severedthumbs
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- Nov 9, 2004
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- 1,818
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
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SMC: Sooke Mountain Chopper
- Thread starter Lorien
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,401
Had me a little recon today!
It was really good to get out there, and I flagged out a new line that I scoped out a few weeks ago. I takes advantage of some excellent terrain.
The thing with building trails here on the coast is that it is very difficult to avoid ups and downs. It always sucks to get off your bike to push up something, but that's just how it is on the hill I'm working on. Hard to keep the flow going. But this new corridor is very interesting and I think it is going to work out great, it's largely downhill biased, with a few really short climbs. It bypasses a trail that goes through a super soggy area, which has a lame climb. It adds a ton more distance to the trail.
The thing I like most about it is all the micro ecosystems it passes through.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, it isn't often I get to carry my camera while on these missions.
Hard to see where my line is, but if you look for the yellow tape it might help. This picture is underwhelming, but clearing the salal is a real chore. That stuff is so tough. The SMC kicked its ass though.
This is a real nice little area. Good speed possible here.
This is a relatively sketchy little bit, which will probably be one of the coolest sections on this entire trail.
Beautiful repose.
I'm usually smiling, so I don't know why I look so serious here. I tried to take a couple more shots with a happy face, but they didn't work out.
I f-ing LOVE this knife!
SMC's entourage.
not a great shot, but the color of this moss was unreal. Maybe it's a lichen. Something like that, it looked nice at any rate.
It was really good to get out there, and I flagged out a new line that I scoped out a few weeks ago. I takes advantage of some excellent terrain. The thing with building trails here on the coast is that it is very difficult to avoid ups and downs. It always sucks to get off your bike to push up something, but that's just how it is on the hill I'm working on. Hard to keep the flow going. But this new corridor is very interesting and I think it is going to work out great, it's largely downhill biased, with a few really short climbs. It bypasses a trail that goes through a super soggy area, which has a lame climb. It adds a ton more distance to the trail.
The thing I like most about it is all the micro ecosystems it passes through.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, it isn't often I get to carry my camera while on these missions.
Hard to see where my line is, but if you look for the yellow tape it might help. This picture is underwhelming, but clearing the salal is a real chore. That stuff is so tough. The SMC kicked its ass though.
This is a real nice little area. Good speed possible here.
This is a relatively sketchy little bit, which will probably be one of the coolest sections on this entire trail.
Beautiful repose.
I'm usually smiling, so I don't know why I look so serious here. I tried to take a couple more shots with a happy face, but they didn't work out.
I f-ing LOVE this knife!
SMC's entourage.
not a great shot, but the color of this moss was unreal. Maybe it's a lichen. Something like that, it looked nice at any rate.
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2006
- Messages
- 2,912
Nice stuff. Great pics and looks like a great day.
I really should take my camera out more. I was out in the yard hacking up some windfall and burning it. Jason's knives just rock! In my "Mount Work" Chopper and the big knife in my avatar, I think I have found all I need or want in a big knife.
I really should take my camera out more. I was out in the yard hacking up some windfall and burning it. Jason's knives just rock! In my "Mount Work" Chopper and the big knife in my avatar, I think I have found all I need or want in a big knife.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2009
- Messages
- 378
Lorien,
Thanks for posting those pics. I like the countryside here in Nicaragua but your pictures sure do make me miss the North. Looking at pictures of knives neatly placed among clever props is cool and all but it doesn't compare to seeing a knife in it's natural environment: stuck in a hefty branch that it has just chewed through. I really appreciate your taking the time to report on the performance of your SMC and showing us just what it is capable of doing.
Mike
Thanks for posting those pics. I like the countryside here in Nicaragua but your pictures sure do make me miss the North. Looking at pictures of knives neatly placed among clever props is cool and all but it doesn't compare to seeing a knife in it's natural environment: stuck in a hefty branch that it has just chewed through. I really appreciate your taking the time to report on the performance of your SMC and showing us just what it is capable of doing.
Mike
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,401
thanks Mike Your posts are always full of inspiration for me as well.
David, I believe Roger should also be part of our club. I'll make us a treehouse to hang out in sometime soon. No girls allowed
.
Your posts are always full of inspiration for me as well.David, I believe Roger should also be part of our club. I'll make us a treehouse to hang out in sometime soon. No girls allowed
.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,401
I got me a sweet little video camera with chest mount. Works pretty good:thumbup:
Check out the video, proof is in the pudding!
http://vimeo.com/10517144
There's gonna be another vid in there to check out once it gets processed
Check out the video, proof is in the pudding!
http://vimeo.com/10517144
There's gonna be another vid in there to check out once it gets processed
severedthumbs
Basic Member
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,818
one has to wonder on these clearing expeditions if an ax or even a chain saw would be preferable.
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,401
this other video might help you understand why neither of those tools are my preference for certain stages of trail building.
http://vimeo.com/10531428
When it comes to removing wood, my general preference is either of my chainsaws or any one of 4 different axes.
