Stainless Choppers

[sliplock]

Has anyone used a stainless Randall as a camp knife for light to moderate chopping?

I have a #15 in 01 that has served admirably on fairly large sapling, but I picked up a 6" #5 in 440 a few years ago that feels like it would be a decent chopper -- I don't want to damage the blade if this is likely.

Please let me know if put a stainless blade to use as a chopper, and how it held up.

Thanks

 

[ron mathews]

I haven't chopped anything of substance with a Randall before, but a I have a few thoughts: Doesn't really make any difference if it's 01 or stainless. I wouldn't do it with anything other than a full tang model (14, 15, 16, SP1) as the act of chopping will induce stress on a hidden tang stress riser. I certainly wouldn't do it with a stag handled model.

Ron

 

[Maqua]

I don't have a RM yet, but have used an Al Mar quest III for light chopping. The AUS-6A edge will deform and roll a bit, but it is thin and not very refined. The blade heat treat, edge profile (convex preferably), and degree of polish on the edge is probably more important than the type of steel. Only 2 more years for my model 14!!

 

[Donald H. Conner]

A Model 12-9 w/14 grind would be a prime heavyweight cutter. Or a 7 1/2 #14 or #18. Less than 7+ inches of blade, IMO, doesn't have the weight and impact of the longer blade. I've used my 7 1/218 on logs up to 8 inches, although it is a lot of work. Be better off with a sawat that size, but you use what you have, not what you want, and so....it got cut with a lot of sweat equity thrown in.Wouldn't care to do it again though.