Martindale Bolo Machete Opinions

Sharp Knives 86

Sharp Knives 86

Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
783
Does anyone have a Martindale Bolo Machete? If so what's your opinion of it? I've been thinking of picking one up along with a 14" Condor machete. Also does anyone know if it will fit a a leather Condor Bolo machete sheath?
 
Which bolo? They make several. Regardless of the specific one, I pretty much guarantee it won't fit in the Condor sheath. :o

Martindale is awesome stuff. Just be prepared to sharpen the edge and true up the scales. :)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Which bolo? They make several. Regardless of the specific one, I pretty much guarantee it won't fit in the Condor sheath. :o

Martindale is awesome stuff. Just be prepared to sharpen the edge and true up the scales. :)
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I'm looking at the one with the plastic handle that appears to be based off the WWII model. I was already prepared to have to do a little tweaking on it so that's no prob. How thick is it? Looking at pics, it seems to be thicker than most machetes which is a bonus since I like heavier, thicker blades.
 
Sharp Knives 86 said:
I'm looking at the one with the plastic handle that appears to be based off the WWII model. I was already prepared to have to do a little tweaking on it so that's no prob. How thick is it? Looking at pics, it seems to be thicker than most machetes which is a bonus since I like heavier, thicker blades.
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Yup! It's a little smaller than the WW2 model (I own an original) but is VERY similar. Very thick stock with one of the strongest distal tapers you'll find on a machete, thinning it nicely at the point. It's a hefty machete, but very manageable thanks to the dynamic balance that the strong distal taper brings to the party. :):thumbup:
 
Thanks for the info FortyTwo :):thumbup: I think I'll be picking one up along with a 14" Condor as my next purchase.
 
For what it might be worth...

My current favorite "beater" bush tool is the Martindale #2. The blade is thicker than my old army issue I carried in the boy scouts
in the 50s & 60s, and the overall shape is handier for various bushcrafting uses, especially when profiled differently on different parts of the blade. I also prefer the wooden handle to the old phelonic plastic from WWII.

Not trying to muddy your pool here, but I think you might really like the Martindale if you had a chance to handle one.

Doc
 
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I've got a big honkin' long one (top). I like it a lot. I've used the heck out of that thing.
Another vote for the #2 if you want something shorter. Great little chopper.
I also got this one recently on clearance but haven't had the chance to to use it much.

P1010806.jpg
 
I've got one of those long bolos, too. I put a partial back edge on it. :D:thumbup:
 
My 15" Martindale Bolo arrived today. Had a few rust spots on it but nothing worth crying about since 10 secs with some sandpaper took care of that. I did have a question though. Looking at it from the spine, the blade looks like it's bent a little. I'm not sure if it's because it's actually bent or perhaps it just appears bent due to a slightly uneven distal taper. If it is bent, should I send it back for a replacement or just keep it since I'm not too bothered by it.
 
Of all the brands of machete I own, I still have yet to pick up a Martindale. I do have an old original Sheffield though... hmm. I think a Paratrooper and a Golok are in the future. I know Web-Tex makes a copy of the Golok, does anyone know if they are any good?
 
Sharp Knives 86 said:
My 15" Martindale Bolo arrived today. Had a few rust spots on it but nothing worth crying about since 10 secs with some sandpaper took care of that. I did have a question though. Looking at it from the spine, the blade looks like it's bent a little. I'm not sure if it's because it's actually bent or perhaps it just appears bent due to a slightly uneven distal taper. If it is bent, should I send it back for a replacement or just keep it since I'm not too bothered by it.
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A slight warp in the blade is common on Martindales, and you'd be harder pressed to find one without the bend than finding one with. If it really bothers you, lock the blade in a vice and bend it like hell until the curve is corrected. You probably won't even notice it in actual usage though.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
A slight warp in the blade is common on Martindales, and you'd be harder pressed to find one without the bend than finding one with. If it really bothers you, lock the blade in a vice and bend it like hell until the curve is corrected. You probably won't even notice it in actual usage though.
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That's what I figured. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, I was more worried that it might effect it's usage but I'm glad to know it won't.
 
Yeah--the only way it'll affect performance is if it's a pretty significant warp. A slight one will pretty much go unnoticed in any practical regard.:)
 
I would say a Martindale bolo is one of the most versatile machetes out there. It will clear brush, chop wood, and dig holes if you want. Also makes a pretty good draw knife.
 
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