Heavy Knife Recommendations?

[Filson]

Hey guys,

I've been rolling the idea around for some time, on picking up a heavy outdoor knife. I've been using smaller fixed blade knives for a long time, and while batoning (sp?) works well, I just want something that could step up to be a bit of a "chopper". I believe there is always a right tool for the job, but sometimes you can't carry every tool in your backpack. I've rolled around the idea of picking up a large, fixed bladed knife and for whatever reason, I've always declined picking one up with a "hey, you can get by with what you have" attitude. Well, true... I could also argue I don't "need" a 8" bench vise, but screw it, I want one.

Anyway, I'm looking for some ideas with preferably first-hand experience on knife recommendations. To give you all an idea of what I'm looking for, I'm currently eyeballing the ESEE Junglas, Cold Steel Trailmaster and the Chris Reeves Impofu.

Durability is a big concern, weight and price not so much. Thanks.

 

[Fugio]

I've owned just about all of them and this is, hands down, the best value you'll ever find. It's just about the perfect big knife and the one I go to 99% of the time.

http://www.ltspecpro.com/Product/39L16CT/TRAIL_MASTER.aspx

I own lots that are way more and way less money if this isn't in the range you're looking at. Just let me know!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Tops has some good stuff....http://www.topsknives.com/

So does ESEE

 

[Fugio]

Just re-read your post. Really if you want the biggest, baddest, strongest knife on the planet with an off the charts wow factor, then THIS is what you want:

Order them here:

http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/changkh.html

I can't think of a more awesome way to legally blow $195! I use mine ALL the time.

 

[Amitygravel]

Ha!
A Kuhkri does have a big wow factor. Atlanta Cutlery has several sizes available as well.
Very affordable and a damn tough design.

SOG used to have a model called the Tigershark Bowie.
A very big knife , and came with a Cordura sheath. Not sure if its still made though.

 

[Cypherian]

Check these guys out ,

http://ontarioknife.com/fixed-blades/sp8-machete-survival-detail I have this one works well have not batoned much with it so I can not speak to that but it is pretty heavy duty.
I also have one of these http://ontarioknife.com/fixed-blades/sp16-spax-nsn-1095-01-515-9877-detail in the truck it works really well.

Cypher

 

[Filson]

Thanks for the input so far guys. While I like kuhkris, it's not what I'm looking for. Sense posting, I've looked at Busse and like some of their stuff too.

Budget wise, I'd like to keep it under $400 or so.

Mohawk Dave - Thanks for the Tops recommendation, first time I've looked at their stuff.

 

[Filson]

The RTAK from OKC looks just like the Junglas... Same company or something?

 

[QtrHorse13]

I have the Junglas and the discontinued Kershaw Outcast. To be honest, I use my Outcast more often than I do my Junglas. The Junglas is a much more robust knife/ chopper but I like the weight of the Outcast and it was 1/4-1/5 the cost of the Junglas. I believe the replacement for the Outcast is the Kershaw Camp line. The Junglas and my older Outcast have a full tang. If cost and weight are not a factor as you stated, I would get the Junglas.

I don't like the newer Chinese made Cold Steel items. I have some of their older US made knives and they are much better quality. I would get a Kabar chopper before I would get a Cold Steel.

 

[straightcut]

I don't own a large knife, but would check out Nutnfancy's playlist of Hall of Fame Large Survival Knives. Though he's long winded, the reviews are good, but be careful or you'll end up buying things when you weren't even looking for something - gee, just like Garage Journal!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC94D8F17A308D2AA

I've got an Enzo Trapper that I bought as a kit. It's a bushcraft knife, but the drop point D2 Scandi grind blade work perfectly for big game hunting as well. They can be had from Ben's Backwoods. The J.R.E. sheath holds a Swedish firesteel - also handy to have while hunting.

Good luck with your quest!

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd try to handle each one before buying, but between the Cold Steel Trailmaster and the Chris Reeves Impofu you mentioned, the grip seems better designed on the Impofu

Have you considered or looked at an old school full size Bowie? Those were (and are) popular for almost 200 years for a reason... It wasn't just a fighting knife, it was a tool also...

