Thoughts on Becker Machax

B

blade54

Joined
Feb 10, 2011
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It looks like Kabar will release a new version of the Becker Machax.
This kinda looks like a kukri. What do you all think about it?
 
I hate to be high and mighty about this, but, correct me if I am wrong, this is for discussion about Himalayan Imports, not Kabar. Yes, Kabar is good, but HI is far superior in every way, because they do not cut corners. I do not own a HI blade, nor a kabar, I am simply judging on the type of steel, the forging methods, the handle type, and all sorts of specifics. Basically, Kabar is one of those mass producers, and mass producers may pump out some good blades, but custom made beasts always do better, because more love and attention are poured onto them by the forger, than some half awake worker, bored with molding steel all day long. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ragging on the workers at Kabar, I am just saying, that unless the person has no, or very little idea what they are doing, (like me), a custom will always beat out a production line. So, on that note, don't count your kabars before your HI's hatch. Feel free to take my advice or not, I am not imposing anything on you. Nice to unofficially, digitally, and face-to-computer meet you, blade54. And while the machax does look like a somewhat smart idea, it CANNOT be better than the best infantry weapon on the planet, the kukri, that would completely nullify 500 plus years of rocked-in-the-face superiority on the kukri's part, which will not happen any time soon. So, enjoy your time in the Cantina, and become an HI fan if you want to, they are some of the best blades on planet Earth.
 
blade54, not even a KLO (Khukuri Like Object) weight forward about ends it resemblance to a Khukuri and it looks like the balance would suck.

Gorog, he started it in the Cantina which is where non-HI stuff belongs and he'll get better feedback than if he posted this in the General discussion;) Occasionally you'll see some KLO's by Jason Knight show up here :eek: (can't find the jaw drop smilie)
 
Never cared for the machax myself.

Looks like it's trying to be something new in a market filled with kukri and machetes.
 
I'm not trying to offend anyone. I wanted to post this in the HI Catina to get the opinion from people who really know about real Kukris. I've been looking for a big chopper and just started looking at kukris and kukri like objects. I'm hoping to learn from fellow forum member.

I've had good experiences from some mass produced blades, but mostly because I couldn't afford a custom one. HI seems to be a great product with a loyal following. Hopefully I can add one to my collection soon.
 
Gorog said:
Yes, Kabar is good, but HI is far superior in every way, because they do not cut corners.
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I love my HI, but I also love my Kabar knives, esp my beckers. HI knives are indeed top of the line, but to say that they're better in EVERY way, that might be a stretch. For example, price (mostly).

Gorog said:
I do not own a HI blade, nor a kabar, I am simply judging on the type of steel, the forging methods, the handle type, and all sorts of specifics.
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Now I'm really confused...:confused: other than word of mouth and pictures, what are you basing these unequivocal statements on?

Gorog said:
Basically, Kabar is one of those mass producers, and mass producers may pump out some good blades, but custom made beasts always do better, because more love and attention are poured onto them by the forger, than some half awake worker, bored with molding steel all day long. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ragging on the workers at Kabar, I am just saying, that unless the person has no, or very little idea what they are doing, (like me), a custom will always beat out a production line.
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Maybe my misinterpretation here, but it sounds as if you're "ragging" on American workers and products, but again without any perspective. By your reasoning, a model-T Ford is a better car than a Lexus (fill in your modern car of choice) because the techniques used to make it are older and more labor intensive. As much as I love the look and styling of those old vehicles, they don't hold a candle mechanically to a modern one. Obviously my example isn't a perfect 1:1 analogy, but this is not to equate HI with a dilapidated, out of date car, rather to illustrate the flaw in your reasoning.

Gorog said:
become an HI fan if you want to, they are some of the best blades on planet Earth.
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Now here we can agree, they are some truly wonderful blades. :thumbup:

I know that the Cantina is here for bluster and comparison, but please, if you're going to build up a product you admire, please don't feel so compelled to do so by bashing a product that by your own admission, you're not terribly familiar with. By all means, buy an HI product, but please don't run down others which are great in their own right. Thanks!

-Matt-
 
The Cantina is a HI subforum for off-topic posts, but frankly, this one is way off-topic. I understand the original poster wants opinions from people familiar with a premium heavy knife brand. But why not go to our Becker forum itself where you can get real familiarity with the machax in comparison to Becker's other heavy-duty knives?
 
