A short sword/machete recommendation

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charlesbjr

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Mar 8, 2006
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As always, budget information helps. What sort of tasks do you envision "minor trail work and camp building" to include? For some that includes everything from whittling spoons to batoning through a tree.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
As always, budget information helps. What sort of tasks do you envision "minor trail work and camp building" to include? For some that includes everything from whittling spoons to batoning through a tree.
Budget is no more than $275.
The heaviest chore will be clearing some sticker bushes and maybe cutting a small sapling to help carry out a deer. No spoon carving and no batoning. Sorry, I also have to mention that I want more of a satin finish, no blade coatings. Thanks
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charlesbjr said:
crimsonfalcon07 said:
As always, budget information helps. What sort of tasks do you envision "minor trail work and camp building" to include? For some that includes everything from whittling spoons to batoning through a tree.
Budget is no more than $275.
The heaviest chore will be clearing some sticker bushes and maybe cutting a small sapling to help carry out a deer. No spoon carving and no batoning. Sorry, I also have to mention that I want more of a satin finish, no blade coatings. Thanks
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You'll want a thin blade for stuff like that. It's a shame Blind Horse Knives is no longer in Business. Their Machete is WONDERFUL. You might be able to get LT Wright Knives to custom make you one http://www.ltwrightknives.com/custom-knives.html . I absolutely love mine. The first part of the spine is squared off sharply for use with a fire steel. The other 2/3 of the spine is rounded so that it's comfortable to grip for use as a draw knife, and to extend the life of whatever piece of wood you're using as a baton.

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If you're looking for something a tad different than standard Machete type designs the how about one of Scorpions short swords like a Kopis or a Falcata? (i seem to be recommending their blades a lot recently)...

The Falcon Sword is really well made and hits your budget at $229: http://traditionalarcherybows.com/handmade_falcon_alexander_the_great_kopis_sword_p5 8.html

Or the Brutish "Reaper" sword at $239: http://traditionalarcherybows.com/handmade_the_reaper_p118.html

[video=youtube;liScT9ZzJ2I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liScT9ZzJ2I[/video]
 
Yes, I was looking at the Scorpion swords and was trying to decide between their sword and the Filipino Janap from traditiionalfilipinoweapons.com. I love that Janap. Do you think there is a difference in the quality?
 
Thing is, we know Chris Palmer on here, and that he does good work. I don't know anything about the consistency or quality of the heat treat from the other site. From what they say about it on their site, they do look to me worth trying. At least they can identify the steel type and hardness. That's usually a good sign.
 
I own a Janap and it's beautiful. It looks a little front heavy, but it is well balanced. Though it will easily cut wood while you're camping, it's not really a sword you want to baton with (at least in my opinion). If you don't mind romping on a piece of art then by all means have at it, it will take the abuse. It is a sword, it was built to be used and Ron Kosakowski has proven that. I'm content with just using it to practice martial arts.
 
Great ideas folks, thanks!

I am afraid that if I hang around here too long I am going to turn into a sword junkie! Bad enough I am already a knife junkie!
 
Traditionfilipinoweapons.com (TFW) has a great reputation for quality, so I wouldn't worry about that. But I second the suggestion about checking out some of Himalayan Imports' offerings -- specifically an inexpensive and very sturdy all-around user called the Keshar Lal Villager Utility Knife (KLVUK). It'll be much less than your maximum budget and you'll be supporting a great business that upholds the authentic craftsmanship of old world quality blacksmithing. Check out Nutnfancy's recent video on Himalayan Imports.
 
+1 on Himalayan Imports and the KLVUK. It does all that you'd want and a lot more, and it's got a forge finish so you don't have to worry about buggering up some pretty mirror finish.
 
Check out Himalayan Imports. They have a sub forum here and they produce the best kuks i've ever handled for great prices. The sword/machete thing you're asking for makes me think of their Sirupati and chitlangi
 
The Sirupati is more of a fighter, it may not do the best as a chopper. Brush clearer, maybe, but I'd feel better with one of their more bellied Khukuri.
 
DarthTaco123 said:
The Sirupati is more of a fighter, it may not do the best as a chopper. Brush clearer, maybe, but I'd feel better with one of their more bellied Khukuri.
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Yep i know but he said sword/machete and the ones I mentioned are swordlike. For chopper I'd say go CAK
 
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