Martindale Machete opinions

the gimp

the gimp

Joined
Mar 19, 2003
Messages
525
I have been looking at some of Martindales machetes online lately and would like to know if anyone has experience with the golok or jungle knife.
Thanks
 
Gimp,

I have a Martindale golok that doesn't seem to make into the rotation... I know a lot of guys here really like them, but from my perspective, it is too thick to be a machete and as a golok, I prefer the BRKT model...
 
i have the golok and really like the balance and chopping ability of it. i am waiting on a leather sheath from wildmanh on the forums here, then it will be alot more usable...the factory sheath is not much to look at. great bargin... try http://www.loink.com/
 
The #2 is my favorite. Needs work from new to at least knock the shoulders off the edge grind affording it greater penetration. Once they have had the convex treatment I find them a real treat. If I only wanted to do machete type stuff I'd pick something a little quicker in the hand, but the trade off with the #2 is that it delivers a bit better when you feed in wood. One thing I would have liked as an improvement would be a more pronounced beak end to the handle. As it is it is rather more of a utility knife type of shape. I find a nice termination to the handle allows more power for less effort. The #2 is way better than the current issue golok. Given the shape is designed to generate a lot of shearing force for its weight it swings around with a good deal of poise because of the taper. When I want more power than this can give I go to the ax, but for a lot of the year it has sufficient clout for what I do.
 
Thanks for the info.
Does anyone have a picture of the spine on the #2, I can't find any info on thickness of the blade. I was hoping for something a little thicker then most machetes seem to be. One blurb I found on the net had the user complaining of vibration issues when using the Golok. Anyone else have this problem.

Thanks
 
stevep said:
i have the golok and really like the balance and chopping ability of it. i am waiting on a leather sheath from wildmanh on the forums here, then it will be alot more usable...the factory sheath is not much to look at. great bargin... try http://www.loink.com/
Click to expand...

They do have good prices though I would have to say that I like the looks of the nylon sheath I have seen a bit more then the leather sheath they offer. I'm sure that leather sheath will hold up to more abuse though.
 
old ones I have handy

distap1111le9.jpg


the #2 is the bottom one

nose030677gz6.jpg
 
I had two and traded them both. The edge grinds and wood to metal fit was worse than my Tram (which actually has pretty good grind lines and F&F) but cost five times as much as the humble Brazilian. When I need a chopper I grab an HI khuk or an RoA bolo. When I need a machete I grab the Tram bolo. YMMV

Frank
 
I wanted to try a Martindale golok, but I can't seem to find anyone in the US who carries them.
 
I have had a few Martindales and always come back to the Golok. I like that it is more chopper than lightweight grass cutter. Here in Oregon I use it more on branches and firewood than lighter vegetation so I am a happy camper :) I sold my 1st one to a friend and he uses it for search and rescue stuff. He said the only thing he doesn't like about it is that everyone wants to borrow it :D I recently resharpened it for him and it has held up fine. Now I do agree as to the fit and finish issues. I don't think I have ever bought a machete that didn't need some primping before use. 5min of clean up on the handle and a sharpening and the Golok is good to go.
 
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