Badass Machetes!! modded by Fiddleback

Lets update this deal how about it?

I've spoken with the machete source. Alas. They don't even have the ten pieces of the 22" Collins I was promised. They have two. Thats it. I'm bummed, because I feel like that was a gem. The thing sings when you swing it.

So. Adapt and overcome, right? I've ordered two each of two additional models. These are the 18" Collins with the large rounded point, and an Ontario that has a similar blade finish and a cool 1943 stamp.

Both of these are $6 more than the previous blades, so I'm already bummed. The 18" machete will need to have that big round honker ground off so that it will have a point. Time consuming. Also, the handle is shaped funny, and I don't like it as much as the 22's. The Ontario's look fine. What is y'all's opinion of them?
 
Also. Do you guys that got one of the first batch think I should stop bringing the edge down to the grip, or are you happy to have it there where its useful for notching?
 
I like having the edge all the way down to the grip- although it might be useful to have it end a little bit before the handle. 1/2" maybe? I'm afraid- probably irrationally- that my hand may slip forward onto the blade as is. I may just dull out a little section myself.

And the handle should be rounded a bit more, as 42blades has suggested- I've rounded mine off, and it does make things much more comfy.

I think it's pretty clear that your source decided to sell the remaining blades to that Army-Navy surplus store instead. I nabbed one of the 22 inchers- and it is identical to the one you modded up for me. I also picked up one of the 20 inchers, and it is SWEET.
 
Well, I got 8 machete's in today. I'll post pics next week and start the process. I think its time to have my own Machete blades made. I enjoy this a lot!
 
Fiddleback said:
Lets update this deal how about it?

The Ontario's look fine. What is y'all's opinion of them?
Click to expand...

Very soft steel and easy to mod. I stripped and fully convexed my 12" by hand in about 6 hrs. Was like butter to mod.

Although great for the price!

I left the tip dull for ground swings, but the money spot is very prone to chips, dents, rolls....
Bringing the edge back toughens it up a bit....



BTW, beautiful work on those machetes! I would not hesitate in buying one from your next batch!:D
 
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I don't like the edge all the way down. I sometimes choke up on that sweet spot right infront. That is just my two cents. Making the handle a little fatter towards the back spine would be gravy too.

It fits nicely in this sheath.

DSC09289.jpg
 
I like to choke up as well, but don't like the grind so far away that I can't do shave work, feels very clunky when there is too much ricasso...

Perhaps a happy medium?
 
I'm sure there is a happy medium too and I see the importance of your preference. I noticed the closeness of the grind to the handle when I grabbed the machete to do a quick cut and was looking. ouch! I too would like to do shave work as well, but am just used to personally working it that way. Plus don't forget he can "mod" yours or mine for our sorry pickyness.
 
I probably would have left the ricasso about 1" just in case of slips (given the absence of an integral guard) In order to do fuzz sticks I like sinking the end of the blade into a stump or a log and then pulling the wood up and into the edge. That being said if no log/stump was readily available I'd have to choke up. :)

Also, as Moonwilson mentioned, I rounded off the back of the grip on mine and it's much more comfortable. The hard corners were bruising my palm before! :eek:

Once you run out of this current batch might I suggest modding some production Imacasas?
 
Joe, please tell me of the Imacassas. I'm totaly dumb. Can I buy these blades?
 
Imacasas are awesome! I'm a huge fan- I have a bunch of their machetes, and plan on getting many more. They're very similar in quality to the old Collins- minus the "forged finish". Many of their models are exquisitely tapered, just like Collins used to do. If you're ever in Atlanta, just let me know, and I'd be happy to show you my Imacasas, I have several here in my office.
 
Fiddleback said:
Lets update this deal how about it?

I've spoken with the machete source. Alas. They don't even have the ten pieces of the 22" Collins I was promised. They have two. Thats it. I'm bummed, because I feel like that was a gem. The thing sings when you swing it.

So. Adapt and overcome, right? I've ordered two each of two additional models. These are the 18" Collins with the large rounded point, and an Ontario that has a similar blade finish and a cool 1943 stamp.

Both of these are $6 more than the previous blades, so I'm already bummed. The 18" machete will need to have that big round honker ground off so that it will have a point. Time consuming. Also, the handle is shaped funny, and I don't like it as much as the 22's. The Ontario's look fine. What is y'all's opinion of them?
Click to expand...

Don't be.

The prices are still excellent.

BTW, I've got my FiddleCollins Machete and I couldn't be happier.:) I got the one with the thinner handle, but I adapted by using gloves. Now, all the local squirrels fear me!!:p
 
The one thing with Imacasas is that you WOULD be limited to modding handles on the models that have riveted wood or polypro scales. The injection-molded ones need no mods in the first place, but also the effort it would take to remove the handle from the blade would be titanic! :D That being said, I'd LOVE to see a modded-up Burriquito model. :eek::cool:

Also, Hansa makes some good stuff (and Machete Specialist carries them, too) and ALL of their models that I've seen have riveted handles. I've got the Aguila Lampon and it has a nice taper to it, and the edge remained perfect even after repeatedly smashing it into a frozen stump with knots of fatwood in it. The sheer amount of steel in the Lampon also makes it ripe for profile modding.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
The one thing with Imacasas is that you WOULD be limited to modding handles on the models that have riveted wood or polypro scales. The injection-molded ones need no mods in the first place, but also the effort it would take to remove the handle from the blade would be titanic! :D That being said, I'd LOVE to see a modded-up Burriquito model. :eek::cool:

Also, Hansa makes some good stuff (and Machete Specialist carries them, too) and ALL of their models that I've seen have riveted handles. I've got the Aguila Lampon and it has a nice taper to it, and the edge remained perfect even after repeatedly smashing it into a frozen stump with knots of fatwood in it. The sheer amount of steel in the Lampon also makes it ripe for profile modding.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of something more custom.
 
Fiddleback said:
I'm thinking of something more custom.
Click to expand...

What's this? :eek::thumbup:

If you're thinking of modding a 14" Pata de Cuche, count me IN!

Edit: I think you can prolly count me in, regardless. A full-custom Fiddleback machete would be something I'd be very interested in owning, provided it didn't cost an arm and a leg.
 
silverbullets said:
you are not alone with that one.... wife and I were fighting over my hobbies and purchases so much we finally decided to completely split the finances, she pays her bills I pay mine we share groceries and other than that she doesn't want to know what I do with my leftovers so it works out well :D
Click to expand...

That is exacly what we do!
Works wonderfully, has for 11 years now. Most of my buddies wonder why I don't have to constantly hide my new gear from her.

Then again, it does not hurt that she cannot tell a garand from an M1A, or one .44 from another.
 
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