Small chopping knife for woodwork

[Shuya]

Hi folks,

I may need some recommendations from you.

For woodwork or rough shaping like first stages of bowmaking I usually  have a small Gränsfors hatchet.
It is light weight but the relatively short edge is a bit strenuous .

My first thought after watching lots of videos working with machetes was to buy one so I ended up with a relatively cheap Condor Parang machete.
I opted for a mostly straight blade that should help me with my work.

Once I used it I figured out it is not what I wanted. Sure it is a nice blade for cleaning brush, but the thick blade and grind added with a relatively soft 1075 does not work for me.
Doesnt cut well, doesnt hold an edge.

So here I am, this time asking for your opinions.

The blade should be mostly straight, so I can grab the tip and use it for a drawknife, too.
Bladelength 8-10inches
Edge should be a lot finer than those Condor blades, like for example my ESEE knifes.
Dont mind carbon or whatever steel, should hold an edge.
Comfortable grip for actual long use and woodwork
Price I set up to about 150 Euros for that worker.

I dont need a prybar or something I can split firewood. I need a tool for woodwork that chops.

Any Idea?

Regards
Michael

[Alan K.]

Look up the Japanese Nata.  It's a straight edged woodworking knife in various sizes that might suit you.

[Aloha]

What came to mind was a Seax. 

[comis]

Look up the Japanese Nata.  It's a straight edged woodworking knife in various sizes that might suit you.

Exactly what I thought of when I read this, I don't own one, but Silky Nata(maker of Silky saw) seems pretty nice to use.

[David]

What came to mind was a Seax.
[/quote


 

[nate j]

I must admit some of your requirements seem contradictory to me.  You want a knife you can chop wood with, but you also want a fine, hard edge, rather than the somewhat thicker and slightly softer but much tougher blade that would make for a durable chopper.  You also want to be able to use your chopper as a draw knife.


Nonetheless, a few options not already mentioned to possibly consider:

- Old Hickory Cleaver - Certainly has the size and weight forward to chop effectively, and has a relatively straight edge, though I’m not sure how well it would do on wood.  If it doesn’t work out, you’ll still have something you can use for food prep, and you won’t be out much money.

- a quality, authentic Nepalese-made Khukuri - The shape and weight distribution will make it a good chopper, and the differential hardening might just get you that harder edge in a knife still tough enough to chop with.  But, you probably wouldn’t be able to use it as a draw knife, and could easily blow your $150 budget.

[Gareth]

Might a Finnish Leuku fit the bill? 

[G-Dizzle]

Becker BK-5 if you can find one. I think it checks a lot of your boxes.