CS Bolo Machete

C

Copis

Joined
Jan 31, 2000
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A while back CS introduced 3 machete styles from South Africa. Yesterday, I checked their site and found yet a fourth blade style...
It is called a Bolo, costs under 10 bucks, and has a blade of 18 inches. Got a couple on the way...I will post opinions and impressions when I receive them.

Anybody used CS machetes?

Bill
 
are the 3 you are referring to panga and heavy duty.

the panga looks interesting but I was unsure of the handle.

so I opted for the tramontina.


let us know how they perform.

thanks

chris
 
Copis,
I have a CS Panga, the main problem with it was it's very dull and unevan out of the box edge. It needed alot of file and DMT work to get it shaving sharp. Using the Panga next to a 18 in. GI D guard Ontario, I found I Liked the Ontario's balance better. The Ontario held an edge longer and had fewer chip outs (the Ontario is made of 1095 steel verses 1055 for the CS, and is also thicker). Looking at the CS Bolo's picture, I think it's balance would be closer to the Ontario's than the Panga.
Chris,
The Panga's molded on handle is not bad, it may need to be slimmed down for anyone with small hands though. Ontario's rivits tend to loosen up with use, while the molded on CS handles are solid. I would like a guard or at least a "tail" on the CS handles to prevent the machete from fling out of my hand (I found the guard also keeps my knuckels from being scratched).
 
The 2 bolos have arrived...

Frank is right on the money (dull and a bit rough). The handle is solid but its definetely for huge hands...might be a bit slippery.

One more thing...I ordered 2 blades and 1 sheath. Sheath is terrible. It is about 2 inches short.

Other than that it seems like a solid machete...

Bill
 
Surprised to hear about the sheath problem. I have the panga machete and the sheath fitted perfectly. One problem I've encountered with a CS sheath (on an SRK) is that the press studs will inevitably break apart.

My machete was also very dull out of the box but with some work (in my case, a Lansky "puck" sharpener which I normally use on my lawnmower!) it has taken a pretty good edge and has formidable chopping power. Having looked at a bunch of machetes, I think the CS ones are about the best deal going for the money.
 
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