Dogfather or Bushwacker Mistress...

230grains

230grains

Joined
Jul 10, 2009
Messages
3,094
Convince me either way.

I was going to pick up a Dogfather as a lightweight chopper for hiking and camping but i'm torn. On one hand, I loved the dogfather, but on the other hand it's edge retention was very poor. I also loved the res c, but haven't played with a BW mistress yet. How do the two compare chopping wise? If the BWM keeps up, i'll def buy one of those. Also if you could, post some pics of your BWM and tell me what color combos you have. I'm liking the black handles with green blade. I wanted the LE, but I hate how badly it scratches up, atleast with ghetto satin it's not too pretty to begin with so i'm going with a CG one probably.

Also, at 3/16... I'm not going to pry with it or do anything else ridiculous, but It will be used to baton (wood, not metal) and chop, I probably dont have anything to worry about but i'm used to fat busses.
 
Here are a few pics of my BWM, Black/Black.
The BWM batons great and is a decent chopper. Overall I love it especially the weight.
5-2.jpg

Picture137.jpg

Picture133.jpg

Picture008-1.jpg
 
Ive used both and I must say although I like the lightness and handles of the DF, the BWM is a better chopper but about 5-6 oz heavier.

IMG_1432.jpg
 
I had a DF but sold it unused. Still, I liked the feel of it. The Res C is nice. The S7 though tough, but it is not gonna hang anywhere near INFI (or SR-101 for that matter). Just knowing you from your posts here... I'd say go with the BWM. S7 is a good shock-steel, especially with the busse heat treatment, but I think you would be disappointed in the edge holding now that you have used so many INFI knives and have come to expect that standard in your blades.

Get the BWM at the factory price now. It's a good value. :thumbup:
 
I have to disagree a little as to whats being said about S7....


Lets get something straight. INFI is the superior all around steel. But I believe I once read that S7 is used on like the bits used in jack hammers because its a great shock absorbing metal. Now I am no metallurgist or physicist but I would say that it must be pretty good at not chipping if its used for that. I think it held its edge very well when I used it.

And just to note in the pic i posted, those blades are propped up and the DF further back than the other. this creates a bit of an advantage visually to the size of the BUSSE. dont get me wrong, for its weight the BWM is large! The DF is def smaller than it but its not as drastic as it looks
 
My experience with a dogfather was it chopped well and was extremely comfortable. What I also noticed is with the fairly robust convex edge I put on my friends DF it popped hair like crazy, but after a little chopping and batoning, that all ended. It continued to chop pretty well even as the knife dulled, but by the very end of the marathon session the entire blade would barely cut my skin if i sawed at it besides the area closest to the choil. Not a single chip or ding, VERY tough steel, but the edge didn't hold up nearly as well as INFI does. It's definitely tough steel though, and if SY releases another run of them or another chopper I'd buy one at factory prices for sure.
 
Definitely get the BWM at factory prices:thumbup:
 
Ahhh, a dilemma indeed. As much as I love the Bushwacker myself, nothing comes close to Resiprene-C for comfort. Considering the amount of chopping you do 230, I say DOG FATHER!!!
 
you could always buy the bwm and try it out, and then should it not be what you want trade for a dogfather+.
 
The handles on the BWM are VERY comfortable. I love handles on the Fusion line of knives but the new style handles on the BWM are something else.
 
looking at them, they seem like they would have the same effect as the kz handles, where the taller pinky area locks the handle into your hand, making it much more solid while chopping and less "wrist snappy".
 
The handles on the BWM are too thin for me. The BWM has more weight, but I just don't see it chopping as well because of its more neutral balance, to add to that, it will wear your grip quicker due to the heavier weight.

If splitting wood is the order of the day, the DF thickness will make that easier. Also, it is balanced way forward of the guard, putting what weight it has behind the sweet spot. It may not bite as deep or carry as thin of an edge, but I would wager it outchops the BWM over a long day and in comfort due to the Res C grips.

You have to decide what is more important, neutral balance and super sharp edge(Bush Whacker Mistress) or forward balanced chopping brute(Dog Father).

Edit: Got these two out and had to rethink this one. The DF is 20.6 oz and the BWM is near 24. Res C still is way more comfy though.

IMAG0177.jpg


Left is DF. Right is BWM

IMAG0179.jpg


IMAG0183.jpg
 
Last edited:
Possibly another to think about, is the Swamp Rat M9. She's got the SR101 edge retention at .25 thick with less belly. Great all around camp knife...fast, good chopper, and a usuable taper for detail work. Very good balance and bites deep. Don't forget that SR101 can take a super sharp edge. It out chops my Chopweiler all day. I love mine. Here's a size comparison pic from my Black/black micarta group shot..she's right under my Full Flat FBM and above the Chopweiler.

BussikinGroup1.jpg
 
230grains said:
That's pretty much my thinking. The only thing i'm questionable are the handles, as I have yet to see one in person.
Click to expand...

I recommend ordering one and trying it out if you want a light weight blade as you said.

You really won't know if it's right for you or not until you use one yourself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top