The boy, and I finally got a chance to get out and put some steel to work yesterday. I chose to get the 4 out and about while the boy broke in his 9. It wasn't the best day as far as weather goes, but it wasn't the worst. The important thing was we got to have some fun. We've decided to give a shot at the try stick GAW, and needed to go harvest some good sticks. Gave us the perfect excuse to go have some man time. This is Van's first "big" knife, so I let him have at some chopping without any instruction on technique. I wanted to see how much he's learned just by watching me. I didn't have to do any safety talking. He's a Boy Scout, and I'm his scoutmaster. So, I know he's got that much down pat.
Here he is picking his sapling to harvest.
Taking branches off.
Chopping that sucker down.
Now it's time to make some sticks. Always the funnest part. Like chopping up carrots.
He decided to put a little power into this one, and missed his sweet spot. Dad had to tell him to focus on the chop, and not on how hard to swing. Also, notice his grip. I still haven't gave him any tips on how to "snap" his wrist.
He got it this time.
Here's a shot after teaching him how to choke back on a grip, and snap his wrist. He barely swung, but the look on his face says it all.
Like a champ.
Look at that grip. Just like dad.
That's a happy little BeckerHead.
How the king makes us all feel.
My turn with my 4.
Some serious chopping.
Van liked it, too.
I love it as a draw knife. Probably my favorite for this application.
Finally, some glam shots. I love editing these things.
We had a great time. The 4 performed as awesome as expected. I found the sweet spot with the first swing. I found the chop of it to be an angel's hair under the 9. This is due to the 9's robustness. BUT, the 4 has a vastly superior hewn-ing capability. Kept sharp, and it is every bit as good as a hatchet for that. As you can tell from the pics the king blew Van's mind. It's definitely his favorite now. He was amazed at the bite of the 9. He also really enjoyed having it on his hip.
Hope y'all enjoy the shots.
Here he is picking his sapling to harvest.
Taking branches off.
Chopping that sucker down.
Now it's time to make some sticks. Always the funnest part. Like chopping up carrots.
He decided to put a little power into this one, and missed his sweet spot. Dad had to tell him to focus on the chop, and not on how hard to swing. Also, notice his grip. I still haven't gave him any tips on how to "snap" his wrist.
He got it this time.
Here's a shot after teaching him how to choke back on a grip, and snap his wrist. He barely swung, but the look on his face says it all.
Like a champ.
Look at that grip. Just like dad.
That's a happy little BeckerHead.
How the king makes us all feel.
My turn with my 4.
Some serious chopping.
Van liked it, too.
I love it as a draw knife. Probably my favorite for this application.
Finally, some glam shots. I love editing these things.
We had a great time. The 4 performed as awesome as expected. I found the sweet spot with the first swing. I found the chop of it to be an angel's hair under the 9. This is due to the 9's robustness. BUT, the 4 has a vastly superior hewn-ing capability. Kept sharp, and it is every bit as good as a hatchet for that. As you can tell from the pics the king blew Van's mind. It's definitely his favorite now. He was amazed at the bite of the 9. He also really enjoyed having it on his hip.
Hope y'all enjoy the shots.
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