Another odd one to consider are the WW I GI issue Bolo's, again, more of a tool than a fighter.

Then there is the "woodsman's Pal" machete from WWII...

 

[ajchien]

I know this answer isnt what you want. Im going to buck the trend. I like a folding saw as a compliment to the fixed blade knife.

 

[HairMetal]

Glock 78 or 81 if you like one with saw teeth.They are cheap and made of same tough steel as a ka-bar.Almost impossible to break and they have a nice secure holding sheath.Really nice value for money.

 

[jeremy v]

I actually don't care for the larger sized heavy knives much, I prefer to take a bit of a different route. I am also a bit more value for the dollar conscious than many. Not that I couldn't afford an expensive knife, but I found that the more it costs the less I want to use it which sort of defeats the whole purpose.

For single knife carry in the woods the largest knife I use is a Ka-Bar/Becker BK2. Not the best at anything but good at everything. Good quality 1095 steel, comfortable handle, full tang but partially hollowed out in the handle to keep the weight bias towards the blade, very thick blade, bulletproof, usable for batoning, defense, and regular cutting. I would say the biggest drawback is that it is a bit awkward making feather sticks for fire starting, but any large thick bladed knife is going to have the same problem. Some people prefer the canvas micarta accessory grips, it just depends on your personal preference as I like the stock grips.

The setup I prefer over all others (that happens to also be very economical) is to have two knives. The first is a 12" Ontario machete. I have the CT1 model with the 0.125" blade thickness 1095 steel so it has enough mass for chopping tasks and strength for batoning. The handle was pretty square when new, but I shaped mine to better fit my hand and now it is awesome. The second knife is a Morakniv Companion with the Sandvik stainless blade. Couple those two knives with a very light camp saw (I usually carry a Sierra Saw or a Sven Saw) and you can do pretty much anything easily.

Side note about ESEE products. I have an ESEE Izula and I used to have an ESEE-5 (I sold it because I prefer the BK5). The blade coating on them is very thick compared to most other brands. Some people like that, but I didn't. The BK5 has what I would call a thin anodized-like coating that still allows for easy blade sharpening without clogging up everything.

 

[n8n]

hie thee over to bladeforums...

off the top of my head, look at Mora and Becker knives as well.

 

[Canoe50]

Thanks for the input so far guys. While I like kuhkris, it's not what I'm looking for. Sense posting, I've looked at Busse and like some of their stuff too.

Budget wise, I'd like to keep it under $400 or so.

Mohawk Dave - Thanks for the Tops recommendation, first time I've looked at their stuff.

There's certainly plenty of good choices out there, but given your budget at $400, I'd recommend having one custom made by one of the knife makers on bladeforums.com. I used to go there a lot and there's some very talented guys over there. Have it built exactly the way you want in terms of size, handle material (wood, micarta, stag, etc.) & steel type (carbon vs. stainless) Four bills (or less) will buy a lot of knife & sheath built to your specs.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've done a fair bit of woodcraft and I like knives but I would rather carry a Grandfors Bruks wilderness hatchet than a big heavy knife (and or a folding saw) in addition to my Mora 710 or other midsize lightwt fixed blade.

 

[Filson]

There's certainly plenty of good choices out there, but given your budget at $400, I'd recommend having one custom made by one of the knife makers on bladeforums.com. I used to go there a lot and there's some very talented guys over there. Have it built exactly the way you want in terms of size, handle material (wood, micarta, stag, etc.) & steel type (carbon vs. stainless) Four bills (or less) will buy a lot of knife & sheath built to your specs.

... Aaand now I'm researching metal properties and considering forking out tons of cash for a custom made chopper... Just what I need, another expensive vice. Thanks for the recommendation, Canoe50, I certainly have to re-think my whole approach.

