Silky Nata

[Phil B]

Just ordered a Silky Nata 240 double grind hatchet.

I was getting mad as they're on ebay at $60 ish but it blocks you from buying as We as a whole country can't be trusted.

Anyway, I found one seller who must have listed it as something benign so bought it.

Has anyone here got any experience of these? Great reviews on line.

Thanks!
See here;


https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/pt/-silky-nata-bijl-240-mm-sharpened-on-both-sides.htm

 

[Muskett]

A 2lbs cutting bar. Used in the same way as a billhook. Double edged as Japanese generally prefer single edge. You should like it. This style comes is various sizes and weights and has a lot of utility if a bit specialised. Used on the right material and with skill they are excellent. Tools from different cultures are tuned to what is found and needed locally. How they translate to a different environment is another matter but good fun finding out.

2lbs is on the heavy size and close to a SFA. I find the Skrama at a tad over 1lbs an easier tool to control.

Go for it and tell us what you think.

 

[Marmite]

I'm looking forward to your thoughts on this as I've almost took the plunge myself on this several times .
Even had a play with one at a Silky trade stall last year, just the price was slightly unnerving. I've been using a straight edged bill hook for years and the kids love using/batoning a kindling axe for processing firewood and generally helping with the fire prep at camp, so if your experiences show it in a positive light it maybe time to take the plunge

 

[Phil B]

Thanks for your thoughts. I dropped on this after playing with a "Cutting competition" style blade. Loved it and was wowed with what its owner could do with it!

I can't justify/afford a "comp" knife so this just might be the perfect compromise. It'll be used in a mainly Birch woodland and garden work. Plus kindling duties.

In the wood, I normally carry a Silky Zubat saw and a GB Forest axe anyway so this will be more compact and probably lighter too.

I'll do a mini review when it arrives, going to be 2-3 weeks I think.

 

[Phil B]

I bought the 555-24, the double ground 240mm (9-1/2") version.

Seen a good vid of it being used as a draw knife, as well as a chopper and log splitter (batonned). Can't wait!!

 

[Nice65]

Thanks for your thoughts. I dropped on this after playing with a "Cutting competition" style blade. Loved it and was wowed with what its owner could do with it!

I can't justify/afford a "comp" knife so this just might be the perfect compromise. It'll be used in a mainly Birch woodland and garden work. Plus kindling duties.

In the wood, I normally carry a Silky Zubat saw and a GB Forest axe anyway so this will be more compact and probably lighter too.

I'll do a mini review when it arrives, going to be 2-3 weeks I think.

I have to say, that Nata is really appealing aesthetically. I have a Skrama, but am still tempted by one I found on eBay at £55 ish plus tax. I have a feeling it will attract the usual fees from HMRC though.

 

[Phil B]

I have to say, that Nata is really appealing aesthetically. I have a Skrama, but am still tempted by one I found on eBay at £55 ish plus tax. I have a feeling it will attract the usual fees from HMRC though.

You might find that when you hit the "buy it now" button, the lovely people at the auction site hit the "oh no you don't" button.

It's frustrating but of course, it's for our own safety.

 

[sunndog]

First time i'v seen one of these. Thats gonna have some follow through to it
I'm guessing its meant to chop small green poles which it should fly through

Bit specialised for me but a cracking looking tool. Do give a report on it when it arrives

 

[Phil B]

Will do Sunndog.

 

[Shelley]

It’s a bit less tactical/offensive looking than a golok but looks like it would fall into the same sort of category?
Couple of shots online where people have taken off the plastic handles scales and replaced with micarta ones.
I rate silky saws.

 

[Laurentius]

Horrendous looking thing, I think I shall stick to a billhook.

 

[Nice65]

It’s a bit less tactical/offensive looking than a golok but looks like it would fall into the same sort of category?
Couple of shots online where people have taken off the plastic handles scales and replaced with micarta ones.
I rate silky saws.

Dunno about categories, it's the same as a bill hook, machete, etc. All are fixed blades that aren't categorised further than that. Tactical or offensive is in the eye of the beholder, any large knife can cause this weird effect in people who think maybe a person is going to suddenly snap and stop their gentle spoon carving and go psycho. If you find the use of a golok offensive, then probably the person using it is not using it in the environment it is designed to be used. Not having a go or anything, it's just the NKP (Non Knife Person) thinking all cutting edges are designed to cut people rather than open a packet of biscuits or be used as the tools they are.

Silky. Superb saws, anytime I've lent my Zubat or Super Accel to anyone that uses a Bahco, they're astonished at its cutting power. Japanese cutting tools are the best.

And I'm still very tempted. I'm with sunndog, I'll be needing a report ��

 

[Janne]

The angle between the handle and blade is odd?

5mm thick — really necessary for a blade length of 24 cm?

I love Japanese tools, but am not so sure about this one. Seems unfinished, and the handle is ‘cheap’.

 

[Phil B]

I'll let you all know soon enough. Silky saws are very good, I've had a couple over the years. If this is as nice, job done.

Laurentius, I've got a bill hook, I don't think much to it for what I want in a camp knife/hatchet, which adds to the reasons to get this. Everyone has there own tastes/injuriy issues/uses and restrictions.

 

[dwardo]

Seems like it would be one of those tools that would be nice to have but would always be other tools with more diverse abilities that would be picked up instead.

 

[Phil B]

Seems like it would be one of those tools that would be nice to have but would always be other tools with more diverse abilities that would be picked up instead.

I was hoping the opposite, and have a weight saving too.

10" blade long enough for short machete, heavy enough for use as a hatchet (5mm x 240mm), and handy enough for a big camp knife.

I've had a big Molleta in the past that was a little shorter but worked in these rolls.

Time will tell.

 

[Phil B]

Well it arrived today!

Mini review to follow later but first impressions are the it’s very nice. Feels lovely, good balance but weight forward. Soft and shock reducing handle (replacable).

The vendor sent it to me in just 6 days from Japan and I didn’t get my leg lifted at customs. Off to a good start. More to follow!