Which 9" to 10" Big Chopper from Ontario, Scrap Yard, TOPS, ESEE, or EnTrek, ?

[mastiffhound]

I've been looking for a big chopper for awhile now, I bought an RTAK II to start off but the handle left a lot to be desired. It chopped down 3" to 4" soft and hard wood trees easy enough. It did great on branches too. The handle just isn't very good, it's pretty close to terrible. The edge did dull a little but didn't chip or roll so the performance of the steel was good for my purposes. So I've decided to get another chopper, this time with input from the folks here. All of them seem to have very good warranties, so while that plays a part they all seem to get a passable grade in that area.

Here is what I'm looking at and the reasoning behind the choice in no particular order-

Ontario Bushcraft Woodsman 9.18- This is the least costly of the bunch and it uses the same steel as my RTAK II. It's thicker I think but I can't find an exact number, my best guess is 1/4". The handle looks much better and more ergonomic. It looks more broom handle shaped compared to the RTAK II's brick shaped handle. It's not out yet, so I have to base this on looks and previous experience with Ontario. The only down is no coating on a carbon steel blade, which might be problematic in the humidity of Ohio. They say that the sheath will be by Desantis so it might turn out ok, the sheath from my RTAK II is usable but not great. If I get it I'll be out less than $100 so I wouldn't be out much.

TOPS Armageddon- It gets good reviews and I haven't seen someone actually break or damage one. TOPS isn't big here but they seem to have a good rep among those here that have them. Overall fit and finish looks good, better than Ontario but you will pay twice the price. It was recommended in another thread and I can see why, it's just a tough piece of 1/4" thick 1095 steel. The blade coating looks to be pretty decent. The only thing I'm unsure of is the handle scales, they seem sort of brickish like the RTAK II. The sheath is also like my RTAK II's, usable but not great. I can get it for around $200, that makes it middle of the pack between the 5 I'm looking at.

ESEE Junglas- This is a constant recommendation, probably because it just works. It is thinner than all the others though, listed at .18". It seems pretty durable though despite how thin it is. My concern is that it might not have enough weight behind the edge, I like my knives to be a little blade heavy. I find I don't have to work as hard. The coating on the blade looks to be durable enough. It's 2nd lowest when it comes to price at around $160. It might very well be the best bang for the buck. The handle looks more roundish so it might be okay, I just want to be sure. Even if I didn't like it everyone says it will sell on the exchange and I can get most of my money back. It's also 1095, which works fine for me and ESEE has a great heat treat by all accounts. It may also come with the best sheath of the bunch.

Entrek Bison- This came out of the blue while researching large blades. The blade length is the shortest of the five but not too short for me. It comes in at 9" long and 1/4" thick. It's also the only stainless blade of the bunch using 440C. The climate in Ohio kind of sucks and humidity and moisture are a major concern. 440C could be the best choice for the climate. The handle looks very comfortable, and I've yet to find a complaint on the ergos. It's probably the lightest though, so I'm not sure how good it will be at chopping. It's also second highest in cost at $220, but not obscene when compared to the other 5. The sheath looks to be kydex so it might be good to go. I've not found many unkind words about Entrek and they're like TOPS here, those who have them seem to like them a lot.

Scrap Yard 911- This might be considered the toughest of the 5 but by how much I can't be sure. It's a 9.5" long 1/4" thick piece of manliness, I'm paraphrasing of course but that's the picture that was painted for me. It was another recommendation. The Res C handle is said to be very comfy and helps mitigate some of the shock out of blows but it does seem thick. The blade coating looks to be as durable as the others. It's also made in my home state so that's a plus. It will end up being the most expensive though as I will need a sheath to go with it. It'll end up between $240 to $260, still not too much but it's the highest. How much better is the steel than the others as far as oxidation, edge retention, and ease of sharpening? Oxidation and edge retention are secondary concerns really. My 5160 RTAK II took what I had to throw at it like a champ and stayed reasonably sharp and all of the above are considered to have comparable or better steel. I'm OCD about cleaning and oiling anything steel so rust won't be a big problem. Having to spend an extra 30 minutes on my sharpmaker would really be a downer though. All the others listed seem to be easier/quicker to sharpen but I've never had SR101 so it's unknown to me how much it really differs.

Besides some heat treat problems from Ontario, the above blades and the steel they use seems to be pretty solid. Ontario may have corrected the heat treat problems currently, most failures (videos and written reviews) I found are years and not months old. If I have missed a blade that is in this size and cost range then please include it in a post with how it has performed for you.

I'd most like to hear from those that have 1 or more of these knives. Comparison pics (hell, any pics) would be wonderful, as specially if the are side by sides of the handles on the spine, front, and sides. Most seem to forget how important they are, if it wasn't for the handle on the RTAK II I wouldn't be looking for a different chopper. I wear medium to large gloves as brands always differ. If you have hands in the same size range and have tried any of these blades please let me know how the handles felt.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to be thorough. As always I'd like to thank everyone in advance for the all help!

 

[spikebot587]

Haven't used any of those, but I'd suggest the bk 9 and the bk4. Both are awesome knives that work really well. And are Co siderably cheaper than some of the knives on t
Your list

 

[cricketdave]

I've used the bk9 and the junglas both are fine knives, the scrapyard will be a much more comfortable chopper to use the resoprine handles really absorb impact and are tough. I haven't found Sr101 to be difficult to sharpen at all, holds an edge quite a bit better than 1095.

