Choosing The Best Survival Chopper For You - Preparedmind101

Originally shot for and aired on the Reality Survival channel, Preparedmind101 breaks down the in's and out's of choosing a large bladed tool for your outdoor kit based on the terrain you live around and what each type is good at. Showcasing options from Cold Steel, Condor Tool and Knife, CRKT, Ka-Bar Becker, Tramontina, and Schrade, there is always a tool out there that will work for you.
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[@williamr.s.5693]

7 years later and this is still very useful! Thanks!

[@redviewstudio]

in survival situations every energy you waste on a knife that does not work can mean life or death. having a good tool that will not jeopardize your energy is a plus in survival

[@rachelcole8225]

What a great educational video. After watching this video I ordered a BK 9, 7 and 16. I'd never heard of them before, and wow, am I pleased with what I received. Never come across items that have been so impeccably made and felt so good in the hand. I have an eye for perfection and could not find any fault with all three knives. These are tools to keep for life for sure. Thank you.

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

u should do another vid like this! I can't tell u how many times I've watched this

[@ruleroftheundersky570]

I own, and use a Fiskars x7 hatchet when I camp. It's going on almost four years, and is still going good. I'm going to be ordering in a Condor Parang soon.

[@Swearengen1980]

Maybe it's because I typically use hand forged tomahawks and hand axes, but I also have a Fiskars x7 and it's a pure piece of crap. Utterly worthless.

[@anthonyp7051]

I have been extremely impressed with my friskers 7 A reviewer called it a chainsaw,,,I agree. Just a well made hard use small carry hatchet that out performs many

[@Crismoe73]

that's the kind of vid why I subscribed! You tried em all out and tell us your clear and true opinion. Stay like that. Quality always pays out!

[@familialisboa7139]

Excelent video. Machete is the king here in Brazil. Congratulations. Flavio

[@KingVonMudder]

My go-to is my Buck 108 Compadre Froe for batoning and chopping. It’s just too awesome.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Thanks for a balanced review, and some ideas on big knives and choppers, and also belt knives. Now, I've used knives for many decades, and made quite a few. I once made a 12 1/2 (overall) knife I called my Bushwhacker, that I thought would be my "one knife" that would do it all, and I used it for 30 years, and still do. BUT ....... I found it was too small for doing chopping type tasks well, and too big for the smaller tasks that needed to be done. So I was left feeling that there had to be something better. I took your advice and narrowed down my search, and found out about Lynn Thompson, and the company Cold Steel. Clearly, he had done much of the thinking years ago! Also, he had come up with a two knife solution to all my problems and questions. The two knives he designed have been around for decades and still make Top knives lists on KZbin and elsewhere with unfailing regularity. Now, I don't for one minute say that these two knives are "the best ever" or anything like that. I so say, they definitely answer the questions using my Bushwhacker had raised, and brought me some solutions I had not even anticipated! I refer of course to these: 1. The Cold Steel Trail Master San Mai III - This knife is a curious blend of fighting Bowie, chopper (a bit on the light side), and slicer, and with the ability to split wood like a champ (thanks to the full convex grind and 5/16inch blade). Yet it weighs in at just over one pound. Will it clear brush like a machete? Of course not. But it will clear it! Will it featherstick like a Scandi grind bushtool? Of course not. But it will make them ( a bit coarse perhaps). Can it split wood like an axe? Of course not. But you can baton very effectively with it! [Note: personally, I don't advocate batoning with a knife, especially large diameter logs, especially those with big knots. Those are blade breakers. But splitting smaller logs is OK in an emergency, like needing dry centre wood when it's very wet. ] The TM has an amazing balance in my fist and it just feels RIGHT, something my Bushwhacker did not. 2. The Cold Steel SRK (with the sabre grind) - This is the quintessential Survival Rescue Knife from way back, and it also still makes many Top ..... lists today. It has many of the attributes of the TM, and is in my opinion the perfect belt knife for me. It can handle all those smaller tasks which may be a bit awkward with the TM, and is not nearly as heavy on the hip. These two knives together, as a team, answer the questions that I raised, and in a way that I would put my trust in them, much as you do with your Becker BK9.

[@shcmoly]

I agree with the shock on the SP-50, but I have had a great deal of experience with it - all excellent. I have found it to be an awesome chopper, splitter, and even make small shavings after a long day of beating on it. Tramontina looks interesting.

[@ColinNew-pf5ix]

I've recently opened up using cleavers for outdoor work. If you can get one which has a decent, full tang, then they are an incredible, underestimated, versatile chopping tool for their weight & size.

