[Crutch]

In the thread about second weapons or non fire arm weapons, a gerber machete came up... I fell in love... or so I thought. I enjoyed this review on the gerber vrs the cold steal. I think it was a fair review...

I need advice. I want a good blade.

 

[MikeK]

Cold Steel makes some very good blades for the money. I haven't had much luck with Gerber products. I think I'd be tempted to go with the Cold Steel. Especially when you factor in the fake saw back. I've seen too many of those fake saws on knives as it is. I have some military machetes and I am not impressed with them at all. They take a fair edge, but won't keep it long.

 

[ioda006]

http://www.epsovens.com/heat-treat-headlines/understanding-the-carbon-steel-grade-system/4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_steel

Check out the % of carbon in the steel when you pick. I've been looking into buying something new as well. I'm particularly looking at the kukri style ones because of their multi-purposeness. I've owned the 'walmart' crap ones (actually they were from Harbor Freight) and trust me, you do NOT want one for survival. I bought four to do a fight scene with for film and all four are majorly dented up more than you'd ever want a metal weapon to be.

So for example:
Amazon.com: Ka-Bar Machete Kukri Md: 1249: Sports & Outdoors
The Ka Bar one is 1085 carbon steel. So from what I understand thats .85% carbon content.

Amazon.com: Cold Steel Machete Kukri Md: 97KMS: Home Improvement
Cold steel one is 1055, or .55% carbon content.


More carbon = harder, but can also be more brittle. Should hold an edge better and be stronger, but can break more easily as well. I don't really know much about carbon steel, but I know from common sense that you should have a good medium. Again, I don't really know how accurate these claims are on either of these blades. Reviews for both seem to basically say they're each good for what you pay for.


If you're looking at it from a weapons perspective, read/watch a lot more than this. These guys don't appear to know much about weapons combat at all. If you don't know how now, I'd recommend learning how to fight with a weapon first. If you want a good art to start with, check out Kali / Escrima / Arnis. Much of that art is based around bladed weapons of this size (http://martial.jessecrouch.com/2009/03/transferable-techniques-in-kali-one.html)

Another thing you should know is that almost any machete you buy today is not sold for combat purposes. Lots will be dull to begin with, so don't expect sword-quality sharpness. Also - most "weapons" you buy today are not sold for combat purposes - they're for display and for young boys to buy and pretend they'll use someday. Even if you buy a "sword" it's probably a worse grade of carbon steel than these machetes are. I've hit a lot of these around before; trust me, they suck. Quite honestly you're most likely best off with the 'tools' weapons that have lots of reviews on amazon and elsewhere =)

 

[Raven]

I have a Coldsteel Kukri and absolutely love it. Its a weight forward design with incredible cutting ability. I put it to the test up north this summer looking for diamond willow.

When it lost its edge I just hit it with a file and butchers steel. For the money I don't think you can beat it.

 

[CaliWRX]

I don't think you would want too hard of a steel for the machete, it could break if you strike a stone. It would, however, hold its edge longer. A softer steel would not stay as sharp but it would be easier to sharpen out in the wild. I wouldn't use a machete for heavy cutting anyway, for that I would use and ax, or hatchet.

 

[mandomaj]

I researched machetes last year before settling on a Kabar (link) over the Cold Steel or the Gerber.

I had read that the Cold Steel machetes made more recently had switched to cheaper steel and don't hold up like the older ones that made their reputation as a good tool. Haven't verified it myself, but I'd be careful.

I'm really happy with the Kabar Kukri machete I ended up getting. Holds an edge well, and I use it a lot for chopping bushes, briars, small limbs. Good heft, and good length for what I need. I basically stopped using the smaller axe I have, and don't go hiking without it, cause this thing is just too handy.

 

[mr.trooper]

I cross posted a review of a bunch of different choppers, including a few different models of Cold steel choppers.

The Fiskars brush hook out-chopped everything, including two different hatchets. I was surprised by the results.

The Cold steel double edged (beaver tail) machete came in 2'nd.

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=52711

 

[Crutch]

The only thing I own right now is a Walmart Special, flimsy piece of junk. I want something that isn't wobbly. Can I have something more solid that will also withstand the chopping?

 

[Hedgehobbit]

I have that same Gerber. The saw on it is totally worthless. Its actually a deteriment since you've got a second (kinda) sharp edge to worry about. The handle is comfortable but I don't really trust it since its shape is almost cone-like and I'm afraid it will slip.

My favorite machete is the one my dad gave me when I was a kid.

