Hemp rope record

David,

Last I heard Ed had cut 11 ropes in one swing. His knife was specificly designed to cut rope, and did so quite well. (serious understatement)

Cutting in competition is a different matter. You have adrenalin, nerves, a tired arm, your competitiors (all in good fun) chattering at you at times. I have seen as many as four or five ropes cut in a competition, but it is never a sure thing to cut. Sometimes it goes well, and sometimes not. I have cut four ropes several times, but have also missed cuts in competitions. Just the nature of the beast.
 
Hey, I believe I may have set some kind of Hemp record once, but that was waaaay back in the 70s. ;) :) :D



In all seriousness, I think the reason nobody was attempting to cut more than 2 ropes at the cutting competition had to do with the rules in effect. They were awarding points based upon the number of ropes cut; but if you said you were going to cut 2, you HAD to cut 2. If you estimated a certain number of ropes and failed to cut that number, you got ZERO points.
 
I have personally seen Ed cut 8 1" hard manilla ropes in competition. Mind you, that to even get to that stage your knife had to cut through a piece of notebook paper hanging from a paper clip on string.

EVERBODY at the OKCA competition had purpose built rope cutting knives, and they would all shave the hairs off of a blond baby, but it comes down to technique, and Ed has the finest rope cutting technique I have ever seen. It is precise and explosive at the same time, and he taught his son Martin how to do it as well, so I know that it is no fluke.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
To me it doesn't make much sense to judge a knife by how many manilla ropes it can cut, as a knife that is good at cutting multiple ropes in one swing would likely be of a very thin and hard blade design, and would be useless and prone to breakage for any other application.
Now, if they were to cut multiple ropes in one swing with a bowie with a 1/4" thick blade, which they previously used to hack and pry (retrieve) a bullet out of a log at a depth of 6", then I'd be impressed :)
 
Ed cut 11 in one swing, but it was after the actual competition ended... and since it ended at like 3 ropes, Ed felt like carryin' on... And it was simply amazing!

But, this was not "during the competition" and these knives didn't have to cut anything alse... Nor, IIRC, were they inspected after each cut for damage.

Essentially, what Ed has done over the years (has he ever lost a cutting competition at the OKCA Show?) is demonstrate the possibilities in building a purpose-specific blade: between learning his steels, understanding blade geometry, and yes, developing one heck of a technique, Ed has epitomized the art form we enjoy - he makes blades that work!

Unfortunately, he wouldn't sell me the one he won his first competition with... as he hadn't yet used it in the comp, and when it was over... well, I don't think I've been able to afford one ever since!!! LOL!!!! :D
 
i believe Bill Burke cut the 11 ropes at the Montana knife show . i may be mistaken . i have cut right next to Bill Burke , Ed Shemp , John Christensen , Nick wheeler , many other's . Ed Shemp has cut 10 ropes for sure but i think Bill beat him at the Montana show by 1 rope . these knives are not made paper thin just for rope they go up around 3/16 at the thickest part . but they are totally designed for " Hardcore Cutting " im curious about the 2x4 chop and the ping pong ball test but i dont see any reason the knives could not cut them as well as the rope . my personal average is around 5 ropes just for the record's , not bragging as others out cut me several times in the number of ropes including Ed , Bill John , Nick . im just rying to clear thing's up a little not argue/ dispute with anyone :)
 
Danbo said:
Blonde baby shaving has got to be illegal! :p :D
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Actually, in some countries blonde baby shaving is as popular as cockfighting or pitbull fights. Similarily, big betting takes place as you would expect.

As of current, no babies have been harmed which is pretty amazing. :D
 
2knife said:
Which brings up the argument, why not? Not to open a can of worms, but is the "World" Championship at Blade really a fair representation, if the man who holds the record can't compete? My understanding is that it only includes those who travel throughout the year to the various other events, for qualifying. It seems it might be impossible, or a hardship for some. I could see that as a problem. I know it's been talked about much before,... :grumpy:

David
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It's kind of like the Super Bowl. It only really means something if your in the NFL. You must also play well the whole year to get to the big show. The NFL doesn't concern itself with making sure the Super Bowl includes "everyone". The ABS is the same way. You wanna play, simply follow the rules and join. It's that simple.
 
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