Is this a genuine Martindale knife, or a Chinese copy?

[Spunyarn]

Hi all,

I've recently dug out a machete I've had for about 7 years. It doesn't hold an edge well, and although I'm pretty hopeless at sharpening, it just won't take a very good edge. I was having a read on these forums about them, and I'm now concerned it might be a chinese copy. If you can cast your eyes over it for me, and give me your thoughts, I'd be grateful!

The blade say's Martinedale, No.432w

I think it's the Para Machete? (I've taped over the DPM sheath)

 

[bopdude]

Hard to tell but it looks original, has the croc etc ?

Edit: LINK

 

[ammo]

I would say yes, it appears genuine. Although it could just be a bad example.
If it doesn't take an edge, and wont hold it, then it is junk regardless of manufacture.
Persevere, as you said. You might not be putting a sufficient edge, on to begin with.

 

[Shelley]

I have an original golok, the bigger one, it too does not really hold its edge that well, although I have managed to get it sharp (basically lots of sandpaper and time), on the plus side it's fairly easy to resharpen now.
Would be surprised that there are cheap Chinese copies around as they are damn cheap to start with, I understand that the milled steel that martindale uses is 1084, not the best stuff in the world by any means (of course I may be wrong on that but it's what I have heard).
Now that they are produced off site that quality seems to have gone down markedly.

 

[sunndog]

It doesn't hold an edge well

Probably genuine then

 

[Samon]

100% genuine mate. The steel on them is cheese, file the profile down and that will help but don't expect wonders.


I will do it for you if you cover the postage.