 

[Old Philosopher]

I appreciate this thread. I'm gratified to hear craftsmanship ain't dead, yet.

I have a WWII U.S. issue machete that was given to me when I was about 8 years old. The handle has been rebuilt twice.
I bought one decades later at a surplus store, and it was junk! I've had two others, and quality has gone steadily down hill. You won't find anything like this 65 year old blade at the local Wal-Mart.

 

[MarksInnerDemon]

I am not sure what Gerber makes there machete out of. I am gonna assume 1050-1055 because of the flexibility.

First I am not expert this is my opinion, but my friend makes knives axes and this make some sense to me.

Price sure as hell doesn't mean quality and name brand blades doesn't mean they do everything well....

Machetes, I get it to chop things, and then I can also use it for a weapon. If that isn't your goal, go buy a sword....

Like others said 1095 O-2(or is it 02) steels are hard keep a edge and don't flex That means for a good chopper you are going to need a thick blade.

Here comes Kabar with a very heavy (which is great for axes....) blade. While its a good weapon metal frankly I don't get the metal they are using. Also most people wont abuse the blade just for the price. Although I will quickly admit the grip is fantastic.

As for Gerber, I am not impressed at all, I'll skip it since I haven't played with.

Coldsteel - I have owned one gave one away, bought a friend one. Here is the deal, the grip sucks. You need a dremil tool or something similar to finish it off. Sandpaper would work great as well and is needed. However its flexible but still retains its blade pretty well. It works like a machete, cuts like a machete, easily sharpened like a machete (unlike Kabar just due to surface length can be a chore).

I have slammed them into plywood and stood on the blade, to climb up on shipping containers. Thrown them etc.

Here it is being abused for our amusement overseas. We threw this thing over and over and over. Great blade for the price! Don't expect miracles but you can't beat the cost.

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/InfernoMDM/?action=view&current=ColdsteelKukrithrow.flv

 

[wilhelm]

I bought an old machete at an auction for $2, and it has held up pretty well. It is a Collins & co. from WWII, and is great for weed chopping, and a ton of other outdoor chores. It holds a great edge with a little filing.

Keep an eye open at yard sales and auctions, you never know what you might come across.

 

[gsxrac]

Well I picked up a Kershaw Outcast for my last kayaking trip and didnt really use it much there but I have used it a bit since and so far I really like it. It stays in my truck bag :

 

[PuddleJumper]

Wilhelm,

Take good care of that Collins. They are considered the best there is in Guatemala by the indigenous people.

They cut fire wood, crops, mow grass, clear brush, and settle disputes with them so they should know who makes a good one.

PJ

 

[wilhelm]

I figure that any machete made in 1945, and still in this kind of condition has to be pretty good.

It has US Legitimus with a crown and an arm holding a hammer, Collins & Co. 1945 stamped on the blade right above the handle. I bought it at an auction for $2 so I can cut weeds for my goats. It was only after I got it home and started to do a bit of research on it, that I knew I had made a pretty good buy.

 

[Wheelgunner]

knife etiquette

Those guys in that video of Cold Steel vs Gerber made me nervous as hell.

If those guys came into my camp and started grabbing machetes from each other's hands like that, I'd have to ask them to leave until they learned some knife handling discipline.

Wheel

 

[Crutch]

Those guys in that video of Cold Steel vs Gerber made me nervous as hell.

If those guys came into my camp and started grabbing machetes from each other's hands like that, I'd have to ask them to leave until they learned some knife handling discipline.

Wheel

So very true. On the other hand, sometimes living life on the edge is the only way some want to live life.

My buddy Castle, is like that. Half crazy, but a good heart.

 

[Crutch]

Well I picked up a Kershaw Outcast for my last kayaking trip and didnt really use it much there but I have used it a bit since and so far I really like it. It stays in my truck bag :

I can't afford that! It would cost more then my truck!

 

[gsxrac]

I can't afford that! It would cost more then my truck!

Haha I cant afford the MSRP but if you check on Ebay you can find them for about half of that price!

 

[Creek Walker]

I have a Hand Forged Bolo that I have absolutely no idea what brand. It seems to be old as its made out of 11 gauge steel or 1/8 inch thick blade. I looked up Cold Steel Bolo and their Bolo is 5/64 or 14 gauge. It's over length is 19 1/2 inches. It has a 14 3/4 inch blade with a 4 3/4 inch handle. There one on ebay just like it but in a little rougher shape http://tinyurl.com/yh3v7kp . I have no problem cutting down small trees or hacking off large limbs. If you could find one I would recommend it. I paid $5.00 for it at a flea market.