Got my Survival Golok

J

jh205

Joined
Aug 21, 2006
Messages
553
Well, finally got my Medium Survival Golok from Valiantco, after many months of longing and about a week of anticipation after placing the order. I haven't tested it yet but it looks to be a real beauty - the horn handle fits my hand perfectly, the sheath seems sturdy and looks great in wood with horn trim, and the convex blade shaved the hair off my arm on arrival. Obviously full evaluation must wait for a trip to the bush but so far I'm one happy camper.:D
 
I'll be patiently waiting for your review.

I like Hatchets... I like Machetes... I don't want to carry both. On paper, the survival golok looks like the best of both worlds. Let me know if it really is :)
 
I'm sure HD will report in, but the Survival Golok is not intended for use as a hatchet at all. HD had more than one crack at the handle blade junction during his testing. If you're going to do any heavy chopping, this is likely to happen. This blade is intended for vegetation type chopping IMO. (I've owned one too.)

Noshtero, get yourself one of the Reflections of Asia Bolo's. They're cheap enough (20 bucks) that if you don't like it there is no real loss.
 
I like Valiantco's choice of steel and the workmanship is astounding. I take it it's as razor sharp as my Parang Bandol.
 
I have a Valiant Large Survival Golok. WRT to Fiddleback's comments, all I can say is that mine has worked fine for chopping. To wit:

golok.jpg


golok_biting.jpg


Now, I don't do this every day, but my golok suffered no ill effects from trimming some arborvitaes in my back yard. It retained the edge well, too.
 
I will say that mine was sharp as all get out when I got it. It was well built, fit and finish was perfect, the sheath was neato, and I liked the knife.

But, its a rat tail tang/blade junction supported by horn and glue. Imagine the force at that portion of horn when you chop something with it. I wish it had a ferrule. As is, its not designed for heavy chopping. JMHO.

Here are some threads to check out...

http://forum.ramanon.com/showthread.php?t=45810&highlight=Survival+Golok

http://forum.ramanon.com/showthread.php?t=45892&highlight=Survival+Golok

attachment.php
 
Thanks for pointing out those threads - I'll definitely keep an eye on this area of the handle whilst chopping, and I'll be sure to let the forum know if anything untowards does happen. That said, I'm not overly concerned about these reports, given that there are plenty of people using the Survival Goloks with no problems (including a fellow Aussie who frequents this forum who has used it on various Australian hardwoods with no damage) and also because I'm relatively easy on my cutting tools and try not to push them to their limits.
 
does anyone have any experience with the brkt golock? it looks like a full tang in most pictures ive seen. would it also be prone to cracking?
 
Fiddleback said:
I will say that mine was sharp as all get out when I got it. It was well built, fit and finish was perfect, the sheath was neato, and I liked the knife.

But, its a rat tail tang/blade junction supported by horn and glue. Imagine the force at that portion of horn when you chop something with it. I wish it had a ferrule. As is, its not designed for heavy chopping. JMHO.
Click to expand...

I think the cracking of handles on horn handled goloks isn't unusual - but I haven't heard of a handle actually failing due to a crack. I've chopped a lot of wood with mine and it's a great chopper. It developed a crack that goes completely through in the bone ferrule (one of these days I'll fill it back in with epoxy) - but that hasn't stopped me from using it for heavy chopping. If it were to actually develop any blade play or loose-ness, then I'd stop chopping with it. But beyond the cosmetic, a crack doesn't necessarily mean it's unsafe - YMMV. Definitely interested in hearing other's opinions/thoughts since I'm considering getting another golok one of these days.

IMG_4746.jpg


Looking forward to your review jh205! :thumbup:
 
I have one of Valiants Golok Kelapa's that I have used on lots of heavy stuff.

However like FB said the longer blades ones I would not chop oak with one:rolleyes:

They ARE a great blade however for clearing brush and weeds:thumbup:

All of the things FB said are correct about the force where it cracks.


Also I think Valiant is somewhat hesitant to make good on blades that bend or crack.
 
These Goloks are a fantastic tool- they are near optimal for harvesting green poles from 1" to 6" in diameter. THey penetrate like mad- check out that second picture!
 
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