Another Firebow Experiment & A New Machete

[Mistwalker]

I grabbed a small Poplar log the last time I was up on the mountain as I intended to experiment with it. Then I waited on a new tool I had coming to start the experiment. The Fiddleback machete came today so this evening I took a break and went outside to start the experiments.

Ok...I first want to say somethings. This is not an actual review of the machete because I've only had it for a few hours, but there are some things I want to say about it. Now, historically I have not really been a machete person...at least not since I moved north of the semi-tropics of southern Florida. I tend to have little need for a traditional machete here outside of yard work. I find the longer models cumbersome and annoying in the field, and I had...until today...not found a shorter one I liked. I have never liked the "blocky", uncomfortable plastic handles, didn't like the deep sweeps with no usable point nor the up-swept blades of ones with points for my particular uses, and I have never really liked the blade/handle relationships.

I love this machete. I love the size, I love the blade shape and weight distribution, and I love the handle ergonomics and the angle of the handle/blade relationship. So far I think it is just awesome.

I guess it only stands to reason the machete I would really like would come from a custom maker whose blade shapes I find very appealing. What is funny is that this machete I love so much isn't even up to Andy's standards and is one he considers a screw-up as he got off a bit on the grind. Which is completely understandable as it is a new endeavor for him and so naturally there must be a learning curve to working with blades this long.

This is the most comfortable machete I have ever held, and the ergos are also perfect for a rearward grip for more power, which got used a bit today chopping some seasoned Poplar.

This is the limb I chopped and split to make the hearth-board. I first chopped it into three sections, the third section just because I was enjoying using the knife.

In this shot you can see the old notches where I checked the disposition of the wood the day I picked it up, the fresh cuts are much lighter.

part 1 of 4
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[Mistwalker]

Then I split one using a baton to get the plank I wanted.

You can see the blade flexing in this shot.

But no ill effects on the blade, and i got the plank I wanted

I liked this picture...I just made a new bearing block and firesteel handle out of deer antler yesterday while I was hanging out over at a friends house...actually since it was his shop and his tools it was sort of a team effort as John did most of the work.

part 2 of 4
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[Mistwalker]

I burned in the spindle using an older Cedar spindle and then laid out the notch. I used the tip of the machete to bore a small dent for the spindle to start in, then I used the saw of my SAK to cut the notch and the machete to clean it up. Then whittled a little more on the spindle tip before going for a coal.

part 3 of 4
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[Mistwalker]

While I got good smoke, and some nice black dust...it soon became apparent that getting a coal using the Cedar spindle was going to be more work than I had time for, had light enough for photos of, and more than I had the desire to do this evening.

The antler divot worked very well though, it is now black and more glossy inside. Tomorrow I'll either whittle a Poplar spindle or go get a couple of smaller poplar limbs and try again. It was still a fun experiment

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[FortyTwoBlades]

I told ya' you'd love that machete! I've been absolutely enamored with my 16" and 18" ones! I'll be doing a review as well when I get the chance, but I've had the opportunity to use them a couple of times now. Gotta' love what a good machete can do! :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

I told ya' you'd love that machete! I've been absolutely enamored with my 16" and 18" ones! I'll be doing a review as well when I get the chance, but I've had the opportunity to use them a couple of times now. Gotta' love what a good machete can do! :thumbup:

Yeah, I know you told me lol. I'm definitely loving the machete VERY much so far :thumbup:

 

[6shooter]

That is a freakin sweet looking machete. I really like how far back he brought the grind for finer work, as opposed to most machetes you see. The handle ergos look fantastic too. What are the specs on it?

 

[Doc13]

Very nice mini review, and nice pics too:thumbup:

 

[sleevefullofaces]

Very cool pics. I love that machete and the antler bearing block is cool as well.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

Ya I need to get one of those machetes. No question about it. Great pics too.

 

[Mistwalker]

That is a freakin sweet looking machete. I really like how far back he brought the grind for finer work, as opposed to most machetes you see. The handle ergos look fantastic too. What are the specs on it?

Yep I agree with all that :thumbup:

Specs:

Blade 11.6"
Handle 6"
Steel Thickness 0.120" (The 12" models are a little thicker than the others I think)
Steel 1070
Handle Tan Canvas Micarta

Very nice mini review, and nice pics too:thumbup:

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

Very cool pics. I love that machete and the antler bearing block is cool as well.

Thanks, me too. I'm really diggin' the antler bearing :thumbup:

Ya I need to get one of those machetes. No question about it. Great pics too.

Definitely a sweet machete!

Glad you enjoyed the pics.

 

[caine]

DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIT I want a few of them

 

[Fiddleback]

I wish I hadn't miffed the grind on the side of that one. Drat. Its the 12" model, and its the one I'm most enamored with. A perfect tool to complete the classic Nessmuk trio. And a much better tool that that horrible small double bit hatchet Mr. Sears designed IMO. My Nessmuk hatchets worry me. I'm constantly worried I'll sink it into a log, then sit on it. You can do lots more, lots safer with a 12" machete, and its likely lighter.

Once I get through the sampling phase with the Imacassa folks, I'll have several hundred coming in! I'm really excited about this project.

 

[Mistwalker]

DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIT I want a few of them

Patience bro, they're coming. Trust me, they'll be worth the wait :thumbup:

I wish I hadn't miffed the grind on the side of that one. Drat. Its the 12" model, and its the one I'm most enamored with. A perfect tool to complete the classic Nessmuk trio. And a much better tool that that horrible small double bit hatchet Mr. Sears designed IMO. My Nessmuk hatchets worry me. I'm constantly worried I'll sink it into a log, then sit on it. You can do lots more, lots safer with a 12" machete, and its likely lighter.

Once I get through the sampling phase with the Imacassa folks, I'll have several hundred coming in! I'm really excited about this project.

I like this machete MUCH better than ANY hatchet or axe I have ever carried. It's much more versatile, and lighter too. Great design brother :thumbup:

 

[PayetteRucker]

I really like that design. Well executed too. Defined sweet spot, useable point, flat section of the blade, appears to be a great do-everything kind of design.

 

[tonym]

Thats a beauty of a Machete,Congrats!

I don't think the spindle was the reason for your lack of coal. The powder looks good, it just appears you didn't get it hot enough. Judging your pics, I would say your hearth board is too thick and not allowing you to generate enough heat to get your powder to that magic 800 degrees. Try thinning the board a bit.

 

[TheGame]

The handle ergos on that look very comfy. I've been looking around for a good short machete, it looks like that maybe a perfect fit for what I need in that regard. Great mini-review :thumbup:

Also, he did most of the work, but it was a team effort?

 

[chainring]

Enjoyed the read, and the pics - can't wait for the 12 inchers!!!

 

[unclerod]

Thanks for sharing - great pics and info, I noticed these when Fiddleback first posted the prototypes in the -makers- forum and I have been following the progress up until now. This feedback confirms that I should put one on my "gotta get" list. How would its performance compare to say a production chopper like an RTAK, Junglas or the like?

 

[kage]

That machete turned out better than I thought it would! Andy, it's a work of art. Now, do I get the 12" or 14" model? Hmmmm...

As always, great work Mistwalker. I always look forward to your posts.