Testing the Busse & CS Trailmaster

Joined
Jan 25, 2000
Messages
4,490
I just read Mike's old test results from his comparison. I was quite surprised at the number of cuts it took to get both knives through a spruce 2x4. This is really my first time seeing numbers quoted and they seemed a little high. Over 100 chops to halve a 2x4?. Am I missing something here or is it really that hard to chop through a 2x4. The only knife I have that can compare to the Busse or CS in blade length or thickness is my dirt cheap Ontario 10" tanto. This blade is at a distinct disadvantage due to being much narrower in width (read: wedge-like), made of basic carbon steel (1095) and cost me only $35. So guess what I am going to do? I am going to whack 2x4's, test tip strength and maybe even try to break it in the vice. I know that this does not mean anything in the real world but what the hell, I'll give it a try and let those who actually care read the results. BTW, I once used this blade to clear back brush from both sides of a 1/4 mile camp road and estimate that I lopped off somewhere between 400-500 limbs and saplings. The knife was no worse for wear, but my hands were blistered and bleeding and I basically looked like the devil when I got back into camp. My brother-in-law drove by and told me he had a chainsaw in the back. I told him that it was just to noisy and not nearly as much fun!

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It's only a mistake if you fail to learn from it!

[This message has been edited by blademan 13 (edited 03-14-2000).]
 
Joined
Feb 20, 1999
Messages
1,284
Go for it, Blademan! Let us know the results!
smile.gif


Dan
 

Cobalt

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 23, 1998
Messages
16,527
You are right Blademan, it doesn't take 100 wacks. I can go through 2X4's pretty quickly and with the khukuri's sometimes all that was needed was one wack.
 
Joined
Nov 23, 1998
Messages
1,594
I tried chopping through 2x4's with a Trail Master. I quit after 50 whacks. If I persisted for about 10-15 more I might have finished the task. I had the 2x4 in a vise and did not flip it over. The number of chops would have been reduced by a lot if I had chopped on the other side as well. I would not have had to open as large a V to prevent the blade from binding.

Looking forward to what you find.

As Cobalt alludes to, this is work better suited for a khukuri. It only take around 15-20 with a CS Gurkha or 15" H.I. Ang Khola under the same conditions.

Will

[This message has been edited by Will Kwan (edited 03-16-2000).]
 

Danbo

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
14,979
I have a big John Fitch bowie with 10" clay hardened 5160 blade that I used to chop a 2x4 once. I dont recall how many chops it took, but it wasnt any where near 10-20. I do remember that on the first chop, the blade sunk in so deep, I had to step on the board and pry to get the knife out. I also have one of the original Cold Steel ATC Kukris, and it will go through a board in no time.

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
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