One can never have enough tools
http://vimeo.com/10531428
When it comes to removing wood, my general preference is either of my chainsaws or any one of 4 different axes.
One can never have enough tools
I did a similar trek a week ago...
I find that a razor sharp machete works quite well for the thinner stuff or when you have more range of motion.
Chainsaw is too much to carey...
That and you are scaling slippery wet soggy ground... ya need to travel light. Machete + axe or chopper.
I find that a razor sharp machete works quite well for the thinner stuff or when you have more range of motion.
Chainsaw is too much to carey...
That and you are scaling slippery wet soggy ground... ya need to travel light. Machete + axe or chopper.
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,401
I've now had my SMC for about seven months.
Some of you know that I own and operate a trail building company. I sort of designed this knife, and had Jason Knight build it, for the express purpose of carrying out real work. Although I maintain it, this knife gets used hard and put up quite often without a cleaning.
I am happy to report that after dozens of hours of the kind of work you can see here;
http://vimeo.com/12659748
this knife has yet to let me down.
***
The edge is perfect; not a single chip or roll. I have maintained it only with a fine and a medium ceramic profiler from Spyderco. I am extremely impressed with W2. It is a steel which does not want to lose molecules, it is very toight, and I think is one of the steels which is most self confident.
The steel toward the edge of the knife is fairly thin and the high grind makes for a fine edge. It is a testament to Jason's knowledge of forging, heat treating and grinding that such a fine edge has proven to be so amazingly durable.
The design of this knife is very nice indeed. And Jason's skill at design has proven highly satisfactory.
It is compact yet has a nicely centred and hefty, (but not TOO hefty) weight to it. Heavy enough to tackle major thunking, and light enough to snick.
The upward flair at the butt of the handle allows one to arrest the momentum created by the swing and either avoid hitting rocks or other undesirable hard objects, or to rapidly perform short shearing cuts in succession. The SMC is a very speedy and controllable knife.
The contour of the handle's sides fills my hand perfectly, (I have medium sized, but meaty hands) and locks the handle into my grip without causing me to grasp it too hard.
The flats at the top and bottom allow for a grip which resists twisting.
I've had people get in touch with me asking about the availability of this knife, which is very nice, however I would suggest a phone call to Jason 'Jedi' Knight would be the best way to get the full skinny.
I'm looking forward to more projects with Mr. Knight in the future.
I joined Jason Knight's facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=80422213760&ref=ts
and you should too!
Some of you know that I own and operate a trail building company. I sort of designed this knife, and had Jason Knight build it, for the express purpose of carrying out real work. Although I maintain it, this knife gets used hard and put up quite often without a cleaning.
I am happy to report that after dozens of hours of the kind of work you can see here;
http://vimeo.com/12659748
this knife has yet to let me down.
***
The edge is perfect; not a single chip or roll. I have maintained it only with a fine and a medium ceramic profiler from Spyderco. I am extremely impressed with W2. It is a steel which does not want to lose molecules, it is very toight, and I think is one of the steels which is most self confident.
The steel toward the edge of the knife is fairly thin and the high grind makes for a fine edge. It is a testament to Jason's knowledge of forging, heat treating and grinding that such a fine edge has proven to be so amazingly durable.
The design of this knife is very nice indeed. And Jason's skill at design has proven highly satisfactory.
It is compact yet has a nicely centred and hefty, (but not TOO hefty) weight to it. Heavy enough to tackle major thunking, and light enough to snick.
The upward flair at the butt of the handle allows one to arrest the momentum created by the swing and either avoid hitting rocks or other undesirable hard objects, or to rapidly perform short shearing cuts in succession. The SMC is a very speedy and controllable knife.
The contour of the handle's sides fills my hand perfectly, (I have medium sized, but meaty hands) and locks the handle into my grip without causing me to grasp it too hard.
The flats at the top and bottom allow for a grip which resists twisting.
I've had people get in touch with me asking about the availability of this knife, which is very nice, however I would suggest a phone call to Jason 'Jedi' Knight would be the best way to get the full skinny.
I'm looking forward to more projects with Mr. Knight in the future.
I joined Jason Knight's facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=80422213760&ref=ts
and you should too!
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
- 6,211
Woah, that looks powerful. I prefer more of a clip point myself...
My SMC is here!
I asked for a couple changes, first to add a little length as I prefer longer knives for bushwhacking and that the pins be hollow for a forward lanyard. Other than that the rest was all Jason. I was a little shocked when I opened it as it's very close to the design I was going to use for my next knife. (kinda freaky close)
I only have this one pic for now but I will get out and use it tomorrow and take a few more.
Man this thing just looks and feels mean! I just know this is going to chop through whatever it hits effortlessly.
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
- 6,211
Stunningly beautiful part of the world! :thumbup:
The knife aint too bad either.
The knife aint too bad either.