Verdict: Better chopper / backpack knife?

B

Bullitt196

Joined
Sep 27, 2006
Messages
282
I unfortunately haven't gotten a chance to take the BWM out yet (and am still on the fence about the SAR6).

But what's the general consensus on a backpacking knife that would definitely be used to chop / baton??

BWM vs SAR6 vs SFNO/NMSFNO?

Have at it!
 
I use my NMSFNO a lot.

GREAT backpacking knife: blade length, thickness, weight, feel, etc.

Chopping: Not that great. The straight handle on it makes it a tad uncomfortable and I had to sand my scales down to eliminate the hot spots. But once you get used to it, it chops decently.

Oh, did I mention it makes a good thrower?
 
I would probably pack the BWM.

But then again, I have my B11, which has a great performance to weight ratio!

Pair that up with a smaller slicer and I am good to go.
 
To mix things up a bit...

For backpacking I don't think you can beat the DSF. You get a great deal of knife for the weight.
 
banana-clip said:
BWM will be a better chopper than the others you listed because of the extra blade length.
Click to expand...

Very true. Then there's an option that has been overlooked in the list for a backpack which is the B11 if chopping is a really important need. The Basic 11 is a much better chopper than the BWM, and it is also enough lighter to allow a smaller knife as well for the same approximate total carry weight. ;)
e7arlu.jpg

sos2mx.jpg


For comparison, a BWM LE variant that weighs the exact same as my two CG BWM's, which I don't have pics of on the scale yet.
2d98vt4.jpg
 
CR33 said:
Id like to see a chop test... Id put my $ on the BWM anyday.
Click to expand...

Awesome. :rolleyes: You are welcome to c'mon over and knock yourself out anytime. While you're here you can also take the pics for me that I am missing in my user shots when I redo the comparison so I can avoid these situations. I have personally already done the comparison on pine, oak, larch and redwood, but I was alone that day and without a camera or I would post the proof you require. :p All that extra weight on the BWM is in the handle where it does you absolutely no good for chopping or carrying on a hike. The BWM is much prettier though, but the comfort provided by the shock absorbing res-c handle combined with all of the other factors makes the Basic 11 far superior.

I can't show action shots of the BWM's and B11 in action, but what I can show is pics of the knives after they have been used extensively last fall, along with a few others. ;)
33y0ztt.jpg

2eoy460.jpg


Now getting this back to an answer for Bullitt196 of the four blades mentioned: If you only wanted to carry one knife to meet all of your needs, you really can't go wrong with the SAR 6 (large hands) or either of the SFNO versions (any size hand) and they will do just fine as an all around backpacking knife. Pick the one you really WANT the most and you will be happy. :thumbup: :)
 
That's great Tim! "Ill knock myself out" next time I'm back in Tucson to visit old friends from college @ U of A. You know the rules man-pix or it just didn't happen.
 
maybe ill just have to buy a basic 11 soon, so I can see for myself.
 
i'd take a CGFBM. not too heavy, but definitely not too light, amazing chopper, and strong enough for pretty much anything you want to throw at it. plus the CBT allows it to split logs like a champ

HPIM1181.jpg


HPIM1195.jpg


HPIM1178.jpg


if you want something more compact but amazingly versatile, tank buster ftw

HPIM1437.jpg
 
Last edited:
BWM. I find the resiprene-c handle shape of the B-11 and Dogfather to "walk" forward every 4 or 5 chops and need a grip adjustment.
The BWM handle shape is perfect and never needs a grip adjustment for me.
The convex grind is amazing for chopping and splitting.
 
Great info so far, and totally agree with Scott. I'm not worried at all about beating the hell out of the BWM, but is there really no issue with batoning / chopping with a SAR 6?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top