[@wilsonline90]

Yes, you can chop and baton with the Tramontina machete. Definitely will transmit the chock, but it does the job. And when you are in a tropical forest, the main use will be clear the way. And a long blade, long as 20', will keep you safer from snake bites.

[@sokesamurai]

I got a BK9 for my brother-in-law for christmas because positive reviews on it and he absolutely loves it.

[@waveman0]

for me there is only one large knife pick, one that I have tested and has proven to be a superior chopper against all comers, and that knife is the TOPS Power Eagle 12. I also have an issue with your assessment of the flat grind, when testing many different knives with various grinds the flat grind proved to be the best for chopping. Any blade with a secondary bevel in it grind was hindered by that secondary bevel. Flat grinds may sacrifice some edge strength but gain a whole heap of chopping ability.

[@michaelmcinerney5620]

The whole reason knifes work is because of wedges. Physics prove that wedges are better at separating a material. While a flat grind is not as applicable to this advantage. You may find flat grind blades more suitable due to a condition called the placebo effect.

[@Razor_Regiment]

I can appreciate someone who has the experience and knows from that,what the hell they are talking about,good vid.Been looking into a nice machete/chopper for camping purposes,thanks.

[@goodnluckyone4447]

For approximately the same weight as a large chopper, a well made properly designed hatchet or small camp axe can provide more versatility for chopping splitting and hammering. If you carry a big chopper you are going to want a good smaller blade (or two) for more detailed and delicate work anyway, and you won't have a hammer when you need one. To me a hatchet / knife combo seems more practical long term. But I have a couple of big choppers just in case I lose my hatchet and need to "make do".

[@dwightstewart7181]

Okay, as for the bad guys (common theme), don't bring a knife (machete) to a gunfight. They are almost certain to have firearms today and will blow you away while you're standing there going "yip yip" with your "chopper." As for small tree branches and similar, a hatchet or small axe is better. The machete is for clearing small brush. I use one to trim my neighbors' decorative bushes away from my backyard fence.

[@Famine_666]

I love your stuff, man. this is what I'm in to, and it helped me make a huge decision. thanks man! I subscribed.

[@annapeterson5897]

My husband came up against real dried palm branches. Even with a badass very sharp 18" Tramontina, this stuff was obstinate! When it's live, it can still give you a run for the money but dried? The Tramontina tore it up, but it was work for real. Our Tramontinas prove themselves daily.

[@ColinNew-pf5ix]

Thank you for this. Appreciate your objective review. Polite suggestion: perhaps edit in the names of the various products, or have them written down on a piece of cardboard. Otherwise it's so difficult for the viewer to note the name and manufacture of the product if they cannot quite hear you. As far as choppers, more for splitting/batoning are - the Silky Nata (9 1/2 blade, double bevel) and the Shrade Froe. The Nata is more for when I have my vehicle. The Froe for backpacking. Combined with the innocuous Mora companion for finer cutting. Plus the Leatherman Surge and appropriate Silky saws

[@SurvivalZoneAfricaZA]

I agree - Lovely chopper to have! Great review!

[@philpowell9111]

I love your KZbin channel! You are very practical when it comes to knives and choppers!

[@zigzag3349]

PREPAREDMIND101 I like taking toose injection molded handles off and replacing them with a riveted wood handle,stabilized wood sometimes with a leather wrap or something like that.

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

The cold steel dadao machete, and the condor viking machete, and the thai aranyik e-toh and or aranyik extended cane machete. All powerful choppers

[@vincef7487]

17:50 "Say you're not into the large knife thing..." I fully expected to hear Chris say: "...well, get the hell off of my channel." 😂

[@annapeterson5897]

I like the ChanceinHell. Looks like it may be the next one on the least like maybe this Tuesday. Chris, you and my husband have the same tastes in knives.

[@ruleroftheundersky570]

My personal preference is the Condor Bushcraft Parang. I kind of blame Ray Mears for this just a little bit. I also researched, and reviewed many videos on it before I got my first one. It's still my go to chopper. As of until recently I got interested into the Bark River Machete.

[@grayman7208]

i think you are correct about the flat grind. if you think about it ... it makes sense ... what is the "traditional" chopper ? an axe / hatchet / tomahawk ... and the best ones are not flat ground.

