Originally posted by Doc Ron:
Thanks for asking. I just posted the ATAX info. Most of the posts you saw have probably been by folks who saw the thing in action or who heard about it on our forum.
I won't be using it personally in the jungle till next year. It will probably be on my belt, under my shirt for "emergencies". The machete is still my tool of choice in the jungle.
The Anacondas we've used in the jungle have all done very well. I use the knife so much that there is no problem with rust. I carried a Tuf-cloth but usually monkey grease and other animal fats protected the blade from rust. INFI did very well. The 1095 would probably rust more than the INFI if it was left sheathed and unused.
One thing I try to keep in mind is that the machetes are made from the strangest steels and none of those steels are very technical. Still the indig are able to keep them sharp with a smooth stream stone and rust free just through daily use. They do stain however as does everything but Talonite.
I'll be posting more photos soon. The video on the ATAX should be finished within two weeks and the tool will be available soon thereafter.
Ron