I took both blades out this morning for a quick chop-off. The weather here in Seattle has been unseasonably warm and it was just beautiful and spring-like out there today.



In the hand both knives feel really good. The BWM LE is not much heavier and the black paper handles are nicer to use than the canvas micarta but the Res C handles on the DF LE feel more comfortable and controllable. Res C trumps micarta for me anyday.

I did two simple tests – as straight chopping test (twice) with the same number of strokes per knife and then a lengthways wood split test.



The lower chop section is from the BWM LE and the upper from the DF LE.

In both cases the BWM LE edged out the DF LE. I would have expected so on the split test given the extra weight and the saber grind but I was a little surprised that the chopping difference was easily noticeable.

The BWM LE is factory sharp so that could account for some of the difference but I have to eat a little humble pie as my speculation about the relative performance was off.



Still, lighter and cheaper means that the DF LE will be my first choice in a pack but the BWM LE is no slouch. I would need to work the handles a little to make it sit in my hand more positively but both are really great blades.

This is a great thread. For a little more BWM comparison, check out this thread by Vox at the Swamp compared to another old school beauty!

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=006914

Thanks for the update.

Can't wait for my DFLE to get here! making me more restless than I already was

Great write up S/D <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Get's nicely to the point and your pic's show what you say .... the LE will be a good SHBM alternative I think ... sort of the next rung up the ladder from the DFLE ... if I wanted to carry a chopping knife on my belt and still do a fair mileage these two are great options ... you've got two really good knives there <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> both are in the best "power to weight" bracket <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I imagine the saber ground DF can hold its own chopping against the BWM LE. It can out chop the DFLE. But the DFLE is no slouch, either, and in slashing vegetation, the lighter LE does better than the more blade heavy DFCG. I like the lighter, faster choppers like the M9LE, DFLE, and BWM because, for me, they are more versatile. You now have two of the very best big knives on the market, IMO. I love the look of that BWMLE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

thINFI is in what can you say ... nice pics man

and yea the dfle ... always keeps showing up in my truck and ruck...
but i think the bwm once she has pants will atleast be a part timer... pretty fun stuff.

Great thread!

Off topic: Do you know what kind of tree that was in the pic above? Looks to me like it was around 75 years old when it was cut down. Pretty good size too.

On topic: I love my Dogfather LE! Great chopper. I need to get some user pics but I don't have a BWM or similar blade to compare it too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Not sure. It was already cut down when we moved in. At that size around here it is going to be a cedar, doug fir or a sequoia.

They are BOTH great knives! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great pics tagati

I just got mine today, I must say I am impressed with it. It has been a long time since I've been impressed with an expensive purchase.