That was interesting, thanks. Can you share your thoughts on those two, compare and contrast? It looked like the 1311 was biting deeper but getting stuck more often.
They are both amazing knives that, in skilled hands, are capable of doing almost any task, large or small. I also think they are different enough to justify having both if you can.
To be clear, I attempted to cut "halfway" into the tree and all the way through the branch....not really the most exact method of comparison, like doing a set number of chops or something would have been.
On the tree, the 1311 took less swings, but as you say it does stick. In addition to requiring extra effort to get it unstuck, this means that wearing a lanyard (which I don't do anyway) is difficult because you need to tap the handle too often. A possible downside to consider.
So, the 1311 took less swings on the tree and that might technically make it the "winner", but I would hesitate to class it as the better chopper for that reason alone.
It might be important to mention I got (and popped before I knew I had it) a large blister below my pointer finger from the 1311 handle. When chopping with the res c it can be so grippy that it can tug the skin (probably more of a problem with soft skin). In my experience, sustained chopping with res c, without gloves, can lead to blisters. I generally don't wear gloves and have calluses in some places but I did still get a blister. Other than that, the res c is very comfy and I do like it (bring the B8
).
The ASHBM's Micarta handle is very comfy and soft. The pock texturing provides traction, but doesn't abrade the skin when chopping. I have experienced very little pinky bite with it. Just a few chops once since I got it and I simply adjusted my grip and problem solved. Also, its tang holes haven't resulted in any vibrations while chopping or batoning. And the 1311 doesn't have vibration issues either. :thumbup:
Unlike the thinner 1311, the BM doesn't really stick in the wood which is nice.
The video speaks for itself largely, but I thought their performance was fairly even. All things considered, the Battle Mistress is probably a better knife to use for large diameter chopping if you needed to do a lot of it.
As an all around large knife for woods use, it is a different story.
Based on my use so far, that title would go to the 1311 for its much better performance when cutting secondary growth vegetation. The BM generally doesn't do well at this task and it's too heavy to be used all day as a machete (fatigues your wrist quickly swinging it like a machete). While the 1311 makes a great machete, on the other side of the coin, it's too thin to be used to split wood all day, so each has its place in my view.
.....but it is technically a hardwood and I happen to have lots of blowdowns to chop on, so it is what it is. A similar video with Red Oak is possible in the future.
