KZII vs. Crabapple

[Skrapmetal]

While outside enjoying the weather with some friends today, my wife made a comment that one of the branches on our crabapple tree should be cut out. Well... what a coincidence! My KZII just showed up this week and I've been itching to break it in.

I had absolutely no idea that crabapple was such hard wood. The KZII dug in well, though, and threw pretty respectable chips the whole time. My hand got a bit sore, but that was mostly from putting 500 or so rounds down the pipe at the shooting range this morning.

I'm definitely gonna strip this sucker, though. The shoulder on the edge and the gripiness of the coating had to be slowing the blade down... I can't imagine what it will be able to do with those two issues smoothed out (literally!).

 

[PeterPHWS]

Nice write up ..... let us know how the blade feels once you have modified it .... :thumbup:

 

[Bigfattyt]

Nice.

I am mid convex with mine. Just doing it now and then. The shoulder was not too bad, until you get out toward the tip. Lots of steel behind that edge, and by far the thickest grind on any Infi I have owned.

 

[Dennis in MA]

You beat on that Crabapple like Bart Simpson, dude!

 

[Bigfattyt]

The funny thing about the KZII is it really feels like a smaller knife than it is. I don't know if it is the fact that there is more usable handle, that makes the longer blade seem like it is not so big. Seriously, I know it is longer than the FBMLE, or the B11, but it just does not look longer!

 

[ron_m80]

Does anyone know how much that wieghs?

If not that, than whats your general feel for the weight in use?

Thank you.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I can't remember exactly.

Some where about 3lb?

It is heavier than the FBMLE, I can tell you that.

My FBMLE was modified, so less handle weight and a bit less blade weight also, but still, I believe the kzII is heavier than even a standard.

The weight does not feel unwieldy when swung. Snap cuts aren't too hard.

I would not take a full power swing against an easy cut.

I feel like I could still check a full swing, but then again, I do have pretty strong arms.

It is not as blade heavy as it looks either.

The full tang, along with the wide handle flare at the rear the balance point is out in front of the guard, but only by about an inch. Great chopper.

 

[Joshua J.]

From the specs I read on other threads it should be around 34 ounces, heavier than the monster FFFBM.
Apparently the TTKZ was 37oz.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Well, if it is only 34 ounces, then it is a real light weight! Just kidding.