+1

I already have a DFLE. And while a 3/16" DFLE would be pretty cool, for what it is, I personally think the DFLE and the Battle Rat are already pretty darn hard to beat.

I think a 3/16" BM makes certain sense, since a regular BM is so heavy to begin with.

But, the DFLE is already pretty light, fast and handy for a 10" blade. The DFLE and Battle Rat offer VERY FINE balances of power vs. handling vs. carry weight.

Consider that all of the following have 10.0" blades:

DFLE = 17.0 ounces
DFCG = 20.1 ounces

FBM CG = 27.1 ounces
FBMLE = 30.0 ounces
FFBM = 31.4 ounces

The FBM's are all BEASTS and very heavy. Honestly, I would probably never carry any of the BM series blades at 27+ ounces.

I would guess a 3/16" Bushwacker Mistress would still likely weigh about 23.5 - 25.0 ounces or so (???) - Still QUITE heavy compared to the DFLE, DFCG and BR - Keep in mind as shown, the Bushwacker doesn't have CBT grooves - So, the Bushwacker would be a lighter version of the FBMLE (not the CG!). And still be significantly heavier than the DFCG and quite a bit more than the DFLE.

I love the Res-C blades for chopping because they carry so much better, are lighter and faster in the hand, comfortable handle and balance a bit more blade forward and still offer significant power with improved handling. All good traits IMO.

But, what would a 3/16" DF feel like??? It might be pretty nice. Might be a bit like an elongated SOD or Camp Tramp (????)

But, if the blade length is the same and with a lighter weight blade, you start to loose a fair amount of power for chopping compared to the 1/4" blades. As is, the DFLE and Battle Rat balance a VERY nicely tuned fine line of great handling and sufficient power.

And considering (IMO) the DFLE and Battle Rats or any 10" or longer blade is already a dedicated chopper and not much good for many other tasks. So, I don't know if I want to go backwards on power if my handling requirements are already so good as the DFLE and Battle Rat are and considering the weights of the DFLE and Battle Rat are already VERY reasonable for their lengths.

I think increasing the blades length and reducing thickness to be able to add length and keep weight pretty comparable offers a certain variety.

I actually find that if the steel is tough enough (which SR77 IS), then going thinner and longer provides more power and still very fast in the hand. Will slash cut better AND chop better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />


So, I think a 12" - 14" Golok or Bolo or similar blade at 3/16" that still handles light and fast, but longer appeals to me a bit more.

I would LOVE to design a few options... But, my "pictures" aren't wanted and I can't verbally describe my designs sufficiently. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />


In any event, SR-77 is HIGHLY suited for such a blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

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