Junglas - What does it do?

Tsujigiri

Tsujigiri

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I know that this is probably a stupid question, but I don't know anything about fixed blades, and I'm a bit confused about the intended purpose for the ESEE Junglas. I know it's named a machete (although it doesn't look anything like the stereotypical machete), so its strength is chopping. But is it also good for piercing? I notice that the blade shape is kind of similar to some of Busse's offerings, which are intended for combat. And I've heard many people say that a 7 inch knife is ideal for both combat or an all-purpose knife, but they only seem to cite weight concerns when carrying the knife as a reason. If lugging around a heavier knife isn't a concern, would the Junglas be a good all-purpose knife, or is it more specialized? I recall reading a post from ESEE claiming that it's the most useless knife of their lineup for most people, but I can't think of why.
 
Well, it's not a "combat" blade. In fact, I'm not sure of there really is such a thing. More people die from kitchen knives and cheap machetes making war in 3rd World Africa than they do "Real" "combat" knives.
 
hi, the junglas is a bit more specialized than most of the esee lineup. its primarily a large chopper, it works great for brush and heavier wood. its not a do everything knife, you would find carving something more difficult because of the blade length. for a combat knife its too large and slow, you want something light and fast and with the ability to stab or slash quickly. the esee6 is a better all around knife big enough to chop but small enough to do camp chores easily.

as for weight, most who hike try to keep the weight down.

take it easy
cricket
 
My Junglas sits in a bin and is taken out every so often just to handle. I'd reccomend a nice Condor machete (many come as thick as the Junglas), or even a rough around the edges Tramontina and polish up the handle a bit.

I'll eventually get my Junglas out there and start chopping...but I love my machetes.
 
The Junglas is a decent backup blade for zombie invasions, general chopping, and trying to look cool.

I enjoy mine a lot, but when you get down to it there are much more cost-effective and useful blades out there.
 
carves ham and turkey
chops limbs (tree or zombie)
cuts weeds
splits (batons) wood
makes a decent draw knife
digs cat holes
makes a fair attachment point for a 10x4 bottle carrier
cleans fish
fills my misanthropic need for a big chopper without breaking the bank
pairs very nicely with my Izula 2
 
The first time I carried the Junglas I was hooked. I really believe the Junglas is worth it's weight while backpacking and practicing bushcraft. I do agree with Cricket as the 6 is also a great choice. Either will make quick work of shelter and fire prep. Great weight and balance with a super comfy grip. Coupled with an Izula (I or II) my edge needs in the bush are covered. You won't be disappointed. jm2c
 
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I use mine to baton and chop stuff up. I like big blades, because they are fun to use. Not sure what else I would do with them. Although my mom and sister tend to use one of mine for food prep quite often.
 
I carry the Junglas when I don't carry an axe. ( Boreal forest here.)
It does almost everything an axe or hatchet can do except split large rounds , and even there it can do it if you know what your doing. I find it a lot easier to carry than an axe when strapped to my pack. I always pack a smaller knife ( Esee 3 , 4 or 6 ) with me when I bring any kind of chopper.
 
TheGame said:
I use mine to baton and chop stuff up. I like big blades, because they are fun to use. Not sure what else I would do with them. Although my mom and sister tend to use one of mine for food prep quite often.
Click to expand...

What he said except for the mom and sister part....
 
Thanks for all the quick replies! So it appears that "combat fixed blade" is a rather vague and meaningless marketing term, like "hard-use folder?" I'm not too concerned about detail work, since I have my folders for that. I was just thinking of picking up one large fixed blade for any hardcore jobs that my folders might not be able to handle. Does the Junglas seem like the right knife for that, or are choppers really limited?
 
I actually use it sort of like a ninja sword lol. I have these these nylon shoulder strap deals with velcro on each end that attach to the top and bottom of the junglas, and I carry it that way. Well to explain it better, when it loops over my body, the juglas's handle is near my right hip so I can quick draw it out if need be. I use it instead of a bat near my bed, next to my sig229 lol. Plus it just feels so F'in awesome in your hand what more reason do you need haha. Whenever I see big branches coming into my yard from the neighbors I bust this baby out and wack the crap out those braches. poor bastages never stood a chance.
 
I use mine for gardening, anything over 1" gets chopped easy, light stuff I use a Lite Machete, appropriately. Also use the Junglas for splitting/batoning firewood to make kindling.
 
Tsujigiri said:
I was just thinking of picking up one large fixed blade for any hardcore jobs that my folders might not be able to handle. Does the Junglas seem like the right knife for that, or are choppers really limited?
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Choppers do have a specialized role, but an important one.

What kinds of "hardcore" jobs are you talking about? If you are considering a fixed blade, the Junglas is one hell of a fixed blade to start with!

Honestly though, outside of bushcraft type stuff handling chopping tasks and splitting wood, the Junglas usually gets left behind for me. I love that blade and it's a lot of fun to use, but it's not the most practical. My hatchet is more useful.

If you are looking for more EDC stuff, the Junglas is out. If you are someone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors playing with knives, you will have a lot of fun with the Junglas.

Fixed blades are great. Not all fixed blades are great for everything though. They sure are fun though!

JGON
 
Tsujigiri said:
Thanks for all the quick replies! So it appears that "combat fixed blade" is a rather vague and meaningless marketing term, like "hard-use folder?" I'm not too concerned about detail work, since I have my folders for that. I was just thinking of picking up one large fixed blade for any hardcore jobs that my folders might not be able to handle. Does the Junglas seem like the right knife for that, or are choppers really limited?
Click to expand...

For that i would take maybe a 6 or a 5.
They can do the most things better than the junglas.
Except batoning, chopping, cut big branches.

I love my Junglas. Its a lot of fun to work with. But its heavy and big, and so for many things useless. The weight makes me tired if i must do fine work.

I care a 3 with me, and with the 3 and the Junglas i can do nearly everything.
 
Also if you haven't held one before, a Junglas is HEAVY. Slow to swing and pulls on your arm when you swing it hard. I won't use mine hard without the lanyard around the back of my thumb so it can't fly out my hand. Powerful tool though.

Edit: Beaten to it with the weight comment :)

I use a lanyard like this with it (FK NL1 TOR shown)

IMG_1792.jpg
 
It's a chopper. Some will deem it a survival knife, but I generally consider a survival knife something I will have with me most all the time that will cover all my bases.

As far as combat/fighting knife that terminology always throws up my B.S. flag. I think fighting knives are even worse in that arena than survival knives. The Junglas being heavy with a 10" blade is going to be somewhat unwieldy when trying to stab with it.

Fighting with any knife takes skill and it is true that some knives have an advantage over others. However, I'd take my chances against some doober with a Junglas before I'd tangle with someone like Michael Janich with the Spyderco folder in his pocket.
 
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