Browning Crowell/Barker Competition Knife Field Test Video Completed.

Haven't got to test it yet, maybe tomorrow or the day after, but I have applied some of the grip tape. I applied some on eacs side of the handle so that my fingers and the palm will have contact with it. I also applied a couple of strips on either side of the tang on top of the handle, but none on the bottom. This has really improved the hold of the knife as it feels like it will stay put when you lock your hand on to it. I'm going to see how this does before I decide to put tape on the bottom of the handle. Keep in mind that I only applied strips of this tape and did not cover the entire handle with it. I did rough up the micarta with some 80 grit paper, which that alone would probably enhance the grip. Only thing that worries me is that the tape may be too grippy and may cause some blisters on the hand itself. Guess I'll find out!:D
 
yikes, I'd think that grip tape on a chopper, where your hand will be contacting different pressure-points on the handle as you swing, connect and retract the blade, would indeed be over-abrasive and lead to blisters. I got blisters from heavy chopping use of a CS Recon Tanto w/checkered kraton handle. It will be interesting to hear how that works out for you after 30 minutes of use. But maybe it will work out great?
 
Yeah, those blisters are a REAL possibility. It may be that I need to wear a lightweight cotton glove on that hand. I'll give it a try and see what happens. Right now though the handle does not move around once you grasp the handle!
 
OK, was able to go out and do some chopping yesterday. I own a parcel of land that I had clear cut about 6 years ago and then replanted with pines. There is still some hardwood down on the ground, some rotting, some not. there are also a lot of scrubby growth with a variety of trees/bushes, with diameters of 1.0" up to 3.0". The above was what I worked in for close to an hour and a half.

I started out on some of the deadfall that was not rotten and cut several oak, hickory, and maple limbs about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Keep in mind that it has been a while since I have done any real chopping. The Browning bit in deep on all three types and it took me on average 6 chops to go through. The standing brush was downed with a single swing, or at most 3 swings, and this was the 1" to 2" diameter stuff. I also chopped on a couple of large limbs on a hickory tree that were 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Due to the amount of chopping time it took me to go through it, about 14 chops, it really gave the 3M stair tape a workout.

As far as the 3M Stair Tape goes, it is some good stuff and it performed well. As long as I held the handle with a tight grip and didn't let the handle slip or slide in my hand then there was not much of a problem, when I got a little tired though, I didn't have as firm a grip and the tape rubbed against my palm causing some irratation, but no blisters. If I kept chopping I believe there would have been some blistering. For the last little bit I chopped I put on a thin pair of cotton gloves and that REALLY helped as far as blistering would be concerned. Another thing about this tape is that it has some great adhesive on it. My side pieces are still firmly attached to the handle. The really thin (width) pieces on the top of the handle didn't fare as well because the ends came unstuck. These pieces were about 3/16" in width so I'll have to go with some wider tape up top. I never did use any tape on the bottom of the handle.

All in all I was pleased with the results and intend to leave the tape in place and to redo the top portion. I believe for light chopping there would be no problem with blistering, but for heavier chopping definately wear some gloves!:thumbup::thumbup: Man, I really like this Browning chopper!!:D:D
 
ingoldsby said:
On an unrelated note, why does everyone wear masks on that site (knifetest):confused:?
Click to expand...

It's just a tick of Noss's. It really turned me off initially, but he has become a staunch contributor on this forum. I respect and applaud his efforts and am willing to overlook the little quirk of the masks :p.
 
cutter17: Thanks for the feedback back on the tape. I'm going to have to pick me up some. I have a few other smooth handle knives I could use it on.

As you found out the Browning does bit very deep in to the wood. I love chopping with it.



About the Masks: Who doesn't want to see Jason testing knives for the next sequel ? :D

Thanks HoB.
 
Noss, I really enjoyed this Field test you did. Wish I could find the blade locally so I could buy it. IMO You should do more field tests like it. I'm not into the destructive tests but I do have some ideas about them that I'll probably post about later in another thread. Just wanted to thank you for introducing me to another great user.

Heber
 
wildmanh: Your Welcome. I would love to field test all the blades first an I try to do as many as I can. However they take a lot of time an I have to be able to get away for 2 days to do them. I'll have some more field tests coming up this fall when it gets cooler.
 
Heber,
You can order it from Browning & not pay customs duty since we're all in the same state.
Have one here, have not had a chance to do anything with it, but it does look like it's well made.
Originally borrowed it from Browning for photos, but I'm thinking I'll end up buying it.
The only disappointment I had on opening it was the TAIWAN on the blade, but it has a decent pedigree from two experienced competitors & seems to be pulling good reviews, and at least it wasn't made on the mainland. :)

Denis
 
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