I happen to think that all of you are very insightful and have your own reasons for testing the way you all do. Me personally? I think choopping through 2x4's and doing a hemp rope cutting test has it's place. It tells me that i can expect something that will hold and edge and determine how it would do at making shelters and other stuff. As far as skinning? I think a small knife should be carried for that(3inch blade). My dad is a physics professor and is constantly talking to me about what is practical from understanding force and leverage and other forces that make a difference. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that a short thin blade will be better suited for little tasks and a big thick blade for chopping chores. Me personally....i have a Plumb Victory hand ax(best three bucks i ever spent) that takes a razor edge for heavy stuff, a basic 9, livesay's air assault, and a few other small blades. my needs are more than covered there and i don't need ten million copies of knives that won't help me anymore than what i have and the head knowledge i have. Wilderness and daily testing will be the determining factor on whether the blade is really useful.
Just my 2 cents.....
Luke
