Golok

[markheolddu]

Hi I am hoping someone can help me, Have any of you come across the Trac pac Golok. Its a clone of the Martindale number 2 (I think) the one that looks like a whale. Anyway held one on the weekend and the finish looked and felt great BUT it has a very hollow grind and the guy in the shop thinks its carbon steel.
If I could get some info it would be very helpful

Mark

 

[TheGreenMan]

A concave grind (hollow grind) on a chopping blade is one to avoid as the thin, weak edge will be very prone to chipping and rolling over. A convex grind on the other hand, is a whole different 'kettle of fish'

Can't find anything about this Golok with a quick Google.

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[decorum]

Hi markheolddu,

Can't help much as I've only used a Golok once and that was many years ago, for more info have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golok. Try,as always with wiki-pages, to verify the information you find contained within with at least one other source.

 

[TheGreenMan]

I didn't post that URL or mention the Martindale No2 for two reasons. Firstly, the Golok on the Wiki page, isn't a No2 (it's much smaller and lighter than the No2 and so probably can't be considered a Golok, and I believe that the one illustrated isn't even made by Martindale, but some sort of 'knock-off'), and secondly, the No2 has a flat grind and not a hollow, so I just addressed the mentioned 'hollow grind', and it's unsuitability as a chopping blade.

Not contradicting you or looking for an argument, just clarifying my initial post.

In short, I don't think Mark should buy any chopping blade with a hollow grind, don't know anything about the Tracpac Golok other than what Mark has posted, but I think if he's going to buy one of that pattern he might as well buy a Martindale, and then convex the grind to improve its chopping performance.

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[decorum]

Hi TheGreenMan,

Even if you had been contradicting me I'd have no problem with it, the point of both of us posting was to try to help someone else. I agree fully with your opinion of concave grinds and agree with you about the ease in which they can sustain damage, I was simply trying to help markheolddu do a bit of easy research on the subject.

 

[TheGreenMan]

Cool. I’m glad we have both declared an accord Sometimes a rare thing on web forums, but very welcome, as I have little or no appetite for conflict



Best regards,
Paul.

 

[decorum]

I'm wrong, or inaccurate, too often to mind someone disagreeing with me.

 

[TheGreenMan]

An excellent philosophy, decorum, and one to be commended.

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[markheolddu]

Thanks for your help guys

Mark

 

[John Fenna]

Mind your Thumb!

 

[TheGreenMan]

Thanks for your help guys

Mark

You’re welcome, Mark.

As an aside, in the UK you’re probably better off with a hatchet, unless you have a lot of low brush or dense undergrowth to clear, or to maintain an established trail through dense country overseas, or to cut a new trail. Even when using the Martindale as a large camp knife (which was my intention when I bought mine), a hatchet does most of the jobs of a large camp knife and does them better.

The hatchet is more controllable (due to the variety of grips you can use on the helve), is safer - arguably - but let’s not - (John is right to warn about those digits, with such a long cutting edge), and requires less force with each blow, and can be used for surprisingly fine tasks. But as the ‘mad axe man’ you probably know this already

That said, if you just want to play and learn, there’s no reason not to buy the Martindale. From that perspective, it was worth buying mine. I have no regrets at all.

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[BOD]

Can't imagine why anyone would bother making one with a hollow grind

 

[markheolddu]

Thanks Greenman as the mad axe man I just spent 5 nights in hospital, 2 operations and 10 weeks of light duties cos of me misuse of an axe. I have used them for years but oine slip is enought. looking for something different .

Thanks again Mark

 

[TheGreenMan]

Can't imagine why anyone would bother making one with a hollow grind

Don't understand the ratonale behind that either, BOD...but then there may not be one

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[TheGreenMan]

Thanks Greenman as the mad axe man I just spent 5 nights in hospital, 2 operations and 10 weeks of light duties cos of me misuse of an axe. I have used them for years but oine slip is enought. looking for something different .

Thanks again Mark

Ouch.

I guess it's the one thing we all dread, one ill-considered move, or a moment’s lapse of concentration. to hear about the mishap, but it's a reminder to us all. Hope you're on the mend.

The Martindale isn't as an efficient chopper as an axe, as you'll appreciate, but the longer length of the cutting edge presents a whole new set of things to be cautious about. When it's properly ground and honed, it's a dangerous thing.

Stay safe.

All the best,
Paul.

 

[markheolddu]

Mended now just, Thanks for you advice Greenman

Mark

 

[TheGreenMan]

No problemo, Mark. Happy to share what little I know.

All the best,
Paul.