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Post by JohnnyC on Apr 12, 2011 23:14:38 GMT
Hi all i am looking for a machete right now to take camping with me. just for doing camp chores with. i don't really want an axe though. i've narrowed my search down to 2 right now. the cold steel kukri machete with the 13 inch blade or a ka-bar kukri machete. was just curious if anyone has ever tried out both and which one you like best. cold steel is much cheaper and the only thing bad i have read is the handle isn't that great. i bet some paracord would help that out though. i've also read that the sheath for both aren't that great either but i am not concerned about a sheath. thanks for the help in advance and if you have any other suggestions i am looking for something fairly cheap (gonna be abusing it), fixed blade and i don't want a 2handed machete. thanks!
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Post by Tendrax on Apr 13, 2011 6:36:24 GMT
The handle on the cold steel can be a bit rough on your hands, but a pair of gloves or a paracord wrap solves that problem. The sheath really is trash. It's essentially un-usable for anything but storage. Also, when I got mine the edge was sharp, BUT the black coating was completely over the edge making it near useless. However a bit of time with some sand paper and it was fixed, and I don't know whether they're still like that or not. Something to keep in mind though.
Haven't seen or used the KA-BAR one, but I know they make quality stuff so I'm sure it'd be fine.
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Post by GUEST on Apr 13, 2011 7:06:35 GMT
Have you checked out my reviews in the other weaopns section. I haven't test the Ka Bar but I would go with the Marbles Jungle Scout if you want a short machete.
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Post by JohnnyC on Apr 13, 2011 8:05:02 GMT
It's good to know that the handle on the CS machete can be fixed thank you. Wearing gloves probably isn't a bad idea either on any of them lol. I also just watched a destructive test on the CS machete and i was greatly impressed. The Ka-bar is $50+ and that is the only reason i didn't go out and buy it yet... I really liked the hunter's orange on those Marbles machetes, would be a lot easier to find if it was misplaced. however i was really liking the kukri style.
so i think i will go with the CS kukri machete w/ a hunter's orange paracord wrap on it unless someone who has tested (especially a destructive test) a Ka-bar chimes in within the next couple of days. i would've loved to get the ka-bar and do a review on it for everyone but the Cold Steel is just so much cheaper (especially for what i am gonna use it for)
Thank you very much guys
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 13, 2011 15:29:34 GMT
Unless you have big hands you may want to thin down the CS grip with a rasp or something; paracord wrap can be kind of thick.
Also, you can just get a can of cheap Rust-Oleum spray paint and cover the machete with it if you want that orange colour... I agree that it'd make it a lot easier to find!
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Post by Tendrax on Apr 14, 2011 2:37:08 GMT
Yeah, with strait paracord it is a bit thick, but if you used hollowed out paracord it has the same tactile effect without making it much thicker. That is how mine is done and I love it. [EDIT: Picture ]
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Post by JohnnyC on Apr 14, 2011 4:47:05 GMT
Thats a good lookin handle Tendrax. I was also gonna make a Kydex sheath for mine, seems like everyone is complaining about the sheath it comes with and Kydex is pretty easy to work with imo. i will post up a pic when i get it all done.
Also i just recently discovered that the Ka-bar kukri machete is made in Taiwan.
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Greg
Senior Forumite
Posts: 1,800
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Post by Greg on Apr 14, 2011 14:55:55 GMT
Another bonus of the Marbles machetes are the easy-fitting sheaths that come with 3 pockets big enough to fit an altoids can in.
I'm just saying... I got a marbles machete because of Fallen's reviews, and I'll never again consider my cold steels for anything.
I understand that you were looking for a kukri style and all, but just thought I'd put in another huray for Marbles.
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Post by JohnnyC on Apr 14, 2011 22:44:36 GMT
Thanks for the info Greg. who woulda thought it would be so hard for me to make a decision on a $20 machete. Imagine when the time comes to get my first Albion LOL. sounds like the Marbles is the way to go, because the bottom line is it's gonna be a tool not a showpeice. but i do have one last question that i did not see in the review. How well do the Marbles baton/split firewood? i do realize it's not an axe Thanks for your patience on what should've been a pretty easy and quick decision
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Post by JohnnyC on Apr 15, 2011 22:23:44 GMT
Alright i think i have decided FINALLY!!!
gonna go with the Marble's Bowie Jungle Machete. It's got a 10" blade and 15" overall. i think that is more suited for the camping chores i am gonna want it for... not really hoping to clear brush with it.... unless i get lost somewhere lol. And it's short enough to fit inside my backpack!
Thank you very much for the help!
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