17"FF VS Maple Tree

Big Bob

Big Bob

Joined
Oct 13, 1999
Messages
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I had recently gotten my 12" UB Memorial Salyan and 17"FF back from being convexed by Daniel. With some spare time earlier today, and after seeing all the fun that Satori's been having out in the field lately, ;) I decided to take the Salyan outside to go tree hunting. I looked for one that would give me a challenge. I found one and went at it. Five minutes later I realized that I wouldn't be able to dispose of the 4.5" Maple before I had to wash up and leave for work. With the FF being sharpened and untested, it became the obvious choice for relief chopper. 35 minutes of so this is the result:



The FF rang and sang as it was used, coming out undamaged. While it was impressive for a khukuri this thin and light to chop up a tree without binding or damage, its performance wasn't the most spectacular in my eyes. Being as light as it is, it lacks some of the "authority" of similar sized khuks that are heavier. I especially sensed this when delimbing with it. It took the FF a couple of blows to take off branches that other khuks would have gone through with one good stroke. Nevertheless, I can realize and appreciate the value of a khuk that puts a lot of blade at your fingertips with a minimum of weight. I'm sure that the FFs will be the preferred backpacking companion for more than a few cantistas. One good thing to come from this experience, I get to keep on trucking for "the one" perfect khukuri. ;)

Bob
 
I have wondered about this, Bob. Thank you for an excellent read.

There isn't any escaping the laws of physics. Blades must be balanced between edge profile and thickness, length, weight and its distribution, etc etc.

Adding fullers and removing weight might produce a blade nearly or as or ever stronger than one without the fullers, but it will not chop the same without the weight. Too much weight for the edge profile vs the material being penetrated and does no good either.

Kamis are Kamis because they know these things.



munk
 
Interesting. Thanks for the report.

It is indeed considerably lighter than what we're used to but the thin edge really helped out in my case. I had the opportunity to compare mine side by side with Cndrm's FF and while the overall length and weight are about the same, there are certainly differences in handle length, blade length and even the shape. I wonder if this doesn't play a part in it.

Because of the lighter weight the FF is going to do less of the work than a heavier model would, necessitating a harder stroke to get similar results. It's certainly a different technique. How much are you loading up on your swings, Bob?
 
Satori, I haven't done a huge amount of chopping with my FF yet, just ran it through my basic steps, and IMHO, (as mentioned by Big Bob) it's quite light, and would be very well suited for backpacking. I think it would work great in tandem with a longer, slightly heavier blade. So you could do your work-horsing with your heavier blade, and clean up after it with the FF. (I'm thinking either maybe a BGRS, or an HI Siru, lighter AK, etc). Just something that posesses more chopping power than the FF, but won't slow you down because it weighs a ton. (GRS, large AK, etc.)

mike
 
Okay all. I just received my Baby Ram by Bura. 17.5" OAL, 12" blade, 5 1/2" handle, 26.25oz (1lb 10 1/4 oz). It's got some ugly cho creep, and habki bolster, but neither affect it's performance. Ahh performance. Despite only weighing 2 3/4 oz more than my FF, it is a tremendous chopper. Now I know why Satori likes his so much. I would seriously reccomend pairing the BGRS up with a FF for a backpacking trip.

mike
 
The all around khuk, most khuk for your buck, still able to carry, not too heavy, not too light......

Approx 26 - 30 oz
Approx 18"

Any heavier and the tug on the belt becomes pronounced. Any longer and the flapping into the leg or brush by the trail more troublesome.


I generally like a 28oz 18" khuk, WWll, BGR, AK,... or?

This size of tool also woodhawks more wood than it has any right to.
It can be used for self defense, to build a shelter, dig a latrine; whatever. It is the next best thing to a 41 mag should danger threaten. It is the only blade I carry in Cougar country comfortably knowing if any Cat should attack the Khuk only needs one swing on any part of it's body to end the discussion.

And it's just long enough to keep those darn Pappy Memorial Rattlesnakes away from your leg bones, too.



munk
 
I sure wish the "reputation point system" was back. Thanks all, for a truly informative thread. Good work, Bob.
I can hardly wait for the next shipment of FFs to arrive now. I've got dibs on one :D
 
Satori, except for when I was delimbing, I wasn't really loading up for powerful swings. I was mainly using rapid chopping motions.

Bob
 
Munk, I do agree. My BGRS weight is right in your average and optimal weight range. Just amazing how it's not much heavier than my FF, but the power in it's swing is tremendous. All in the design. I'm very pleased. Not only will it not break the pocketbook, but when packing, it won't break your belt or back (if on/ in pack). I give it 2 :thumbup: :thumbup: .

mike
 
Big Bob said:
Satori, except for when I was delimbing, I wasn't really loading up for powerful swings. I was mainly using rapid chopping motions.
Click to expand...

Without the mass we need more tip speed to get the job done. Give it another run with a bit more power. Use some body weight transfer if you're not already doing so.

I haven't tried smaller and faster chops with mine yet but I will. It will be interesting to compare.

Honestly, I was very surprised at just how well mine chops. It throws chips far larger than a 24 ounce anything has any right throwing. I'm using more force than I normally do, though, and I'm counting on the increased penetration of the thinner edge to break out larger chips.

What kind of penetration are you getting?
 
When I'd first start chopping into a section of tree, I'd be getting about 1/2" to 3/4" penetration, just my wild guess. As I got deeper and started chopping more and more against the grain, penetration slowed noticeably. I'll have to try it with some more oomph next time.

Bob
 
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