- Joined
- Jun 11, 2008
- Messages
- 1,409
I made a thread with my initial impressions earlier. I'm gonna copy the first post from that thread since I'll be posting links in WSS and the gear forum as well.
First, I love my Fiddleback knives (have 4 so far) and I really like Andy so I figured I would like this machete. I was a little taken back when I opened the box though, because it was not what I expected at all. I thought I would be getting a regular machete with a flat set of Andy's scales in place of the plastic handle. Here is what I got... The handle is perfectly designed. I have owned most of the machete designs commercially available and can say that there are pros and cons to all of them. The best slashing machetes are usually 1/16 in thick and very flexible, made of carbon steel for easy field sharpening. The best chopping machetes may be thicker but the more important attribute is that they are weight forward in design. All of the best machetes have an ergonomic handle that is both comfortable and will prevent blisters. Here's the problem, proper machete technique utilizes a pinch grip for the snap cuts. So far I haven't found a machete that is good in a pinch grip that can still chop. I also have not found a machete that is good at chopping (weight forward design) that is light enough to not cause fatigue with extended use.
UNTIL NOW!!!
Here is what I have to say about Andy's design. The is weight forward so it chops well but its also very thin and flexible so it slashes without fatigue. The handle is fully contoured around the sides and fits my hand in a firm chopping grip as well as a pinch grip without any hot spots. Lack of hot spots is the ultimate sign that a machete fits the user. The next thing that stands out about the handle is the very thin area at the top of the handle that fits the pinch grip so well. This is VERY important. None of the slashing machetes I have used, including those in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, have had the handle cut out for the pinch grip. Now, combine the handle with the non-fatiguing thin stock but the weight forward chopping profile and you have a tool that is more versatile than any I have seen. Andy hit a HOME RUN with the design and execution. I was pleased with the Bark River Machete when I got it and thought it was the best I would ever find. Andy's has ousted it. I can't believe the versatility in the design. I am not the type to get so bent out of shape over a knife. Don't get me wrong, I love knives and appreciate them greatly. It's just that this one has blown away my understanding of what a machete was supposed to be. I can't really say anything else about it. It's perfect.
Okay, here is the review.
I've been working with this machete most of the day and figured that after a few hours of brush slashing I should really test out the edge.
Here is the machete, and the wildman sheath. VERY HIGHT QUALITY sheath.
Machetes are used in a pinch grip. The top pic shows the cut out that allows that grip to be comfortable. Very well planned handle shape by Andy.
Here is the battoning test. This is not to test blade strength or anything like that, just to see how the edge hols up.
All battoning was done on the same 4 in section of the blade. After battoning that section was used to test sharpness. Plenty sharp for getting kindling started.
Next up was dried bamboo. I wanted to use a very light snap cut above the bottom node to see if it would split the node. It took only the strength of my fingers to flick the machete through the dried bamboo.
The tip was much more acute than most machetes. It drills very well, especially to make divots for a bow drill.
Last up, the flex test. Any good machete should have enough of a spring temper to deflect without breaking or taking a set. This one flexes easily and returns to true.
This is my favorite machete, hands down. Andy designed this for the modern bushcrafter and I think that every feature is so well planned and executed that he has made the most versatile large bushcraft tool ever. :thumbup:
First, I love my Fiddleback knives (have 4 so far) and I really like Andy so I figured I would like this machete. I was a little taken back when I opened the box though, because it was not what I expected at all. I thought I would be getting a regular machete with a flat set of Andy's scales in place of the plastic handle. Here is what I got... The handle is perfectly designed. I have owned most of the machete designs commercially available and can say that there are pros and cons to all of them. The best slashing machetes are usually 1/16 in thick and very flexible, made of carbon steel for easy field sharpening. The best chopping machetes may be thicker but the more important attribute is that they are weight forward in design. All of the best machetes have an ergonomic handle that is both comfortable and will prevent blisters. Here's the problem, proper machete technique utilizes a pinch grip for the snap cuts. So far I haven't found a machete that is good in a pinch grip that can still chop. I also have not found a machete that is good at chopping (weight forward design) that is light enough to not cause fatigue with extended use.
UNTIL NOW!!!
Here is what I have to say about Andy's design. The is weight forward so it chops well but its also very thin and flexible so it slashes without fatigue. The handle is fully contoured around the sides and fits my hand in a firm chopping grip as well as a pinch grip without any hot spots. Lack of hot spots is the ultimate sign that a machete fits the user. The next thing that stands out about the handle is the very thin area at the top of the handle that fits the pinch grip so well. This is VERY important. None of the slashing machetes I have used, including those in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, have had the handle cut out for the pinch grip. Now, combine the handle with the non-fatiguing thin stock but the weight forward chopping profile and you have a tool that is more versatile than any I have seen. Andy hit a HOME RUN with the design and execution. I was pleased with the Bark River Machete when I got it and thought it was the best I would ever find. Andy's has ousted it. I can't believe the versatility in the design. I am not the type to get so bent out of shape over a knife. Don't get me wrong, I love knives and appreciate them greatly. It's just that this one has blown away my understanding of what a machete was supposed to be. I can't really say anything else about it. It's perfect.
Okay, here is the review.
I've been working with this machete most of the day and figured that after a few hours of brush slashing I should really test out the edge.
Here is the machete, and the wildman sheath. VERY HIGHT QUALITY sheath.
Machetes are used in a pinch grip. The top pic shows the cut out that allows that grip to be comfortable. Very well planned handle shape by Andy.
Here is the battoning test. This is not to test blade strength or anything like that, just to see how the edge hols up.
All battoning was done on the same 4 in section of the blade. After battoning that section was used to test sharpness. Plenty sharp for getting kindling started.
Next up was dried bamboo. I wanted to use a very light snap cut above the bottom node to see if it would split the node. It took only the strength of my fingers to flick the machete through the dried bamboo.
The tip was much more acute than most machetes. It drills very well, especially to make divots for a bow drill.
Last up, the flex test. Any good machete should have enough of a spring temper to deflect without breaking or taking a set. This one flexes easily and returns to true.
This is my favorite machete, hands down. Andy designed this for the modern bushcrafter and I think that every feature is so well planned and executed that he has made the most versatile large bushcraft tool ever. :thumbup:
