*PROJECT M*

[seedha.admi]

Dear IFG Members & Readers,

My next stop, Machete! I've been looking at this beautiful machete recently called "Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete 14" Black Carbon Steel Blade, Walnut Handles, Leather Sheath" on knifecenter. Opinion anyone??? Which machete should I go for? Note:- Not gonna use it on trekking this time just looking at next blade for my collection.

I now commence Project M

[seedha.admi]

Also,

What do you suggest should I buy heavy or light machete? Anyone any experience?

[essdee1972]

Khukri. Best shape for a machete. Otherwise a dah / dao. If you know someone in NE India, you can ask him to get one (provided he's travelling by train!).
Heavy or light will depend on what you want to use it for. If it's only for collecting and wall-hanging, get any damn thing which looks good (to you), and you can afford!

Of course, for really heavy duty cutting, I would recommend a chain saw!!

[seedha.admi]

Well I already have a chain saw, but since I'm buying it both for the purpose of wall hanging and field usage so help me out here please. Anyone!

[essdee1972]

For field use, you would be best served with a heavy one. Having said that, it's you who will have to keep chopping, maybe for hours. So the weight should ideally be comfortable for you to use for long times, without making you feel like "hell with this trek, I am going home!" Typically, the traditional machetes will have the spine substantially thicker and weighted. The recurve on a khukri makes it easier to chop with, they say........

Other issue is handles. With solid wood handles, it looks good, but imagine that hard wood impacting your hand again & again! You can try using a rubber bicycle tube or motorbike handle cover for the times when you are using it, and removing the tube for when you just want to hang it up.

Your choice looks good. These Golok types seem to have been used for ages.