CS Smatchette- any thoughts?

[DunRanull]

Anyone use or own one of these? A friend who is something of a "bladesman" has one and likes it and suggests I should try one as a substitute to beating up one of my khuks in camp.. What say ya'll?

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[Geardo]

Anyone use or own one of these? A friend who is something of a "bladesman" has one and likes it and suggests I should try one as a substitute to beating up one of my khuks in camp.. What say ya'll?

I couldn't find it online.

This thing?
Smatchet Machete by Cold Steel

Seems.... Odd. Weight is too far back for chopping, but too big if a blade for any precision with the tip.

Stick to a Bolo for a good heavy brush machete, but honestly, up here I would prefer a good hatcher + axe and something like a Jungles 2 or esse 6.

 

[titsonritz]

I'll take a solid Kukri instead.

 

[DunRanull]

I'll take a solid Kukri instead.

I have a selection of khuks and have tried using them for brush... the blades are a bit heavy, which is where the machete shines..

 

[Siglvr]

I see it now on a future "Forged In Fire": "Your Smatchette will Keel"....

 

[titsonritz]

I have a selection of khuks and have tried using them for brush... the blades are a bit heavy, which is where the machete shines..

Then stick with a real machete with a deep front end, that is what gets the light brush out of the way.

 

[Kruel J]

And for God's sake don't cut a finger off.

 

[titsonritz]

And for God's sake don't cut a finger off.

I know a knot-head that swung one into his own leg.

 

[Kruel J]

I know a knot-head that swung one into his own leg.

So how did he get the knot on his head?

 

[titsonritz]

So how did he get the knot on his head?

I think he gets a few new ones every other time he opens his mouth.

 

[Kruel J]

I think he gets a few new ones every other time he opens his mouth.

Ah, one of those. Got it.

 

[titsonritz]

Ah, one of those. Got it.

Yeah, you know the type.

 

[Mygrainman]

Don't know about the cold steel, but a couple months ago I picked up an AL MaR Smachett and that thing was SCARY! I loved the design and feel of it.
William Fairbaine (co designer along with Rex Applegate) said:
The psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the smatchet in his hand is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier - confidence, determination, and aggressiveness. Its balance, weight and killing power, with the point, edge or pommel, combined with the extremely simple training necessary to become efficient in its use, make it the ideal personal weapon for all those not armed with a rifle and bayonet.

The AlMar was highly collectible... I Traded it to a buddy and he sold it on eBay for like $500
For $40 I'd say get one!

 

[Geardo]

And for God's sake don't cut a finger off.

I got the webbing between by thumb and hand once. Was too embarrassed to tell my parents. Lucky I didn't get and infection! I remeber seeing inside my hand!

 

[thorborg]

My mind see them as primitive war items in modern times. I could never understand the value of those sort of things at least in the NW other than scaring people in a movie thriller.
What little Machetes use I have had, quickly taught me too much energy is expended with them when I can produce twice the fire wood with 1/10th the energy with a nice sharp little back pack saw and or preferably backed up with a 24 inch axe.
+
Less like to do me damage in a fall nestled in my back pack too. I can also build a shelter or tarp frame with the saw, faster than chopping, especially if the would is dry and hard.
Just a thought.

 

[Hawaiian]

The blade shape does not really look like a camp knife. It looks more like a fantasy zombie slasher.

One of our members here is a local knife maker who makes great camp knives. @Bill Siegle
I have a number of them and they work exceptionally well.

 

[DunRanull]

So how did he get the knot on his head?

He's lucky that he didn't poke an eye out...

 

[DunRanull]

Got the smachet, will eventually take a semi-permanent place in my trunk.. Has some real heft to it. I don't think that it would really do as well as a real hatchet will do as far as splitting wood or taking down small dead trees... but it will work, and can be used for light digging chores, and in a pinch can be used as a canoe paddle. I didnt really NEED it but wanted to use it a bit just cuz I can.. Also picked up a CS Kobun to use as an EDC... It beats my Buck folder for weight and edge-holding, I like it in spite of the odd chisel tip.. and it is sharp!

 

[Geardo]

Got the smachet, will eventually take a semi-permanent place in my trunk.. Has some real heft to it. I don't think that it would really do as well as a real hatchet will do as far as splitting wood or taking down small dead trees... but it will work, and can be used for light digging chores, and in a pinch can be used as a canoe paddle. I didnt really NEED it but wanted to use it a bit just cuz I can.. Also picked up a CS Kobun to use as an EDC... It beats my Buck folder for weight and edge-holding, I like it in spite of the odd chisel tip.. and it is sharp!

That's a big EDC.....I like it though.

 

[surevaliance]

I have a selection of khuks and have tried using them for brush... the blades are a bit heavy, which is where the machete shines..

Try Ka-Bar Kukri. We have two, in one in each of our two emergency bags. They are lighter than original kukries, still very solid though.