to use. For those of us on a budget Condor can fill our chopper "needs."
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