1311 anyone?

Here's my 1311 in amongst my favorite choppers (not including axes).
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You don't really get a sense from the photo without feeling the weights or seeing the spine thicknesses, but the two at the top are heavy choppers. The 1311 is most similar to the Big Chris Bolo directly below it - both are quick but have noticeably more heft than the BRK customized machete below. I wouldn't really define the Ferhman and the B10 as choppers - to me these are large knives that will do a bit of light chopping and slashing, but are best combined with a saw and used primarily for splitting. The Koster Monster Nessie at the bottom is a heavy, but very compact chopper - kind of like a bush cleaver.

Overall, the 1311 should be a great all-round performer. I expect it to have slightly less penetration than the bolo, mostly due to the slightly thicker, non-convexed edge. The bolo also has the option of shifting hand position slightly, giving more control on light chops. But the 1311 will probably baton a bit better due to the thicker spine (bolo is only around 0.145"). If Sandy had caused more windfall where I am, I would have had the chance to test it out today.

The 1311 was a no-brainer for me, and happy with the purchase. If Busse eventually bring out something similar in INFI, then I will buy it, but otherwise it would have to be something pretty special to make me think I need another chopper.
 
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You guys waiting are going to love this thing when it arrives, those that already have one know what I mean.

I ordered a second because I know I'm going to try and thrash one as the years go by.
 
chiral.grolim said:
LVC, it's challenging to find this sort of edge geometry information on various custom and production knives. Any interest in taking the time to compile some data for inclusion in a list such as the spec-sheet DWRW keeps on the swamp?
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I posted what little I could. I currently only have a SY 1311 and a Busse BOSS Jack proto (choiless non fullered).

Brummie said:
The 1311 was a no-brainer for me, and happy with the purchase. If Busse eventually bring out something similar in INFI, then I will buy it, but otherwise it would have to be something pretty special to make me think I need another chopper.
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I completely agree. The TTKZ (custom shop version) was awesome but heavy enough that I could feel the fatigue from it pretty quickly, where I wouldn't for an equivalently weighted axe. The 1311 is lighter yet similar in length, and for all of the batoning it will be just as good or better than the TTKZ (straighter edge, less tilt). And anything bellow it feels either underpowered or heavy for what it's capable of. I don't feel bad having sold my CS TTKZ and B10 (choiless) to get this+cash. I'd love to keep all of them, but I would go for the 1311 if I could only have one.
 
I gotta say, that " big Chris bolo " looks excellent. Waiting for my 1311's still.
 
what it was at the tip (at 36 degrees)
P1160921.jpg

what it is now with an 18 degree bevel and a tiny 21 degree microbevel
P1160920.jpg


And finally with a polished edge
P1160958.jpg


that can split hairs.
P1160962.jpg
 
Last Visible Canary said:
I posted what little I could. I currently only have a SY 1311 and a Busse BOSS Jack proto (choiless non fullered).



I completely agree. The TTKZ (custom shop version) was awesome but heavy enough that I could feel the fatigue from it pretty quickly, where I wouldn't for an equivalently weighted axe. The 1311 is lighter yet similar in length, and for all of the batoning it will be just as good or better than the TTKZ (straighter edge, less tilt). And anything bellow it feels either underpowered or heavy for what it's capable of. I don't feel bad having sold my CS TTKZ and B10 (choiless) to get this+cash. I'd love to keep all of them, but I would go for the 1311 if I could only have one.
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Thanks LVC. coming from you that's a ringing endorsement.
So now where are you on the 1311 Vs Axe argument?
 
Demonic1 said:
Thanks LVC. coming from you that's a ringing endorsement.
So now where are you on the 1311 Vs Axe argument?
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Nothing compares to a good axe except a chainsaw. You can work through a log faster with an axe with less hand and forearm fatigue just because of how axes work vs. a one handed knife/machete. If I was concerned about weight at all I'd always go with the 1311 over an axe because it's better at batoning and more versatile, but if chopping speed, power or quantity was ever a concern the axe comes first.
 
Really looking forward to my 1311! I have a Big Chris Bolo and I can honestly say its the best bush tool Ive ever used. Its just that perfect blend of speed and power. Mine is .150 thick 3V. Not to mention Chris's edges are ridiculous. He knows what he's doing with edge geometry. Im currently trying to make a massive machete chopper with a 16.5 inch blade but Ive been so busy lately I haven't really had any time to work. Chopper machete's are the BOMB! I think the 1311 is going to redefine performance for alot of people.

photo-1815.jpg
 
Also a thinner blade is just so much lighter to carry. You end up saving so much weight that you can bring another tool like a saw with you. The Mistress is still the king of the wood pile but for long trips where weight is an issue machete/ chopper hybrids really shine. I currently take my Big Chris Bolo, a leatherman wave, and a small knife like the scrap max 460, or SS4 and have pretty much all the bases covered. Ill also bring a saw if I think Ill need to do some wood processing. Im stoked to see how the 1311 fits into my woods setup. It should be good at batonning as well. I think its going to be one heck of a versatile blade.

Dan has really stepped it up this year and IMO brought the scrap yard to a whole new level performance wise. Hopefully the Scrap Maxes and 1311 are just the beginning of super high performance blades we'll see coming from Wauseon.
 
Hi Kalel. You actually narrowly beat me to the first bolo that Big Chris posted. His second was a full flat grind, and I was worried it might be a little thin, so I had him make me one with the sabre grind. I think mine is actually 0.145" - probably same as yours. There certainly are some very good options for affordable knives in 3V starting to appear.

Anyway to get this back on topic, the 1311 is noticeably thicker (coating probably contributes), but its still svelte and fast, and I'm expecting great things.

I agree with Last Visible Canary - my ultimate chopper is a gransfors felling axe - but for a packable tool a long, light chopper like the 1311 is incredibly versatile.
 
Still waiting also - Can anyone tell me about the Big Chris Bolo? I've searched and googled and nothing comes up - I think I need one. :D
 
My 1311's showed up today and wow!! they are outstanding. so much blade for the money. Light and fast in the hand. heavy enough for serious chopping work. I can't put mine down. I'll be outside tomorrow putting in some serious work with one to see exactly just how beast mode they are!
 
No really sure if it's appropriate to ask here but.

1) hurry up and get one on the exchange!

2) Can someone proxy these for me? (PM me)
 
the first one showed up on the exchange on the 6th - there have been a couple since then.
 
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