Hi Dogs. Decided to test out the Waki on the wicked mesquite.

The mesquite has been sitting in the sun and has gotten hit by the sprinklers twice a day.
I don't know what that does to it but chopping the mesquite felt like I was chopping iron.
Good news is the mesquite didn't stand a chance anyway.
I have wanted a true test of SR101 and I knew this would be it after the first blow.
The blade has the factory edge which is suitable for chopping but not at it's best.
I state this because I know changing it will make it a better chopper but it will also be a little more prone to chips and dents.

Here is the mesquite resting on the two halves of another piece a "certain knife" and a baton beat through:



Here is the status of the mesquite after approximately 2 minutes.
I am not the beefiest of dudes but I was well rested and ready and it was still a challenge to chop.
I believe it was a combination of the lightweight blade and density of the wood.
I was able to find the sweet spot and that barely sped things up.



I'm sure by now you are wondering about the handle wrap.
Well, I like paracord wraps and I had read that when chopping with the Waki there is an issue with vibration.
I am a big fan of Res-C and if there is a version of a SYKCO sword that gets produced it most likely WILL replace the Waki.
Until then, the paracord does just fine. Quick and easy to readjust afterwards, which is inevitable after chopping like this.
I only had a couple of strikes with vibration and the 550 absorbed quite a bit.
Here we are at approximately 4 minutes of chopping:



By this point I adjusted the wood to save time.
I have checked the edge after every 2 miutes of pause and was pleasantly surprised.
No damage. None.
It's not that I don't trust what others have said but I have seen what hard chopping can do to a blade.
SR101 is amazing. Oh yeah, the blade has great flex but always goes back to true.

Here we are at 6 minutes and finally the breakthrough:





Here is an interesting pic showing the chips that came off. These are the largest chips.
I was swinging with some good solid chops and this was all that came off!?!
If anything it makes the fire starting a bit easier.



Here is the edge retention afterwards, simply amazing:



The fuzz you see is mesquite. I found no dents, rolls, or chips.
I can't say the same for any other blades except for my DDF and SOD.
The MUK had the tiniest of chips after chopping, but was easily fixed.





So, that's it folks. Nothing professional here, just a regular joe shmo playing with a Waki and finding it to be a spectacular blade.
I can only imagine what Res-C would add to the mix.

Thanks for checking it out!

Very nice test. Thanks for posting.

Awesome post Art.

Hopefully, some guys that have been on the fence about how tough Jerry can make SR-101 will start to get it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Mesquite is VERY tough and hard wood. That is NOT an easy test. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I don't think mesuite is quite as "hard" as ironwood, but it is very close, But, I think mesquite might be a bit "tougher". It seems more fibrous and wirey.

I have tried cutting mesquite with various types of saws and mesquite dulls most saw blades almost like cutting steel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

.

Great stuff, Art. Now that's what I like to see. Take a $400+ blade and beat the hardest wood you have. The Waki is super tough! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

So it's safe to assume the Reg will generate the same results being diff. treated SR101?

(Shorter version of course. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)

Thanks Dogs! The test was fun but the results were even better.
There is a sense of pride knowing your blade is that good.

Joe, that is a very safe assumption. You could even assume similar results with a more challenging test. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've been waiting for my sheath to get here (the same one you got!) before I take it out.

But yes, it will be "tested". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Awesome.

Great test and great pics Art! That is some awesome steel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> Good idea on the para wrap. I don't have anything like mesquite around, but the choke cherry can take its toll on a blade. Gnarly stuff. I spent yesterday eve filing out chips on my Ontario machete. Just got my DDF in and am looking forward to seeing how that holds up.

Nice test! Mesquite and juniper are indeed evil tough woods to chop especially after they have been weather hardened. It seems like they fossilize more than dry LOL.

Nice work and pics! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sweet!


I dont have any mesquite around these parts. Looks like tough stuff.