[@skate96production]

I bought hunting knife from the closest weapon shop for 9$ (18 bg leva) and i can say that im surprised, the blade is thick (4mm) 30 centimeters big and the steel quality is very good, i chopped down small tree, after that i split lot of wood logs with it and it was still sharp, when i battened with my cheap shit axe on it it had no sign that it was hit by another steel, however my cheap shit hatched has small lines from the impact with the knife's back. the knife itself has fixed blade with 2 piece of wood on the sides and its not the most comfortable, but for 9$ this was the best thing i could find, its perfect for camping! awesome video, cheers :P

[@aurumlupus2709]

I personally have a ghurka kukri, and that does the job, the traditional shealt and style also includes a small knife and a sharpening tool, i was dissappointed not to see a kukri in this

[@Screamingtut]

Thanks Chris I really enjoy your all your videos and your honest evaluations on all the cool stuff :-). I have gotten several of your things that you recommend like the work sharp field sharpener it was really good and works really well. Gets my blades really sharp considering I do not have a work sharp power sharpner. I also have gotten the SCHF 9 knife. I also brought a set of diamond sharpener hone & stone 150, 250, 4080, 600 & 1200 grit. I use the 1200 grit stone after I use the ceramic stone on the work sharp hand sharpener. Gets it nice and sharp.

[@James-ke5sx]

I bought a Becker crewman Becker combat Bowie and the little Becker Mora and the Ontario machete with the saw back those the only knives I ever bought one time instead of buying something cheaper and then upgrading

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

I really wish Mora would come out with a good affordable chopper. Like how they have mad the very affordable companion into one of the most highly recommended basic bushcraft knives

[@BenRW97]

These type vids are the reason why I subbed. Something I can listen to while I work and still get the gist of. Also, have you lost weight recently?

[@joymacwan9021]

Dear Brother I like your collection God bless you🙏

[@bradlockard905]

Man, he's proud of those little spins he can do with his knives aint he.

[@preparedmind101]

Hellz yeah! It makes me look kewl! RMEs

[@bradlockard905]

Lol was a good review

[@fiddlor]

i totally understand him. if you spin fast enough the blade makes "weeee" and "swoosh" sounds. thats how you talk with your blades if you got nothing to smash it in an make "thwack"

[@MrPirreE]

+fiddlor If you want to listen at sexy blade singing and look cool you start train Iaido and cut with a japanese sword with Bo-Hi (grooves) on the blade. Man right blade angel it even whistle.

[@jameslandon4126]

He thinks it makes him look like he knows how to knife fight. It's douchey but hey, give the guy a break.

[@javiersoy]

Nice videos. It would be great if you can add the names of the articles or links. It is sometimes difficult to understand the models.

[@vinnysandoval3114]

Sp53 All the way man, things a monster.

[@LEO1WOLF]

"Get to de choppa!" - - sorry, couldn't help myself. Sooch also had a few good things to say about the "ChanceInHell" (sp?). I'll pick up one of those because you both seem to agree on it. But MAN! You sure make a great case for the Becker BK-9, guess it's time to go shopping, thanks for the word Sir!

[@ricot70]

I got a schrade axe that you reviewed and it is awesome!!! Bugout bag coming together real nice because of Chris!!!

[@frankwebster1033]

This is one of the best videos I have seen with such a variety of machetes.. thanks...

[@Sovietllama965]

i seriously recommend tomahawks. itll do anything you need to do. maybe not super great for batoning but it will more than shine in most other areas

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

What do you think of good quality folding saws for processing large pieces of wood instead of choppers? It just seems like you're always going to be using more energy swinging a big blade around than you would simply sliding a blade back and forth on the wood.

[@FuckYouYouFuck]

If you know you are going to be processing thicker pieces of wood, 100mm+, it's definitely worth your while to carry a saw. A chopper excels on anything up to about the thickness of your arm - you can sail through it in a few cuts letting gravity do a lot of the work as long as you are making relatively downward cuts. As wood gets thicker more effort is required so you're better off with a saw or an axe. I think the big advantage of a large chopping knife is how good a jack of all trades it is, meaning you can get away with carrying less. Machetes and axes and saws excel at specific tasks, but none are as versatile as a chopper.

[@austinczaja4214]

+ShadeSlayer1911 a saw is limited to wood processing only you won't be able to do carving. If you use proper technique you won't get to winded

[@codiekennedy8046]

Check out the marbles machete on sale for 12.99 at smkw. Im pretty sure its a tramintina sold by marbles, it is made in el salvador. Also it has a white and black tiger stripe coating on the blade and since its carbon steel great for protection. Its not full size although they do have the full size for 14.99 with the orange blade. Handle is very grippy paracord wrap. Sheath is durabe as hell.

[@scottsmith6571]

I like the shrade batoner

[@williamhou8892]

You are absolutely right. The BK9 is suitable for everything.

[@starpuss]

Could not find any I like , so I am building myself one out of s35vn 1/4 25" :)

[@preparedmind101]

That should just about do it!