 

[Filson]

If you want a big knife, and you're actually not going to be a poser with a big knife,you want an inexpensive big knife. $400 for a mediocre chopping tool is very silly. I do understand that a $400 knife may be just a throwaway to some folks...but $400 versus $40 is not getting you much.
If you aren't going to hit the handle using it as a chisel;
There are very fine japanese and german bladed vintage dive knives for $30 on Ebay [type in 'vintage dive knife' and check THOSE blades].
If you're going to whack the handle to break bones or chisel; then start with a $20 knife and see if you break it.
The only miserable knife is one you do not use.
Tractor supply carries very heavy knives that are PERFECTLY USABLE for under $30 bucks.

If you're going to be a poser carry the $400 knife. Or you can actually use a $40 knife in exactly the same way.

I have both. Some were presents. My favorite knife is a no name closeout that was bought at Tractor supply. If I break it [it would take all day] I won't find another [I've been looking, and there is no name on it]. I use it often without hesitation.

I'm checking in to hatchets right now. I can't find one that doesn't impede me. I'm working on a chest mount, but at 6'4" I still find hatchets too long and they are constantly using the head against me when they hang on something. The knife just moves along whatever I'm hung up on, the hatchet seems to use the width of the head against my belt as a lever and hangs me up. I have one every bit as sharp as my knife. I am having a hard time getting used to the offset handle/blade situation and can't get a good leveraged twist...but I'm working on it.

Punchline;
Do what you want, I do, but I carry something that I am $10 worth of mad if I lose or break, and not $400 worth of mad.

I completely agree on your main point with many things in life, but this is something I want to have some fun with. I collect guns, not just for the sake of actually shooting them or going hunting, but in the enjoyment of handling what they are. I collect tools, well beyond what I'll ever practically need (several dozen vises, really?) but I enjoy collecting them, having them in my shop and occasionally using them.

As I said before, it isn't a matter of "what will work" as much as the enjoyment that comes from collecting a superbly made tool in all it's artistically perfectionist glory. For me, the marrying of functionality and beautifully crafted design makes me giddy. It's something you either get or you don't.

 

[Amitygravel]

Filson.

At some point later tonight , I'm going to send you a p.m.

 

[-->]

Filson, you got a pic of your favorite no name knife ? Maybe we can find something out for you on it.

 

[Dave455]

The problem with many of the larger knives available at the moment is that the quality of the grind is awful! It's a problem with smaller knives too, but you can still find a few manufacturers who produce decent stuff, or go down the custom route, which I might advise!

Have you considered a small axe? Forget the 'hardware store' grade though. If you get something decent from a firm such as Gransfors, or even Estwing, you can still sharpen it up to take an awesome edge, but it will chop better than any knife!

 

[Fugio]

Well dang, if you can shell out 400 bucks then the CS Trailmaster in San Mai gets my vote. My Trailmaster is hands down the best overall knife I've ever owned. And my other knives in San Mai are sooooo easy to sharpen and keep sharp. Best of both worlds!

You can still find some of the ols NOSS knife destruction tests out there. The Chris Reeve didn't do so well as I recall. CS usually did very good. Same with Busse.

Of course if you can borrow just a little more money, THIS is the ultimate knife you could buy anywhere at any price:
http://www.bussecombat.com/anniversary-straight-handle-battle-mistress-limited-edition/
Limited time only too! I want one soooo bad!

 

[BFHtime]

Scorpion Knives are some of the best. ColdSteel has some nice models too, but I think are little bit lesser in quality, but they have some really good designs.

If you are looking for a good deal. Check out military surplus stores. The military used to issue, what I have heard of called a bolo knife. It has a large belly like fish, and has a good amount of weight to it. I have often seen it used to chop small kindling, to get a fire started, in the woods. This may be a good option, for a good price, they are pretty durable and have a nice sheath. Just have to oil it every so often.

I just did a quick search on ebay and these bolo knives are not cheap. They are from world war 1. I did not know they were worth so much. I have seen them abused and they seem to enjoy it.

 

[Outlawmws]

BFH, That is the Bolo I was talking about. Nothing dignified, but HEAVY and packs a wallop,

 

[Outlawmws]

Woodsmans Pal: (WW II, but has been resurrected and is made again today.)

