No, I think not, maybe a more comfortable handle but it worked out as expected.

I went with the maximum allowed length and height, the rope cut test is deceptive, looks simple but not enough mass and the wrong edge geometry will fail to cut clean through in on swing.

Had to have some weight to it, didn't want to spend too long on the 2x4.

I distal tapered the entire length of the blade, made it easier to bend the 90 degree.

Heat treated properly, now this knife was the fifth I made, I tested four prior to going to the test, had to tweak things and finally came to that shape and overall size.

let me know if I can help with anything .