- Joined
- Sep 25, 2002
- Messages
- 3,179
Got this on sale from the Machete Specialists. Came via UPS on Friday. Gave it a quick try on some low hanging avacado branches yesterday. So this isn't an extensive review, more of a first impression.
The 18" handle is smooth and well finished, about 7/8" thick, a bit wasp waisted toward the end, wood type unknown, you could wrap a LOT of paracord around it if you were so inclined
The blade is listed as 8 & 1/4" long (that includes the socket), 3mm thick, 1 & 3/8" wide at the handle, steel type unknown (maybe 1055), you're looking at about 4" of straight edge before the curve starts, came reasonably sharp with a dull spot in the deepest part of the curve
What the numbers on the website didn't mention was the weight. It clocks in around 11oz. This thing is light, spritely in the hand. Between its low weight and slender profile it would be very easy to take into the field. Yet for its low weight it was able to go through 3/4" limbs in one swing when held at the end of the handle. It will go through thicker, say 1 & 1/2", with a few hits. My technique is a bit spotty still.
So, in brief; the baby billhook gets a big thumbs up. It's light and quick but has reach and leverage. It's packable. Was usable straight out of the box. Easily customizable A very good value. If you've got a lot of light vegetation and you're looking for something different, give this little guy a whirl.
Frank
The 18" handle is smooth and well finished, about 7/8" thick, a bit wasp waisted toward the end, wood type unknown, you could wrap a LOT of paracord around it if you were so inclined
The blade is listed as 8 & 1/4" long (that includes the socket), 3mm thick, 1 & 3/8" wide at the handle, steel type unknown (maybe 1055), you're looking at about 4" of straight edge before the curve starts, came reasonably sharp with a dull spot in the deepest part of the curve
What the numbers on the website didn't mention was the weight. It clocks in around 11oz. This thing is light, spritely in the hand. Between its low weight and slender profile it would be very easy to take into the field. Yet for its low weight it was able to go through 3/4" limbs in one swing when held at the end of the handle. It will go through thicker, say 1 & 1/2", with a few hits. My technique is a bit spotty still.
So, in brief; the baby billhook gets a big thumbs up. It's light and quick but has reach and leverage. It's packable. Was usable straight out of the box. Easily customizable A very good value. If you've got a lot of light vegetation and you're looking for something different, give this little guy a whirl.
Frank
