Posted this in another forum, and want to see what responses I receceive from this forum. I've been looking for a quality large knife/small machete and was debating between the Swamp Rat and the Greco brand knives. For the last 3 or 4 days I've read many posts and seems that I'm more confused now since there are other names like Becker, Ontario and "Goloks". Can someone experienced with two or more of these knives explain the pros and cons of these knives. Apparently the Goloks are high quality and something to consider. Is it save to order from Valiant? I heard many horror stories of people doing business with overseas vendors. Are there any other charges besides actual cost and shipping charges? Thanks!
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
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Machete
- Thread starter VMA65
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might I suggest a Himalayan Imports Khukuri:
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, lengths, colors, and weights. Check out the Himalayan Imports Forum in the Makers&Manufacturer's section of bladeforums. You won't be disappointed, and they are warrrantied. I have bought 8-10 khuks and other blades from them. I would suggest a 15 inch Ang Khola or a 18" Gelbu Special. Bothe are around 100 bux give or take a few, and Bill Martino is good about posting deals and specials almost daily. If you spend some time over there, you will get what you want for under 100 bux.
Keith
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, lengths, colors, and weights. Check out the Himalayan Imports Forum in the Makers&Manufacturer's section of bladeforums. You won't be disappointed, and they are warrrantied. I have bought 8-10 khuks and other blades from them. I would suggest a 15 inch Ang Khola or a 18" Gelbu Special. Bothe are around 100 bux give or take a few, and Bill Martino is good about posting deals and specials almost daily. If you spend some time over there, you will get what you want for under 100 bux.
Keith
- Joined
- May 16, 2002
- Messages
- 4,437
..my first double post!
not2sharp
Platinum Member
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 20,466
Welcome to the forums.
If you are looking for large knives, you will sone find more of them here then you ever though existed. Perhaps it would help if you tell us how you intend to use the knife, what environment you intend to use it in, and how much you would like to budget for the knife.
n2s
If you are looking for large knives, you will sone find more of them here then you ever though existed. Perhaps it would help if you tell us how you intend to use the knife, what environment you intend to use it in, and how much you would like to budget for the knife.
n2s
n2s
Thanks! Curently I'm looking for a machete type knife. I'm in the Army (15 years) never really care for big heavy knives, most of what I have are between 3.5 and 4.5 inches, but the reality is that there are limitations to small knives. When we go to field for training (not a combat MOS, I'm combat support) some situations (small trees, branches, tall grass) require a large cutting tool; have you tried to cut a small tree with an entrenching tool?, as for environment that could be anywhere. Additionally I enjoy camping and hunting when time is available, purchased a BK5 a few days ago, awaiting delivery, but still looking for a machete.
VMA
Thanks! Curently I'm looking for a machete type knife. I'm in the Army (15 years) never really care for big heavy knives, most of what I have are between 3.5 and 4.5 inches, but the reality is that there are limitations to small knives. When we go to field for training (not a combat MOS, I'm combat support) some situations (small trees, branches, tall grass) require a large cutting tool; have you tried to cut a small tree with an entrenching tool?, as for environment that could be anywhere. Additionally I enjoy camping and hunting when time is available, purchased a BK5 a few days ago, awaiting delivery, but still looking for a machete.
VMA
not2sharp
Platinum Member
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- Jun 29, 1999
- Messages
- 20,466
If you are looking or something to chop wood the HI khukuri is hard to bet. If you want to see some large Greco knives just click on the "my stuff" link under my signature. Keep in mind that you can also use a smaller knife with a baton to cut fairly sizable limbs. You just kind of chip around the limb like a beaver until you knock it off.
n2s
n2s
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- Jun 9, 1999
- Messages
- 4,729
Sounds like one of the lighter khukuris is for you. Check out the Sirupatis. The 16.5" WWII is fairly lightweight as well, and very versatile. Check out the pass-around link in my sig; if you'd like to try it for a week let me know, I'll add you to the list. As long as you aren't on the other side of the world right now shipping shouldn't be an issue. If you're dead set on a machete type knife, I know TOPS has several in this style. They are way behind on production right now though from what I hear, so you may end up waiting a while to get your hands on one. The Becker Patrol Machete has gotten some good reviews, as well as the BK-9. They aren't nearly as tough as a khuk though. Either is available through www.1sks.com , I've been fairly happy with service from them. There's also the Ontario RTAK, which has a 10" blade made of parkerized high carbon steel. It's a very big knife with a substantial handle. I have heard reports of the edge fracturing on this knife during hard use though, which is why I prefer khukuris. It may suit your needs very well, especially if you intend to use it primarily on soft materials. The reports of fracturing I read occured on hard, small diameter woods and extended cutting. Putting a convex edge on whatever you decide to get should help to alleviate this, the edge geometry is one of the main reasons khuks are as tough as they are. Good luck with whatever you decide to get, and welcome to Bladeforums!