OK,
I didn't get out very far, but I'll try and fake it. I'm going out later today and will try and get some better shots. I forgot to turn the date/time stamp off, my apologies.
The prey.
Just kidding, he was hiding under the log I used as my smasher.
The Trap.
Some of you Grizzly Adams guys might notice, I got the notches a little to secure on the trip arm. I think a squirrel could have run down it without setting it off. LOL
Anyway, he got away, so here are some knife pics.
I really enjoyed using the bushcrafter on this trap. I've worked on the edge a little and it cuts like crazy. Forming the notches and trimming the limbs to length was quick and easy. The handle really fits my hand well and is super comfortable to work with. I really only have one other knife that I can use as a comparison model.
The Aurora has been my bushcraft knife for about a year now and I've been very happy with it. The main differences in the two knives are obviously the length, shape, and thickness. Which, if you think about it, makes the knives not really comparable at all, but since they are the only ones I have, I'll have to do my best. This may be a contrasting review more than anything.
If you'll notice, the Aurora is much thicker along the spine due to the saber grind. The FB is a full flat grind, and is a good slicer. The Aurora will slice, but I usually get that little secondary slice of potato or other veggie due to the thick spine forcing the opening wider at the top and causing a rotation or angular difference in the cut from top to bottom. Does that make sense? So far the FB doesn't do this. The long, or shall I say tall, full flat grind is thinner and spreads the outward pressure on the object over a greater area. It's like cuttin buttah!
When using the Aurora to cut my notches, I can get into tight spaces really easy because of the pronounced point at the tip. I had no problem making similar cuts and notches with the FB, but I had to use different angles and cuts to do it. The Aurora would definitely excel at creating really small drill holes in leather or other materials, where the FB might have to settle for a larger bore. I doubt this would be an issue in the field unless it involved sewing or surgery.
Lastly, the length of the FB's blade is great. I've always been a fan of compact blades when working with smaller materials. Both of these blades work well, but so far I'd have to say that the FB is more fun to work with. It might be because it's new and I'm just giddy about it, we'll see I suppose. I know that I like the length and shape of the handle on the FB. Like I said, it's super comfortable to work with. The Aurora has a downturn at the butt end which provides for a good grip when extracting it from the sheath. The FB is slightly harder to pull out right now, due to the tightness of the sheath, but I'm sure that'll work itself out quick enough. I'm thinking about putting a loop of paracord on the FB just to see how that works out.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying this thing so far. I'll update this as I put it through the paces.
