FBM chopping fun test

Cobalt

Cobalt

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Joined
Dec 23, 1998
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Ok, I had to work off some Grappa. So today I went out and enjoyed the day. I used 4 blades. My mint HI 15 inch AK, My old trusty SHBM, My Becker Brute and my new FBM. The only knife n the bunch which has seen a lot of use is the SHBM.

I got this 7 inch diameter log. I measured chops, which I have not done in the past just to see what it would take to cut through a typical log I chop.

The Khukuri was first. I went at it with this beast. It took me a total of about 310 wacks to cut through this log. The wacks were all about 70% power. The vibrations through th handle were killing me. Not sure why.

Next up FBM. I went at it and this thing felt confortable and I was able to chop through the log in about 180 wacks. I was kind of surprised at the difference between it and the AK. The wood in this part felt drier and that may have been the reason for the difference.

Next up was the SHBM. This thing went about 220 wacks before going through the log. The wood was definitely not dry on this one as the blade would bind making me pry it out. The FBM did not have this problem. Neither did the AK, but the SHBM went through the log faster. This SHBM has a very thin edge which probably did not help in binding. The FBM and the AK both have very thick edges

Next up Becker Brute. This thing went through the log in about 260 wacks. And it would also bind in the wood, just like the SHBM. Performance was good and the handle felt confortable.

I wore gloves to minimize the effects of the handle on the chopping. If I had been barehanded, the SHBM would have pulled a little better than the others as the handle just fits me better.

None of the blades had any edge damage after this chopping. None were blunted by the chopping either.

I also think that the HI AK could have done better if I had been use to using it. It just hurt with every swing and I never use to encounter this with my HI AK's.

The numbers are plus or minues about 5-8 swings.:eek:

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I think you should get back to the Post Office and deliver our knives! :D
 
Hey great test!

What did you mean by "but the SHBM went through the log faster" when it was at 220 v. FBM at 180? Were you timing this test.

At the end of this month I have to go to Sonoma and hack down all of a 75 foot long hedge and another 75 feet worth of brush. It will be one of the FBMs workouts.
 
Thanks Cobalt... nice to know the chopping comparisons!!!

Looks like the SHBM has a much cleaner cut than the FBM... did you sharpen the FBM or was it factory edge?
 
I can't believe you didn't hammer these knives into a standing tree and attempt pull-ups. What are you? Some kind of con artist?

:D

What?! No Steel Heart? :confused:

Nice pics and a cool test. :thumbup:

I would like to have added to the mix a Becker BK-9. Besides the Busses, it's one of my favorite choppers. Also be interesting to see how one of Justin's RD-9's would stack up.

In other words... YOU NEED TO BUY MORE KNIVES. :D
 
Lil' Foo said:
Thanks Cobalt... nice to know the chopping comparisons!!!

Looks like the SHBM has a much cleaner cut than the FBM... did you sharpen the FBM or was it factory edge?
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No I just aim better with the SHBM. The FBM was factory and super sharp, but it's edge is noticeably thicker than the SHBM and the Becker, but not as thick as the HI AK


Tony G said:
Hey great test!

What did you mean by "but the SHBM went through the log faster" when it was at 220 v. FBM at 180? Were you timing this test.

At the end of this month I have to go to Sonoma and hack down all of a 75 foot long hedge and another 75 feet worth of brush. It will be one of the FBMs workouts.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I meant that the SHBM went faster than the HI AK which really surprised me. I was having issues with the AK.
 
:eek: That's a lot of Whackin:D
Great pis and review! Looks like the FBM is the champ:thumbup:
 
Cool test, Cobalt - thanks :thumbup:

If the binding was significantly less with the FBM, maybe that CBT really does work! :D
 
Schuey2002 said:
If he missed, he could accidently take out that 4x4 that is holding up the stairs... :eek:
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True, now that you mention it... Structural integrity could be compromised with enough Long Island Iced Teas. :D

Cobalt, you know I'm just giving you grief for leaving all those SHBMs laying around in your yard. :eek:

Quick question: where'd you get the cool scales on the SHBM? Are those Busse customs?
 
Guyon said:
True, now that you mention it... Structural integrity could be compromised with enough Long Island Iced Teas. :D

Cobalt, you know I'm just giving you grief for leaving all those SHBMs laying around in your yard. :eek:

Quick question: where'd you get the cool scales on the SHBM? Are those Busse customs?
Click to expand...


no, that is the way it came Factory. Those are nice and so cofortable. I have them on more than one SHBM.
 
as for the CBT, not sure that the chopping depth was enough for it to make a difference. I think that the thicker edge and blade profile near the edge made the difference, but I could be wrong on this. It definitely took more wood off per hit than the SHBM, but it is also more than 1/4 inch wider, 3/8 inch longer and much heavier.

The Balance on the FBM is much further forward than the SHBM or the Becker, hence it drives the blade much harder per hit.
 
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