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Post by Rain on Sept 26, 2023 15:27:11 GMT
Hi everybody! What are your thoughts Blade Brothers Golok vs Tops Knives Storm Vector? Blade Brothers Golok, made in Ukraine, weight 24 ounces, blade 15 1/3 inches, steel 66Mn4, handle ABS, price 69.$ Tops Knives Storm Vector, made in USA, weight 24 ounces, blade 12 2/3 inches, steel 1095, handle micarta+G10 liner, price 224.95$ Attachments:
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Post by howler on Sept 26, 2023 16:08:22 GMT
Don't know anything about the Golok but if price were no factor than I'd take the Vector (well, because it's more expensive by a mile ). Diff hardened USA made 1095 and kydex sheath for starters, but again, don't know anything about that Golok (so maybe I'll edit later).
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seth
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Just Peachy
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Post by seth on Sept 26, 2023 17:25:45 GMT
I have no experience with Golok in specific. I have a Ukrainian made hatchet which is very good quality. I have Tops bushcraft knife which is also excellent.
My take is that the Golok is a machete though at 5 mm thick, it is a very beefy machete. I have the Ka-bar kukri machete which beefier than Cold Steel machetes and it is about 4 mm thick. So, I think the Golok would do really well at machete like tasks. They market it as suitable for chopping wood--I am not sure if that means batoning, but it's probably think enough.
The Tops is a large knife. It is 1/4 inch thick. Definitely could baton with it. It would be a good chopper too.
I think though the Golok would probably do everything the Tops would at a great price point. I may look into getting one.
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mrstabby
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Post by mrstabby on Sept 26, 2023 18:06:29 GMT
The Golok looks more like a machete, more forward heavy, the Vector more knife. The straight edge will be a better camp knife, for cutting, carving etc. The Golok will have more chopping power (because of its geometry and because it's longer). Golok is powder coated, which can be good or bad, depending on the manufacturer, the Vector is acid etched. Both will rub off eventually, but a good powder coat does not need as much maintenance as the acid etch. 1095 will hold the edge longer, 66Mn4 being a spring steel will probably take more effort to break (bigger difference here). Kershaw Machetes are 65Mn, pretty close, and I have heard good things. The 66Mn4 at 55HRC is softer compared to the 1095s 58HRC, which will compond both previous statements. The sheath is where I'd say the Storm Vector undoubtedly has the upper hand. I loath these top-strap-with-button nylon sheaths. Though the Vector's sheath is also open on one side, I just like Kydex better. I have given up on drawing conclusions on grips from photos, could be totally different in person.
I'd say want a beater go with the Golok, want a big camp knife go with the Storm Vector.
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