 

[87matt60]

Personally I would go for the scrapyard all day, second would be the ESSE. Also, I would stay away from 440c for a big chopper, while it is stainless it won't preform like 1095 or sr101 will in a big chopper.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Just speaking to handle size on the 911, I've got the 711 which has the same handle. My glove size is Large, and I find the handle very good--grippy, good retention, and comfortable. I've heard very few complaints (actually can't think of any off the top of my head) on the 711/911 handles.

I don't find SR101 particularly hard to sharpen. The factory edge is usually left a little thicker than I like, so I just thin it down to suit me. Once you do that, you're usually set for a long time. Also SR101 is good, tough steel with excellent edge retention. The 911 is coated, and their coating wears very well, so rust/oxidation wouldn't be much of an issue. Bare SR101 will rust though, so a little mineral oil on the cutting edge would be recommended. I can't speak to the others. Good luck!

Pic of 711 in hand. Of course the 911 is going to have 2 more inches of blade.

 

[ocnLogan]

I'll second the statement that you should at least look into the Becker bk9.

Its a 9inch long, 3/16in thick piece of 1095 crovan. Of the knives you've listed, it's likely the most "knife like" (does smaller tasks remarkably well), but also chops quite well. The main "selling point" for the bk9 imo is the great handle ergonomics. Becker handles are very comfortable to me, and I've uses my bk9 for hours at a time with no cramping or blisters (limbing some smaller fallen trees at my parents cabin). It is worth noting that the esee junglas is typically considered a better straight up chopper (although its no slouch, just most would give the junglas the "edge" in a competition). Also, Beckers warranty and heat treat are right up there with esee. And it usually costs ~$80-90.

Also, just asking, but why stop there? Have you looked at things like goloks (condor has a 14in, 1/4in thick one), or parangs? (kabars "parangatang" is another 14in blade made for serious chopping)? Bolo machetes may also fit your needs, and might be worth a look.

Good luck with the search .

 

[SALTY]

All of the knives you have referenced are good knives - especially the Busse but I also would suggest that consideration be given the Becker BK-9 and, for the prices you are considering, throw in a BK-4 as well.

 

[Firestrike]

Scrapyard all day...my big chopper is the 1111...if you can find one that would be the one to grab...it is all that is man...and manly..

 

[jonc123]

At least take a look at the Becker BK9. A wonderful knife.

 

[Cobalt]

The 911 is an excellent knife and worth the money. IT will do all you want and is probably the toughest of the bunch.

The ESEE Junglas is actually a better version of your RTAK II, as it has an excellent handle and more steel near the tip of the blade. IT feels much better balanced than the RTAK which is handle heavy compared to the Junglas.

I had a Tops Anaconda and loved it. Tough knife and excellent heat treat.

I have heard good things about the entrek, but have no experience with it. Same goes for that Ontario.

My choices would be as follows:
911
Junglas
Tops

And I have owned all three. I also owned a Becker BK9 and liked the blade, similar in thickness to the Junglas but smaller. The handle ergonomics doesn't come close to the Junglas or the 911 though.

 

[fishiker]

If you look on the Busse Exchange now there is a 911 with sheath for $220. That is my pick from the list you have.

 

[TravisH]

KaBar BK&T BK-9

or BK-4

The BK4 is on clearance sale - $60~$65. For price/performance, it can't be beat!

 

[collim1]

I love my BK9.

Great chopper and surprisingly knife like. I am always impressed with how sharp it feels when doing smaller tasks.

 

[SALTY]

KaBar BK&T BK-9

or BK-4

The BK4 is on clearance sale - $60~$65. For price/performance, it can't be beat!

Why "or"?

I was thinking "and."

In all seriousness, the BK-4 is too good of a deal to pass up anymore and, as the Beckerheads say, "You can't not have a nine!"

I apologize for aiding and abetting the thread drift but while all of the knives you are considering are worthy choppers, it's hard to ignore the Beckers- especially at their price point - the BK-4 most especially.

 

[craytab]

The scrap yard will win out here. That said, I would still take the Junglas. It is just about perfect for me. The sheath is an impressive piece all on its own.

 

[wesmanthetiger]

One more suggestion of more of a budget option, either the Condor Kumunga or Moonstalker are fantastic choppers in 1075 Spring steel and at the price you could get both!

 

[marcinek]

Ontario Ranger RD9.

 

[Raymond1000]

I got an RTAK II, but I couldn’t stand the handles. And I have big hands. I took it to meet a belt sander. Knocked the corners off of the handle and rounded them out.

It’s still not a great grip. But I’m not afraid to use the thing. This may or may not work for you. But what do you have to lose?

If that doesn’t work, I recommend the Scrapyard. The blade is tough as nails. The Res-C handles are comfortable and absorb shock.

I have never handled the others you on your list.

 

[Czechmate]

Scrapyard, BK9 or Junglas, in that order... The Kershaw Camp 10 is a steal of a deal and a great blade as well. I ended up buying the Camp 14 though just for the extra 4 inches... :thumbup:

I sold my BK9 to make room for bigger and badder choppers LOL but it's an excellent "big knife". Scrapyard handles kinda spoil ya so be warned. You won't want to go back to regular old ones after using them.

Scrapyard 1311, Scrapyard Dogfather, Swamprat Rodent 9, and a huge awesome custom chopper by Bryan Breeden (so I'm told :foot in 01 steel at the bottom.

With Rtak II & Military for scale:

 

[Southern Gent]

I accidentally came across this post, but I love choppers, so thought I would throw in my $.02. I personally love ESEE and the company, so that is my pick of this field. One I have not seen is the Fiddleback Forge Camp Knife. Best ergos out there and a custom in A2 is speracular and you can get a mid tech in 3V. It is a chopping beast.