[@scoutsniper485]

Fiskers axe? I wouldn't rely on it. If it breaks in the woods it's over. At least with a regular axe especially the trail hawk. You can make a handle for it

[@preparedmind101]

Thanks for commenting and reminding me of this video. With multiple new items in this catagory (including Jessica-X) I need to do this one over.

[@Faithful_Tribe]

+PREPAREDMIND101 Your 'however, comma' [25:19] was a feature of this video. Nice to see some of the handle inspirations for your Jessica-X.

[@semdijkstra9784]

+PREPAREDMIND101 did you forget again?

[@ricot70]

I ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ my BK-9..so much so I sleep with mine..under my pillow...getting a BK-2 as my EDC next week!!!

[@nathanosborne5827]

Steven Ricot I would consider the BK16 LOVE MINE (MY 2 CENTS)...TAKE CARE

[@Yharn-r2g]

great video and I appreciate the time you put into making this.

[@TheEpix12]

Get the johnson adventure potbelly knife, think you'll like it

[@bobmangal5788]

Cutting devices in central and south America are not only use for the purpose of cutting and chopping wood trees and brushes but also to hunt and chop fish reptiles and wild animals to treat further for consumption. in that case chopping meat prefer flat edges and crushing bones prefer a little more angled edges. Any how your You tube video was amazing !

[@SLCBushcraft]

I had to laugh when you said that you were designing a knife haha I'm looking at my JessicaX right now. Time flies

[@preparedmind101]

+SLC Outdoors Just wait till you see the knives coming out this year...

[@xenerath4952]

you should do a video on the tactical katana machete it actually looks like a katana

[@martinerhard8447]

if its about chopping I would recommend you japanese machetes. The design is perfect. It maximises chopping power /weight.

[@grantfishing237]

The cold steel trail master is an outstanding chopper and is FFG.

[@AndrewFord]

Definitely a prepared mind

[@coolsly64]

A cheap offering instead of becker bk9 that can cost as much as a $100 or more, the knife I'm talking about is the smith&wesson search and rescue 6 or 7 both have the same type of grind as the becker bk 7 and 9 but is much cheaper it is only 440 stainless steel so it won't do as thick of wood safely like the thick bk7 or bk9 but the knife is thick enough to handle most things like chopping and most of you battoning chores (mine I've battoned BIG thick wet wood were it gets stuck alot and I thought it'd break but it powers through) plus you can get the same knife in the mtech variety for under 20 bucks and at the highest level of pricing under 40 and at those prices if you do break it just buy another! I do agree with him on the fact that the full flat ground blades get caught up alot when battoning I do have a solution to this problem simply use a wedge behind you cut as you work that huge chunk of wood it will also relieve the stress on the thinness on of most full flat grinds and reduce the stress on them making it have a much longer life to the blade. and when it comes to chopping I like the bite most full flat ground blades gives you cause it goes deeper but he is right about having to have more controlled cuts with it (wasn't saying he was wrong about anything just my opinions) so there ya go...

[@spoke1183]

Sometime i hate your videos man makes me buy things lol. Waiting on BK9 now cant wait to do your method on lettering and polish great vids and info. Thank you.

[@roberthardenglens9429]

is this jenny z guy?

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Good video and a very appropriate subject to cover. If you had more blades to show it would be nice, but you did bring quite a few popular models. It is hard to select any knife/axe/machete even with reviews since there is a wide choice of steel, grinds and so on. I really liked the Cold Steel axe/tomahawk and the Discord Machete... must add to list as future upgrades.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Did you ever try the Ontario SP51? The saber grind on that 1/4" 5160 makes it an excellent hard use chopper. I will always stay away from full flat grind knives especially in survival blades. Full flat grind is for slicing. I also have the Becker BK9 and I think the SP51 beats it. I also picked up a Ontario RD Tanto and that thing is just a saber ground prybar.

[@mudpawsvoom6132]

Well I have to say I like this video very much, and there's nothing wrong with rapping the handle of machetes or axes .

[@The_Shimra_Wizard]

I live in Texas and made the mistake of attempting to chop down a small cedar bush and bent the blade to the side. I need a blade that can chop through incredibly tough wood (oak) and incredibly flexible and tough wood (cedar)

[@whowhat691]

Hey there, you should make a video on the different grinds on knives

[@darthslipknot91]

"GOOOOO!!! GET TO DEH CHOPPAAAHHHH!!!"

