Bear machete test 1 oct 2011---22 photos

WILLIAM.M

WILLIAM.M

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Apr 14, 2006
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Bearthedog(Reuben) e-mailed me and asked me if I would like to test 3 of his Machetes

I know--that's like asking a Sex Addict if he wants to Visit the Playboy Mansion

This is who made them
http://www.filipinobolos.com/

The 3 will be Called by thier HANDLE Color

Blue,Black and Brown

I moved recently and can not locate my micrometer--but Black and Blue look about 3/16--Brown Slightly less

For Lengths--see the Photos(I take some good photos)

Blade Steel is 5160

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more photos to folllow
 
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SLIDESHOW OF TEST
http://s499.photobucket.com/albums/... MACHETE TEST 1 OOT 2011/?albumview=slideshow

As far as the Winner??

Easy--Mr.Blue was the best chopper as well as the most comfortable Handle.

Mr.Black's handle has a lot of sharp edges and needs to be sanded down for comfort and blister prevention

Mr.Brown is the lightest and fastest of the 3 --but the handle is too thin for me and moves in my hand while chopping

All did well as far as Chopping --it was the Handle comfort that stood out the most to me.

Mr.Blue came to me with some edge damage--but took what I gave it without a problem

These will be sent to GUNKNIFENUT(Gene) and then to another one of my friends who has agreed to test-review and post photos.

Thanks again BEAR---I'm going to get me a Mr.Blue(Rambo Chopper)

Sincerely

Dr.Bill
 
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Really cool stuff Bill. Those handles define FUGLY! But hey, one of them worked. Looks like nasty old gnarly stuff to be chopping through!
 
Always enjoy your input William but I was incredulous at the thread title......

I thought you were talkin bear grylls machete at first glance and burst out laughing thinking it might be a joke test thread!!!

Too bad about the brown(rattan) handle, that is the one that calls and calls to me
 
Can't wait to get out and test these...I will most likely make a comparison against some 12" blades choppers that I have already as well. This is my favorite size and style of chopper, so I am looking forward to this!
 
I may have to ask for one of these for Christmas, seeing as I've done my limit for the year on my own. Thanks for the review.
 
Hey Bill, did you do any draw knife cutting, scrapings for tinder, splitting, or any other knife tasks with it? It is their multi-tool and used for much more than just chopping.

That blue handle really pops out in that terrain, won't lose that one easily.

-RB
 
bearthedog said:
Hey Bill, did you do any draw knife cutting, scrapings for tinder, splitting, or any other knife tasks with it? It is their multi-tool and used for much more than just chopping.

That blue handle really pops out in that terrain, won't lose that one easily.

-RB
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Going to let Gene do those tests Bear

Thanks again for allowing me to test them
 
gunknifenut said:
Can't wait to get out and test these...I will most likely make a comparison against some 12" blades choppers that I have already as well. This is my favorite size and style of chopper, so I am looking forward to this!
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Where are your photos Bro??

Who has the Machetes now???

We are looking forward to your test report!!

:)
 
Well,
I received the 3 machete's about a week ago, and had some time with them. I had a chance to hang on to them at the house, and get the feel for them, and then, take them out and see what they could do.
First thing first, these are hand made, and you can tell. While the fit and finish isn't as good as many of the other tools I have seen over the years, they have a pleasant "organic" feel and look to them.
The balance is good on all three, and they have a substantial heft. All 3 are very unique to themselves, and not only do they look different, they feel very different in hand.
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The ratan handled machete (my favorite of the bunch) is thinner and lighter than the other 2. IT has the best grind in my opinion for a machete, convex, yet thin. It has a slight secondary bevel, which adds to the edge toughness IMO.
Overall, it handled saplings best, cutting 2 inch saplings in one slice, as my photo's show. While the other 2 machetes (blue and black), which are thicker and heavier, handled the hardwoods much better.
Of the 2 heavy duty machete's, I agree with Doc on this, the Blue is much better. Overall, the Black machete is a great tool, but the handle material leaves a bunch to be desired. Its plastic, and slippery as hell. It fatigued my hand very quickly.
The blade shape of the Black machete appealed to me the most of the bunch....I kept imagining the Ratan handle on the Black blade! That would be a dream combo!
Now to the BIG DOG. The Blue machete was an animal. It was the only one of the bunch that I could chop a 7inch poplar clean in 2 with, and not feel like I was using the WRONG tool for the job. The flat end or "rambo" end seemed like it would make a great shovel or spatula around camp to...although I did not dig with it, I am sure I could have.
The handle material was comfortable, although the fit and finish wasn't the best, I didn't get any major hot spots.

Overall, the Ratan handled one was my clear choice in my neck of the woods (north east). I usually carry a trio, and this one would make a great camp knife...infact..I want the damn thing Bearthedog...so lets do some trading buddy!
I loved the integral handle (think; Cold Steel Bushman) and the added wrap felt great. It was light and fast. It wasn't going to win any heavy duty chopping races, but it was a great balance between all the things most guy and gals look for in a survival tool.

Hang on for all the pictures folks..
Thanks Doc and Bear for a chance to try some great blades!
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RATAN
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BLACK
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BLUE
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Gunknifenut,
Nice playground.

I hope you still have the Bolos.

Sorry, no trade!

If you like it, just keep it, simple!

-RB
 
bearthedog said:
Gunknifenut,
Nice playground.

I hope you still have the Bolos.

Sorry, no trade!

If you like it, just keep it, simple!

-RB
Click to expand...

I do still have them...you are a good guy Reuben. I will get the other 2 on the way to you ASAP! Thanks Brother!
 
gunknifenut said:
I do still have them...you are a good guy Reuben. I will get the other 2 on the way to you ASAP! Thanks Brother!
Click to expand...

I like that one too, but I may try to get the 14" version of it. And no, you can't have it when I get it!
Have fun with it!

-RB
 
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