Chopper comparison

[mr.trooper]

I got off my duff today and played with a few of my new toys under the guise of psudo-science. Following is a comparison of various chopping implements; we will look at depth and width of penetration of individual vertical strokes in a uniform medium. Measurements taken with digital calipers.

The tools:

Left to right: Cold Steel double edged machete, Cold Steel 18" Latin machete, Ritter Steel dussack, Fiskars brush hook, Wetterlings wildlife hatchet, Fiskars 14" hatchet, CRKT Razel SS7

The medium:

Seasoned 2" hickory branch

The test begins
-------

1) CS double edged machete: Width - 1.57" / Depth - .63"
Notes: Good grip ergonomics, factory edge

2) CS 18" Latin machete: Width - 1.38" / Depth - .61"
Notes: Old standby - edge has been fooled around with and re-profiled

3) Ritter Steel Dussack: Width - 1.28" / Depth - 6.73"
Notes: terrible handle ergonomics make gloves a necessity. Blade significantly wider than machetes in excess of .25". Spring steel blade.

4) Fiskars brush hook: Width - 1.53" / Depth - .734"
Notes: factory edge, blade doesn't feel all that sharp. Surprising results.

5) Wetterlings wildlife hatchet: - Width - 1.10" / Depth - .35"
Notes: factory edge, relatively dull. Bit profile is noticeably thicker from toe to heal than other hatchets. A good sharpening would likely improve its chopping ability greatly.

6) Fiskars 14" hatchet: Width - 1.23" / Depth - .43"
Notes: Old workhorse, edge maintained at factory angle

7) CRKT Razel: Width - 1.14" / Depth .35"
Notes: good ergonomics, significant in-hand heft. Edge honed to 40* on a sharpmaker

I was surprised by a few things. The authority with which the Fiskars brush hook chops is unexpected. The cut it produced was the deepest of the bunch, and one of the wider as well. I was also surprised to see the CS double edged machete produced the widest and second deepest cut; i attribute this to the increased weight behind the thin machete edge. Also of note was the effectiveness of the Razel for light and medium hancking/chopping work; it would make a great carry alternative to a larger machete or hatchet.

It should also be noted that after this initial test, the edge of the Wetterlings was sharpened to 40* on the sharpmaker, with a 30* back bevel. This yielded a noticeably sharper edge, and noticeably better chopping ability. After a short chop-off with the Fiskars 14" hatchet I would give the edge now to the Wetterlings, though the Fiskars is the better "out of the box" chopper.

 

[Big Mike]

I did a similar comparison recently,

…though I was more concerned about feel and control then measuring cutting depth on the individual blades.







Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream

 

[tonym]

Mike when did you get a Monster Nessie! You've been holding out on me!!!!!!!

 

[kgd]

Neat. I never fully know which way to take these. A single chop, or multiple chops. From my own playing around choppers vary in characteristics and intended us. The variables in play seem to be 1) velocity, 2) inertia (mass & power) 3) accuracy (long edge verses short/compressed thick edge) and 4) angle of impact.

I never know how to take 1 chop or multiple chop comparisons across tools of different intended use. For example, with an axe you rarely (except for limbing) try to chop through with a single chop, but rather chop by producing a wedge. The thickness and robustness of its compact head (striking surface) makes it able to withstand high power chops at an angle. In contrast, machetes are more designed to slice through in a single chop. Emphasis is placed on thinner edge, longer edge (need less accuracy and allowing higher velocity strikes). The impact angle is more often 90 degrees with these choppers.

Sometimes I think it is just better to do - how long did it take for me to get through it comparison. Then cycle different materials across the choppers.

Thanks for the pictures and providing food for thought. Laughing at that chunk of steel missing from the Fiskars. Digging out roots were you?

 

[Big Mike]

For me, the true test of a chopper is not the one that slices the deepest or throws the biggest chips; it’s more a matter of the one that offers me the most control and least fatigue in extended use.

For me chopping with these kind of tools is mostly done while clearing trails and it usually involves some prolonged usage.

By their very nature they are all decent choppers, but the ones that are easiest to control in extended use are the ones that are safest to use in the long run.

When out on the trail safety is more important to me then getting the deepest cut with every chop.



And yes Tony, I’m always holding out on you.



Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream

 

[mr.trooper]

Thanks for the comments everyone, keep them coming.

Laughing at that chunk of steel missing from the Fiskars. Digging out roots were you?

Actually I was dismantling some 6' spool ends, and landed a hard blow strait on a nail. It took a bit chunk out of the edge, but it wasn't cracked so I cleaned it up the best I could and beveled the inside edge. It looks like hell, but it doesn't effect its chopping.