Just what "chopping" is going on when somebody is chopping with their bowie/large bla

[Dago Red]

Hey guys,

I was reading a couple of threads where guys were talking about the big bowie style knives, comparing different brands (like busse) and were talking about all the chopping they do with their knives.

I'm just curious what this chopping entails? the purpose? I always thought a big knife would be employed for chopping in a pinch, i.e. caught out away from camp and need a fire, or break your leg and need a splint, and theirs no axe handy.

But from the way a couple of posts read it sounded like some guys purposely do a lot of chopping with their knives. So naturally I am curious.

I once used a kukri to trim a bush, wasn't as affective as a hedge trimmer but was a lot of fun and a good workout.

Red

 

[richard j]

its fun to go chop down a tree with a knife or see how well a knife can chop out of curiosity. i made a knife that was supposed to be a kitchen knife and it turned out to be a good chopper. it was also a good test for it since i actually made it for a kitchen knife. if you go to my website (link in sig line below) and look around i have a few pictures of a tree that was 8" across that i cut down with the knife. i have the knife and another one stuck in the tree stump. the rubber handle knife is not the one i used to cut the tree down with. i was able to shave hair with the knife after cutting the tree down

here is a link to a post where you can check out a vid of me chopping on a piece of ash with the knife and then push cutting newspaper. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/t...-that-factory-edge-!!!!?p=9313785#post9313785

 

[BryFry]

For me, my bowie serves as a sort of light machete at times. (clearring light brush,branches and vines)

I also like to do little woodworking projects when I'm out in the woods, like making nice walking staffs. My bowie works very well for chopping down a tree, whacking off the limbs, chopping it to size, and skinning off the bark for the walking stick.

Also use it to chop down, split (also known as that dirty word "batton") a peice of dry wood, and rough out the basic shap of a spoon or fork or whatever I feel like whittling that day.

Also makes short work of turning tree branches into cooking sticks for meat and marshmellows.

And though some may laugh, it is kind of reassuring having such a formidable blade on hand should you encounter an agressive animal. Be they four legged or two.

I'm sure there's a ton of other stuff that is slipping my mind right now, but I'm sure others will chime in....

There is of coarse the fun factor of just chopping on things with a big blade. But I realy think large blades are very usefull and versitile. I always cary both large and small blades at the same time, but if I could only choose one for some reason, it would definately be the larger.

 

[gak]

Sometimes the hunting/hiking trail needs clearing from underbrush, branches, or fallen trees. With a good chopping blade like this Busse I can clear all three with ease.

I just let the weight of the knife do the work on chopping, and enjoy the long blade making quick work of branches/underbrush.:thumbup:

[youtube]ErB5PsnuZ00[/youtube]

 

[Big Mike]

Chopping with my big blades?, ...well, I might. :foot:













Big Mike

 

[Dorito Monk]

I hear where you're coming from, Dago Red. I don't really understand the fascination with big choppers, or with batoning for that matter. I've generally gotten by without either chopping or batoning with my knives. I've had to use a knife to chop wood once or twice, but only when I didn't have a choice.

Mostly I prefer to use an axe or a hatchet, situation depending.

 

[BryFry]

I hear where you're coming from, Dago Red. I don't really understand the fascination with big choppers, or with batoning for that matter. I've generally gotten by without either chopping or batoning with my knives. I've had to use a knife to chop wood once or twice, but only when I didn't have a choice.

Mostly I prefer to use an axe or a hatchet, situation depending.

Yeah, I guess some people will never "get it". You kind of either do or you don't.

Just like most "average" people don't get why anyone would want, like, or need knives at all out side of the kitchen. They seem to get by just fine without them. (they don't get it) Some of us just happen to realize how usefull they are, and like them enough to join forums like this.

Same thing with large knives.... we like them, we know they are useful, they have definate advantages over other tools in certain areas of use. But some people either do not need to perform certain tasks, or simply choose to get by using other methods and tools. ...And there's nothing wrong with that! Different strokes and all that....

