- Joined
- Dec 8, 2009
- Messages
- 176
I like sharp pieces of steel, I don't have as a bad of an addiction as some but still, more knives than I need. My co-worker just returned home from the Philippines bearing gifts. I like knives, I love free knives more. She brought me a beautiful little Bolo Machete, or bolo knife.
This Bolo knife definitely shares traits with other knives from Asia, having played with it in hand for only a few days, a few things really shine to me. It's almost like a kukuri but less forward swept in blade, as well as being thinner and lighter. Still the blade is good and thick for a chopper, also it has balance point far forward of the grip. The tip comes to a finer point, which can be useful. Even in the wood sheath it does not take up much room, on pack or belt. It is quite light for a blade with machete like chopping ability. The blade is about 12.5" long, making it feel smaller than a machete, still it is a larger knife. It 'feels' smaller than it is, I suppose. The edge is full concave. It touched up quickly with some sand paper.
My generous co worker said it is made from truck spring steel, which is a very common, and good, steel for blades in the 'developing' world. I hate that word, but alas. I was surprised at how easily it sliced though soft foliage, and how deep it bit into wood. Again, it acts like a much heavier, larger blade.
For my area it's pretty well suited to mosts tasks I could throw at it.
Here it is compared to some of my other toys/choppers. CS Trailhawk and 14" Tram. Machete.
If i get a chance to play with it more with a camer near by this weekend i'll try to get some 'in action' shots up.