Cutting Test of Short BOLO (Prototype)

Osprey Knife & Tool

Osprey Knife & Tool

Moderator
Joined
Jun 4, 2014
Messages
2,469
I decided to test out the BOLO inspired prototype I made. I always test out my designs before selling them, This insures the knife performs the way I intended to. It also allows me to see its strengths and weakness first hand. I tend to like to know how far I can take something before its too far or it breaks. This helps me understand the limitations of a design or steel.





Here is what we started with. BOLO inspired it has an 8 1/2' inch blade, 14 1/4" OAL. Steel O1 (.187") weighing 15.40z

Hosted on Fotki


Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki








2x4 Cutting test

[video=youtube;mokwmerNStY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mokwmerNStY&feature=youtu.be[/video]

I got a little winded at the end :D










Still sharp enough to cut paper!

[video=youtube;y4Lxd70C95w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Lxd70C95w&feature=youtu.be[/video]











This video was fun to make, This video it hard to see the actual cuts. The first and third one were a clean cut, the second took a glancing blow, but was a clean cut after the second attempt . If you watch closely the Third coconut you can see the cut. Next time I will pan out more.


[video=youtube;5nfBcQI-fSU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nfBcQI-fSU&feature=youtu.be[/video]
 
Last edited:
Part 2



This next video was a dog bone the size of my thigh, This was not really a real world test. I wanted to see if it could, And it did but with an interesting twist!


[video=youtube;pmTbeB8S1BA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmTbeB8S1BA[/video]

As you could see, I chipped the edge. I am not 100% sure, but from what I can tell I likely hit the metal table. Since I am not absolutley certain this is this case. I am going to build another one and repeat the same test with adjustments in the setup. This is the only way I can know for sure if the blade chipped because of the bone or table.
Since the last test was a little beyond reasonable expectations. I will still consider the testing a complete success for me. I am a little disappointed I chipped the blade because I wanted to do a pass around with it. I was not disappointed in the blades performance though.











The Aftermath!



Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki













Here are photos of the Blade after the test, As I stated before I am fairly certain I hit the metal table, and after looking at the blade and edge I am further convinced.



Hosted on Fotki


Hosted on Fotki











Here you can see the chip is fairly large but isolated to one area the rest of the edge is in excellent condition and sharp!




Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki








What I learned from this test.


I really like the way the knife performed during it's testing. I wouldn't change a thing at this moment design and geometry wise. Felt good and natural in the hand. It was secure, no rolling or twisting, There was also an absence on any hot spots or pressure points. The blade felt natural and secure the handle also allowed me to choke back and still have good control of my swings.


I did however find out quickly that I should have taken more time to prepare in my set-up, This was my first time attempting to chop through a 2x4 with a knife. The 2x4 bounced a lot towards the end as it lost its structural integrity causing a lot of extra work on my part and loss of kinetic energy within the knife. The 2x4 also started to pinch towards the end, and if any of you have use a chain saw or rotar saw knows it will even slow those down in a cut. Solution build a more secure cutting platform. I also reviewed my own videos from different angles to anylize the cuts and performance of the blade. I found that I need to practice my form and execution to make more effective cuts. All this being said I think the second time around I will do better. Even though I am pleased with how the knife performed I know the blade can do better. The limiting factor was me this time.






Failures are not failures unless you fail to learn from them and adjust accordingly. True Success comes from failing learning, overcoming and adapting.




Thank you for looking questions and comments welcome!




Chris Linton
Osprey Knife & Tool
 
Last edited:
Wow is an understatement....I hadn't given larger choppers a second thought until now. I've been eyeing your knives for awhile now and one or two have been calling my name... and now this design and your testing have helped make up my mind.. I look forward to seeing this design offered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Good stuff Chris. The new blade looks to have performed well. You can never really eliminate user variance.

The 2x4 test was good, that is a tough spot to chop mid board in between 2 clamps. Real world, sometimes you have to make do and get it done. Chopping on the end with the 2x secured from one side, I bet that blade would eat through the board. The board event in "blade sport" has a 2x base that would help with bounce.

I am sure Ivy was wondering WTF you were doing with that bone. I can't tell were or how the chipping occurred during the 6 impacts, but I would not be disappointed with the end result of that test.
 
varga49 said:
Wow is an understatement....I hadn't given larger choppers a second thought until now. I've been eyeing your knives for awhile now and one or two have been calling my name... and now this design and your testing have helped make up my mind.. I look forward to seeing this design offered.



Thank you, I will be making and testing more soon!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Goose 7279 said:
Really cool man good job on the blade and the test
Click to expand...

Thank you

Panthera tigris said:
Hey Chris... that should sharpen right out :D:eek:
Click to expand...


Lol, might take awhile:D

FeralGentleman said:
Good stuff Chris. The new blade looks to have performed well. You can never really eliminate user variance.

The 2x4 test was good, that is a tough spot to chop mid board in between 2 clamps. Real world, sometimes you have to make do and get it done. Chopping on the end with the 2x secured from one side, I bet that blade would eat through the board. The board event in "blade sport" has a 2x base that would help with bounce.

I am sure Ivy was wondering WTF you were doing with that bone. I can't tell were or how the chipping occurred during the 6 impacts, but I would not be disappointed with the end result of that test.
Click to expand...


Thank you for giving your feed back Danny, I will be making a more secure cutting platform next time around. I learned some things from this test. Oscar seemed a little more concerned about the bone. He had been sniffing around it for a few days. I believe the chip happened 2nd to last cut. I heard an audible ping, not sure if it picks up on the audio or not. I wasnt disappointed in the blades performance. I will be looking forward to testing the next one again.
 
Last edited:
Lol... and should there be a"next time" I'll pay closer attention, although no better place for that blade to be reground than there. I wonder if it does get a regrind If someone might do a follow-up post showing the results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
varga49 said:
Lol... and should there be a"next time" I'll pay closer attention, although no better place for that blade to be reground than there. I wonder if it does get a regrind If someone might do a follow-up post showing the results.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

There will be a next time, I already plan on making another and retesting it as well as making more to offer up to sell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top