Short survival machete ****Large pics****

I am of the same mindset as Stacy and Brian when it comes to survival or woods wandering in general. Simplicity rules. Whether it's a blade, backpack, shelter, trap or latrine... the less complicated it is, the fewer variables there are to go wrong. I believe the chisel tip has merit in survival but again it is a compromise. At certain times, you'll give anything for sharp point. I am also a "big blade" guy. I tried to deny it for the longest time. A 3-4inch blade can get you through most situations and obviously excels at finer tasks where a heavy blade becomes awkward. I just found that within my own skill sets, the larger, heavier blade saw more use. I still prefer a sharp tip. That being said, there are a few similar tools from Ontario Knives and KABAR....

Ontario SP8... IMO the "saw" teeth are facing the wrong way. For safety sake, you should always cut on the PULL. Infact, I would yank the teeth all together.
SP8%20LG.JPG


KABAR BK3... No teeth! Yes... but then they ruined it by adding the guthook and serations... lol.
BK3%20LG.JPG
 
The KaBar looks good - i would lose the serrations. Keep the cordage cutter.
 
Frank, I received your voice-mail but not your email. I will get back to you tomorrow and look forward to our conversation. I'd like to say in public that I admire your willingness to contact me directly and I'm certain we will both learn something from it :)
 
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Frank Lima said:
...How do you mean, i have added scales (i think that is what they called) and additional pieces to the pommel? Also NICE ninja sword thing...
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Sorry to take so long to get back to you. This last weekend was a busy one. Unfortunately, since the design has changed, the suggestions I had are no longer relevant. No worries though. I am really looking forward to seeing how this project works out.

I started a project in much the same way, and after several tweaks and refinements, when I finally held the finished product in my hand, it was very amazing to know that I had taken something from my head and made it happen. If you are interested, you can find more here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/796134-What-do-you-think-of-this-%28Updated-12-9-10%29

And then here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/813752-BK2-Box-Now-with-100-more-lid!-%28Updated-1-26-11%29
 
DerekH,
Nice case, how is the plastic holding up? the only experiences i have had with 3d printers yielded rather weak results.

I have also been looking at vibration dampening techniques and found that the motorcycle community fills their handle bars with sand. Has anyone tried filling their knife handle with sand? Dose it help reduce felt vibrations?
-Frank the Tank

ps. I spoke to James Terrio yesterday over the phone, we had a great conversation about this knife design process. Thanks James
 
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It was good talking with you, Frank. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress, and thanks for those ergonomics links. Looks interesting :thumbup:
 
Hi guys,
i have been doing some research on using sand to dampen the felt vibraions and found this paper:
http://web.mit.edu/kripa/www/publications/granular%20media_spie02.pdf
its basic conclusion is the more sand the better but lower density things like micro-balls work too for a lower weight cost. so i will start redesigning the handle tomorrow. I will be keeping in mind the ergonomics of the 'power grip' and a large cavity for sand as well as a secure method for keeping the sand in the handle.

also i ordered the steel today :D

-Frank the Tank
 
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Apples and oranges - Motorcycle handle bars deal with vibration., and are a fixed location...knives deal with impact, and move.
 
Frank, I think it looks cool, keep it up! I would try to keep the transitional area from the handle to the blade smoother to avoid stress, other than that I think you should make one soon then work from there. The saw looks cool but I have no idea if it would work on wood, looks great for cactus and stuff like that. It is cool to see this improving so much, keep up the great work!

You're in Austin, nice, I lived in South Austin for a year, it is a fun town.



duffy99 said:
By the end we're going to see either a machete or a short tanto sword. You could keep the gut hook if ya really want it just put it at the tip on the spine. Check out this chopper made by BF'er Daniel Fairly it looks amazing :
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/861433-New-Chopper-for-Sale-5160-amp-MCAM
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That made my day, Thanks!
 
Well Frank, I dig it.
As for input I would start the handle higher on the spine and slope it downwards, keep the bulges,but slope down a little.
Also whats with the front of the handle, the concave gets me,not sure what that is about.
Please keep me posted and if you want to ask a question or input, please do - zach@zachtateknives.com

p.s. I hope to moving to El Paso or Las Cruces soon.
 
Hey guys just got my g10 and some abs plastic in for the knife sheath.
I was also wondering if yall know of some materials with similar shock absorbing properties as leather and its durability, but without the rotting/getting wet issue.
-Frank the Tank
 
Frank Lima said:
Hey guys just got my g10 and some abs plastic in for the knife sheath.
I was also wondering if yall know of some materials with similar shock absorbing properties as leather and its durability, but without the rotting/getting wet issue.
-Frank the Tank
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Horse Stall mat from a farm and tractor store...
 
Stall mat is great stuff, I used it on my very first knife and my most recent knife. It is very grippy and shock absorbing plus I think it would look great on your knife. I have a bunch if you need any.

018eo.jpg
 
Daniel Fairly Knives said:
Stall mat is great stuff, I used it on my very first knife and my most recent knife. It is very grippy and shock absorbing plus I think it would look great on your knife. I have a bunch if you need any.

018eo.jpg
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Credit where credit's due... it was your knife I was thinking of! :thumbup::thumbup:
 
I think that machete is a useless piece !!! You took the weight out of it and by doing so made it a real hang up thing when trying to chop. The handle would have you blistered and bleeding in no time. Frank
 
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