US Trench Bolo (WW I)

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey guys,

I've been rolling the idea around for some time, on picking up a heavy outdoor knife. I've been using smaller fixed blade knives for a long time, and while batoning (sp?) works well, I just want something that could step up to be a bit of a "chopper". I believe there is always a right tool for the job, but sometimes you can't carry every tool in your backpack. I've rolled around the idea of picking up a large, fixed bladed knife and for whatever reason, I've always declined picking one up with a "hey, you can get by with what you have" attitude. Well, true... I could also argue I don't "need" a 8" bench vise, but screw it, I want one.

Anyway, I'm looking for some ideas with preferably first-hand experience on knife recommendations. To give you all an idea of what I'm looking for, I'm currently eyeballing the ESEE Junglas, Cold Steel Trailmaster and the Chris Reeves Impofu.

Durability is a big concern, weight and price not so much. Thanks.

Fixed blade? Buck zipper.

Actual duty knife? I'd say one of those marbles machete type knives. I think the retail stuff is made of too hard metal so the blades will chip if you actually use them for their intended purposes; feel more like a weapon than a tool. The marbles imports are fairly cheap and seem to get good reviews. If they sell a kukri that's what you should get...err that's what I'd get.

 

[Fugio]

For cheap blades, my favorites are the Cold Steel small Kukri machete, Cold Steel Smatchet, Cold Steel GI Tanto, and Cold Steel shovel. Yeah ok, it's a lot of Cold Steel, but they make REALLY good big cheap blades.

 

[Flivver250]

I have tons of knives of all descriptions. My absolute all around favorite larger knife is the tried and true Ka-Bar Marine knife. I get a warm tingly feeling every time I get one in my hand.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H53Q6M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[motomaniac]

I agree with Flivver I've always been a huge fan of the good ole U.S.M.C Ka-Bar. But for a knife that's gonna be abused my favorite knife is cold steels gi tanto. They are cheap and tough, I have beat the snot out of mine it's also the knife I learned how to throw with. I own a lot of knives and they are all fun to handle and use, but if I'm hiking or camping a always grab my gi tanto because if I ruin it or lose it I can just buy another. And honestly its a pleasure to handle as well. It also looks bad ***.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Tanto-Secure-Sheath/dp/B005NPEO4K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419927213&sr=8-2&keywords=Gi+tanto

 

[HairMetal]

I agree with Flivver I've always been a huge fan of the good ole U.S.M.C Ka-Bar. But for a knife that's gonna be abused my favorite knife is cold steels gi tanto. They are cheap and tough, I have beat the snot out of mine it's also the knife I learned how to throw with. I own a lot of knives and they are all fun to handle and use, but if I'm hiking or camping a always grab my gi tanto because if I ruin it or lose it I can just buy another. And honestly its a pleasure to handle as well. It also looks bad ***.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Tanto-Secure-Sheath/dp/B005NPEO4K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419927213&sr=8-2&keywords=Gi+tanto

Made in china?

 

[Canoe50]

... Aaand now I'm researching metal properties and considering forking out tons of cash for a custom made chopper... Just what I need, another expensive vice. Thanks for the recommendation, Canoe50, I certainly have to re-think my whole approach.

I can relate with the vices....glad to help.
PM me if you want a few names of the makers who stood out when I went to bladeforums just about every day for 3-4 years. It's been about a year since I've been there, so I'll have to see which of those favorites are still there.

 

[geojag]

http://ontarioknife.com/fixed-blades/sp8-machete-survival-detail I have this one works well have not batoned much with it so I can not speak to that but it is pretty heavy duty.

I carry one of these in my truck, anytime there is a storm / snow / anything there are a lot of pines down on my road. Those things are looking for a chance to fall over. I have cut yellow pines up to 6" with not much effort. The blade is about a quarter of an inch thick and pretty heavy, you can split small stuff with it, and if it doesn't split it you can batton with it.

 

[bob15]

Old school: Buck 119 & 120....20+ years later and still going strong.

