Is balance the key?

stanley_white

stanley_white

Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
770
So like all of us I've been experimenting with this knife and that most of my life.

A few months back I stumbled upon the Busse Terror Monkey Desert Storm Fighter or TM-DSF. When comparing it to many other knives I owned I realized the main thing that made it a joy to use was its neutral balance.

Recently I did some wheeling and dealing here on Bladeforums to our very own Doctor Bill and ended up with a Bullnoser knife from Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works -- I had mine made without a swedge:

http://www.mineralmountain.com/bullnoser.htm

When I first viewed the knife on the internet I was puzzled by the extremely large portion of metal protruding from the back of the handle. I initially thought it was for pounding but upon acquiring the knife I realized it is to balance the blade. Despite the .25" thick and 8" blade of the Bullnoser it is near neutral balance and a pleasure to use.

These two factors got me to thinking... Both of these knives are quite large, yet to me they handle like smaller blades due to their neutral or near neutral balance.

Has anyone else noticed that with the appropriate balance large knives can be a dream to use?

Or am I rambling again due to lack of sleep?

-Stan
 
To me it is the same. I have both a Busse BATAC and "skinny" ASH. While the BATAC gives the impression of being indestructable, I dislike it's balance. Whereas the ASH feels perfect.
 
All of my custom bowies balance in the plunge line area. I much prefer them to the heavy forward balanced battle mistress type knives anymore. Speed over power for me.
 
I prefer knives to be a little handle-heavy. But to answer the question, yes, balance has a big part to play in how a blade handles.

But not everyone likes the balance point in the same spot.
 
Good Point Bro

Most of the knives I have now "feel" great in my hand while I'm using them

The really good ones I do not "feel" much in my hand(grip).

I tell my martial art students that the best knife for them feels like they are not holding a knife while cutting.

It becomes an extension of the arm and correct balance has a lot to do with that happening(or not).

and like it was siad before-everyone has a different idea of what balance should feel like.

Good Post
 
The right balance for the job is no different than the right tool for the job.

Forward Heavy = better for chopping because of more mass and momentum in the front.

Neutral Balance = better control and arguably more speed
 
Ban nailed it. Generally...

Choppers - Weight forward
All purpose - Neutral
Carving - Handle heavy

It's not always like this for everybody. Personal preference is a big factor.

Rick
 
Balance is a part of the whole. Edge geometry, handle ergos, steel etc... all play into wether a knife is to your liking or not. I personally think knives the size you describe with a neutral balance are useless. Too heavy for fine work and too butt heavy for chopping. But, like has been said it's preference and I'm glad your happy with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top