Martindale Golok

Joined
Jan 8, 2008
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707
hey all, I got a Martindale Golok last week and wanted to share my initial impressions and some initial mods I did.. Initially, the fit and finish leaves something to be desired. There were gaps in the handle, the surface of the blade looked like it had foundry grind marks running perpendicular to the cutting direction of the blade ie. length wise. And the grind was very obtuse and pretty dull. Plus side is that the blade is thick, straight, and stiff.
Initial pics.
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To start, I filled all the major gaps with epoxy, including the rivet holes. I married the handle to the tang and shaped it a bit. I also added a lanyard tube to the handle.
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Next, I cleaned up the double finger choil, and sealed the handle with Dark walnut Danish oil.
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More to come.
 
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Next, I reground the blade. I started the grind 1/2" infront of my first finger position, when choking up on the choil. I did a convex grind and polished it up. I also cleaned the blade surface up and took it to a high satin/low mirror level.
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I still need to get out and try her performance. Hopefully this weekend, but soon and pics will follow... Thanks for lookin.
 
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Man, you got that golok looking a lot better, cody1. All I did was regrind the edge on mine.

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Nice job! Outside of just replacing the handle, I think you've done what Martindale should be doing from the factory.
Similarly, Ontario should be doing the same. Both companies start with a good piece of steel, but fall short on the grind, edge, and handles.
I'd pay more for a better version of their products, would you?
 
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I think it would be neat to see Martindale get into the high-end machete business, but many of their working models are already on the upper end of the price scale because of the country of origin, so maybe that's why they haven't? I think there'd be a market at least. They could definitely use better distribution in North America, though.
 
How well does it perform Horn Dog? You got tons of blades to compare it to:)

I did a comparioson, but I forget how it placed. It did ok, though. Just don't try out chopping a Condor Golok machete with it. :eek:
 
Those are nice but priced high, considering you have to clean them up.
Great job though, I want one.
 
I love that model. One of my favorites along with the Martindale Bolo Cleaver MAchete. Cleaning them up is part of the fun. You did a great job man.
 
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Just don't try out chopping a Condor Golok machete with it.

Not to derail this thread but, man, for about $10 less you can get a Condor golok, and the difference in quality (not to mention quantity) between these two pieces is gigantic, just gigantic.

I will say, though, cody1, you did a good job dressing up that piece. :thumbup:

I would like to check out the Martindale bolo machete.
 
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