French Billhook (Andre the Giant style - check the handle) : chopping, handle/swing commentary

This is a fairly large/heavy blade :
-960 grams
-balance is 3" infront of the hand (forward grip)
-3.5" wide blade, 10" long
-0.230" thick, distal taper
-edge is 11-13 dps
A short overview :
-starts off on some light woods showing the raw impact power of this large blade
-discussion of how the grind asymmetry/balance causes issues with chip clearing
-commentary on how the swing has to adapt to a more vertical push than a rotational snap
-a little examination of handle modifications to stop the rotational instability on the Billhook
-Andrew's forged blade is used as a comparison to show how a heavy snap influence penetration
-consideration of how to modify the handle on Andrew's knife to increase ergonomics
-ESEE Junglas is also used to show the difference in size and impact power
-Chris Caine Survival tool also does some reference work
Discussion thread :
www.cliffstamp....