Woodsman's Pal vs. Machete?

H

hicomp2

Joined
Dec 10, 2005
Messages
270
Anyone out there have any experience with the "Woodsman's Pal"? I have seen it the back of Outdoor life, Sports Afield and Fur, Fish and Game for as long as I can remember. It appears to be quite a tool for clearing brush, but I'm wondering if it is that much better than a standard Machete, as the price is much higher. I looked on the website last night, and it appears the US Military has issued it for years as a survival tool/weapon to pilots and others, and there are repro retro booklets available on it's proper use as a weapon and survival tool. I'm just interested in it for taking down blackberry bushes and brush on my property. Has anyone used this tool as well as a machete? If so, is it worth the extra $$$$$$????? The WP does have that neat little hook on it's blade, which appeals to me, but it is also much shorter than my cheap old $3.99 18" blade Machete. How sharp is the WP????? Thanks in advance!!!!!
 
I have never used the Pal. I usually use the machete or light brush, the axe and the Husqvarna 20" chainsaw for the serious wood removal. It looks good though. The secret to a machete is to carry a sharpening stone at hit the blade about every half hour or so. They dull quickly in my experience.
 
The Pal has a great shape, but I wonder about the HT. Rc listed as 45.
 
Most machetes, especially those that are $3.99, will not retain an edge long. As was said, you can carry a stone to sharpen every now and then or you can get a better blade material than most come with. I enjoy the kershaw outcast at $50 and the CS kukri at significantly more. When I got my kukri the Carbon V steel they were using was actually a tool steel. I was very lucky ended up with an incredible slicer. With a little ass behind it, 3 inch saplings wont even slow the blade down. I keep a razor edge on it and even after a weekend of camping and lots of cutting it comes home and will still slice paper. The outcast is the same way thanks to the D2. The outcast I carry with me when I leave camp since its much lighter, the kukri does most of my clearing and general brush ass kicking.
 
On the web site, they listed the reason for the Rc being at 45 as to ensure that the blade won't be brittle in cold weather.
 
I have a Woodsmans Pal - - I especially like to use it for building blinds for hunting - does a good job on small wood brush and grass. It feels nice in the hand, & I plain just like it better than my cheapo machettes. - -
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top