Excellent post as usual, KG. I agree with your conclusion that the Grunt is an ABSOLUTE STEAL at $20.00 shipped.
I haven't put the DMDC and the Grunt to the test to determine which of them would outchop the other. I originally thought that the DMDC would do a better job of chopping because of its thicker blade and tougher steel. But the Grunt is a larger knife overall. So its possible that it could outchop the DMDC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Actually, I was comparing the Grunt to the Thick .28" original DM.
The Grunt is not as thick, but mine weight about 1.5 - 2.0 more ounces than the super thick DM.
I assume the Grunt weighs about 3.0 - 4.0 ounces more than the DMDC (I don't have one...). But, I believe the Grunt would out-chop the original thick DM. So, I am pretty confident it should out-chop the thinner and lighter DMDC.
With more weight and a longer blade on the Grunt, there is just more weight in the blade for chopping and more reach.
I don't really view it as an apples to apples comparison. Although, aside from slight over-all size and weight differences, I think there are some similarities.
As far as type of steel, NO DOUBT, the DM and DMDC have tougher steel.
I am quite confident the Grunt would never "out-tough" a Scrap Yard.
But, there are a lot of steels that have been "reasonably" functional for chopping and certain tasks over the years. Only time and use will determine how worthy the Grunt is. I haven't done much with mine.
Both of the knives can be choked back on to help improve chopping. I can choke back two fingers with the pommel between my middle and ring fingers. This offers more whip and swing. But, the deeper bird's beak pommel on the Grunt offers a more secure grip for choking back for chopping.
Keep in mind, I don't consider "Either" knife a worthy chopper. But, both could de-limb "Twigs". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ..... Just the Grunt should de-limb slightly larger twigs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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