Or even better:

Find a Buckmaster or also known as a Buck 184. The knife is indestructible.

http://survival-knife-184.com/

 

[woody 73]

I have subscribed to this post lot's of good information, are there knives to avoid like cheap Chinese junk that I should be aware of? Any good names to keep my eyes open for?

 

[ducksface]

If you want a big knife, and you're actually not going to be a poser with a big knife,you want an inexpensive big knife. $400 for a mediocre chopping tool is very silly. I do understand that a $400 knife may be just a throwaway to some folks...but $400 versus $40 is not getting you much.
If you aren't going to hit the handle using it as a chisel;
There are very fine japanese and german bladed vintage dive knives for $30 on Ebay [type in 'vintage dive knife' and check THOSE blades].
If you're going to whack the handle to break bones or chisel; then start with a $20 knife and see if you break it.
The only miserable knife is one you do not use.
Tractor supply carries very heavy knives that are PERFECTLY USABLE for under $30 bucks.

If you're going to be a poser carry the $400 knife. Or you can actually use a $40 knife in exactly the same way.

I have both. Some were presents. My favorite knife is a no name closeout that was bought at Tractor supply. If I break it [it would take all day] I won't find another [I've been looking, and there is no name on it]. I use it often without hesitation.

I'm checking in to hatchets right now. I can't find one that doesn't impede me. I'm working on a chest mount, but at 6'4" I still find hatchets too long and they are constantly using the head against me when they hang on something. The knife just moves along whatever I'm hung up on, the hatchet seems to use the width of the head against my belt as a lever and hangs me up. I have one every bit as sharp as my knife. I am having a hard time getting used to the offset handle/blade situation and can't get a good leveraged twist...but I'm working on it.

Punchline;
Do what you want, I do, but I carry something that I am $10 worth of mad if I lose or break, and not $400 worth of mad.

His answer:

I completely agree on your main point with many things in life, but this is something I want to have some fun with. I collect guns, not just for the sake of actually shooting them or going hunting, but in the enjoyment of handling what they are. I collect tools, well beyond what I'll ever practically need (several dozen vises, really?) but I enjoy collecting them, having them in my shop and occasionally using them.

As I said before, it isn't a matter of "what will work" as much as the enjoyment that comes from collecting a superbly made tool in all it's artistically perfectionist glory. For me, the marrying of functionality and beautifully crafted design makes me giddy. It's something you either get or you don't.

You guys completely missed this.
The OP has changed his wants from useable knife to coffee table paperweight.

I will enjoy the knife conversation, but the OP is not looking for a usable tool.

 

[ducksface]

I used my big buck, the one my grandfather gave me, to dig up, slightly and easily, exactly one cactus. It put a notch in the blade that I am not proud of and ruined the knife for anything else. The blade is pretty thin for anything other than skinning and baby-ing.

Yesterday I used a ten dollar throw away to dig out a rock in semi-frozen ground. It was about half a football in size. Dug all around it and then pryed it out. Not a worry in the world...and of course, since the knife meant nothing to me other than the 5 minutes I had spent bringing it to shaving sharp, it didn't even scratch the blade. Had it been a knife I cared about I would have damaged it, bent it, chipped it, put a rake across the edge that would have needed converted to tanto tip....

AND, it was right there on my hip, covering my smaller belt knife. Not on a shelf in a case with a certificate of authenticity.

I have those type of knives. I am not appreciative of them any more than I would be an anniversary edition table saw that was never used to 'preserve' whatever in the hell you're preserving.
Tools is tools.

 

[71CJ5]

Gerber LMF II. Made in USA and under $100
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G0HP5C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Gerber LMF II. Made in USA and under $100
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G0HP5C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and that thing batons great. I carry one in my go bag.

 

[Fugio]

There's some VERY good advise here about the cheaper knives. Buy a San Mai Trail Master or a Busse or something else in the $400+ range and it will probably sit on the shelf.

Buy a $25 knife that works just as well (Like the GI Tanto) and you'll actually use it! I never use my good ones. Only reason I use my trail Master is that I got us used and it's an old Carbon V version, not a San Mai.