Folding Machete

[cukros1]

Case has considered the idea of doing a limited commemorative run of them, as they were one of the handful of companies that manufactured them for the war effort back in the day. For now I'd say go with the CS Espada in the new G10 version. Just sand down that G10 so it's not a blister machine.

Too bad about Case not making another run. New steels and locking mechanisms probably could really enchance this robust design. In my search today I had found that Atlanta Cuttlery had made a copy but its sold out....
I still think that the LionSteel locking could do wonders for my confidence in using one.
I did look at the Espada but it doesnt seem to have the heft that can do the true job of this machete. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[basb]

Some tried to fold a machete;

(source; http://www.survival-gear-guide.com/cold-steel-machete.html)

Never would have thought a folding machete existed...
Beyond the point that it looks like crap, the foldsing mechanism is automaticaly a weakness.

 

[R.A.T.]

If I were going to design a folding machete the lock would be real simple...like two holes lining up and dropping a pin through.

 

[cukros1]

Hi Mr. Jeff, It at least sounds like the mental gears working....More than enough for me. Thanks mate.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Too bad about Case not making another run. New steels and locking mechanisms probably could really enchance this robust design. In my search today I had found that Atlanta Cuttlery had made a copy but its sold out....
I still think that the LionSteel locking could do wonders for my confidence in using one.
I did look at the Espada but it doesnt seem to have the heft that can do the true job of this machete. Thanks for the idea though.

Actually I mean they are toying around with the idea of doing a commemorative. I don't think an actual yes or no has been decided on.

Did you actually handle an Espada? The largest one actually can chop quite well. It's the closest thing out there for now.

Jeff--I like your thinking. Now if those pins just had a name...Oh! I know! How about we call them rivets? Sounds like a winner to me! :thumbup:

 

[MikePerrin]

While I agree there is a place for the folding machete I don't think it would be of value in most places and day to day use in the bush. Compactness is valuable to a pilot as pointed out and for that reason they came up with the little survival rifle WW II pilots had and several other compact tools. But they were created to fit in small spaces and gave up some of their superior, full size counter parts function in doing so.

It would be a very small market this might appeal to so I doubt we could afford to add it to our line. Aside from that like RYP, we have also advocated buying a machete once in country as it avoids the hassel of traveling with a 24 or 28" machete. you can get it cheaper in country and it will be full sizer and more efficient at doing all the jobs you would want . But it is a cool thing to see. Thanks for posting it up. mike

 

[cukros1]

Thank you for your comments and visiting Mike ! I have traveled in some back country places in Papua New Guinea, but because of no road network you are on and off planes and in and out of towns before you get to your destination. I find the local machete a tad too big and bulky to travel with.
I agree it would be a small market - until jungle warfare is back on the stage....

Thanks again, and I will try to source an un-issued old one. Cheers

 

[Haze240]

Interesting concept, and I think a locking mechanism would be exceedingly simple, like the drop pin idea. The fact is though that the only part of the machete that is folding, is that huge ugly oversized handle. You end up decreasing the size by a fraction of the overall length. Unlike a folding pocket knife, where the blade is shorter than the handle, you're really only decreasing the size by 15-20%, and sacrificing strength, versatility and durability.

As pointed out earlier, this was intended to be a last ditch, emergency device, stashed into as small a space as possible, not a reliable, every day, hard use tool. As interesting it is, and I could see a large collectors market, I couldn't see it being as practical or reliable as a small fixed blade machete.