Tops Atax?

[orrey45]

Orrey,

I think that question of strength is pretty straightforward from a materials engineering perspective, force is a function of length and that span is very short.. Also if you calculate the section modulus of that point of the knife, I think will find it is tremendously strong.. Also,the force that is exerted on the area is not shear (not that I think it would matter..). My concern when I bought it was the heat treatment, if wasn't done right, that would be tough....

As for the knife's utility, that's a matter of opinion.

I didnt mean for my comment to sound so negative but thanks for the reply. Yea, the concerns I had were for the moment from impact loading on the connection from using it as a hatchet and the bending load when prying. I assume that the product would be capable of this or the company would not produce it, but assuming can sometimes lead to trouble.

As for the utility, I think it would be a great secondary tool. I might make it my first TOPS knife after graduation. Its hard to try expensive and unusual knives while being a poor college kid.

 

[mneedham]

Orrey,

Wasn't taken negatively at all...it's a good point! My concern about the ATAX was what would happen to the edge when I tied it to the end of a 16" long piece of vine (force created by the leverage) and slammed down onto hardwood over and over.. Thats a lot to ask of an edge that might be harder than that of an axe, but mine did well. I think the real attraction for me is the weight, I love my Busse FBM, but I don't carry it hiking, I hike a lot and heavy blades wear on me after a while.. I