I have folders and fixed blade woodcraft knives, but have been reading about the virtues of a bigger knife like the apparently now defunct Becker Brute. I have worked with a few machetes and kukris (sp?) and would like to own something decent but not super expensive in a larger fixed blade.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

I too was looking for one but I ended up with the Kershaw Outcast.

Here is a link to compare the two.

http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/REVIEWS/FieldBladeReview-KershawOutcast.htm

Possibly the Ka-Bar 1244 Camp Knife. Both use 1095 high carbon steel and have a Bolo type shape.

I second the Kabar Camp Knife. Also, Becker just came out with their 7 and 9" knives. I think KnifeCenter (et al) has them for about $80.

Ontario has some carbon blades in their spec plus line that are robust and in your price range.

Will Kabar resurrect the Becker Brute? I own the Kabar camp knife, but would like to own a brute too.

I think it will be a baby steps kind of thing.

Well, it's not exactly the same thing, but pretty close.... maybe better. Ka-Bar has introduced the Becker BK-7 and BK-9, for about $65 and $75 respectively. The steel is 1095-Cro Van and the knife is made in the USA. Knifecenter.com has them. There might be some others too, but I haven't been looking.

I'm just guessing..... the sale of these knives may influence their decision whether or not to bring back the Brute, IF they've even considered it. I think I might rather have the BK-9.

I spoke to Ka-Bar today. They have chosen not to manufacture the Becker Brute. The BK9 is their choice for a knife of that caliber. The BK9, BK7, BK2 and BK3 are now shipping. Regrettably, there are no current plans for the BK10.

Yet. Ethan has been asking for input on another forum, and we've been hammering for the Brute, but he's also leaning towards the Camp Knife. We can always hope...

I actually bid on a Becker Brute on eBay today. My bid was well short of the winning $345.

Decided to spend about $75, including shipping, on a Kershaw Outcast.

I did not bid on the second Becker Brute on eBay. It just sold for $357.

RTAK II -
I chose the RTAK II for my large blade knife. Excellent quality, full tang, well balanced (just slighly forward of the chimping), comfortable and durable. Sheath is adequate but I prefer kydex. But don't let that stop you if you like the RTAK II.

Kershaw outcast -The thing I didn't like the kershaw outcast is it is not a full tang knife. It is glass filled nylon. So I'm not sure how well it will hold up in artic temperatures for my region of the country. It has good reviews but I didn't want to find out when I really need a knife at -25F.

Kukuri - are great as a chopping tool, but I think they would be a bit cumbersom dressing game or batonning logs due to the bent blade. Very capable knife and adequate. But the design is not real close to the becker brute. Some similiarities without the angle.

If you don't mind a little smaller knife (IE 7.5" blade) the cold steel recon scout is an excellent choice. 1/4" steel, heavy and very durable and good quality.

The RAT 7 (6.5" blade) is a little lighter but similar in quality and design of the RTAK II. Very capable high quality survival knife.

KBAR camp knife - looks pretty close to the becker brute but I prefer flat ground knives for survival purposes.

Oh, forgot to mention cost I paid for my knives just in case you were wondering.

RTAK II - $80
RAT 7 - $85
CS Recon Scout $56.

I bought my Becker Brute 8 or 9 years ago after a lot of research into the "camp knife" concept that was kind of a new or recently popular thing about that time. The 1/4" thickness of the blade and the actual tapering of the blade down to its distinctive point are unique features. But the fact that the curve of the blade is similar to the curve in a number of ancient designs in edged weapons, especially Greek designs and the Kukri compound the interesting and useful qualities. I like the flattened spine down toward the tip needed for batoning and splitting wood. That surface also works as a hammer if your aim is careful. Though I like the kydex sheath, I have always hankered for a cool leather one but I guess I would have to try and make one if I was going to have such a thing.

I'm jealous. I hope they start making them again.