 

[GingivitisKahn]

I hunt lots on public land that is crisscrossed with horse trails. The bits between the trails tend to be thick with underbrush. My BK9 is a great companion to my longbow in that when I'm following up on a dying deer, I'm going to need to cut my way through some serious crap to get to it. Like this bit...

In that pic, you can barely see my doe through the underbrush - took a bit of cutting to get to her.

More frequently, I have trees / limbs / etc. across trails like this ice killed tree was...

I took it the rest of the way down because 1) it's safer for horse/snowmobile riders that may come zipping through, 2) it will be quieter going the next time I come though, and 3) it's kind of fun.

---

Beckerhead #42

 

[HandofCod]

I don't generally do any slashing when out in the bush so if I need wood I take a folding saw and a 4-5" blade. I did try some chopping out a couple of times it's great fun though.

 

[GRIM 62]

I use my BK9 around the yard every year.Limbing some of the branches on bigger trees,when they start messin' with my mowing paths.To chop down saplings that need to be thinned out a bit.Like GingivitisKahn,It helps me get through the woods easier when the underbrush is dense.It builds shelters well and makes an outstanding camping blade.As for self defence in the wild,paired with a good firearm you're pretty well set.If you don't have the firearm with you,your still fairly well off with the big knife.Alot better off than if you did'nt have it with you.

 

[Dago Red]

well I like big knives but had never tried chopping with one before always worried it would destroy the edge, that video posted here is cool, it might be time to get another big one (I had a big marbles but sold it). This just raises another question for me though, if a big knife sharp enough to shave with can be used to chop, then still will shave your hair, why can't/aren't axes made sharper? I know my big splitting axes I'd want a different grind to hold up long and under more force, but what about throwing/combat hawks/axes? (sorry if we're not supposed to get off on tangents)

I was also surprised that the weight of a big knife would actually be enough to make it helpful, but it obviously, at least in that video, got through there pretty damn quick!

Red

 

[DennisStrickland]

here is a trash tree cut down with a 9.5 in. siegle. we often down these to make room for pecans & oaks, the smaller knife is a pioneer by gec.--dennis

 

[mat_890]

I hear where you're coming from, Dago Red. I don't really understand the fascination with big choppers, or with batoning for that matter. I've generally gotten by without either chopping or batoning with my knives. I've had to use a knife to chop wood once or twice, but only when I didn't have a choice.

Mostly I prefer to use an axe or a hatchet, situation depending.

Mose people would agree that and axe or a hatchet would be a better choice, the fasination is simply in using a tool for multi-purposes.

For example, when I go car camping I bring a large/small knife a felling axe and a splitting axe. Obviously thats not possible during an overnight bike or hiking trip as its just too much weight. What I perfer to do insted leave out both axes and the small knife.

Taking just the large knife saves weight and (if its high quality) can take down trees, split logs, and do fine cutting tasks...just not with the speed/efficiency the proper tools will. IMO a large knife serves better as an axe, then an axe serves as a large knife.

People who go car camping and choose to use a knife rather then an axe for wood processing are another bunch entirely

 

[BryFry]

Mose people would agree that and axe or a hatchet would be a better choice, the fasination is simply in using a tool for multi-purposes.

Ever try clearing brush with an axe? haha... I do agree that a full sized axe chops better than a knife, but a good knife can often chop just as well as a hatchet of equal length. IMHO

....if a big knife sharp enough to shave with can be used to chop, then still will shave your hair, why can't/aren't axes made sharper? I know my big splitting axes I'd want a different grind to hold up long and under more force, but what about throwing/combat hawks/axes? (sorry if we're not supposed to get off on tangents)Red

First off, most knives do not come with fantastic shaving sharp edges either, you have to sharpen (and often fully reprofile) them yourself. I think there are a few reasons for this:

-It is more difficult, and more expensive for the manufacturer to consistently produce high polished hair whittling edges.

