The Smatchet????????

L6steel

L6steel

Joined
Sep 23, 1999
Messages
5,855
Anyone have any experience with the smatchet?????? Do they feature a hollow grind or a flat grind?? Thanks! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
Ghostsix, I have seen issue Smatchets turn up on Ebay from time to time. The last one I saw there was an OSS issue with the aluminum (?) handle & D-guard. I don't recall what they ultimately sold for.

8 Dollar Knife Foundry has some interesting classical American Military-style knives including a Smatchet (with and without the knuckle-duster).

I'm sure you've all seen the great segment in Fairbairn's book GET TOUGH! on fighting with the Smatchet.

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"The snake that cannot shed its skin perishes.
So do thinkers who cannot change their opinions;
they cease to think."
-NIETZSCHE
 
L6,

The issued WWII Smatchet is a very Rare (high$$$$) collectable. But there have been a number of quality reproductions or Smatchet-like knives produced in recnt years by companies like AL-Mar, and Blackjack; not to mention a host of custom makers. The edge grind patterns, blade steel, and finish varies accordingly.

The Smatchet is intended as a combination figthing knife and field tool. It is a compromised design by definition. As a fighter you will have to deal with a large and heavy blade pattern (slower to deploy harder to carry etc.), as a field knife the sharpend back edge can limit some of its versatility.

Its an interesting design non-the-less, but expect to pay significant amount of dollars for an original (LG4 calls it about $600-900, but I have yet to find a decent example for under $1,200), Even the quality namebrand models of more recent manufacture run at $300+.

Good luck and happy hunting
smile.gif
 
Ahh yes, "Satan's Pancake Flipper"
smile.gif
. I've handled the AlMar version. To me, the blade shape and tip scream "stabber" but it's got the heft and balance of a heavy chopper. It's too heavy for "fine tip control" unless you're some kinda gorilla.

So my personal opinion is, for a practical big carry utility/smashfighter, go get a light long Khukuri and don't look back.

Jim
 
Thanks for the input folks!! The reason I aske this question is I'm considering making a couple smatchets. Since I've never handled or even seen one in person, I needed some info before making them. If I do, I'll use 3/16" L6 from one of my saw blades. The design looks like it would be a good all around blade, and maybe even a decent thrower since it's tip heavy. Anyone ever tried throwing one?? If I go through with it, I'll do some testing and let you know how it works. Is 10" blade length and 3"s at it's widest part about right for a smatchet ??Take care! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
According to a drawing from 1943 , in an article in "Gung-Ho" magazine(9/88)by Rex Applegate, the
smatchet is 15 19/32 long. The blade, including the brass guard, is 10 23/32, and at it's widest point is 2 25/32.
If you want a xerox of the article, send me you address and i'll send it to you.
email= gestewa@aol.com

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Regards,
Gester

AKTI Member #A000190

It's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

[This message has been edited by gester (edited 10 November 1999).]

[This message has been edited by gester (edited 10 November 1999).]
 
All of the examples of Smachets I have seen from WW II (10) have been flat ground. The other commercial ones that I have seen have all been flat with a deep hollow grind. The only problem I have with the design is the large handle. The weight is no problem. I have also never seen a WWII with an aluminum handle or knuckle guard. This sounds like a $6 foundry knife. Always beware of Charlatans and fakes.

Cheers,

ts

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Guns are for show. Knifes are for Pros.
 
L6,

Keep me informed on the status of this project - I may be interested in purchasing one of the Smatchets.

Mark
 
L6,you`re probably on to something here. The EDMF (Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry) smatchets are also made from sawmill blade steel (3/16") and have recieved very favorable reviews. I have one of his 12" bowies which other than the clip is somewhat similar in profile and it works like gangbusters. BTW they`re both hollow ground. I wouldn`t be a bit suprised if Dale at EDMF would be happy to answer questions about smatchets. He`s a real nice guy and somewhat of a military history buff as well. If you`d like his site/e mail address let me know and I`ll dig em up. Marcus
 
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