The OSS Smatchet versus the M1917 US Medical Corps Bolo knife debate that no one ever really looked at...

[BeardedGhost]

I keep looking at the Bolo, and while it isn't ideal for a thrusting weapon, if you sharpened the false edge properly I have to think that bad boy would be just as formidable as the Smatchet.

Has anyone ever done a legit Pepsi Challenge between the Smatchet and the Bolo and declared a winner, or better yet, a tie?

I did not see one on YouTube, and I was very surprised that no one ever declared a champion.

Does anyone have an opinion on this?

I am thinking seriously about going into business making one or the other, but modernized slightly. Not super-modern. Faithful to the original, but using a 3D-printed, uniford handle, pommel, and guard in the vein of an Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry Smatchet, with some kind of snarky slogan on the guard.

I think it'll be cool, but I would like to make sure that I go with the better blade form.

Thanks again for our advice!

Roger

 

[oldmanwilly]

Why not make one of each and run the comparison? Both would be awesome tools for use.

 

[not2sharp]

I keep looking at the Bolo, and while it isn't ideal for a thrusting weapon, if you sharpened the false edge properly I have to think that bad boy would be just as formidable as the Smatchet….


Roger

Hmmmmm…






N2s

 

[not2sharp]

Or perhaps you like a more modern version.


N2s

 

[SharpBits]

These are supposed to be M1917 US Medical Corps Bolo knives.

 

[not2sharp]

The U.S. issued a variety of bolo knives during the 20th century. They included:
Collins 1005 engineers bolo
U.S. 1904 medical bolo
U.S. 1909 bolo
U.S. 1910 bolo
U.S. 1917 bolo
USMC (United States Medical Corps) bolo
Spring and Bumper bolo machete
Collins 1253 bolo machete

Also, a few related bolo bayonets and variants.

The 1910 and 1917 were not the USMC bolo.

Link:

Google Search

N2s

 

[not2sharp]

here is a 1904 medical bolo converted into a fighting knife.





Edited to add: Just to be clear both of these knives are in my collection.

n2s

 

[not2sharp]

These are supposed to be M1917 US Medical Corps Bolo knives.

Btw, one of the features of the 1910/1917 is a one sided convex edge. Where the left side of the blade is flat. Do you intend to change the edge profile to make it more like a smatchet? Also, how would you reconcile destroying a 100 year old antique, to produce a smatchet clone?

N2s

 

[not2sharp]

Here is a 1917 bolo converted or factory produced as a presentation piece.





N2s