-Most people are not used to handling such sharp equipment, and would surely harm themselves if handed such a sharp tool. (think liability issues for the manufacturer)

-They know that most people do not know how to sharpen (or even properly use in many cases) a knife or axe, and a thick, obtuse, rough sharpened edge will take more abuse and seem to deteriorate more slowly than a fine thin edge.

That being said, your hawks, hatchets, and regular axes will all greatly benefit from a good convexed, highly polished, hair shaving edge. They will perform MUCH MUCH better, they may lose their ability to shave after felling a large tree, but can be touched back up and maintained with ease, once you learn propper sharpening skills.

 

[gak]

always worried it would destroy the edge, why can't/aren't axes made sharper?

If you buy a quality production or custom knife you won't destroy the edge by chopping wood, only if you miss and hit rocks. Quality production and custom axes are just as sharp as good knives, but the grind is different so they don't get stuck in wood as easily. I convex all of my knives with a belt sander, and as you saw in the video the Busse throws some nice chunks as it flies through the wood.:thumbup:

If I didn't also have to clear a ton of underbrush and branches I would probably just carry a Gransfors Bruks axe, they're a pleasure to use as well !:thumbup:

 

[C.S. Graves]

Ever try clearing brush with an axe? haha...

Good point, the edge being longer on a big knife makes it easier to sweep through more material in a single stroke.

I've used big blades of different varieties to limb/de-branch trees (which more often than not I had felled with a large khukuri). Like the dynamic above, with a large knife I can catch multiple branches that might get missed with a hatchet, and an axe (or heavy khuk for that matter) would be too tiring for such work pretty quick.

Forgive the lousy video, but it illustrates the kind of work that long chopping knives are well suited for:

[youtube]5qjiZtxmYDY[/youtube]

A far cry from Gak's clip, to be sure.

 

[dextersp1]

Hey guys,

I was reading a couple of threads where guys were talking about the big bowie style knives, comparing different brands (like busse) and were talking about all the chopping they do with their knives.

I'm just curious what this chopping entails? the purpose? I always thought a big knife would be employed for chopping in a pinch, i.e. caught out away from camp and need a fire, or break your leg and need a splint, and theirs no axe handy.

I agree with you. It might be a good skill to know in case of an emergency but not in many other applications mentions.
- If a person is going into an area where things might be in the way - clearing a path - bring the right tool - saw or axe
- In the wild safety is paramount - chopping is dangerous - you get tired and the knife can slip - again use the correct tool
- In the wild conserving energy is important - chopping takes a lot of energy

 

[BryFry]

I agree with you. It might be a good skill to know in case of an emergency but not in many other applications mentions.
- If a person is going into an area where things might be in the way - clearing a path - bring the right tool - saw or axe

Yes, but a saw or axe isn't the right tool for clearring brush, vines, and small branches.

- In the wild safety is paramount - chopping is dangerous - you get tired and the knife can slip - again use the correct tool

An axe is no less dangerous or tiresome to lug around and use. Saws work well for what they are made for, but can break somewhat easily, and are specialized tools with limited uses.

- In the wild conserving energy is important - chopping takes a lot of energy

That may be true in a life and death emergency survival situation, but people go hiking and camping for fun, and many enjoy exerting a little energy.

 

[dextersp1]

Yes, but a saw or axe isn't the right tool for clearring brush, vines, and small branches.

Bring the right tool for the job - I'm glad we agree.

An axe is no less dangerous or tiresome to lug around and use.

... Than what and in what use or application?

Saws work well for what they are made for, but can break somewhat easily, and are specialized tools with limited uses.

Buy quality products and use them for their intended purpose. Yes, saws are limited to cutting, I guess.

That may be true in a life and death emergency survival situation, but people go hiking and camping for fun, and many enjoy exerting a little energy.

That is true.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I live on 100 acres, about half of which is covered with dense, thorny brush and overgrown fence rows. I use khuks to clear brush, cut back low hanging limbs, and clear driving lanes all the time. An ax is a good tool, but not the right tool for clearing brush. Here are a few of my brush clearing tools.