- Joined
- Aug 10, 2013
- Messages
- 104
We all know that the BK9 is an incredible chopper.....when compared to other knives. Aside from the added awesome factor of the knife (and versatility), I wanted to see how it stacked up against it's primary competitors in the backpacking wood processing realm: the camp hatchet and the folding saw. For this test, I used a Bahco Laplander to represent a "quality" folding saw, and a Stanley saw to represent what you can just pick up at the hardware store for $5-$10. The hatchet is also of the run of the mill hardware store quality (I think it's also a Stanley).
For this test, I chose a decent sized, recently-fallen tree. I would estimate the diameter to be 4". I timed how long it took me to get through the tree with each tool, and counted the number of strikes for the BK9 and hatchet. I also made a mental note of how tired I was after each use. I wasn't trying to chop/saw quickly, just at a consistent pace.
The competitors
Contestant #1: Bahco Laplander
As expected, the Bahco sailed right through it at a time of 27 seconds. I wasn't tired at all, and at no time did I have to use both hands on the saw
Contestant #2: Stanley Saw
This one was a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect it to go as fast as the Laplander, but this was ridiculous! It took everything I had to get through this log without passing out; the blade kept getting stuck and wouldn't stay straight. 5 minutes and 43 seconds....wow
Notice the difference in the design of the saw teeth, which I assume accounts for the disparity in performance
Contestant #3: Camp Hatchet
Solid performer, total time of 1 minute 14 seconds and 41 chops.
Contestant #4: BK9
After 46 seconds and a total of 21 chops, the BK9 was through. Being lighter than the hatchet, I felt much less arm fatigue when using the BK9.
The takeway: if you're going to get a folding saw, get a quality one or don't waste your money. I expected the Laplander to win, I really just wanted to see how the BK9 compared. I was surprised that the BK9 outchopped the hatchet by such a large margin, it was twice as efficient and 10 times as much fun!
For this test, I chose a decent sized, recently-fallen tree. I would estimate the diameter to be 4". I timed how long it took me to get through the tree with each tool, and counted the number of strikes for the BK9 and hatchet. I also made a mental note of how tired I was after each use. I wasn't trying to chop/saw quickly, just at a consistent pace.
The competitors
Contestant #1: Bahco Laplander
As expected, the Bahco sailed right through it at a time of 27 seconds. I wasn't tired at all, and at no time did I have to use both hands on the saw
Contestant #2: Stanley Saw
This one was a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect it to go as fast as the Laplander, but this was ridiculous! It took everything I had to get through this log without passing out; the blade kept getting stuck and wouldn't stay straight. 5 minutes and 43 seconds....wow
Notice the difference in the design of the saw teeth, which I assume accounts for the disparity in performance
Contestant #3: Camp Hatchet
Solid performer, total time of 1 minute 14 seconds and 41 chops.
Contestant #4: BK9
After 46 seconds and a total of 21 chops, the BK9 was through. Being lighter than the hatchet, I felt much less arm fatigue when using the BK9.
The takeway: if you're going to get a folding saw, get a quality one or don't waste your money. I expected the Laplander to win, I really just wanted to see how the BK9 compared. I was surprised that the BK9 outchopped the hatchet by such a large margin, it was twice as efficient and 10 times as much fun!
