Machetes ??? Fiddleback Tops Esee Ontario How do they compare??

Under full disclosure I apprenticed with Andy Roy (Fiddleback Forge) so I have loyalties but I have also seen behind the curtain, and to quote another well known knife maker "why would I make a machete, it would wind up just like Andy's". It is not in the same price point as a Snoody, at around $100 but it is what I carry and use, I have modded machetes for other people but I used my fiddle back off the shelf. I would buy another one from Andy (yes he makes me pay for them the ass) before I made one for myself.
 
Machetes are a subject I've recently had a rekindled interest in here lately because of all the survival/prepper stuff I've been seriously looking into. But first off what ever happened to the British made "Martindale" machetes that many people used to swear by???

Also I'm wondering if Cold Steel is still making their "2 Handed Machete"??? Personally I've been using 2 of my Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri blades for machete type uses and they both seem to work great for what I've used them.

I'm also wondering what Rockwell hardness would be ideal for most machetes? I'm certain that my Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri blades are probably too hard for most practical purposes in most machete uses.

I've had 2 Ontario machetes in the past and I have a great deal of respect for their products. I used to have the 12 inch machete of theirs that had the squared off end and the saw teeth on the spine of the blade. I forget the name of that particular model because it's been some time ago since I've owned it. OK I know I've got a lot of questions for a guy who has got in on this thread after it became 4 pages long but I do feel like they are questions pertinent to the subject matter and hopefully we can shed some light on the subject.

Oh and one other question>> what exactly differentiates between a machete and a knife? Because I've been told that my Carbon V, Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri falls under the definition of a "KNIFE" and not to be regarded as a machete. Great thread so far guys and I look forward to your answers. >>> JD Spydo
 
dogwood dan said:
Under full disclosure I apprenticed with Andy Roy (Fiddleback Forge) so I have loyalties but I have also seen behind the curtain, and to quote another well known knife maker "why would I make a machete, it would wind up just like Andy's". It is not in the same price point as a Snoody, at around $100 but it is what I carry and use, I have modded machetes for other people but I used my fiddle back off the shelf. I would buy another one from Andy (yes he makes me pay for them the ass) before I made one for myself.
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I love Andy's models. The man did a great job designing them, and they're a great value for what they are. Imacasa knows how to make a great machete, so there's ZERO shame in not using a USA-made blank...of course some people are picky that way, but it's their loss. In the ultra-premium $100+ machete market a Fiddleback is my absolute top choice.

JD Spydo said:
But first off what ever happened to the British made "Martindale" machetes that many people used to swear by???
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Still around, just hard to source in variety here in the 'states. Great distal taper, steel, and heat treatment, but high price, standard low fit/finish, and commonly have warped blades from blanking/heat treatment that benefit from bending back straight.

Oh and one other question>> what exactly differentiates between a machete and a knife? Because I've been told that my Carbon V, Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri falls under the definition of a "KNIFE" and not to be regarded as a machete. Great thread so far guys and I look forward to your answers. >>> JD Spydo
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The same as what defines a sword vs. a knife. A summary of various factors. Not all need to be present or prominent, but they add up to a total minimum "critical mass" to be named one vs. the other.

stabman said:
I think most machetes run around 50-55 Rockwell.
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Spot on. 55 is my personal ideal, with a preference for error on the side of softer rather than harder. I actually find this a good range for regular hard-use (read: farm/homestead use) smaller knives as well.
 
I somehow ended up with two Fiddleback 16 inch machetes and what I really wanted was a 14 so I made a little adjustment.
I am very happy with the way it came out, they are both at Mashed Cat for kydex at the moment, I cant wait to get them back.
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Thanks write2dgrey, it works and feels incredible.
The crazy thing is, with all the thousands I have spent on knives, I have been using the cut off piece around the house to open mail and packages.

I agree with 42, the 16 is great but who needs two of them?
 
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stabman said:
Nope, I haven't heard anything either.
To be fair, I didn't send my info first, as I was waiting for contact from his end, as it's his product.
I'd like to check out his work in a head to head with this:





It's more a "Bush Sword" than a machete, but I'd still like to put another high-end tool to the test. :)
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Thanks for the intel. Pretty much what I figured, unfortunately. Well, if he ever decides to make good on the offer and send one my way I'm still happy to do a thorough review. Heck--I even offered to pay return shipping on it back when I first sent him my info. Just surprised to have heard literally nothing back after having had several back-and-forth exchanges. :confused:

Looks like quite the chopper there! :cool::thumbup:
 
Well I got my Fiddlebacks back from Mashed Cat and could not be happier. The .060 Kydex that Eric used turned out to be perfect, they are so much lighter than I thought they were going to be and the fit and finish is superb.
The square ends were my crazy idea, I had a vision and went with it.

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