SOD User pics!!! action shots added!

hey guys i did a bit of chopping yesterday with my SOD. I had a 2x4 just laying around and a buddy of mine was checking the SOD out. he said he'd buy me a coldpack if i can chop through the 2x4 in under a minute. i love a healthy competiton so agreed.

we laid the 2x4 with the 2x face standing, official time was 2min9secs....then we laid it on the 4x standing and that took a bit longer due to me having to change positions. id like to get my blades convexed and then see how my time improves....id also change my technique and chop placements.

the SOD may not be a big chopper but its certainly good enough. i didnt get much muscle fatigue but my rear deltoid is sore today. the first thing to go actually was my grip. i hazard that if i had it wrapped in paracord i would achive better results.

oh yeah the SOD makesa decent hammer, although the coating comes off pretty easy. i was able to hammer a nail through a 2x4 (with 4x standing up) in a few swings! enough talk heres some pics

and yeah the tip got dinged from stabbing a rock and you can see some edge roll near the choil but all in all the edge held up very nice against the pressure treated wood!


NEW PICS!!!!!











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a buddy of mine had his camera and took some action shots. ill post those once he emails them to me! cant wait to try out the battle rat vs the M9LE vs the golok!!!!

oh and he bought the coldpack anyways! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good deal. You deserved that cold 6 pack.

That's one grizzled-looking dog!

Are you keeping your eyes open for a Dogfather? You'd make that "chop a 2x4 in under a minute" bet, I think. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Nice workout!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

You gave that SOD a real workout!

Yes a nice edge on that blade would lower your time for sure.

Nice pics <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

That knife looks happy!! The SODs love to be beat on!!

It's great to see a well used blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Great workout you put it through.
Thanks for sharing.

thanks guys....i think i got more of a workout than my knife did!!!

i just pushed that fold back a bit and stroped up the SOD...she aint hair popping (never was!) but she cuts through newspaper just fine.

yard owns!

Like an old Timex watch it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

finally posted some action shots. those 2x4s are SOLID! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nice work MCJ, and thanks for the pics! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I love the action shots!! You're buddy caught you with chips in the air and everything! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Haha, I like the action shots! Reminds of what we got going on here in norcal. Great stuff.

McJ,

Nice shots and thanks for postin' pics (although, I think we REALLY need some posts of Busse and kin with some traditional GORGEOUS Hawaii scenary <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> - I have an aunt that lives in Maui that I have never been able to visit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />)

Anyway, I LOVE scenary shots with knives in them like Pitman's and Vic's yard and walks, but action shots have a LOT to offer as well..... they allow ability to show relevance to knife performance.

I guess most of us don't have a knife enthusiast buddy to snap action shots for us.... except I know MRPink has a "Knife Gang" in "East L.A." or somewhere. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> .. Along with gang members: "Pink" and "Ban", I think they have other gang members like "Tiny" and probably some other catchy named characters. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />... So, Pink and Ban owe us more action shots. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ... Don't see Ban around the Yard much... or even on Bladeforums much lately.


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So, back to the action shots.

Hard treated wood apparently. I have never chopped treated wood yet, but it is still just pine right?

Considering what was on the line, I assume you chopped like crazy (lots of hard chops per minute <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />) and still took 2:09 minutes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

We have a reputation to up-hold here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> .... Next time wagers are on the line, make sure the equipment is in optimal working order.

That factory "rock busting" edge chews and "mushes" through wood about like a snaggle toothed dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

A sharp edge is good and will help a lot. But, a good edge profile can in some cases probably even be a more noticable level of improvement. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Your technique appears to have the general idea (alternating angles to remove chips), but for competition, I would say I see a few misplaced cuts in the above photos. Ideally, you are lifting a chip and/ or removing a chip with each placed cut.... easier when done with a knife that cuts instead of gnawing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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All 3 should be better at chopping than the SOD due to larger sizes. But, that is not a slam against the SOD as it is a great knife for it's size class..... once sharpened..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


I think it will be very close between the Battle Rat and M9LE. But, for chopping, I am assuming the Battle Rat will still likely be a bit better with the M9LE being a bit more all-rounder.

The Battle Rat has a 9.375" blade vs. the M9LE is supposed to have a 9.0" blade (sometimes I see a 1/8th inch varation longer or shorter in actual length vs. listed specs.

The Battle Rat even mine stripped measures in right at 0.25" thick.
Eric listed the M9LE as "approx" .25"

However, the Battle Rat has a Sabre Grind vs. the full height flat grind on the M9LE and the M9LE has less weight at the tip from the more agressive swedge grind. So, the Battle Rat will most likely have more weight in the blade and VERY safe to assume balance will be significantly more towards the blade on the Battle Rat.

However, with the full tang and "G10" scales (which seem to way about .75 - 1.0 ounce heavier than micarta, I would guess the M9LE will weigh more than the Battle Rat.

My Battle Rat is actually fairly light for it's blade length at only 16.5 ounces.

If using the following knife sizes and weights to guess and compare with, I would guess the M9LE would weigh close to 23 - 24 ounces (????????) - which is significantly more than the Battle Rat.

Chopweiler – G10….. = 20.5 ounces; .25” thick; 7.5625” blade; 13.1875” oal

NMSFNO………………….= 21.5 ounces; .25” thick; 8.25” blade; 14.0” oal

FSH (full flat grind)..= 22.0 ounces; .27” thick; 8.1875” blade; 14.4” oal

I never weighed my Rat Mastiff before I (regretfully) sold it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> Another loss to poor finances and bills. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

While the Chopweiler is heavier than the Battle rat and while it still doesn't out-chop the lighter Battle Rat, I think it could still be said that over-all weight can affect chopping performance and aid in over-all force. But, blade length and blade weight are also factors.

