chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
Regarding use:
In the video i hope to post, I used the GSO-10 to chop through a 2.5"-D seasoned oak limb. It took ~3x longer (and more effort) to complete the task than using a Bahco folding saw, but it did the job with NO observable edge deformation or loss of sharpness despite deep bites and twisting/prying out chunks after each hard impact. The edge geometry with this steel is plenty robust for such a task. In contrast, the cheap machete with similar edge geometry binds readily and is too flexible for effective prying, and the edge compresses and chips if it isn't left more obtuse.
Chopping into softer wood, the GSO-10 bites DEEP, much deeper than my Wetterlings/Husqvarna hatchet and also the Rodent 9, almost as deep as my 18" blade 1/8"-thick machete. But while it is less prone to binding than the machete, its thin geometry does not pop out chunks of wood the way the thicker-edged tools do. This is a short, heavy machete. I've yet to test it on grasses and brambles (for which I tend to prefer a lighter tool with longer reach anyway), but I prefer it to the longer machete for de-limbing fallen trees, etc. as it is more compact and has a stronger edge.
Again, I am surprised by how comfortable the handle is! The spine hump conforms nicely to the shape of my hand and guides shock up into my arm rather than antagonizing my hand as straight hatchet handles do. Also, the more rectangular cross-section of the handle eliminates unintended twisting, common with both the hatchet and traditional HI Khukuri handle. The severe flare of the khukuri handle impacts the pinkie-finger and thumb-base uncomfortably, while the GSO-10 birds-beak is only noticable by the retention it offers. I wish to use the tool with more regularity before giving preference to either the GSO-10 or Rodent 9 handle design which I am also fond of. The GSO-10 handle is similar to the old school Swamp Rat design.
Drilling with the tip was not as effective as with the Rodent 9
The spine isn't very effective for striking a ferro-rod - it can be done but requires a lot of pressure - so use a dedicated striker or just use a section of cutting edge... or dremel-out a section of spine as desired.
I'll keep adding to this review as opportunity allows. I do hope that these knives are getting into the hands of more users who can provide better images and more data for potential customers thinking about purchasing from SURVIVE! From what I've read, nearly all of the promotional knives have been shipped. I am waiting on a couple more, different handle scales and one coated blade. Stay tuned...
In the video i hope to post, I used the GSO-10 to chop through a 2.5"-D seasoned oak limb. It took ~3x longer (and more effort) to complete the task than using a Bahco folding saw, but it did the job with NO observable edge deformation or loss of sharpness despite deep bites and twisting/prying out chunks after each hard impact. The edge geometry with this steel is plenty robust for such a task. In contrast, the cheap machete with similar edge geometry binds readily and is too flexible for effective prying, and the edge compresses and chips if it isn't left more obtuse.
Chopping into softer wood, the GSO-10 bites DEEP, much deeper than my Wetterlings/Husqvarna hatchet and also the Rodent 9, almost as deep as my 18" blade 1/8"-thick machete. But while it is less prone to binding than the machete, its thin geometry does not pop out chunks of wood the way the thicker-edged tools do. This is a short, heavy machete. I've yet to test it on grasses and brambles (for which I tend to prefer a lighter tool with longer reach anyway), but I prefer it to the longer machete for de-limbing fallen trees, etc. as it is more compact and has a stronger edge.
Again, I am surprised by how comfortable the handle is! The spine hump conforms nicely to the shape of my hand and guides shock up into my arm rather than antagonizing my hand as straight hatchet handles do. Also, the more rectangular cross-section of the handle eliminates unintended twisting, common with both the hatchet and traditional HI Khukuri handle. The severe flare of the khukuri handle impacts the pinkie-finger and thumb-base uncomfortably, while the GSO-10 birds-beak is only noticable by the retention it offers. I wish to use the tool with more regularity before giving preference to either the GSO-10 or Rodent 9 handle design which I am also fond of. The GSO-10 handle is similar to the old school Swamp Rat design.
Drilling with the tip was not as effective as with the Rodent 9
The spine isn't very effective for striking a ferro-rod - it can be done but requires a lot of pressure - so use a dedicated striker or just use a section of cutting edge... or dremel-out a section of spine as desired.
I'll keep adding to this review as opportunity allows. I do hope that these knives are getting into the hands of more users who can provide better images and more data for potential customers thinking about purchasing from SURVIVE! From what I've read, nearly all of the promotional knives have been shipped. I am waiting on a couple more, different handle scales and one coated blade. Stay tuned...
