Ethan,
I am a wildlife biologist/forester, that used to use your Brute "BK1" on almost a daily basis. From setting beaver traps, to brushing up duck blinds to clearing shooting lanes, I've never used anything better.
Before I tell you my tale of woe about my Brute, I guess I need to describe myself a little better. I am a
little unusual in that in 1985 I was in an oilfield accident that resulted in the crush/loss of all of the fingers and thumb on my left hand (Oh, yea you guessed it I WAS left handed). The fingers and thumb of my right hand was also crushed EXCEPT for my complete little finger and 2/3 of my ring finger. Yes, all I've got left is a little finger and 2/3rds of my ring finger. I posted a fair pic of my hands (showing the teeth on a baboon).
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So, after I purchased your Brute, I modified it by removing the handle scales and welding a couple of "slices" of 1.25 inch pipe in a "OO" arrangement to the underside, to provide me with a "better" grip.
I'll post some pics of the knife, in a day or so. (I'm out of town at the moment).
Now on to the particulars of the break!
I was cutting a Mesquite limb off that had grew up through the "wings" on a cattle guard and was scraping vehicles that went over it. I had bent the limb over and had made about 3 "licks" on it, and in my estimation had 1 more "lick" to go, ....... I was wrong.
The last stroke went all the way through the limb and then thie tip of the Brute hit the pipe "wing" and the blade broke clean into about halfway between the tip and the handle. Needless to say, I was sick to my stomach.
I am entirely at fault here .... did not, nor would not expect a warranty to cover this, so I never contacted anyone.
I have tried to find another Brute, but no dice.
I have had the good fortune to pick up 3 Machaxes though, but the geometry of the blade just does not fit my particular situation at all.
Thanks,
Jeff