[@kemalalemdar1911]

Chris you forget about Esee junglas and GSO 10 great choppers and bushcrafters both

[@royshobe6642]

Thanks for making this video

[@handemooor984]

Very complete review. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregfischbeck845]

Chris, Lets do a comparison with the Condor Moonstalker, Kabar BK9, Esee Junglas and the SCHF52M. I want to make the purchase but I want to get some more data first. Keep up the cool knife videos! Thanks ⚡️😎⚡️

[@timmlombardo9267]

I can NOT see you wielding a neck knife like you do with a big knife. Ugh, the thought kills me inside.😰😂😂👍🏼👍🏼Good informational video.

[@lordGalthran]

😊 you really live up the name preparedmind101

[@usefacts]

It would make more sense to compare the OntarioSP51 to the Bk9, as that is not a flat grind (like the SP50). Comparing the SP50 to the BK9 is comparing apples to oranges.

[@bjdenil]

You should check out the condor Plan A

[@kydd666]

This channel is the reason i shelled out the money for a BK9

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very informative and educational, Thank you very much

[@5ddubya]

Cool vid. bro...i gotta get the bushcraft parang....that and I maybe a bushlore and I should be set, I wish I didnt buy the bk2, I could of had both for the same amount of money....oh well...its like u said...all knives are fun

[@web1187]

My brother bought a Fiskars X7 and a guy who was doin some work with him hit a rock while trying to cut some roots .... Chipped the corner off so. watch for rocks and stuff

[@RPRIMICI]

Why don't you do a chop-off (tournament style) like Tac did? His chop-off included the BK-9 and ultimately, the Kershaw Camp 10 was the overall winner. However, the Kershaw Camp 14 beat out the Camp 10 (mainly due to it's greater length and weight). I'm sure you'll get a lot of new views and subs with a chop-off. I understand you've lent Tac a couple of blades in the past for testing.

[@marcgg1227]

need some handy chopper, dont know wich one coldsteel kukri, gerber kukri, walther mac tac ?

[@dullbrass]

Great presentation!

[@BlazinBlades]

Great tutorial! Cheers Blazin'Blades

[@TheBilboTN]

Great video! Do you prefer the CRKT Chanceinhell or the Schrade bolo for brush clearing, "family" camping, etc? Keep up the great work.

[@preparedmind101]

Chanceinhell

[@MrEdium]

Hello. Have you ever tried any of the ARANYIKA knives & Machetes. You can find them on EBAY & many go for under $50. They are a POWERHOUSE handmade line of knives. Thank You for Your Time.

[@justinestell2333]

The schrade 37 frontier is good for chopping but I actuall want the leroy or jethro

[@Jasonw357]

Have you tried the tops storm vector? I'm thinking of buying one but wasn't sure if it is worth the money or if there is a better chopper for the price.

[@blooodful]

I need a chopper. 👍

[@islandpainter3964]

Do the Ontario sp53.. looking forward to that one

[@3obardThawn3]

How did you remove the black on your bk9??? I have one but I don't like the black cover

[@booberry10]

Great vid Chris!

[@aidenlin9878]

BK-9 vs TOPS Tahoma field knife

[@livingsurvival]

I still can't decide between the BK7, BK9, Junglas, SP51, SP53, or RTAK II.

[@tbkuntrystrong]

PM101 is correct on the BK9 it chops and chops, great edge, I have been trying Kukri blades to out match it and I have not found one yet.

[@preparedmind101]

I hate the SP handles. RTAK not comfortable. I think the saber grind of the 9 chops better than the FFG of the Junglas. 9 has the best balance too. It's a near perfect large knife.

[@rickyspanish5316]

dude if you want the most powerful and capabe one go with the sp53 it is far superior then all the other ones when it comes to chopping and splitting but it is heavy

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

PREPAREDMIND101 uhm, a Junglas does not have a ffg. Did you actually use it to chop with? Because I have, and it chops better than my BK9. My San Mai III Trailmaster also chops better than my BK9.

[@sharkypvp5267]

Get an Aranyik E-Nep K1. X3

[@eipi5173]

give me the cold steel trailmaster over any of those!

[@Civil_Luke]

I'll take the Kabar Kukri Machete. The best large knife chopper Ive ever had.

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

I have a pipe tomahawk, I like it very much.

[@swboats1]

What are your thoughts on something like the Ontario SP8? Seems like it could be a great all around chopper/baton/carving tool.

[@michaelmcinerney5620]

My friend and I are doing a huge trek around Australia but we go through brown taipan territory we want to know the best blade whether it is sword or machete to use incase of a snake attack.

[@edwest7035]

great review but wish you had shown the sheaths for each..thanx

[@dave3gs]

[IMO] this intro is better than your new one.

[@Rammykazemi]

is the Schrade good for batoning?