Awesome Hossom Millenium Machete

Eric Blair

Eric Blair

Joined
Dec 25, 2000
Messages
868
When I opened the package from my great friend Larry@bladeart.com , ...I was stunned. The craftsmanship and overall design of this piece is spectacular.

I'm a knife guy, not a sword guy. But I wanted just one perfect short sword for my collection. When I saw the pic of the Hossom Millenium Machete on Larry's www.bladeart.com website, I knew my search was over. But this piece has managed to exceed my highest expectations.

Here's a shot showing the Millenium Machete in my hand so that you can get an idea of the size of this piece.
HossHand.JPG


And here's the profile.
HossProfile.JPG


I spoke to Jerry via e-mail a few nights ago. He informs me that this Millenium Machete is one of only two ATS34 blades ever differentially heat treated by Paul Bos. Paul assures Jerry that there will be no more done this way because it's very tedious and labor intensive.

The blade itself is 20" and expertly ground to razor sharpness. You can shave with any sharpened portion of this blade. The grinds are perfect, and the finish superb. The blade measures .182 thick.

Overall, this piece is 28.5" long and weighs a mere 22 ounces. The balance point is 2" in front of the bolster. The black linen micarta handle and a half aids controllability immeasurably.
All of this translates to a wickedly fast handling piece.

The leather rig is a masterpiece in it's own right, and was made by Jerry Barrowcliff. The sheath to blade fit is splendid. A first class rig for a first class blade. Here's the rig.
HossProfileRig.JPG


My search for the perfect sword is over. This is an incredibly functional piece built solidly for combat, but it's also an absolute beauty for display.
HossUpTip.JPG


Jerry Hossom, thanks for making my search for the perfect short sword so painless and satisfying. This Millenium Machete leaves nothing to be desired.

Larry, as always, you're the best, my friend. Thank you!
 
I smile every time I see that Hossum piece. Jerry does a great job sculpting the handle. And to have it differentially treated by Bos is really a prize.

Not to be overly nosey and inappropriate, but do you mind saying what a piece like that costs from Jerry? How much did the differential treatment add to the cost?
 
Here's Jerry's website http://www.hossom.com/ and many of his prices are listed. Spend some time viewing his gallery, and you're bound to find something that you can't seem to live without. :)

Prices for his short swords, such as the Millenium Machete that I have, are in the $800 to $1000 range. Much more fun than money in the bank. :)

HossHandleClose.JPG


HossRigBack.JPG
 
Eric.

That IS one heck of a piece!!!

I enjoyed talking to Jerry yesterday at the Guild Show. Handling his knives is truely a RUSH!! I also would like to add a larger blade to my collection, the Bronco he had at the show looked PERFECT for use down here on HAWG hunts.....fighting my way through the palmettos :)

Neil
 
And wow again.

Being a big fan of Jerry's work - I can't say enough to express the heavy breathing that seems to take over me when I see beauties like this...and these images DO it all the justice in the world...

What a piece of art....

Great blade-to-$$$ ratio IMHO....

Go Jerry go!!!
 
Thanks for the kind replies, guys. :)

This morning at sunrise I went out upon my new cedar deck with the Millenium Machete. The air was cool and crisp, and the mountains around me were still smoking from the fires that ran rampid through this canyon here on Friday, which we were fortunate enough to avoid. The tall pines of my ranch moved with the invigorating breeze.
And slowly I began working out with my Millenium Machete, putting it through it's paces, finding my oneness with it. Speed and confidence came quickly. Technique began to evolve, yet this is only the beginning of my relationship with this outstanding blade.
The balance of this piece is nearly spiritual. It moves exactly as you would hope for it to move; smoothly, quickly, intentionally. The temperature outside was 56 degrees, yet soon an hour had vanished and I was soaked with sweat. And entirely satisfied that I have found the perfect sword for me.
This will become my new Sunday morning ritual. It's wonderful for the soul.
I came inside to find a wonderful breakfast that my wife had made for my birthday. Delicious.
And upon the table of the china cabinet I noticed that she had her medical kit open, with a syringe, bottle of lidocaine, antiseptic, sutures, and bandages at the ready. She smiled softly and said "Just in case that sword got away from you. Happy birthday."
Happy is an understatement. Life.....is good. :)
HossSmoke.JPG


Neil, although this Millenium Machete is my idea of The Perfect Sword, I would certainly entertain the idea of giving it a sibling if you should happen to decide to design a sword based upon your American Ninja blade style. ;)
 
That is the coolest thing I've ever seen!!! Melodrama aside, I have been eyeing Jerry's swords for a long time, and consider myself his biggest non-owner fan. I wish I could afford a Millenium Machette myself, but until I can, THANKS for the awesome pics and review!

One question: is the sheath leather only, or is does it have Kydex, wood or some other material inside?

-John
 
Eric,

Congratulations, that is one beautiful piece! And your pictures were outstanding.

I've had a chance to play with a few of your sword's brothers and, as you say, that hand-and-a-half handle makes a sword that size handle like it was a bowie- absolutely unbelievable. I'm anxiously waiting for Jerry to finish my own hand-and-a-half Black Espada. The day that it arrives is going to be long remembered.

Enjoy!

Mario
 
Mario, please post pix of your Espada once it arrives! I'd love to see it. :)

John (Kumdo), the leather sheath is leather throughout, but the lining on the blade edge side appears to be 1/2" thick, and very hard. No fear here of cutting into it. :D
 
Mr. Blair, I'm glad to see you've finally joined the family of Hossom lovers =) what took you so long. I have done a few reviews of some hossom knives I own and I am also very intimately familiar with with your machete. You re aright it is one of two differentialy treates pieces of ATS Mr. Bos has maed and the concept really blew me away and all Jerry could say was :"well, Paul said he coudl do it." :) I am glad you lied it and it was also a very passionat review... Glad you "feel" the sword as well as apprecaite it (I seem to find "the waltz" playing in my head when I hold one of Jerry's espadas.)

You asked for sugegstions to match your new americanized ninja blade :) well if you want be sure to ask Jerry abuot his first generation millenium fighter tantoes. I think they woudl be a PERFECT match for this blade.

keep us informed sir :)
 
Jerry MADE me pick up a blade very similar to that one at Blade. I couldn't believe how well balanced and fast it was!! You are one lucky Hossom owner....

Keep us updated!

Michael
 
Wow, Eric! NICE piece. I'm not much for fixed blades (ducking), but that is a beauty! Jerry does amazing work.

Geez - hairy, and eloquent. Who woulda figured? :D Tell Dawl I said "hey".

Your buddy
 
Many thanks to all, but especially Eric for those kind remarks and the pix. The only thing that really matters when you make something like this is how well it assimilates into the hand that will wield it.

I'm truly grateful that Larry found it a good and happy home.
 
Jerry, thank YOU. This Millenium Machete has quickly become my favorite piece within my blade collection. I find myself now judging all other blades to a much higher standard because you have displayed a level of craftsmanship with this Millenium Machete that I was unaware existed in this day and age. So again,.....thank you. :)

This is my first Hossom Custom, but certainly not my last.
 
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