Beefy All-around Survival Knives

These two beefy, all-around survival knives are designed for demanding tasks while still excelling at slicing and feathering. TOPS and APOC Knives have created two-weight forward choppers designed for adventurers. These tools offer the power of a hatchet combined with the versatility of a knife to save weight.

Demko Rhino Hybrid All-arounder

The Demko Rhino Hybrid by APOC is a remarkable tool that ingeniously combines the functionalities of a machete, knife, cleaver, and axe, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Crafted from resilient titanium-coated D2 steel, its impressive 6-inch blade excels at cutting, hacking, batoning, and feathering with remarkable precision and ease. The robust full tang construction heightens its durability, while the ergonomically designed rounded G10 handle slabs provide a secure and comfortable grip, even during prolonged use.

Accompanying this masterpiece is a Kydex double-snap belt sheath, ensuring safe storage, convenient carry, and quick access whenever you need it. This versatile tool embodies the essence of a rugged all-around survival knife, ideally suited for challenging outdoor tasks and adventures. Whether you’re clearing a path, preparing a meal, or executing detailed woodwork, the Demko Rhino Hybrid decisively earns its place among the most formidable members of the beefy all-around survival knives club!

Working the Rhino

If a Japanese Nata Knife and a Rhino had a blade baby, this would be the Demko Rhino Hybrid. What looks like a billhook is not. It’s pretty much an unsharpened spike and hook.

The blade has an excellent forward position with a constant belly for slicing. The Rhino Spike adds weight for chopping and is an amazing brush grabber and dragger. This spike feature is excellent for yardwork and camp clearing.

Demko Rhino Hybrid has a remarkable spike, perfect for grabbing and dragging brush to help clear a camp.

Choking way back on the handle gives you way more power, similar to a Nata knife. A medium compact blade with a long handle is one of the more clever ideas the Japanese use. I’m a fan. The textured G10 handle adds security without needing an annoying birds beak on the handle’s end.

Beefy All-around Kukuri

The TOPS Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri 7.0 merges the traditional kukri design with modern bushcraft needs, offering impressive chopping power and versatility for outdoor tasks. Designed by Nicholas Fury III from L.V.I. Bushcraft and Survival, this Kukuri prioritizes strength, reliability, resilience, and adaptability.

Measuring 14 inches overall, it features a 7¾ inch recurved blade with a sturdy ¼ inch thickness, showcasing a black linen micarta handle and traction coating. Made from 1095 high-carbon steel, it holds a Rockwell hardness of 56-58. The durable MIL-SPEC Olive Drab nylon sheath includes secure closures and a small pocket.

With a deeper belly than traditional kukris, this knife excels in slicing and game processing. Its rich history dates back to the Nepalese Gurkha regiments, who used it for combat and utility. This blade is well-suited for the beefy all-around survival knives, as approved by Gurkhas.

Bushcrafting with the Kukuri

I picked up the knife at a knife convention in Georgia and took it into the backwoods the next morning. It felt right at home chopping through hard oak, dogwood, maple, and poplar. While the hardwoods of the Southeast typically suit a hatchet or axe, the knife’s compact size and inwardly curved blade provided a hatchet-like feel with added versatility.

The author shaves tinder from a section of poplar wood for a fire. The recurved section makes this task fun and easy to do.

After chopping some dead poplar wood, I propped it up and began shaving tinder. By gripping and pinching the blade’s spine, I created curly shavings, perfect for a tinder bundle. I made sure to keep those shavings from falling to the ground. After splitting the wood into finger-thick pieces, I stabbed the Bush Kukuri into a log and used it to make more shavings.

I then crafted a pot hook and tarp stakes easily with the blade. The weight-forward design allowed for precise control, making it simple to create notches. The Bushcrafter Kukuri proved versatile for chopping, splitting, and carving wood. Paired with a saw, it can handle any task in the woods! TOPS and Nicholas truly honored this time-tested design!