Boker Smatchet

O

ouster

Joined
Jan 22, 2002
Messages
7
Heya, I would like to hear from owners of the Boker Smatchet AF578. How does it handle and function in performing camp chores like clearing brush and chopping wood? Is there a significant difference in quality between the AF578 and the production model the AF578S?

In the past, I have used some shoddy parangs and now I'm thinking of getting something better. I'm looking for a large knife that would work well in a humid, tropical environment.

Ouster
 
Smatchets look like a lot of extra metal to be carrying in a hot climate. :D

Check out BK&T, that's Becker Knife & Tool, they're a division of Camillus.

Look at the specs on the Patrol Machete. If that's longer than you like, look at the Machax (the Machete-Axe).

By the way, welcome to Bladeforums! I hope we can help you with this question, and infect you with an insatiable hunger for more and more and more knives -ives -ives ...
 
Thanks for the welcome Esav! I was looking to get a bush blade that could also play a secondary defensive role. Since the smatchet was designed with both tactical and field roles in mind, it seemed a good first choice. Leaf shaped blades appeal to me so another design I was considering is the kukri.

I live in California and it seemed that the smatchet would raise less eyebrows than the kukri. Thanks for suggesting the patrol machete. It is no cream puff (although at 19 oz, it is only 3 oz lighter than the smatchet) and costs much less than the smatchet. I'll go look for reviews of the knives you mentioned in the archives.
 
Ouster:

Check out L6Steel's smatchet. Do a search on the practical tactical forum for smatchet. I made a thread there, showing pics of Mike's (L6Steel) smatchet. You'll find the price reasonable for a custom smatchet, and he's gearing up to make 3 soon.

l6steel@aol.com is his e-mail, Mike Cooper is his name.
 
If I may... You might consider the Ontario Knives Bolo or Marine Raider Bowie, too. They're right in the same length/weight range as those you've mentioned, and are pretty cheap.

-- PG
 
Ouster:

I have the original Boker - with micarta handle. I think of it more as a weapon and less as a utility blade. It's a thin 3/16th blade 440c blade. I trust it to do light utility work but for heavy duty chopping I'll use the 15" HI AK Khuk. But then maybe I'm jaded.
 
Originally posted by Crayola

Check out L6Steel's smatchet.
Click to expand...

I've got his smatchet. I've also got the Boker. His is much, much nicer - it feels more lively, and has a far better grip. I also prefer the point design to the Boker's, at least for something going to be used for utility.
 
Thanks bae! I forgot that you had the first smatchet he made.

e-mail bae and ask more about his smatchet, for sure.

Also, in your decision, don't discount the "gee-whiz-bang" facor in your purchase. Yep, a Stihl chainsaw might do more work faster in the boonies, but soem of us LIKE using khukuris to prepare fires. Or Tomahawks. Or hatchets. Or Machetes. Or Smatchets. Or bowies. Or...
 
Hi Blade-folk,
Thanks for all your ideas and recommendations! I've been reading reviews in the archives and I'm suffering from information overload. In no particular order, here are some factors that go into my decision on what knife to buy:

1. Bang for buck (taking folders as an example: IMO Spyderco Military has a high bang:buck ratio)

2. Utility (barring customs restrictions, I plan on using the knife hard in jungle conditions, so this means good, low-maintenance steel and materials of construction)

3. Ergonomics (does grip well? feel like an extension of my arm?)

4. Size (a knife that suits a 6'6" lineman might not be useful for me)

5. Defense (the secondary role of the bush blade)

Based on the reviews, here's my short list (again not in order of merit):
BK&T Patrol Machete
Busse Steel Heart E
Busse Battle Mistress E

The Smatchet looks cool but has been dropped from the list because I haven't heard much good about its field performance. Although price is important to me, I would consider shelling out slightly more money if the evil tool+weapon makes me feel like a Sauron Pathfinder cyborg.

Now I need to get my hands on some of these knives and try them out! This has been a slightly long post but the people on this forum seem like they have the requisite attention span.

laters
Ouster
 
The L6 is awesome for the money in my opinion.., check it out thoroughly.., sounds like it would match your needs..


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
ouster, for $30.00 you can get Ontario broad point survival knife, and abuse the heck out of it... Sounds like the blade you are looking for - take a look at the pic:
OKSP9.jpg

You can shop for it here
 
the other knives on your list are great ones too. But, I want to write a few more things for you to think about.

First of all, you have to ask why the reviews of the smatchets weren't super. From what I have read. The edge geometry on factory smatchets aren't that great. But, this can be fixed. you just have to put in some work sharpening the blade before using it. Also, ever notice that a smatchet cut in half lengthwide would make 2 neat field tools? Well, with a smatchet you get a double edged field tool that you can do some neat things with. As I said before (I think I said it) you can sharpen one edge to a thick edge for chopping, and one edge thinly for slicing action.

Now, if you do decide to get a smatchet, definitely e-mail or call Mike Cooper and talk to him. Ergos? he'll make it how you want. He'll even sharpen it how you want to get bang for the buck. utility? e-mil bae and ask him how useful the blade is. Defense? think wide wound channels for thrusts and big slashing power man! I think a smatchet can be a great blade.


As far as the other blades on your list, I think that the patrol machete would excell at cutting vines and other brish like that, and the Busse blades would handle wood chopping better. Good luck!
 
The points of the smatchet loyalists are well-taken :D However, you will notice that every one of the blades in my short list is a production model. I should have mentioned earlier that my focus is on production knives. While I'm sure that Mike's smatchet is awesome (I've seen the pics and written to him), custom knives are beyond my budget. No doubt Busse blades (NIB) are pricey, but there exists the option of getting a used model.
 
Given that the Busse's are 3x the price of the Patrol Machete, and you actually intend on using the thing, I'd go with the PM.

I'd have a hard time using a knife I spent over $250 on, even if it was made to be a user. I know Busse's knives are very strong, but I just can't justify the price when there are other things that will get the job done. If I'm going to spend that much on a knife, I want it to be "pretty". But that's just me.

-- PG
 
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