Basic 11 for finer tasks

B

Beckerhead83

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Nov 1, 2011
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Hey guys, I have been contemplating on pulling the trigger on a basic 11. Now I have heard so many great reviews on how great of a chopper it is, light, great user ect.. but I haven't heard much talk about using the Basic 11 on finer tasks. I'm looking for the "One Knife" for my collection and am also considering a NMSFNO as well. I know there are other models out thier that are much more suited for the finer tasks but Im looking for a well rounded knife and I tend to believe the 7 to 9 inch blades are best IMO, but since the B11 is so light for its chopping ability I'm curious as to how it does with the finer tasks like feather sticks carving ect.. So anyone who has any expierence with the B11 that can lend some advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks Hogs.
 
Sorry, I don't have any pictures or anything, but I can assure you the B11 is comfortable for all those tasks. I've never done that stuff for more than 30 minutes straight though, so I guess there'll be some fatigue eventually. I find my hands getting tired more quickly with smaller knives, though I don't know why.

A lot of people like the NMSFNO for that. I feel that the B11 is better because it's the perfect knife for chopping if you want a knife for chopping instead of an axe or machete or something like that, and the choil lets you choke forward enough for better balance and control. It just works!
 
Have you considered the b10? I have not used or handled a b11 but I have read that the 10s handle feels better. I love the b10 for almost any job and the grind allows it to bite extremely well.
 
ALthough, I prefer the B-11 to the B-10 in many ways, I agree with ChristoDart that the B-10 would be better suited for finer tasks.

From the factory, the B-10 has a nice convex edge, which is thinner than the edge on the B-11. Also, it is a smaller and lighter blade because it is shorter and thinner. As far as the handles go, the B10 handle is a little bit more comfortable, but honestly it doesn't make a huge difference in practice.

With all of that said, I still think that the NMSFNO is king when it comes to "One Knife." I would also consider a SAR-8, or wait for the Basic 8.

I get the idea of the one knife concept, but I have NEVER put it into practice. I always carry at least two blades, usually in a piggyback setup. Sometimes if I am not covering a lot of ground, I will bring more.

The way I see it is that a big knife can do nearly everything a small blade can do, but when it comes to the finer tasks, I would much rather have a small blade.
 
ChristoDart said:
Have you considered the b10? I have not used or handled a b11 but I have read that the 10s handle feels better. I love the b10 for almost any job and the grind allows it to bite extremely well.
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You could always have the shop put a Basic 10 handle on a Basic 11 for next to nuthin'.

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If you get a Basic 11 I will gladly trade you the handle from my Basic 6. As far as a one knife senerio, its all about compromise. Get a second job so you can have another knife. I sold my Sarsquatch(a great knife) because it weighs the same as my B11 but my B11 can do more than the Sarsquatch. So for me I have decided to keep my B11 as the one big knife and carry whatever the flavor of the day is for a small knife(Ratmandu). I remember when I first wanted an AR15 an knowing little about them I asked the salesman (who claimed he owned 4 himself) which one might be best for my non specific needs. His reply was the shorter lightweight one was the one that got used the most. Good advice...
 
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<Flux> said:
From the factory, the B-10 has a nice convex edge, which is thinner than the edge on the B-11.
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About this, by the way... if you happen to be right-handed and score an asymmetrical B11, you have got it set :) the left side of the blade is flat ground, so it's really easy to carve if you're right handed. With the flat left side and the convex right side, it's sort of like a wharncliffe edge--you'll be able to tell exactly where and what you're cutting. I should've pointed that out in my first post. That's why I absolutely love my B11 for detailed tasks.
 
You can't have just one knife, man. B11 is a fantastic knife, a little bigger and heavier than a B10
Perhaps a B11 and a Cabs combo
DSC_0049.jpg
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Pass CDN said:
You can't have just one knife, man. B11 is a fantastic knife, a little bigger and heavier than a B10
Perhaps a B11 and a Cabs combo
DSC_0049.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

Agreed! I don't have a CABS (wish I did,) but I think any blade in that size range would do. Other than the B4, I'd recommend a BAD, SAR-3 or GW. If money is an issue, how about a MBC, Rodent Solution, 3-11, or even a scrapivore or Swamp Warden.

Heck, even a solid folder would do.

Here's a picture of my current B-11/B4 setup:
imagengrf.jpg


Before that, I had my BAD setup with my B-11:
imagetbon.jpg
 
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The Basic 4 seems to me like it would be the perfect companion blade to the Basic 10 or 11.
 
I personally would go for duo, b11 plus something very small, currently rat warden with para cord just in case. B11 is strapped to the back pack, and the warden is around the neck or in the pocket. However I can generally take care of everything. I would choose b11 over the nmsfno.
 
I do not know if there really is one knife that can do everything perfect. Id know that it is easier in a pinch to skin with a chopper than to chop with a skinner. All that being said the B11 is a great blade and it or a B10 will always have a permanent place in my kit.

Garth
 
Garth Reckner said:
I do not know if there really is one knife that can do everything perfect. Id know that it is easier in a pinch to skin with a chopper than to chop with a skinner. All that being said the B11 is a great blade and it or a B10 will always have a permanent place in my kit.

Garth
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That says a lot... ;)
 
I rock a B11 with a CABS and MUCK carry set up. Baldric rig carries all three easily. Here it is before I made the Muck sheath.
IMG_3440.jpg


As to "finer tasks" I have used my B11 to make fuzz sticks (up snow camping, the scouts were having trouble getting the fire to stay lit, so I showed them the magic of fuzz sticks). I have also used my B11 to make very thin slices of steak to make Beef Jerky)


A skinny Basic 4 would also be perfect, and weigh even less than either a CABS or Muck.

I do like Large/small parings.

I have also taken out the KZII and BAD paring (sometimes with a Sarq thrown in for good measure because it makes a decent camp food prep knife).
 
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I've got both. Can't imagine anything replacing the B11... it's a warhorse!

B11Baton.jpg




It's one I'll take to the grave....


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