Machetes & Traditional Asian Big knives

L

lsstaipei

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Jan 28, 2000
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131
Using machetes is a whole new experience to me.My standard jungle carry are forged aboriginal "moutain knives."They are 7mm thick with beautiful distal taper and thin edge.The goloks are relatively thick,too.
I've been thinking about the reason recently.Though the environment is quite similar,the thickness is so different.Why are the machetes thinner?

Thanks.
 
lsstaipei,
sorry, no answer to add to your query (altho' a traditional Malay parang (more than 50 years' old) I just sharpened for a friend is about 7mm or less thick).

but, could you post a picture of your traditional aboriginal mountain knife? how long is it? is it heavy? how expensive/cheap is it? I'm thinking of getting a parang and/or a knife like your mountain knife for my jungle-work as well - I wonder if the mountain knife is an alternative and whether you could help me secure one. I generally favour something 12-15inches in length for jungle work.

thanks,
 
I would assume it's because most machetes are cheap, mass-produced items stamped from large sheets of metal with a quick secondary bevel applied. The hand-forged blades probably have a thick spine and differential tempering for strength, and a thin edge for effective cutting. The "mountain knives" sound very intersting. Can you give some more details?
--Josh
 
the local parangs I've handled are all hand forged from spring steel. the ones that are stamped from sheet metal are surprisingly hard to get here, seeing that we are not an agriculture based economy.
 
30cm is the most common blade length.A mountain knife with 30cm blade and "one-piece" construction weighs 600~700g.Some are convex ground on both side.Some are ground asymmetrically--one side is fully convex,but the other side is flat ground with a narrow secondary bevel.The maker of my knives use truck springs and water zone hardening method.There are two kinds blade/handle construction."One-Piece" and wooden handle.I chose "One-Piece" type for durability.Most aboriginal hunter and guides chose wooden handle type for lighter weight and better balance.But they will need rehandle in the future.BTW,"One-Piece" type was learned from Japanese in 1920's.Here are some pics.The maker can be identified by the marks on the sheaths.One of mine looks like the upper one in the bigger picture.Curved back ones were traditionally used by Taiyal tribe.Straight back ones were used by Ami tribe.They cost about 60 US dollars.
http://www.tourweb.com.tw/photos/HL/SL/TM/index.htm
The makers live in Tung Meng(means"Copper Gate") village near the Taroko National Park about 100 miles from Taipei city.If you come to Taiwan,Taroko NP is worth a visit,a lot of beautiful trail there,and the knives worth a look.If you want to buy one,be sure you get the knives made to be used,not the show piece.
 
IMO, most mass produced machetes are designed for "disposability" and for the sole purpose of cleaving and chopping vegetation. I don't know anyone who would just carry a machete. The machete merely supplements the precious "primary" blade earmarked for detail cutting, fieldcraft, and food prep.

On the other hand, the blades made and used by indigenous peoples are often the only blades they will ever carry, use, or quite possibly, own in thier entire life. Thier blades must be able to handle every task including combat. They're used day after day in every environment, with a minimum of maintenance, and a maximum in performance all in a easily handled size. Keep in mind, the steels and metal are probably recycled and other materials "organic" and far from high tech.

Pretty impressive R&D from a smith using basic tools and a primitive forge. "Gee sir, I never noticed the engineering degree on the wall of your hut!" :D

Dayuhan
 
One reason why machete blades are thinner is because it is meant for cutting vines or tall grass out in the boondocks.

In certain countries where the vegetation is different, machetes with their thin blades is the ideal implement to use. Elsewhere, especially in the tropics where the greenery is less friendly, blades of a different make and varying thickness come into play.

Parang or golok is ideal in the jungles of Southeast Asia. The blade shape and style varies from country to country in the region but the fundamentals are similar.

Parang's cutting edge is excellent for cutting small trees and branches. Anything that is abnormally thick will require an axe. Always the right tool for the right job.
 
I like big fixed blades - own plenty - have looked at thousands. This is one of the scariest looking: medieval.

085423.jpg
 
The style of the handle on that knife is relatively rare.A knife with 12" blade usually has 6" handle.
 
Originally posted by averageguy
I like big fixed blades - own plenty - have looked at thousands. This is one of the scariest looking: medieval.

085423.jpg
Click to expand...
I'd like this double edged please, and make it quick, I have some Orcs and Hobgoblins I need to kill! :cool:

Dayuhan
 
I'm definitely making a side trip to Taroko NP next time I go back to Taiwan. The East coast is about the only section I don't go to often. Adding one of these knives to the Shi-Lin I also need to pick up.

Iaataipei: Where do you live? I use to live in YangMingShan.
 
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