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Post: Custom Survival Machete? (Topic#863612)

Frosstyx
Member

Loc: Charlotte, NC
Reg: 09-30-09

10-29-09 21:49.23 - Post#1969294

Hello all, pretty new here but have a pressing question. I am without a truly long blade or a machete. I am constantly in the backwoods and also want something that will be useful in a survival situation, this will be a USER not a SQ I will be using it often during my hunting expeditions.

Here are my thoughts. I am wanting a chopper that can double as a combat/survival(and no I'm not talking zombies, its the live ones I will be worried about) user if need be, hence the reason I am choosing not to get a regular machete(too thin of a blade). I have been talking with Justin from Ranger Knives and will be ordering this blade from him.

I am thinking something similar to what you can see HERE , its one of Justin's custom jobs, He told me it is a 17" blade made of 5/23rds 1095 steel.

Of course I am wanting to mod it a little to add my own twist to it but that's the basic design, do you guys think I should opt for 5160 steel or stick with 1095 for something like this. Also is 17" the ideal length or should I go a little longer/shorter? Just wanting to get opinions before I draw up my concept and send it over to Justin, your thoughts? thanks!

"I ask sir, what is the militia? Is it the whole people, except for a few public officials?"
"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." - George Mason

KyleyHarris
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: New Zealand
Reg: 09-26-08

10-30-09 00:14.31 - Post#1969325
In response to Frosstyx

Well, I like my 17" ranger bushsword I designed, and Justin made an impeccible job.
Link
The cutting performance is excellent, and the 5160 Steel seems great.. 5160 is a good steel for longer blades.. Definately better than 1095 IMHO.

Making knives is fun
my projects
Let's all just buy some more knives!

puncypanda
Journeyman KnifeNut!

Loc: NSW, Australia
Reg: 10-01-09

10-30-09 01:31.43 - Post#1969328
In response to KyleyHarris

Yeah I'd definitely stick to the 5160.
That guy has sick vids. Nice blade too. It is rather thick though and sometimes thick blades although more heavy duty make cutting harder, especially cutting of timbers as the blade will glance off if the edge doesn't bite in to the timber. All this is a matter of opinion so don't take it as gospel.
17" is pretty big. I wouldn't personally exceed 15" but its your choice. I have found that really long machetes are hard to carry around as they get in the way and if you want it to double as a survival knife then it might prove a little impractical. Having said that if this guy makes good sheath systems then there should be no probs.

marcinek
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: Chicago
Reg: 09-05-07

10-30-09 04:18.06 - Post#1969356
In response to puncypanda

Axes are pretty thick, 'panda...why don't they glance off wood?

Its not about thickness...its about geometry.

cody1
Master Member KnifeNut!
cody1

Loc: Morrison Co.
Reg: 12-16-07

10-30-09 04:44.39 - Post#1969368
In response to marcinek

The 5/32" stock is thinner than 3/16". Not a thick blade for that length. Go with the 5160. Justin has a Heat treat that makes that stuff perform really well. You will love a large Ranger chopper. And in the off chance you run into a few Zombies, what the hell, it'll dispatch them also.

"Unless you strive beyond what you are, You will never grow"

www.woodsmonkey.com

scaatylobo
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: WesternN.Y.
Reg: 09-05-06

10-30-09 04:52.36 - Post#1969374
In response to Frosstyx

I like that design you show,but 17" is a bit long for me and a bit too much for the average hiker to see and not call in panic to a ranger station.12" to 14" would be my call and also easier to put in a pack

.btw Justin's stuff IS custom so 'customizing' is an expression only

" A Bad Day Living,Beats A Good Day Dead"

bld522
Journeyman KnifeNut!

Loc: City of the Fallen Angel
Reg: 02-16-04

10-30-09 05:44.42 - Post#1969414
In response to scaatylobo

Not custom, but arguably the finest machete you can buy and extremely inexpensive. Do a search for "Legitimus Collins" on that auction site and no, I'm not selling them or affiliated with anyone who is.

Here's a quote from someone who collects machetes:

"The reason I like Collins machetes so much is the spring steel they used. You never see one with a broken blade. They are a bit thicker and heavier than the Tramontinas, but more flexible than the Ontarios. When I would have to take a crew and clear areas with the city I worked for, we would always get the Collins machetes from the local hardware store. None got broken, but many were stolen. Collins was the choice of local surveyors as well. In my opinion, they were the best ever made and have no equals."

MikeStewart
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: Upper Peninsula,MIchigan,...
Reg: 03-14-03

10-30-09 06:17.22 - Post#1969441
In response to bld522

I find 11 to 14 inches to be a good balance of use and ease of carry.

That length is also easier for me to control and be more accurate in use.

Mike............

BRKCA MIKE #01
NJKCA #041

marcinek
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: Chicago
Reg: 09-05-07

10-30-09 06:34.04 - Post#1969453
In response to Frosstyx

Foroststyx...I guess I didn't ask the question I always ask about any survival knife...survival where?

If you are talking about jungle survival or clearing brush a machete would be ideal...thats what it is made for.

If you are talking about survival near the Artic circle, a leuku would be ideal...thats what it is made for.

Neither are really made for chopping hardwoods. You need something more sturdy.

If my survival or enjoyment depended on that, I would go with a shorter, more luggable knife along the Becker BK7/BK9, Ranger RD7/RD9, Barkie Hudson Bay Camp type.

That said...do get yourself that Ranger custom!...Justin makes a great custom knife at a phenomenal price.

Then again...you could always get a nice kukri!

KyleyHarris
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: New Zealand
Reg: 09-26-08

10-30-09 06:41.36 - Post#1969458
In response to MikeStewart

MikeStewart Said:

I find 11 to 14 inches to be a good balance of use and ease of carry.

That length is also easier for me to control and be more accurate in use.

Mike............

13-14 would be a nice size for a blade that is going to encounter the unknown..

My main reason for 17" is because Gorse is very very painful... and its a shortsword

Making knives is fun
my projects
Let's all just buy some more knives!

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