Utility of an FFBM?

[Balislinger]

Looking at this knife, it seems like it's a good chopper, but probably not as efficient as an axe, or maybe even a hatchet, and a hatchet is lighter and smaller to carry. The FFBM doesn't seem like it would be an appropriate tool for much else besides chopping. It's big and heavy to carry, which doesn't seem worth the few times I would feel moved to lob a branch off a tree while out walking. Near the house, or truck, I would have an axe or hatchet. It's also a pretty pricey replacement for an axe. So please educate me on exactly why these seem so useful to ya'll. What do you use them for, and what niche do they fill that other specialized tools don't?

I'm thinking of picking one up, but having trouble justifying it's utility. Thanks

 

[Guyon]

They're much more efficient than a hospital I.V. stand. :thumbup:

Seriously, they are fantastic if you're into batoning/splitting wood. Some claim batoning is uncessary. Others claim it enables you to get at dry wood in wet conditions. Whatever the case, for starting a fire, I find that smaller pieces do allow for a quicker start. More edges to catch. More oxygen when stacked. The FFBM is also a good chopper overall. If you're more used to an axe and carry one wherever you go, then you should be set. The FFBM might not float your boat.

 

[Elen]

The FFBMs are very good choppers indeed. They can certainly compete with hatchets, though not with large axes. Some people are afraid of chopping up themselves with an axe, and prefer a long knife. The FFBMs approach axe-like chopping performance, but the overall length is much shorter than on axes, which saves space. For me, it's not so much the weight of things but the size of them that's a problem - weight I can deal with, but I'm only one man and it's hard to find room for carrying stuff with enormous handles. The FFBMs are better in limbing than axes, due to the length of the blade. That is where they really shine. They're also pretty useful for prying stuff if one is so inclined. And they can be made to cut reasonably well. For those who like batoning, they are very useful.

Doing any small, precision task with them is extremely bothersome, of course, but that's why you carry a small knife with you in addition.

But certainly, the FFBMs aren't the most practical knife for everyday type of use and for small tasks. For tasks you might consider using a hatchet or an axe for, they would do a decent job.

 

[Dunner]

I am a tomahawk/hatchet/axe lover but I would take my FFBM over those ANY day. I have chopped down 12" diameter alders and can make a fuzz stick with mine. I can pry pitchwood stumps apart and baton like a madman. I have made improvised stakes and then pounded into the ground with the side of the blade. There is no contest. If you were close by I would let you try one out for yourself.

 

[GregS]

FFBM's chop very well, that much should be obvious when you take into account its length and its mass, it's a beast. Despite it's size, it will still be more compact than a comparably performing axe, but heavy none the less. If you foresee any batoning in your future then the FFBM may come of more use than an axe/hatchet will, depending on your method... I wouldn't recommend it for backpacking excursions, too heavy, I do however recommend the CGFBM for longer treks, considerably lighter and still a beast, makes establishing a campsite a breeze. Get both, problem solved.

 

[RoyalM]

The CG or FFBM are great all rounders i've found. While an axe is very good at chopping the BMs are almost on a par with similar weight axes. They do however excel at limbing, battoning and splitting. They also can tackle most knife tasks, like feather sticks, at a push.

The versatility of the BMs make their slot in my pack permanent. Also just the sheer fun of the use of them. I have a Gransfors Small Forest Axe which I use from time to time but I find for that I have to have a task in mind rather than with the BM I can just put it in the pack and at some point a use for it will arise.

 

[kdstrick]

You should pick one up... they are really a heck of a lot of fun! Much more fun than an axe IMO, and capable of performing more tasks. The edge-holding ability is really amazing.

 

[paua]

I have to admit in advance that most of my chef knives (Henckels, Shun, Hattori, Global,...)are over 10" so it would not be odd for me to use FBM in the kitchen. Especially when the blade thickness of my favorate Hattori 10" chef knife is 0.22" almost all the way to the tip, the handling is not that different from FBM.

 

[avidknifeusersf]

I was in a pickle this past weekend, setting up christmas trees that had to fit into their stands, but didnt. They were already inside and precariously balanced on the stand. My NMFBM allowed me to sorta batton the branches off... I couldnt have done much with just an axe because of the angles and space.

 

[drift draft]

If you gotta ask you'll never know
Searousily, try one and you will see the light. You never look back.

 

[knife hunter]

I think the FFFBM outshines an axe all day any day....if I am to have only one, but especially if I have to carry it.

THere are many things that can be done with a knife that cant be done with the axe.

THe only thing IMO the axe outshines the FFBM at is a HAMMER

Balli sir, if you love the axe there is nothing you can do with it that the FBM wont do, but it is a lot easier to do intricate task even with a big knife than to use an axe.


Go to knife test.com and see the comparisons that Noss did with the Gransfors Wildlife hatchet and hunters axe that I sent him.

wildlife hatchet
http://www.knifetests.com/GransforsBruksMiniAxeDtest.html


Hunters axe

http://www.knifetests.com/BusseFBMRangerRd7GBHuntersAXEfieldtest.html