Why Glancing Blows Occur While Chopping

[FortyTwoBlades]

 

[Twoinch]

number one cause of glancing blows, in my opinion, would be a dull bit. then the others right behind.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

number one cause of glancing blows, in my opinion, would be a dull bit. then the others right behind.

This, of course, presumes an at least marginally sharp edge.

Although technically even with a dull edge you'd really be seeing a variation of example #2 as the (dull) edge would connect, form resistance, your grip would wobble out of line while force was still being applied, and the whole thing would twist in the hand and glance.

 

[Twoinch]

i should have mentioned that my version was of the "big picture".. as in common people today.

if we are talking serial sharpeners.. then yes, you hit it right on!

 

[Twoinch]

i will also add that a major contributor to glancing blows, especially in your scenarios, would be the roundness of handles today.

ax handles really should be much flatter(sided) than they are today. obviously this aids in control of the bit, accuracy, and less wobble. also helps the bit to resist kicking out once its entering the wood.

 

[Kershaws]

I thought everyone knew this...

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I thought everyone knew this...

You wouldn't believe how many times I've seen people blame the tool for glancing. "I really like __________ but it glances too much" etc. I always tell 'em to try thinning out their edge. A broad edge angle makes it easy to accidentally strike too shallowly, and the thinner edge cuts better anyhow.

 

[Square_peg]

Good graphic. It should be common sense to people but I've found 'common' sense to be the rarest of commodities.

 

[jimh0220]

As long as you're not dealing with a blade with the sharpness of a sledge, any level of sharpness can chop without a glancing blow. It's ALL about angles. Love the OP!

 

[Alocksly]

Good graphic. It should be common sense to people but I've found 'common' sense to be the rarest of commodities.

 

[M3mphis]

Nice graphic, Benjamin. I know for me that glancing blows are almost invariably a result of fatigue. I think I am more prone to the #2 example rather than #3.

 

[thunderstick]

Good graphic. It should be common sense to people but I've found 'common' sense to be the rarest of commodities.

As someone has said, "Common sense is not all that common."

 

[300Six]

As someone has said, "Common sense is not all that common."

Proven lack of it seems to be a prerequisite to obtaining gainful employment with government these days. And the real problem then (during gov't job interviews), with having any, is in the difficulty in trying to pretend you have none.
Common sense has gone the way of 'standard transmissions' on cars; 'optional', and a rarity.