Sorry, Mdole, I was in a bad mood at the time. I really am a novice trying to sound like an expert aren't I? I really meant no real offense towards Kabar, they are good knife brand, I was simply trying to state my opinion, which probably is not welcome here when most people go with verifiable fact. I tend to jump on the bandwagon sometimes, too. Once again, I admit I was wrong, and you probably are right. Thanks for the friendly correction, I was out of line. I should probably think before I type, eh? Thanks again, and goodbye.
Gorog
 
Gorog, I read your intro post last night after posting... You were simply exhibiting passion, which I cannot fault you for. Good luck on your hunt for your first HI knife!
-Matt-
 
Thank you Matt, you are very kind. Like I said, it was still probably not my place to act the expert, but thank you nonetheless for the support. Now, Blade54, may I offer you my opinion? One, I apologize if I insulted you in any way, sometimes, I act rashly, so forgive me, if you could. And two, you should take the advice given to you by the more knowledgeable people on this site, and go with either a bona fide Nepalese kukri, or at least a Kabar kukri. The machax seems like a 'jack of all trades; master of none' sort of weapon. But, in the end, it really does come down to your personal preference, not some one elses half baked or fully baked, for that matter, opinion. So go with whatever you like, is what I am trying to say, but don't blow us all off either. Just because something pleases the eye, does not mean it can outwork a horse too.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
The Cantina is a HI subforum for off-topic posts, but frankly, this one is way off-topic. I understand the original poster wants opinions from people familiar with a premium heavy knife brand. But why not go to our Becker forum itself where you can get real familiarity with the machax in comparison to Becker's other heavy-duty knives?
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I understand what you're saying, but if he really want opinions of people who use kukri a lot, since Kukri House, Gurkha House and Tora don't have forums here, this really was his best bet for good feedback, though it was unfortunate the turn it took.

I tried to give a reasoned response,hopefully that's how it came across.
 
The Becker Machax was previously produced by Camillus back in the day and was populare enough to warrent a release now that Kabar is making Beckers and has the time to do it. I personally have never handled one so I can't comment on it's use. But I do have a Becker BK9 and have held the BK7, BK2 and BK5 and love their handles. The contours keep the handle from moving to much in my hand (if I need more help I wear gloves) and the smoothness keeps the blisters down. Also, the handle slabs aree user modifiable and user replaceable. Beckers are good bang for buck knives and handle lots of punishment. Also since Becker got the contract to build the knives, the build quality has gone up, the comfort has gone up, they pay royalties to the designers (Jerry Fisk designed the BK5 and it is an Amazing slicer and brush blade - Camillus didn't pay him) and they listen to their customers.

The knives and handles are designed by a good man and made by a good company. There is no need for bad blood or talking smack about Ethen Becker or Kabar, We are better then this. Some people don't like a design and others do and thats great! Beckers and HI Khukris compliment each other nicely. I would know, I have a few Beckers, use them and pair them with my HI's. Shoot, my BK9 and Lisa (20" Sirupati) get carried together a lot! Ethen has played around with Khukris and IIRC the Machax was intended as a Khukri/Machete Hybrid. The Man knows his stuff.

Right now I only have the BK9 Combat Bowie and BK11 Necker at the moment though I do plan to have more in the next few months. If anyone wants to check out some HI Khukris or Beckers let me know. You are welcome to come over to my place to test them out and enjoy a dutch oven dinner. We'd probably head to the hills south of town or up the canyon to the National forest for the testing and Dutch oven dinner. . . Roger Smith and I will be camping up Spring City canyon in the next month or so. There will be a ton of Khukris, knives and Dutch Oven goodness there. It's a great chance to get to know people, have fun and play with good steel.
 
blade54 said:
I'm not trying to offend anyone. I wanted to post this in the HI Catina to get the opinion from people who really know about real Kukris. I've been looking for a big chopper and just started looking at kukris and kukri like objects. I'm hoping to learn from fellow forum member.

I've had good experiences from some mass produced blades, but mostly because I couldn't afford a custom one. HI seems to be a great product with a loyal following. Hopefully I can add one to my collection soon.
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I'm not a mod, so I see no reason for me to weigh on the appropriateness of where you post. I will say that I'm glad you posted here because I wouldn't have seen it otherwise. It's a very nice looking design. I would enjoy giving one a spin. I'd never trade my CAK for it, but I could see myself having use for it.

Thanks for posting!
 
firemedic1343 said:
I'd never trade my CAK for it, but I could see myself having use for it.

Thanks for posting!
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yep I agree with that - I like their stuff - mainly because Ethan Becker is a stand up guy.

i had a couple phone discussions with him when he was trying to help me with a problem about a used Becker knife i had bought - i thought that was pretty darn admirable, he really cares about his product and his customers.
 
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Ethan Becker has always seemed like a really good guy when I've talked to him, and unlike some other KLOs, I'd use a Machax.

John
 
It's an interesting looking knife. I read a review on the ESEE subforum, when it existed here. It's likely still archived. I can't say for sure if it was the Machax or the Patrol Machete, which looks like a straightened version of the Machax to me. The main complaint I recall, possibly the only complaint, was the small belly sweet spot, which they share. I can imagine this could be an issue from the photos. It could make chopping a little more difficult, but might improve it's machete like performance. I can't say since I've never held one. I've also seen threads where folks loved the design. I know there was plenty of crossover between Beckerheads and Ratpackers (ESEE subforum where I spent some time) and everyone really liked the Becker products, as well as Ethan Becker. I like that Ethan Becker can look at a traditional design, like khuks, and appreciate what hundreds, or thousands, of years of development can add to a design. I'd like to see a review of the Machax from someone familiar with khukuri. My only problem with Beckers is that I've recently had to add some to my wishlist of knives I don't need:)! Darn BladeForums! Take care.
 
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