I didn't count it in the poll, because machetes are not what most people would call "Choppers". But in a huge chop-off I did last year, with bowies, goloks, kukris, and machetes, a 14" Condor Panga-style machete out chopped even my FFBM which has a nice convex edge. So then I put the Condor panga against a 16" CS Panga, and the CS Panga became the champion of my yard in pure chopping. I still believe that many knives are too thick and too heavy. That is fine for lateral strength for prying or batoning, but heavy and thick doesn't always win in chopping and never wins in slashing. I wish Jerry would do an anorexic NMFBM about 1/8" to 3/16" thick. It would be the ultimate camp machete. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I don't have the selection of HD, but my best chopper is also a relatively thin knife - a CS LTC Kukri. It's got more width near the head end than a typical kukri, which puts a lot of weight into your swing and gives almost hatchet-like performance when chopping.


edit: A pic of the kukri next to a Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie and SR Mini Uncle Mojo for scale... It doesn't look all that big or impressive compared to some of the huge choppers, and it's actually fairly lightweight in comparison, but most of that weight rides near the tip, so it chops really well. Also doesn't wear me out as much swinging it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If the Yard made a kukri of this exact same design, with res-C and a thin SR77 blade, I'd buy several of them in a heartbeat.

Those are good choppers, MM. There is a technique to chopping with thin blades, but thin bites deep.

good poll bruce.

We have been asking for one for years. It would sure be more affordable than an INFI Kukri. And since CS no longer makes that model, except in a cheaper machete version with polypropylene handles in 1055, the SYKCO Kukri would be in a class by itself.

I've found that I'm partial to smaller to midsized knives. I have a S6CG, a YKCG and a MPLE. I've got a S5CG on order, and hope that Dan comes out with a S5LE in INFI. But I don't really have any interest in any of the larger SY knives. I've held a SODCG and a DFCG, but just felt they were to large for me to use effectively. I also don't like any of the Busse or Swamp Rat knives because of them not having the Res C handles and the cost. Now if only Dan brings out a S5LE in INFI, then I'll be set! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Too complicated for me right now.... in a hurry. Maybe I can get back to this and give it some thought. But, I don't think there is a simple single answer for me in some catagories.

You have to add more catagories to cover intended uses. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great poll! Thank you for putting something like this together...wonder if Dan would use the final results as an aid to the knives he puts out?

I would also think Dan looks at them, now if he pays them any attention, who knows???