Machete Collector or am I just warped?

[mario]

Well my wife thinks I am a little off my rocker. Why?

Ever since we watched "Hotel Rwanda", I've been into machetes. They don't fit the time period that I re-enact. They aren't really practical for the northern forest zone I live in. But I think they are cool:cool: .

My first one in many years, I bought about a week after seeing the movie. Basic Latin American design that Wal-Mart carries for about $7. Piece of crap! Can barely get a working edge on it.

Then my hobby went dormant. Recently, I saw "Blood Diamond" and bought 2 more machetes.

These are made in Colombia, but are of the African style known as a "panga" with the upswept blade. Hey, 2 for $12, I had to!

http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=035996&Category_Code=218

These are much better. The blades are a little stiffer. A little file work brings out a pretty good edge for a piece of stamped steel.

So what do you think? Am I an aficionado of simple working tools or am I warped??

Mario

PS- I hear machetes are illegal in the UK? True or false?

[Scotty]

Hi Mario

Machetes aren't strictly illegal, it is classed as a potentially offensive weapon just like a knife or an axe and so if you don't have a specific lawful reason for carrying it then you are breaking the law.

So obviously carrrying one with you down the pub will get you nicked, whereas if you are off on a camping trip then you have a legitimate reason to carry one. Although I can't really think of a circumstance when out and about in the UK where you would need a machete over any other tool say an axe or a leuku??

[Falcon]

I've a 17" Tramontina (Brazilian) machete which I bought off a market stall years ago for clearing rides on my shoot. It's like an over-sized leuku, takes a reasonable edge and was pretty effective at Rhodie-bashing........but it doesn't get used much nowadays..I prefer the billhook as it fits nicely in a sidepouch or daysack :)

[yarrow]

I have got rid of all my monster blades, prefering smaller sharps now. But I must admit there are times when I think about a small golok:rolleyes: :rolleyes: or a kukri:rolleyes: :rolleyes: .......must resist...........

[Steve R]

I am tempted to get a Kukri or similar. I have borrowed one from a mate, he uses it to clear himself a hide when pigeon shooting etc.

[hanzo]

Yes, you are indeed warped, my fellow machete enthusiast. I have quite a few machetes (Tramontina), a couple of kukhuris, and am waiting for this bad boy:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1489/brktgolokca7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You know you want one Yarrow! Think of the spoons you can make with this.

[yarrow]

Yes, you are indeed warped, my fellow machete enthusiast. I have quite a few machetes (Tramontina), a couple of kukhuris, and am waiting for this bad boy:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1489/brktgolokca7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You know you want one Yarrow! Think of the spoons you can make with this.

Now that does look interesting. Where are you getting that and how much does it cost? Please wisper the answer incase Missy hears!!

[hanzo]

Aloha Yarrow,

That is a Bark River Golok. Pictured is amboyna burl wood handle that I initially ordered. When I found out from Mike Stewart that they make a bamboo handled one, I asked the dealer to switch my order to a bamboo handle one. It will probably be months before production on the goloks are completed. :frown:

As for the price, I am not sure what it would go for in your neck of the woods, but I can PM you a quiet whisper of what mine is costing me if you like.

[yarrow]

As for the price, I am not sure what it would go for in your neck of the woods, but I can PM you a quiet whisper of what mine is costing me if you like.

Go on then Hanzo, just knowing the price cant hurt now can it!!:wink:

[hanzo]

Go on then Hanzo, just knowing the price cant hurt now can it!!:wink:



Missy, don't look! It is $145 US