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Post by john570 on Feb 1, 2013 22:54:06 GMT
So I'm looking to add a few things to my car bug out bag (which I will post the constants of on here tomorrow ) mainly a cold steel special forces shovel, a good crowbar, and a tough tactical sword. For the sword I'd like to be able to get two hands on it if need. But I don't think I'd be able to find anything that would be cheap but though enough. So I think I'm gonna be stuck getting a single hander. I'd like to keep it under $100 but more like under $50 if possible. So far I have two choices in mind. The cold steel gladius machete and my idea for taking the cold steel boar spear head and using a cold steel special forces shovel handle to make a short sword. Would either one of these "swords" have an advantage over the other in function or toughness. Im also up for any other ideas or suggestions anyone else has.
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Post by unistat76 on Feb 1, 2013 23:28:07 GMT
In general, given the options you listed, I would go with a machete of some sort. Gladius, saber, or traditional latin.
To really answer your question, I would ask "Is this a Bug-Out-Bag or a Get-Home-Bag or a hybrid," "What kind of area do you operate in, urban, sub-urban, rural, wooded, farmland, etc," and "Is this for use as a tool or self-defense or what?"
A machete or short sword might not be the best option for you.
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Post by demonskull on Feb 1, 2013 23:32:22 GMT
Go for the Gladius. I'd make a new sheath or scabbard though.
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Post by john570 on Feb 1, 2013 23:48:25 GMT
My bug out bag is a mix of my camping gear, ultra light back packing gear, survival kit/truama kit, Lots of food, water, weapons, guns, ext. I'll go into more detail tomorrow . I do have an ontario machete, geber axe plus a few other things for chopping. So I'm looking for a straight sword for fighting. I live in pa. My area is farm/woodlands but I would have to cut through some sempriniesque little towns to get home. I also go back home to long island a lot suburban/ghetto.
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Post by john570 on Feb 2, 2013 0:08:33 GMT
The scabbard is the only drawback for the gladius. Im also worried about how much it handles and functions like a machete and not a sword. I'm not sure if the gladius will flex to much in the thrust and not hit as hard and cut as deep as a sword. Chopping and bitting more like a machete. For the weight, thickness, heat treat, ext. never mind the price I know a cant expect to get something the functions like a true sword. But I do want a good cut and thrust "sword" that can thrust without over flexing. And are there any other shovels out there that can compete with the special forces shovel in toughness on the same price level.
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Post by unistat76 on Feb 2, 2013 1:59:41 GMT
First thing I'd do (if you haven't already) is a 5 mile hike carrying your gear. Generally after this, folks begin to dump overly redundant gear. Two is one, sure, but if it, is exactly the same with no other layered functionality, I would dump it. Given that, I would only keep one machete/sword-type item if you also have an axe or tomahawk.
Don't underestimate a good ole latin machete, they are used often enough as weapons with good effect. If you really want a thrusting weapon, then the gladius machete could be used as a short sword and your brush-buster.
Having said that, is there a reason you are not planning on carrying a firearm? They are far more versatile for defense and taking game.
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Post by john570 on Feb 2, 2013 2:41:29 GMT
I normally do 20 plus mile hikes with the gear. I have a ton of latin machetes, a truly great tool but I want a sticker. And I carry a glock 30 (45acp) on me at all times plus a kahr PM9 (9mm) in the clover box as well as a customized marlin XLR 30/30 in the trunk. I'm also thinking about keeping my decked out Ak47 or a Robinson arms XCR in the truck as well plus a 22.cal for taking game.
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Post by unistat76 on Feb 2, 2013 3:23:47 GMT
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Post by john570 on Feb 2, 2013 3:39:31 GMT
Yeah I saw it. I do like it my camp machete has a similar handle, it's great for safety. I think I'm leaning more towards the gladius as a thruster though. Just wish the sheath wasn't so crappy.
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Post by john570 on Feb 2, 2013 3:51:20 GMT
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Post by unistat76 on Feb 2, 2013 16:35:35 GMT
I plan on buying the Condor Bush Cutlass myself, not for my GHB, just for funsies, but I'll probably take it with me camping. I keep my GHB a little lighter than you on weapons. Just a rifle with the bag and my pistol which I EDC. I also have a camp knife and lightweight hatchet for tools. No machetes or swords.
I look forward to seeing your BOB inventory.
