Lanyard or no Lanyard on a Machete?

[Swedge]

Kyley, thanks for posting the video.

I have a question about technique. In the video, you suggest snapping the machete by opening the fingers and using the lanyard to hold onto the machete (instead of using the pinch grip with the thumb and index finger to hole onto the machete). With that technique, the only thing holding the machete is the lanyard. Isn't there a danger that the lanyard will fail at some point and the lanyard will go flying?

It seems to me that the lanyard should be used as a back-up to the pinch grip in case one lets go. This subjects the lanyard to less wear and stress and makes it less likely to fail in the event the machete slips from the hand.

 

[jarost]

Picture or link to picture plz. Ankerson's video shows a Busse with a front lanyard hole not one in the rear like my 2 machetes have.

As you wish...

 

[cziv]

Thanks jarost :thumbup:

 

[KyleyHarris]

Nice video KyleyHarris :thumbup: The problem is that my machetes and and knives like the ESEE Junglas would require "modding" to attach the lanyard in front.

Too True.. You could send it away and have hollow tubes put in like busse use. Thats the ultimate solution.

 

[KyleyHarris]

Kyley, thanks for posting the video.

I have a question about technique. In the video, you suggest snapping the machete by opening the fingers and using the lanyard to hold onto the machete (instead of using the pinch grip with the thumb and index finger to hole onto the machete). With that technique, the only thing holding the machete is the lanyard. Isn't there a danger that the lanyard will fail at some point and the lanyard will go flying?

It seems to me that the lanyard should be used as a back-up to the pinch grip in case one lets go. This subjects the lanyard to less wear and stress and makes it less likely to fail in the event the machete slips from the hand.

Sorry.. Thats probably misdirection in my part. I wasn't suggesting to rely on the Lanyard. What i was demonstrating is that if you have butter fingers then that style of lanyard will see you through on many cases without any injury.

When using a lanyard.. you should basically pretend that you dont have one on :thumbup: and use the same technique. I've seen people get sloppy with a pinch grip and literally let the blade go This simply prevents it..

I think I'll annotate to make clear that you shouldn't rely on the lanyard.

 

[cziv]

Too True.. You could send it away and have hollow tubes put in like busse use.

I have cheap machetes so drilling a hole through the blade low, right in front of the handle and smoothing the contact surfaces for front lanyard might be an idea? What do you think?

I sharpened my machete meticulously today and went out to some old branches in the orchard to practice my "pinch grip." I swung into a spot that was too thick to slice in one whack. That worked out okay.

Next I walked over to a smaller branch, maybe 1/2" diameter and using the "pinch grip," the blade snicked it so fast that the machete made me dip my right leg inward and tuck my shoulder in, which caused it to do a 270* rotation in my hand. I almost lost the blade too!

Last time without a lanyard EVER!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Good follow-through may help eliminate that problem.

 

[cziv]

Good follow-through may help eliminate that problem.

FortyTwoBlades you're right on. I just re-thought the incident and I stopped my arm & hand as if the blade wasn't going to go through it. Kinda like when you're chopping with a Busse or other big chopper.

I'm going to have to practice awhile with small stuff like that and use a nice follow through AND a lanyard, Thanks.

 

[Joezilla]

Be careful of glanced too. I think glances are my number one reason for not using a lanyard, but the machete is rarely let go much anymore in my hand. About the only thing they use the lanyard on in Central and South America is to hang them up by the handle in the stores. Don't over think the pinch grip, it will take care of itself quickly.

 

[cziv]

Don't over think the pinch grip, it will take care of itself quickly

.

Thanks. I just got done checking out your website. Lots of good information. Who let's 4 bees sting them in a row? :thumbup: