Benchmade 171 Chopper - Do you trust it for anything other than competition?

amflud

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Jun 10, 2009
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I've had one for a couple of years and I've been hesitant to use it for camp style uses such as chopping hard wood, I'm not sure the extremely thin edge can handle it. When I first saw it I figured it would be perfect for that, but, when I got it in my hands I had second thoughts. I know CPM-M4 is good stuff, but, I just can't help but imagine a huge chip of steel flying out of the edge after impacting some hard wood. Do any of you have experience using one as a camp chopper? I'm not talking about abuse here, just realistic camp site duties. Thanks in advance for your responses.
 
I think it could handle chopping hardwood,and most outdoor tasks.Remember in cutting competitions they have to cut a
piece of hardwood dowel,probably "oak" but don't quote me.The grind geometry is spot on,and there is just enough
support behind the edge without sacrificing cutting performance.People that have handled it in person know that this
chopper/cutter can out perform any production knife on the market.There is nothing else like it in a production standpoint,
and I highly recommend it..IMHO..

thx.
 
Thank you for the response. I might take it with me on my next outing. Seems like it would be fun to chop with.
 
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