Wanting to buy a Smatchet. Who still makes them?

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dfsutton

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Mar 21, 2009
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Call me a newb, but I just recently discovered the Smatchet and absolutely want one. I am looking for one that is of functional quality and not just a reproduction. If you know if any manufacturers still making them, please post. I've googled Smatchet and at this point, most everything is older production that isn't available any longer. Thanks.
 
Windlass Steelcrafts makes one. Other than that, the only one I know of is Cold Steel's machete version.
 
Both of these appear to be replicas. Would they still be functional? I don't see the point in owning something that is look but don't use.
 
Bark River has something called the Clax which looked like a beast. Boker didn't/doesn't do one?
 
Himalayan Imports makes a heavy interpretation of the smatchet called the Spear Vala . About 14" long total length, steel guard, and weighs about 2lbs. It's a tad shorter than the smatchet, but heavy duty. Its completely double edged if that matters.

I'll try to post up a pic later if you're interested. The smatchet really is a cool design. Sort of like the gladius of the OSS. Simple to use but utterly devastating in the hands of someone skilled with it.
 
rpn said:
Bark River has something called the Clax which looked like a beast. Boker didn't/doesn't do one?
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Boker did one, but I haven't been able to find one in current production.

And of looks like the Bark River Clax isn't in production as well.
 
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If you see a version you like, the Wanted to Buy sub-forum could likely hook you up.
 
I've held the Cold Steel Smatchet machete and can't think of a reason not to try it at the price point if you are looking for things smatchet related.
 
Sutton check out Scorpion Swords & Knives. They have two sizes to choose from, and appear to be well made.
 
dfsutton said:
Both of these appear to be replicas. Would they still be functional? I don't see the point in owning something that is look but don't use.
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Windlass makes theirs out of 1080 carbon steel, which is certainly functional, and they are meant as users. I own some of their big Bowies, and have no complaints. The downside is, I hear Windlass is hit or miss on the heat treatment though, so you aren't guaranteed to get a good one.

Cold Steel's is PLENTY functional, it's just that it's a machete, rather than an actual Smatchet.
 
DShiflet said:
Then I assume you've never used Cold Steel?
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+1

Cold Steel doesn't stiff their customers. Their stuff is inexpensive but it isn't poorly made. Quality control is just fine, even on their low end products. They use cheap materials but what they do, they do well!
 
jfalkos said:
+1

Cold Steel doesn't stiff their customers. Their stuff is inexpensive but it isn't poorly made. Quality control is just fine, even on their low end products. They use cheap materials but what they do, they do well!
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I'm looking for more than a machete in the shape of a smatchet and am willing to pay accordingly for that. Cold Steel may be a decent value for the cost, but it isn't of the quality level I desire.
 
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