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Post by johnapsega on Feb 2, 2013 19:10:17 GMT
I have the Cold Steel Kukri Machete and I love it. Has a lot of athority in the chop, I have used it to carve by gripping up on the handle and using the shallow part of the blade, mostly to make feather sticks. It is a great tool, and I can imagine that it would be a top notch weapon would the need arise.
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Post by john570 on Feb 4, 2013 1:26:53 GMT
This is what I have in my car. Keep in mind I don't plan on taking it all with me. It's for more then one person and many deferent situations.
My pocket kit (small pocket size Maxpedition Pack): compase, paracord, Tops pocket saw, batteries for surefire, (Bic) mini lighter, matches in tube, peantbutter packs, survival resources 1 qt. foldable water bags, water purification tabs, triple antibiotic, small LED light, ferrocerium fire rods, duct tape, 2 military emergency blankets.
Day pack: Equinox rain poncho, hat and gloves, 34oz platypus, paracord, emergency bivvy, compass, water putrefaction tabs, peantbutter packs and food bars, water, survival resources foldable water bags, wool socks, Rocky top and bottom, knife sharpener, frog spear (gigg), integral designs tarp, whistle, batteries for surefire, red bandana, duct tape, magnesium fire starter, trioxane fuel bars, esbit fuel tabs, ( Bic) lighter, fire rods and tinder, matches in tube, gerber multi tool, frog togs rain jacket.
Big food bag: MRE's, food bars, water, vargo titanium hexagon stove, vargo sierra cup, vargo triad stove and alcohol, hats, gloves, socks, tops, bottoms, boots, two man tent, coats, rain coats, sleeping bag, mat, flash lights.
Trauma and med kit: Xeroform (petrolatum pressing), Z pak dressing (sterile wound packing), Sam finger splint, stitches, water jel burn dressing, compression bandage, triple antibiotic, burn jel pack, coflex, steri strips, iodine, elastic gauze bandage, med and duct tape, a chest seal, chlora prep swabstick, ABD pad, tourniquet, celox, scalpel, H&H compressed gauze, med shears, Olaes modular compression bandage.
Weapons and cutting tools: Cold Steel trail master, bushman, push dagger, bird & trout, bahco saw, gerber axe, Randall 14, Ontario camp machete, decked out AK47, custom marlin XLR 30/30, Khar PM9 (9mm), plus extra ammo and magazines. I carry on me at all times a voyager XL tanto surefire flash light, SOG keychian multi tool, and a Glock 30 (45 acp).
Want to add: vargo cooking pot and cup set, a cold steel gladius machete, a good crowbar, special forces shovel, ext.
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Post by john570 on Feb 4, 2013 2:04:05 GMT
I have one as well but I'll looking for more of a sticker. I want something that can go under and through the rib cage. And if you thrust into someone's abdomen can hit the spine and drop them.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Feb 4, 2013 2:36:33 GMT
Thanks for the list--fascinating reading and impressively thorough. You clearly have put a lot time into evaluating and making choices. My weapons list could benefit by the addition of CS Bushman and a folding saw. Instead of a large knife I have a 12" CS Bowie machete.
My firearm choices are different: (1) Marlin lever carbine in 44sp/Mag, (2) Rem Model7 in 243Win w/ Compact 3x9 scope and (3) Glock 36 (45acp). This is pre-apcolyptic outfitting which is relatively non-threatening--tools, cowboy gun and hunting rifle. In the case of real trouble, then I have batteries which also reflect the same three gun thinking, but with no consideration for remaining PC or socially acceptable.
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Post by john570 on Feb 4, 2013 3:11:18 GMT
My AK47 has a rail system with surefire light and a pressure switch, foward grip, an Ace folding M4 stock, and an aimpoint T1 with Larue QD mount. The Marlin XLR 30/30 has had the barrel chopped to 19 inch, all the metal has been sand blasted , and had the action tuned. It has a Leupold Mark 4 MR/T scope and Larue SPR QD mount. I need to add a 22.cal to to the truck of the car as well.
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Post by john570 on Feb 4, 2013 3:18:03 GMT
I forgot my sling is in the car as well. I also want to add a slingshot and extra bands. Maybe switch out the Ak47 for a XCR from Robinson arms too.
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Post by Striderfly on Feb 17, 2013 9:00:39 GMT
1022, and water filter.
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Post by john570 on Feb 17, 2013 15:39:19 GMT
Got a water filter but want a new one for the car and I want to get a marlin 22.
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Post by john570 on Feb 17, 2013 18:20:45 GMT
I reposted this in the general section under " my bug out bag and weapons ".
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