Sunday reflections : "I've lost my Marbles".

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
930
Hi all,

Yep, I've lost my "Marbles".....well.....sort of. Yesterday, there I was, doing yard work/woods work on my property here in Maine. I have been using my 18" Machete by chopping branches (mostly Evergreens) with the Machete. Well, I was nearly finished for the day and Dog tired. Ooooh come on HARDBALL, suck it up, just one more branch (which was above my head). I'm 6' 3" tall. So, I swing one handed, miss the base of the branch, hit the Tree......WACK-PINNNNG! Damn! My (Orange) "Marbles" 18" Machete SNAPS in two, and 14.5" of Blade goes flying by my face and lands on the ground! Holy $#!t ! I'm standing there like a fool left holding the Wooden handle (of what use to be a 25" OAL Machete) with 3.5" of broken Machete remaining. I thanked God I didn't get hurt (or worse) and called it a day. I need to find a HEAVY DUTY (type) Machete/tool as I love hacking away at branches using either a 18" or 22" long blade. Perhaps I should look into a Custom made Blade/Machete/Tool for North American woods. Of course the down side will be Custom price and a gain in weight due to having to be made thicker. Most Machetes are pretty light in weight (and thin) which make them a joy to carry and swing! The Marbles Machete already has a THICKER blade than most Machete's (and wicked sharp out of the box). I would greatly appreciate any suggestion regarding a new (right tool) for the right job type of Blade 18" to 22" long. Any custom makers make such a blade at a reasonable cost ? Thanks for the help.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
Last edited:
Grab a Swamp Rat Wakizashi :). Only kidding man. Good luck on your hunt.
 
Thanks G,

I was checking out a thread with over forty pages of pictures on the Custom page. Thread was about CHOPPERS. I only had chance to check out a couple/few pages so far but, I like "Steeveecknifes" Chopper on page (32). I'm not sure how long that blade is but, I suspect I need something longer. At least 25" OAL with at least a 18" Blade. Doesn't have to be a fancy finished blade. This is going to be a HARD USE Chopping tool.
Also, NO sharp top of (back) blade. I sure as heck don't want something springing backwards at me that is sharp! This TOOL will also be used in freezing Winter weather so, steel choice will be important. The hunt for this type of TOOL should keep me busy for some time to come.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
Honestly the Marbles sounds like it had an over-hard heat treatment. The Marbles machetes are made by Imacasa/Condor under contract but I'm not sure if they directly offer warranty work on them or if you have to contact Marbles about it, but either way I'd let both companies know and see what they can do about furnishing a replacement for you. You really shouldn't need a custom machete--just one that wasn't over-hardened. Doesn't happen often but you hear about it from time to time. Machetes work just fine in North America even though they were usually designed for more southern climes. Just think to yourself--where are all the hardest woods in the world from? :D
 
Hi FTB,

Thank you for you EXCELLENT advice/suggestions. I contacted the company I originally purchased the Marbles Machete and a rep from the company has already responded regarding my situation.
Perhaps they will replace the Machete. As I told the rep, I REALLY do like the Orange Marbles 18" Machete. Thank again for your help.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
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