Managed to be home from work with some daylight left. Took a stroll up the mountain behind the house with the family. Took a few pictures.

First, my toys (DFLE and Buck Mayo) and my daughter's toy for this hike...


The two dogs walking the trail (the old guy's just barely seen up the path)...


That small tree leaning across the trail above was 'removed' by the DF in three strokes, but no photo. At the overlook from the top of the trail, here's the view west (it's much better on a clear bright day as you'll see in a few months)...


Finally, after a bit of work, a large alder across the trail (as seen a few months ago after I removed a particularly annoying spur branch)...


Anyway, after the DFLE was applied to the job, it gave way and snapped in the middle after chopping half way through from the top...


In summary, I really enjoyed the versatility of the DFLE in it's first NW test. I used it as both a light machete and as a chopper on the walk and it was perfect. The sword ferns were cut back easily, the blackberry vines were dispatched just as I had hoped, and any tree falls (including that 10" diameter fellow) were removed without breaking a sweat. I'm very impressed.

Glad you had time to go for hike. After a long week, its nice to just get out in the wild and forget about everything.

Your hiking area is very similar to the place I hike. 'Cept, today it became extremely foggy. Couldn't see past 20 ft.

Glad you had some fun with the DFLE. However, I must ask why do you have the handles wrapped? Seems, everyone likes the Res-C handles bare.

I started with that Moku-hitched handle concept on the DMLE, which is deservedly known to be 'small'...


Turns out I kinda liked it. The double-spiraled ridges seemed to give an even more positive grip, and you can still feel the cushioning of the Res-C beneath.

As for the DFLE, even though it has the 'large' handle, I go 6'5" and felt I would be more comfortable and would be able to apply more chopping power with my hand more naturally filled. Seems to be working for me so far, but stay tuned!

Hmmm...

I might have to try that on the FBM. I've had the FBM wrapped and D-Guarded. The wrapping didn't really do much. The D-Guard was just aesthetics. It just seems the FBM is perfectly fine with out anything on the handles, not even a safety lanyard.





It wasn't too great since the wrapping was so simple. I also did it with a TOPS steel eagle. Bad idea, the handles became to fat.

Do you have a tutorial on how to do that kind of wrapping? Might like to try that with some other knives.

I spent 20 minutes looking online. Can't find a good tutorial on the Moku. This is the book that taught me every new knot I know, including the Moku and the Ringbolt hitch....

http://tinyurl.com/3ajw83

It even changed the way that I tie my shoe laces.

Nice pics mtrspeed. So where around Puget Sound do you live? I was up there for a couple of years about 4 years ago. That's a beautiful area! I love all the green up there! I'll be going up there in March to visit some friends.

Beautiful area to hike in and great pictures!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Looks like it was a nice hike and a nice opportunity to test those blades. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

looks like a great time

Thanks for the great pics, mtrspeed. Those rain forests in the Pacific NW just call out to me. Like jungles that aren't too hot. I agree about the DFLE. It's a great chopper/machete and woods knife. The best all-around big knife I have found so far. Those cord wrapped handles look nice, too.

Cool pics. THe Pac NW is a great place.