Cold Steel Barong Machete
Mar 24, 2020 20:39:03 GMT
Post by bebut on Mar 24, 2020 20:39:03 GMT
Introduction
I use machetes frequently for yard work and am always looking for good improvised weapons, plus the barong design has always captured my fancy.
Historical overview
The barong is well know as a traditional design from parts of the Philippines. This is a machete with a barong design, however, the thick and long blade makes it something in between a common machete and a short sword.
My Imacasa machetes have 2mm steel and this has 2.8mm for comparison.
Disclosure
I purchased this online with my own money for $20 on sale. I have no familial or financial ties to Cold Steel or the vendor.
Initial impression
Big and heavy
I like the handle
Statistics and components
18 inch long blade with 2.8 mm 1055 high carbon steel. I has a plastic handle and a nylon sheath that are suitable for this price range. The blade has a black coating. Made in S.
Africa.
www.coldsteel.com/review/product/list/id/402/
There are videos on Youtube.
Handling and test cutting
Although heavy, it is well balanced and the handle design makes it unlikely to slip out of one's hand. At the location where I have this I had nothing to practice cut on. The weight makes me think it is best used for woody brush rather than soft vegetation.
Conclusion
pro-- It has very good pricing for an item marketed in the USA with sheath included. I am satisfied with the nylon sheath but in a dry climate I might prefer leather, but in the real world of working machetes a leather sheath would probably cost more than the knife. For yard work I would probably round off the sharp point. For combat use the thick blade has enough rigidity that it would probably serve for thrusting at soft targets. The handle shape is great for retention whether used for tool or weapon and much less awkward than a lanyard cord. I think it is sufficiently strong despite not having a full exposed tang which has because the gold standard or combat/survival knives.
Con-- the grind was a little off but nothing that the first sharpening would not fix. Some bushcrafters have a thing about black coatings and go through a lot of effort to remove them. In a wet or seasonally wet climate I think it is great for the extra rust protection. I think for my uses I would prefer this in a more traditional length like 15 inches, a good compromise between utility and convenience
Unknown-- I did not sharpen or use the machete so I can make no statement on durability, etc.
The bottom line
I like it. It has a good feel I think Santa may have a real barong for me this year from TFW or somewhere.