Basic 9, SAR 8, DFLE,CT,Camp Blood Review

Peter,

I've found in using the Basic 9 for chores I would normally use a machete for that it works very well as a speed cutter on light brush as well as chopping up to 3" dia. limbs and saplings. For the lightest stuff, a machete is still better because of its thinner blade and lighter, faster action. But the B9 does very well on "all around" light brush chores up to that 3" dia., as I said--and with fewer strokes on the larger stuff than I would use with a machete.

How would you rate the DFLE in these terms, i.e. use on light brush and ability on speed cuts vs. the Basic 9 or machete?

Thanks again,
Will
 
Horn Dog said:
Thanks for that thorough chopping and cutting comparison, Peter. The little Camp Tramp is still an impressive knife. And the DFLE, well, it has been my favorite chopper for a while. Don't worry, it sharpens easily. Great review. :thumbup:
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Cheers HD :thumbup: .... the Camp Tramp did have me grinning ... it punches above it's weight for sure ... and tomorrow the DFLE gets a new edge ....
 
WILL YORK said:
Peter,

I've found in using the Basic 9 for chores I would normally use a machete for that it works very well as a speed cutter on light brush as well as chopping up to 3" dia. limbs and saplings. For the lightest stuff, a machete is still better because of its thinner blade and lighter, faster action. But the B9 does very well on "all around" light brush chores up to that 3" dia., as I said--and with fewer strokes on the larger stuff than I would use with a machete.

How would you rate the DFLE in these terms, i.e. use on light brush and ability on speed cuts vs. the Basic 9 or machete?

Thanks again,
Will
Click to expand...

I suppose if I am honest the DFLE is as good as the Basic 9 and possibly slightly better .... especially at the tasks you outline above .... the edge mine came with originally had it being used for just that sort of use ... it does'nt hit the "zone" of cumbersome at all when you pick it up after picking up the Basic 9 ... it just feels like a Basic 9 on steriods ... and performs like that as well...

If you think of the SHBM with a more weighty blade from the Res C tang but lighter by a noticeable amount .... and mega comfortable ... that is the DFLE ...

My picking up a Basic 9 having had a DFLE is because I carry my belt kit knife on a slanted rear cross draw so that I can pull it when lying prone ... to carry it like this the DFLE was either catching my elbow on either side depending on moving it one way or the other on my arm action...or if angled more steeply I found it catch when shooting in a sitting position and it would be awkward ... the Basic 9 is just short enough to work ... sheathed it is just the same size as a FSH which also works in that role ... I got 2 FSH .25 thick at Knob Creek for this very purpose .... I sold them after Drew kindly found for me a Basic 9 ...

Since then I have tried a few others in the 7 inch range as my "kit" changed with the new "Molle" Vests and with a Camel Back water pouch on and "rear" kevlar I find it easier to go for a straight forward right hand carry position as the knife handle can tuck in on the kevlar on the slanted rear carry .... and it is so "thick" you cannot draw it easily ....

If I had the choice I prefer my old system ... and my Basic 9 would be with me ...:cool: So I have a place in my heart for both ....

Oh ... I would use either of these before a machete .... in fact I might move my Hossom knives on .... and simply pack a Basic 9 , DFLE or a NMFBM for this role .... for me I like the NMFBM for this work ... heavier than you might think of using ... but sharpened well and it does fine for me ... although I do like the Basic 9 and the DFLE for this sort of task as well. Machete's have never been good for me .... ill fitting handles have put me off them as has the soft steel ...
 
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Thanks, Peter. Great review--comprehensive for this size/weight range, and very helpful.
 
Thanks to everyone for the kind comments .... when you do a review like this it's good to hear your views to ....:thumbup: :cool:

Just finished putting a convex edge on my DFLE .... this one is now nicely sharp ... :)
 
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