Machax vs. Villager (long w/pics)

Words from the LURKER gallery. hehehe.
That was a great review Brian. I really appreciate functional real world reviews. They tend to lend more credibility to a blades useability than do those lab style tests some people do.
It is funny that you mention the blades Soul. I only have three Khuks at present . They span from a BlackJack/Reighnhart combat Khuk, to a AC Assam rifles Khuk, to my most recent one, a GH Reiger Khuk.
The Reiger has a Soul. To hold it sends shivers up my spine. The others while useable have no life to them, they are only tools when held.
I hope to feel this same feeling when I can afford to get a Gelbu Special from Uncle Bill. That Khuk seems to call to me, at least I think thats what that little voice in my head is saying. Once again Great Review.
 
Thanks for the info Brian. I can't get over how thick the Villager is compared to Machaxe. I guess the full tang and handle material accounts for much of the weight in the Machaxe.

Forgot to mention that was a great reveiw with excellent pictures.

Will
 
Thanks for your kind words & for decloaking, ArchAngel. I've seen pictures of the Reiger & it looks like a real beauty. I'm sure you'll love a Gelbu Special. Mine is currently vying with my 18" WWII for the position of overall favorite.

Thanks also, Will. As Rusty said recently in another thread, khukuris really do change our perspectives regarding the size of knives. A couple of years ago, I would have considered a knife with a 1/4" spine such as on the Machax to be thick. Today...
wink.gif


I've been playing around with the handle on my "little" 12" Sirupati with it's 1/2" spine. Stay tuned for pics of the modifications in about a week.

------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.

[This message has been edited by bcaffrey (edited 09-26-2000).]
 
Great review; many thanks.

Two questions -

(1) Are the scales of the Machax secured by screws or rivets? Any sign of loosening in either hilt after the tests?

(2) Did either blade flex side to side perceptibly during heavy chopping?
 
You're welcome, Tom. I enjoyed doing it. Thanks for your kind words.

The scales are secured with hex-key type bolts. The nuts fit into hexagonal holes. I didn't notice any flexing of either blade.

Oops, I almost missed this one, Tom. There was no loosening of either handle afterwards.

------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.

[This message has been edited by bcaffrey (edited 09-26-2000).]
 
Here's a pic of the two knives in their scabbards. Since the spine on the Machax is straight, there was no need for a break-front type sheath. It's blade goes straight in & out.
View


Unfortunately, I didn't get a clear picture of the worn coating on the blade of the Machax.

------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.
 
Brian,
nice review, well done. I was particulaly interested to see you used both for splitting wood. As someone who occasionally plays around making furniture, the villager sounds a better performer at this task. Split or cleft wood retains greater structural strength. Possibly due to the villager having a 'wedge' construction? Who knows?
I agree with the other posters - the soul of the blade is the key. And you can only get an insight into that soul by doing what you did, work with the blade.
Nice work!
David

------------------
"Old too soon, smart too late"

Uncle Bill M, 2000
 
Thanks, David. I appreciate your kind words.

------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top