Martiini used to make a couple, a military and a civilian model.
I have images here somewhere, it is on my list, as soon as the shop gets filled with equipment. : ) There is a gentleman in the UK who is very interested in what I might be able to put together...
42 - Which one do you prefer the look or, and if one ( 1 ) were made today, what would you think it should look like?
Marion
My personal favorite patterns are:
Brades Page 1: The #176 Kent with Back and 216 Socket Block
Brades Page 2: The #210 Hertford and #208 Offley
Brades Nash Tyzack (1959) Page 3: #196 "Brades" Shifnal
Brades Nash Tysack (1959) Page 4: # 200 "Brades" Suffolk
Elwell Page 1: #3370 Hertford, #2956 Suffolk, and #4230 Kent (particularly nice example)
Elwell Page 2: #3949 Kettering
Cornelius Whitehouse & Sons Page 6: #281 Hertford Full Edge
That covers, I think, the patterns I see as being the most useful today. Any of the patterns I doubled up on is because both variations are exceedingly well executed.
The double-edged Kent in particular (and other double-edged varieties) are particularly handy, since the hook doesn't get tangled on or stuck in things if you use the back edge in those circumstances.
The Hertford (while not necessarily something you'd immediately recognize as a billhook) would be an excellent chopper capable of pulling cut brush out of the way, or as a pick for loosening soil.
Ultimately if one and only one pattern were to be made it would HAVE to be the double-edged Kent in my opinion. It's by far the most versatile pattern, in both long or short versions. Long ones start taking on more axe-like qualities, which is handy up here in New England!
The Suffolk is nice since it gives you a small and functional hook that is unlikely to become entangled, as well as having a deep belly for blade clearance and chopping ability.
Actually it is easily available in France, and probably many other country. Almost all gardening stores sell at least one store, although generally hardware store grade.
Inexpensive, like $30.
http://www.leroymerlin.fr/mpng2-front/pre?idLSPub=1048592703&renderall=on&zone=zonecatalogue#9
It's like a small machete. The hook is useful for boughts but gets in the way for any thing bigger. Can get tangled in branches, or get the tip stuck in wood. The hook also helps preventing the edge from hitting the ground. Sticking the tip may help manipulate logs.
Thanks for the info! I'm glad to hear it's still widely available where you are. The problems with the hook you mention are easily avoided with the double-sided models, or by choosing a model with a smaller or more "open" hook, or a blade with a projecting belly. Models with single-edge large hooks tend to do best in open woods or fields where the likelihood of snagging is small. When I'm in choked woods I find myself using the straight side of my Condor Bush Knife more and more, but still frequently switching to the hook to pull and cut branches and thorny plants out of my way.
That's a beauty! Where'd you get that one?:thumbup: