British army short machete

[Backyard Bushcraft]

looking at buying one of these as they are a tad more "campsite" friendly was going to have one made but i thought id ask what everyone thinks of them before i go spending my pennies! can someone post a pic of them holding one so i can get a feel to how it sizes please!! also if anyone would like to see/swop one pm me

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Short-Blade-B...6QQihZ011QQcategoryZ72046QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Eric_Methven]

They are OK, but you can get them a lot cheaper than sixteen quid. I'll take a photo if I can find mine.

Eric

 

[Exbomz]

I agree. They are very good and effective (though most come/issued with an edge that needs properly sharpening/honing).

As to price I see them every year at military shows for £10 or less but they are availabe for less than the example you give e.g. http://strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20062.

 

[wizard]

I have a Martindale. Spent some time sanding the handle, applied some linseed oil and some time honing it in to something that would actually cut.
Used it on a military training camp in Panama way back in the '80's. Worked very well, much better than the Ontario machete we were issued. Left that Ontario behind!
We made swamp beds, cut some trails and general other camp use. It handled all tasks well.
The Martindale is a very useful tool, as long as you take the time to sharpen it and smooth up the rough handle. I think I paid $10 for mine, that was awhile ago. Cheers!

 

[KAE1]

I asked the same question on another thread (search kukri or machete) and was put off, the general view was that the £15 web tex machetes are total goloks (rhyming slang) whereas the original martindale no2 are good. I got a good link www.timelesstools.co.uk and some good reviews on the Cold Steel Kukri Machete which is only £20 - £30. Check out Ka Bars cutlass machete, www.heinnie.com non macho looking and sounds very well made.

I've ordered a tora kukri and it should be arriving any day soon, I just hope its strong enough for real work.

You could also try www.cutleryscience.com

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[KAE1]

Can't work out why this link isn't working, it really is a good site????

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/martindale_machetes.html

 

[nickg]

The Martindale is an excellant choice with some work on the edge. Its not obvious but the profile of the blade in section is tapered from the spine to the edge, its the only machete that i know that does. Its well balanced and very hard wearing, I carry one strapped down the side of my bergan under the side pocket with the handle sticking out at the top that way its always handy and not too heavy - I no longer carry an axe as I find for the UK it is well able to handle most of the heavier cutting jobs that I need. (Mine is nearly 30 yrs old incidentally - I have another brand new one for when it finally dies - but it is still going strong at the moment)
Following the thread in post #6 if you are looking for a smaller tool but larger than your average knife then take a look at the paratrooper below it. Ignore the naff name, martindate have been making them since 1942 for issue to aircraft crews in the far east originally. They look inelegant and need some sharpening and finishing but are really useful if you need a belt carry that wont end up hitting your leg so much.

Hope these help
Cheers
Nick

 

[OzaawaaMigiziNini]

Hey Nick, I love that bloody machete!

Martindale

Might have to look into getting one