Magnum Kukri Machete handle rattle

[MarkN86]

Hey guys, I've done some searching but could find nothing on this.

I have a Cold Steel Magnum Kukri Machete that I've had for about 6 years now, but have not used very much in that time. It's been used to chop a few light pine branches about 2" in diameter, and I have cleared about 15-20 pine and oak saplings with it, but nothing that I would call excessive for a machete, especially one of this size and weight. I took it out a couple of weeks ago in the cold for about 20 minutes. I took it out of its sheath once but never ended up using it, no rattles at all. I put it away and left it there until last night. I pulled the Kukri out of my cabinet to check it and there's a rattle when I move the blade side to side. The rattle sounds like a "Ting" sound, it's worse when I move it one way than the other.

Has anyone else experienced this noise with a Cold Steel machete? I have another Cold Steel machete that I've used as a beater machete and abused (and is still working perfectly) and it doesn't make this noise. The noise itself doesn't bother me, but I don't want to be out using it if its tang is possibly cracked or broken and about to fly out of its handle.

Also, does anyone have an image of the tang of the Magnum Kukri?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Kwon Kwang]

I didn't think this happened with Cold Steel machetes. Never heard this complaint before! There's definitely something wrong with it, you should send it to Cold Steel.

 

[G. Scott H.]

Here's a pic (not mine) of the standard Kukri Machete tang (I'm guessing the Magnum version is identical):

I was also going to suggest sending it in, but given the cost of the item itself, it may not be worth it. Are you at all handy with woodworking? If so, I'd suggest cutting the Kraton handle off, checking the tang, and (if all is well) rehandling with wood (or your material of choice).

 

[MarkN86]

I don't really want to bother with the hassle of finding a way to ship it off, being such a large blade. I do like the idea of rehandling it. In the event of a cracked tang I would likely grind and reshape it to make it useable. I think the thing is a little too big anyway, if I could do it over I would probably get the regular sized kukri.

I think wood is a good choice, but a gray or brown micarta would look great and be more weather resistant than wood. Aside from not breathing the dust, how hard is Micarta to work with in scale form? If it requires special procedures I would just use wood. I may also make it into something resembling a Greek Kopis just for fun.

 

[upnorth]

Interesting picture Scott. I have the magnum and never had an issue with it. Last time it was out was for clearing an overgrown trail in winter. Looking forward to seeing your rehandle Mark. Fossilized Siberian Mammoth tooth is my bet.