With same technique on same wood, the Golok with it's 11.5" blade (more than 2" longer) will/should probably beat them all though. The Golok has a MUCH more affective blade grind and factory sharpness for cutting as well.

However, with a significant reprofile and sharpness, the Battle Rat can get respectably close considering the size differences. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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KG great post!!! i was hoping you would share your knowledge!!!

yeah i really have to work on my chopping technique!!! and yeah the factory edge had a heck of a time...also the whole setup was very flimsy so alot of my force bounced. i should use today to read up on chopping techniques.

i know a few guys on here would convex up my blades but im going to try stay local first and having just learned of tom mayo im going to ask him if he would like to get his hands on some new knives and help a guy out!


i think youre totally right on the battle rat...after its reprofiled and sharpened up it'll be great.

im nowhere hear as setup as pink and his posse, but im getting there!!!

thanks again for your post KG i love reading them and always learn!

that my friend is how to treat/beat/use/abuse a scrapyard knife.it looks great with those chips taken out of the coating from the nail.

i am proud,very proud.you have served the yard well.

looks like a cool place you live in too.complete polar opposite from the mid-evil frozen waste land i live in.i got another few months before i can venture out with a t-shirt on.

Yeah, the action shots are great. Rastadog goes postal on 2 x 4 ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Very nice pics!!!!

Great action pics MC! How'd I miss this post?
I am going to try this also. I'll let you know the time with a convex edge. Thanks for the efforts, greatly appreciated.

I love seeing a knife being dinged up. Digg the nail dents. A knife isn't much good just laying around looking pretty.

Now that is a cool picture sequence! Thanks

Excellent action shots Mcj!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
You looked like you wanted to eat that 2 X 4 for breakfast!

Great shots my friend!

if u look in the background on the ground is some kindling...that was the 4x4 the SOD chopped in half then chopped for kindling....<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> no photos of that though <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

the SOD actually got a nail through a 2x4 i was impressed...i think the SOD is my favorite of my favorites knife.


Dan you made an AWESOME knife, thank you!

No problem.... I just want to see you win the Beer out-right next time - and then see photos with BIG chips flying in the air. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
I would be happy to offer to sharpen if you can't reach Mayo. Just send me enough to cover postage back... funds are tight, but I have stuff to sharpen with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I still want to upgrade my sharpening equipment, but keep having to put it all on hold as Jerry keeps releasing stuff that my addiction can't resist. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

If you can't reach Mayo, Ken Onion lives in Hawaii somewhere to. I LOVE his stuff. But, those guys are BIG time custom makers with custom knives selling for multiple thousands. I don't know how likely they are to offer sharpening services to everybody (?????).... good luck with that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />





That will hinder progress. Bounce or give in the wood absorbs force - creating loss in transfer of force = less cutting efficiency. But, sounds like you know that.




Again, from the pics, it appears you have the general idea. But, you might pick up a few more tips with some research. There are some tricks and there are techniques that are more efficient than others. Practice helps because knowing how a blade goes through various materials makes a difference - such as softer wood vs harder wood. Also, some tools will obviously cut different than others. So, for maximum efficiency per tool, cut placement is something that can vary a bit to achieve maximum chip removal.

Chip removal is HUGE. If the chips don't clear properly with each swing, you have to cut through them again = wasted energy and swings.

It is hard to type up explicitly good info and technique. It would take a long time. But, the TRUE professionals on chopping technique are those who compete with axes.

There is most likely WAY more worthy information on how to chop properly with an axe than with a knife. The techniques are the exact same, just on a smaller scale to proportionately match the lesser chopping power of a knife vs. an axe.

It is probably worth pointing out that techniques for chopping on a 2x4 are different from chopping larger logs (either with knife or axe.)
Chopping a 2x4 is more simple as alternating angles and cut placement in distance from side to side is about the extent of it.
Whereas with larger logs, you would work forward and back along the log as well as working the distance from side to side to achieve best chip removal. If you look up some videos for log chopping compititions, notice (look carefully) how they work up and down the log. Each chop is pretty specific. They don't just hack away alternating angles.

How to move the cuts around and across the wood to "match" the blades cutting abilities is something that requires practice and feel for different woods.

I would recommend searching for techniques related to axe chopping.

And possibly VERY worthy of your time is to search videos through "Google Videos" - which will cover videos at YouTube along with many other video options. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Lumberjack compititions, chopping competitions, etc.

What the professional competition guys can do is freakin amazing and much easier to appreciate when you have done a fair amount of chopping yourself to realize how amazing what they do is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Their axes are pretty dang awesome too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />


I hate to keep harping on edge quality, but it is a HUGE thing for me. Busse makes AWESOME knives, I like Busse and kin knife steel about as much as any in the industry. But, good edges are just REQUIRED to have good cutting results.

Busse started shipping most INFI blades with Shaving Sharp Sheets or whatever they are called. But, you can make a poorly profiled blade shave and it still not cut many materials worth a flip.

Shaving paper and hairs only require the VERY edge be sharp and a 50 degree edge can be made to sharp. But, while you don't want to thin a blade too much as it will become too prone to chip, roll or deform, ALL Busse and kin steel is VERY capable of MUCH thinner edges than come from the factory. Factory edges are pretty well suited for busting concrete still - IMO. Actually, NO JOKE, I buy Masonry tools at the hardware stores for chiseling concrete with more acute angles than most of my Busse and kin knives come with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyway.... got to run. Wife has been waiting for me to help her and I have taken too long typing for now.

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