Martindale Golok #2

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Jan 7, 2003
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I've been considering the purchase of one of these for use in south america. I'd like to get some input from anyone who owns one. How do you like it for general machete use? Do they hold up well? Mac
 
Do they have a revised version of number 1?

If it is their standard Golok, I would look on. I don't find the Golok very comfortable or that great of a cutter. I actually prefer my Tramontina Bolo to the Martindale Golok.

The steel on the Tramontina isn't as good as the Martindale but the blade geometry is far superior. Also the handle on the Golok doesn't feel secure to me.
 
It is more of a big knife than a machete. They are very durable, I have handled a number of martindale products and the steel consistency is very high. The only real durability concern is that the wooden handles can not take heavy pounding. I broke one quite quickly using a hard baton on the blade (a hammer). The grip just split apart after a very hits. It can be readily glued back together of course. Ref :

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/martindale_machetes.html

-Cliff
 
Chrisaloia,

I am also a big fan of the Tramontina Bolo but even living in Brazil where they are made I haven't been able to find a sheath for it! My other numerous Tramontina machetes all suffer from steel issues especially when up against dry bamboo thickets.

I thought I'd give the Golok a try. I'm trying to chase down the mythical "One Blade" for my survival pack. So far I have been carrying three: Machete, Sheath Knife, SAK. I like the way you can "choke-up" on the golok blade. Mac
 
Pict-

I don't own one of these and have not used a golok, machete, bolo or parang for any great length of time, however I've seen a number of good review regarding the Valiant Survival Golok L. I like the reviews enough to order one and I'm currently awaiting it's arrival. You might want to look around as one of the reviews compared one of the Valiant Survival Golok (I think it was the 'M' not the 'L') to the Martindale #2 and concluded that the Valiant was superior.

Matt
 
Matt,

In my area I use the machete for off-trail travel, clearing campsites, and shelter building in the lower elevations. If you hike up out of the low lying forests you often have to dig for water. I have the habit of testing the ground with my machete blade to see if the soil has enough water content to bother digging. I also use the blade to do the digging. So far I have only ever done this with inexpensive Tramontina (Brasil Standard) blades that only cost $3-$5 US. I treat them as disposable and when they are too gnarly looking I give them away.

The Valiant Survival Golok looks like a great blade, I saw that same review. Still I'm looking at that $13.99 offer from Brigade Quartermasters. It just has "Beater Blade" written all over it. Mac
 
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