I know this much I would rather have an ax if I were having to make a semi to perm shelter. Besides that, the SOD is great right now. However, I sure would like to try a DF or a Battle Mistress!

Thats a huge tree Andy!!! How long did it take you to chop through it? How big around was it?

I have to agree that a (key word) "GOOD" axe is still a better tool for many tasks than a large chopping knife.

However, it comes down to situation. Often carry vs. not carry.

And if carry, I will EASILY choose a knife over an axe.

If around the house or car camping, having an axe handy that you don't have to carry into the field is very convenient. So is a good machete.

But, I am not going to carry an axe very far into the field.

Kukris, machetes and large knives can all be pretty decent at chopping - even if not as good on thick hard wood as a good axe.

But, the ease of carry makes it an easy decision when carry is to be considered. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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For the record, I am having a hard time viewing the very large NMFBM as a worthy choice between the great chopping of a BR and DFLE along with carry considerations - Vs. an axe if just around camp.

The MOAB "SERIOUSLY" begs some questions for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> - MOAB weighs as much a a significantly SIZED axe at about 40 - 50 TIMES the cost. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I am just having a hard time finding any logical explanation or justification for a MOAB... At that price, I haven't really wasted much time considering it though.

But, the BR and DFLE are VERY worthy!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
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A long time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Actually, it's not a "tree" but a branch on a tree broken in a storm. It had been there several years, so it was dry, not green when I cut it. My arm was sooo sore... ha

Wayne chopped a log with the DMCG!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have to agree that a (key word) "GOOD" axe is still a better tool for many tasks than a large chopping knife.

However, it comes down to situation. Often carry vs. not carry.

And if carry, I will EASILY choose a knife over an axe.
.

It's a pity Unsub doen't show his face much anymore. He had a fellow Canadian make him a custom field knife, and it was amazingly made. Here's a couple pics of one of the tests he puts a knife through before considering it good.











Realize as well that this guy doesn't make knives for a living; he does it for the pure joy of the art. He's currently trying to make a Sutton Hoo Sword. Apparently, there are only a dozen or so people in the world can make one of the swords, but he loves the challenge!

Here's a pic of his first attempt at the sword:


And here's a pic of what he's trying to make: