Golok Field Report (Valiant and Svord Goloks)
Aug 26, 2013 16:43:26 GMT
Post by sweetcostarica on Aug 26, 2013 16:43:26 GMT
This is the video review.
Below is the written review and after use field report of the Valiant Jong Gol L Golok and the Svord British Military Pattern Golok
Before the physical testing we observe:
- Two different prices
- Two different designs
- Two different styles of handles
- Two diffenent countries of manufacture
Performace
After arriving in Earthquake Park I tested the two Golok's camp clearing capabilities. It was at that point I saw the Svord Golok show it's first strength: cutting. Although the Valiant Trading Company's Jong Gol L did a good job, the Svord British Military Pattern did a better and cleaner job.
In chopping and cutting the Svord Golok again took 1st Place. It chopped deeper, debranched a little cleaner, cut light vegitation a bit better, and it curled wood easier. But both Goloks were about equal in splitting.
Blade
The Valiant and Svord Goloks have convexed grinds that stood up to my bushcraft activites very well. The Svord has Swedish tool steel and the Valiant has recycled 5160 Sping Steel which are both are heat treated well. These two steels performed close to each other but the Svord Swedish steel is of higher quality. At the end of testing chipping, bending, or damage was not seen and neither needed sharpening. I just steeled and stroped a little and they were back to "new".
Handling
I liked both handles as they fit my hand well and were very secure. The Valiant Jong Gol L has a round handle with a noob at the end that lets me use the S.E.A.M. This stands for South East Asian Method which is the basic grip and swinging techique in South East Asia and other developing nations. It is also called the Two Finger techique. It is a loose grip that snaps the grip closed on impact. The Svord Golok has a squarish grip which is very much like a Latin machete handle. The handle is nicely rounded on the edges and so I had no hot spots.
Specifications
Valiant Trading Co. Jong Gol L Golok (L = Large)
Made in Indonesia
Overall Length: 20" (51 cm)
Blade length: 13 7/8" (35 cm)
Weight: 15.20 oz (430 grams)
Thickness at spine: 1/4 in (6.5 mm) with distal taper
Steel: Recycled 5160
Blade grind: full convex
Note: hidden and pinned tang
Wooden Sheath
Price: $100 USD
Svord British Military Pattern Golok
Made in New Zealand
Overall Length: 16 3/4" (42.5 cm)
Blade length: 11" (28 cm)
Weight: 15.90 oz (451 grams)
Thickness at spine: 1/8 in (3.2 mm) with no tapering
Steel: Swedish High Quality Tool Steel
Blade grind: The "Baker" Convex edge
Note: full tang
Black Leather Sheath
Price: $145 - $170 USD
Conclusion
Before the FieId Test I was almost sure the Valiant Jong Gol L Golok would be the stronger Golok. But the Svord British Military Pattern Golok shined brighter. It was a pleasure to use and has a physical weight plus comfortable feel that allow all day use without fatigue. I can also use the Valiant Golok throughout the day without tiring. It is a few ounces lighter and is balanced well; a good design. By the way both Goloks had easy drop in and take out sheaths which is important for these kind of working blades.
The Valiant Jong Gol L Golok is a well made, simple, easy to use big knife, and has a nice price. I think I'll use it a lot. The Svord British Military Pattern seems to be just better by verying degrees in almost every thing in comparison. My only problem with it is it's price, ouch. It costs more than many brand name big knives out there. The only compensation here is that the Svord Golok does work and works well. It also looks really nice with top class materials and I predict it will become a favorite for many outdoors people in the future.
Below is the written review and after use field report of the Valiant Jong Gol L Golok and the Svord British Military Pattern Golok
Before the physical testing we observe:
- Two different prices
- Two different designs
- Two different styles of handles
- Two diffenent countries of manufacture
Performace
After arriving in Earthquake Park I tested the two Golok's camp clearing capabilities. It was at that point I saw the Svord Golok show it's first strength: cutting. Although the Valiant Trading Company's Jong Gol L did a good job, the Svord British Military Pattern did a better and cleaner job.
In chopping and cutting the Svord Golok again took 1st Place. It chopped deeper, debranched a little cleaner, cut light vegitation a bit better, and it curled wood easier. But both Goloks were about equal in splitting.
Blade
The Valiant and Svord Goloks have convexed grinds that stood up to my bushcraft activites very well. The Svord has Swedish tool steel and the Valiant has recycled 5160 Sping Steel which are both are heat treated well. These two steels performed close to each other but the Svord Swedish steel is of higher quality. At the end of testing chipping, bending, or damage was not seen and neither needed sharpening. I just steeled and stroped a little and they were back to "new".
Handling
I liked both handles as they fit my hand well and were very secure. The Valiant Jong Gol L has a round handle with a noob at the end that lets me use the S.E.A.M. This stands for South East Asian Method which is the basic grip and swinging techique in South East Asia and other developing nations. It is also called the Two Finger techique. It is a loose grip that snaps the grip closed on impact. The Svord Golok has a squarish grip which is very much like a Latin machete handle. The handle is nicely rounded on the edges and so I had no hot spots.
Specifications
Valiant Trading Co. Jong Gol L Golok (L = Large)
Made in Indonesia
Overall Length: 20" (51 cm)
Blade length: 13 7/8" (35 cm)
Weight: 15.20 oz (430 grams)
Thickness at spine: 1/4 in (6.5 mm) with distal taper
Steel: Recycled 5160
Blade grind: full convex
Note: hidden and pinned tang
Wooden Sheath
Price: $100 USD
Svord British Military Pattern Golok
Made in New Zealand
Overall Length: 16 3/4" (42.5 cm)
Blade length: 11" (28 cm)
Weight: 15.90 oz (451 grams)
Thickness at spine: 1/8 in (3.2 mm) with no tapering
Steel: Swedish High Quality Tool Steel
Blade grind: The "Baker" Convex edge
Note: full tang
Black Leather Sheath
Price: $145 - $170 USD
Conclusion
Before the FieId Test I was almost sure the Valiant Jong Gol L Golok would be the stronger Golok. But the Svord British Military Pattern Golok shined brighter. It was a pleasure to use and has a physical weight plus comfortable feel that allow all day use without fatigue. I can also use the Valiant Golok throughout the day without tiring. It is a few ounces lighter and is balanced well; a good design. By the way both Goloks had easy drop in and take out sheaths which is important for these kind of working blades.
The Valiant Jong Gol L Golok is a well made, simple, easy to use big knife, and has a nice price. I think I'll use it a lot. The Svord British Military Pattern seems to be just better by verying degrees in almost every thing in comparison. My only problem with it is it's price, ouch. It costs more than many brand name big knives out there. The only compensation here is that the Svord Golok does work and works well. It also looks really nice with top class materials and I predict it will become a favorite for many outdoors people in the future.