The Contenders...

[Jeepnut22]

This is posted on the Swamp Rat board too...

Ok, here is a preview of what will be posted later this evening (after I get the kids to bed )...

The Contenders:


The Wood:


The Aftermath:


Stay Tuned!!

Figured I should list out the contenders here...

Big-Uns:
FBM LE
WFBM (FFBM modified by Ban)
HOGFSH (pg. 4)

Medium-Uns:
CG SFNO
Custom Shop SFNO w/ Convex Edge
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp
Swamp Rat Old School RatWeiler
Swamp Rat ChopWeiler (pg. 4)

Smaller Medium-Uns:
CG SJTAC
BATACLE
Swamp Rat Custom M6
CG ASH-1

[shigawire4sure]

Looks like some a CHOPPIN goin down. My $ is on the BM.

[kdstrick]

Pine trees all over the world just trembled in FEAR!!!

[norcalblacktail]

Cant wait to see some choppin!!!!

[Silas]

ooooh! Benjamin Moore, the expensive stuff.

[Hog Feet]

Originally Posted by shigawire4sure

Looks like some a CHOPPIN goin down. My $ is on the BM.

The FBMLE will win that chop off!

[Jeepnut22]

Ok, I will start off with the big-uns since that is what you guys are clammerin' about...

This all came about for two reasons. 1) It's my turn on Paddling_Man's passaround of the CG SFNO (CG SJTAC included). 2) There was a post on the Swamp Rat forum here on the BF asking about the comparisons between the CG SFNO, Camp Tramp and New ChopWeiler. While I didn't have a ChopWeiler I could test with, I substituted an Old School RatWeiler.

So, as mentioned above, on with the Big-Uns...

The FBM LE:


After about 25 chops on the 2x4:



On to the WFBM (FFBM modified by Ban):


After about 25 chops on the 2x4:



Comparison:


My Thoughts:
These are both BEASTS!! Holy Crap!! The FBM LE had such grunt it just flew through the 2x4. The WFBM was equally powerful. While not having the same heft and grunt, the WFBM was easily swung and the Ban profiled geometry just sent the wood chips flying. It was wicked close, but I have to say that by the width of a fleas pubic hair, the WFBM wins out. Mainly because the WFBM is faster and will last longer as a chopper. This also helped with control. Notice that the FBM LE chop width is wider than the WFBM. Not 100% sure why, but my guess would be that the lighter, leaner WFBM provided more control. Thoughts?

[Jeepnut22]

Oh, and missing in action from this group is my HOGFSH. It's with Garth getting some Luvin'...

[Jeepnut22]

On to the Medium-Uns...

CG SFNO:


CG SFNO Results:


Camp Tramp:


Camp Tramp Results:


Custom SFNO:


Custom SFNO Results:


Old School RatWeiler:


Old School RatWeiler Results:

[mikeymoto]

Sweet, did you have the day off or something?

[Jeepnut22]

The Medium-Uns comparison:


Camp Tramp (back) vs. Old School RatWeiler (front):


Custom SFNO (back) vs. Old School RatWeiler (front):


Custom SFNO (back) vs. CG SFNO (front):


Camp Tramp (back) vs. CG SFNO (front):


My take (all averaged about 38 - 40 chops)...

The Camp Tramp was the least effective at chopping of this bunch with the Old School RatWeiler being the best. But with the Old School RatWeiler I seemed to have less control. I was all over the place chopping with it. Whether it was me, or the way the knife handled could be debateable. The Custom SFNO also seemed to provide a little more control than the CG SFNO, which I certainly attribute to the D-Gauard and Wrist Secure paracord I put on it. Both SFNOs were about equal with the Custom showing a little more control as mentioned above. The RatWeiler was superior to all, but control seemed to be a factor to me. The Camp Tramp, while an amazing blade, was at the bottom of this group for chopping. For other camp duties, it would probably fair at the top due to it's size, weight and blade design. Thoughts?

[Evolute]

Thanks, Jeep!

[Jeepnut22]

Originally Posted by mikeymoto

Sweet, did you have the day off or something?

Kinda... The wife was busy taking care of her mom post Hip Replacement Surgery, so I had the kids today. Between Pre-School and 1st Grade times, I actually had a few hours to my self. Planned ahead and had the 3 2x4s cut into 2' lengths for this.

Much fun!!

[Jeepnut22]

Originally Posted by Evolute

Could we get some of your commentary in regard to the results in post #9? Thanks.

Check post #11!!

[Justabuyer]

My results have mirrored yours. The old school RW is a sleeper!!

Excellent knife!!

[Jeepnut22]

Finally, the smaller Medium-Uns...

Custom M6:


Custom M6 Results:


Custom M6 Blade Damage :


CG SJTAC:


CG SJTAC Results:


BATACLE:


BATACLE Results:


CG ASH-1:


CG ASH-1 Results:

[Jeepnut22]

Comparison:


My thoughts...

With about 35 to 40 chops in on each blade, this was the least effective group, without surprise.

Bottom line, CG ASH-1, WTF!!!

I didn't expect much from the CG SJTAC nor the M6, but I was shocked to see the M6 edge damage like that. Neither blade is thick but the CG SJTAC at least allowed for choking back on the handle. The Custom M6 handle wasn't shaped for easily choking back on the grip of the knife which definitely hindered what it could have done. The TAC handle IMHO is very comfy for choking back for more leverage while swinging whereas the CG ASH-1 doesn't really allow for that.

The BATACLE is a surpising chopper. It's heft and the ability to choke back on the TAC handle definitely help out. But in this bunch, the CG ASH-1 wins easily. The control I felt with this knife was insane. The handle felt like it wrapped around my hand and the blade didn't move at all during the chopping. The Magnum handles are perfectly contoured. The .320" thickness definitely helped out with the chopping duties. It flew through by comparison to all but the FBM LE and WFBM. Of the Medium-Uns and Smaller Medium-Uns, I would put this one at the top with a close, close second being tied between the Old School RatWeiler (better chopper, less control) and the Custom Shop SFNO (not as good a chopper, but great control w/ the D-Guard and Wrist Secure paracord wrap). Thoughts?

[steelnut]

Looks like a good time,
does your Wife think you need commited?

[on_the_edge]

Are you going to send the M6 back to SR? It seems there may be a heat treat issue with that one. I need to go chop with mine and make sure it is ok now.

Also, that CG ASH-1 did shockingly well comparatively. Since I don't have one, to what would you attribute that better performance?

[Justabuyer]

Originally Posted by on_the_edge

Also, that CG ASH-1 did shockingly well comparatively. Since I don't have one, to what would you attribute that better performance?

No it did not. It was hands down the biggest heaviest knife in the small knife section. Frankly its not a small knife. It should have been compared against the Old school RatW which wiped the floor with it.

ASH1 are not good choppers. This test mirrors my results.

I will state up front that I am under-impressed with the ASh1.

To big and clunky for fine work, poorly balanced and handled for heavy chopping. Seriously..... Name on thing it does better than other Busse offerings besides empty your wallet.