Tom Brown Tracker Boots - Durable Waterproof Hiking & Outdoor Boots for Men - Perfect for Camping, Hunting & Backpacking Adventures

Being on the fence with this one for more than a decade, I finally got the nerve a while back and pulled the trigger. To say this model is controversial is both ridiculous (it’s a knife, after all) and an understatement. Yeah, a lot of people HATE the Tracker, but just as many LOVE the Tracker. That’s what finally made me put up some cash and learn the ways.Obviously, this ain’t your run-of-the-mill stop point or Bowie. On the surface, this is more of a do-it-all, multitool that may not excel at any particular task (depending on the user, of course) but will perform virtually any task within reason and perform it very well (again, depending on the user). As stated in (many)other reviews, it requires patience and a willingness to learn. An open mind is a must.That last paragraph is a paraphrased collection of tidbits I heard or read over the years that only added to the mysticism of the Tracker and why I wanted to try it out, but never quite committed. Intimidating, maybe, but intriguing. There had to be something to it. How, despite the mad hatred, could a knife endure and be so iconic?Once I did commit and get one in hand, that was it. I understood both the love from the dedicated users and the hate that came with the frustration of expecting this to perform like a standard cutting instrument. Patience is key, but understanding it is simple. There is no mysticism. Different sections are designed for different tasks. It will chop, shear, cut, whittle, and go through anything you want to put it through, but you will learn how to control it. You might even find yourself enjoying it.In the last couple months of my Tracker journey, I’ve chopped limbs, busted kindling, split four-inch logs down to toothpicks, and have learned to use the quarter-round to make feathersticks. I’ve used it for more conventional tasks like tearing down cardboard and opening packages. I’ve even used it in the kitchen as a cleaver. It does it all. I’ve learned a lot and I’m still learning. I ended up getting a Tracker 4 for edc, but that’s another review.Final thoughts: if, like me, anyone has any hesitation, don’t be intimidated. Get one in hand and put in some time. If you have the willingness and patience, you will be rewarded.