- Joined
- Jan 15, 2006
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- 758
There is another thread asking why CPM-M4 dominates the cutting competitions. It generated a lot of interest and became a very informative thread. I am starting this thread for ongoing general discussion of cutting competitions.
A little background for those of you unfamiliar with the competitons.
The cutting competitions were started several years ago by the American Bladesmith Society. The idea was to test who could make knives that would stand up to a number cutting challenges. At that time, all of the cometitors had to make their own knives.
The competitions have since been taken over by Bladesports International. Competitors now do not have to make their own knives and even factory knives are allowed as long as the knife has been tested and certified by Bladesports. Likewise all competitors must be trained and certified by Bladesports.
Bladesports stages a number of competitions around the U.S. during the year. Many events are held in conjunction with knife shows or other knife related events. The competitors (cutters) earn points in each event and the top eight are invited to compete in the World Cutting Championship at the Blade Show in Atlanta in May.
Most competions are multi-stage courses where the cutters are faced with a number of cutting challenges in a timed event. These challenges often include chopping through a 2x4 (the best cutters can do it in less than 2 seconds), cutting hanging 1", 2" and 3" thick ropes, cutting through hardwood dowels, cutting rolling tennis balls or gold balls in half, slicing through water bottle or soda cans, and finesse cuts like slicing rings off of a paper tube or a plactic drinking straw.
It is a real test of the knife in that it must be tough enough to chop through 2x4 (usually twice) yet stay sharp enough to slice paper and remain undamaged. It is also a test of the cutter's skill. Most will tell you the technique wins over strength.
That's the simple explanation. There is more to it and you can find all of the information, rules, and schedule of event on the Bladesports Internation website at BLADESPORTS
This is an exciting and educational sport. I hope this is an ongoing discussion thread about the competitions, the knives, developments and the competitiors. One of the regular competitors, Donavan Phillips has agreed to join in and answer questions and I hope others will too.
I have been following the competitions for about 3 years now and I have been asked to write previews and reviews of the events for Blade Magazine over the last couple of years. In doing so, I have interviewed and gotten to know several of the cutters and learned a lot about the sport even though I have never competed.
So, please join in, ask questions, and offer your comments. If you get the opportunity, attend a competition. It is great fun.
Mike
A little background for those of you unfamiliar with the competitons.
The cutting competitions were started several years ago by the American Bladesmith Society. The idea was to test who could make knives that would stand up to a number cutting challenges. At that time, all of the cometitors had to make their own knives.
The competitions have since been taken over by Bladesports International. Competitors now do not have to make their own knives and even factory knives are allowed as long as the knife has been tested and certified by Bladesports. Likewise all competitors must be trained and certified by Bladesports.
Bladesports stages a number of competitions around the U.S. during the year. Many events are held in conjunction with knife shows or other knife related events. The competitors (cutters) earn points in each event and the top eight are invited to compete in the World Cutting Championship at the Blade Show in Atlanta in May.
Most competions are multi-stage courses where the cutters are faced with a number of cutting challenges in a timed event. These challenges often include chopping through a 2x4 (the best cutters can do it in less than 2 seconds), cutting hanging 1", 2" and 3" thick ropes, cutting through hardwood dowels, cutting rolling tennis balls or gold balls in half, slicing through water bottle or soda cans, and finesse cuts like slicing rings off of a paper tube or a plactic drinking straw.
It is a real test of the knife in that it must be tough enough to chop through 2x4 (usually twice) yet stay sharp enough to slice paper and remain undamaged. It is also a test of the cutter's skill. Most will tell you the technique wins over strength.
That's the simple explanation. There is more to it and you can find all of the information, rules, and schedule of event on the Bladesports Internation website at BLADESPORTS
This is an exciting and educational sport. I hope this is an ongoing discussion thread about the competitions, the knives, developments and the competitiors. One of the regular competitors, Donavan Phillips has agreed to join in and answer questions and I hope others will too.
I have been following the competitions for about 3 years now and I have been asked to write previews and reviews of the events for Blade Magazine over the last couple of years. In doing so, I have interviewed and gotten to know several of the cutters and learned a lot about the sport even though I have never competed.
So, please join in, ask questions, and offer your comments. If you get the opportunity, attend a competition. It is great fun.
Mike
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