Really turns me on!

Gordon · June 8, 2013, 11:21 PM

I dunno why but this knife he just emailed me is available really turns this old blade loving heart on!

I like the specs, the handle looks very beefy and nice but maybe a bit squarish for my round palms taste.
http://www.martinolexeyblades.com/Smatchet.html

**Fred Fuller** · June 8, 2013, 11:30 PM

http://www.macdonaldarms.com/armoury...rnSmatchet.php

The original was pretty squarish in the hilt as well. Though I met several European - deployed OSS types in passing in years gone by, I never heard any of them mention the Smatchet.

**JShirley** · June 9, 2013, 06:17 PM

Another 3V. Probably the best steel for the application.

SuperNaut · June 9, 2013, 10:56 PM

I've been lusting after a Gatchet for a while:,

Very similar to the OP's Smatchet. IMO both are modern versions of the tried and true multi-thousand year old Gladius.

Archaic Weapon · June 9, 2013, 11:28 PM

Greekish leaf blade. The gladius had a wasped/wasted blade, which gradually grew straighter. That is a leaf shape blade, goes back to either Celtic weapons or the Greek xiphos. The smatchet is properly it's own design, with it's own blade shape, size, handle features, and handling characteristics.

All of that complaining aside, I have found that slicing blades are not good in my area, and that a smatchet has a reputation as a mean killing blade.

Jaymo · June 9, 2013, 11:44 PM

I like the smatchet.
I also like the Hospital Corps knife.
I got the last one Atlanta Cutlery had.
They were down to the display knife in the case.
I got a discount on it.
I also got their last Brazilian military knife copy the same way.
Thrilled with both.
Now, if I can get a good scabbard made for the Hospital Corps knife.
The one that came with it is pretty good, but the belt loop came off, due to being riveted only, not riveted/stitched.
Also, the brass rivet at the throat drags against the edge.
Not great for keeping it sharp.

To be honest, for chopping, it's really hard to beat a real, Nepalese Khukuri. I have a couple and they are sweet.

Deltaboy · June 10, 2013, 07:52 AM

Nasty ole school blades.

**hso** · June 10, 2013, 08:44 PM

http://www.edmfknives.com/page3.html

Sam Cade · June 10, 2013, 08:53 PM

Since we are working our way down the spectrum:

**JShirley** · June 10, 2013, 09:11 PM

hso, I don't think Dale Sandberg is still making knives. Shame.

scramasax · June 10, 2013, 09:20 PM

One of my favorite knives. Had an original once also one from Buck and ALMAR. All of them had to go when they got worth so much and I needed the money. Still have a Boker and might get Kim to do me one in Damascus to match the 1918 he made for me.

Gordon · June 11, 2013, 12:06 AM

Stphan Fowler made me this 13" bladed weapon that is similar in application but a little further up the food chain IMHO.

**JShirley** · June 11, 2013, 12:11 AM

I'm not usually a fan of double-edged blades, but that Fowler is gorgeous, Gordon.

John

Sam Cade · June 11, 2013, 12:45 AM

Aye.

'tis purty.

Howz it cut?

Sam Cade · June 11, 2013, 12:48 AM

How is the pommel plate on the Fowler sticker attached?

**hso** · June 11, 2013, 05:52 PM

Gordon,

I don't think the Fowler is the same application as the Smatchett. Stephens knife is a big sticker with enough size and heft to slash. That Smatchett is a big chopper with enough belly to slash and enough point to stick. The balances should be completely different as well.

Gordon · June 11, 2013, 11:45 PM

I have a 1917 Plumb Bolo but I believe the smatchet (the original one ) was thinner, also about 10" blade I believe. The Fowler "dagger" is long enough to enter into short sword territory and does have the ability to cut a soft pine 2x4 in two with a couple whacks.This shows a Kershaw "bolo" Outcast I use to whack brush compared with Sam 1911's Camp Defender. I think a Smatchet is a little thicker than the Kershaw but approximately the same size. The 1917 Bolo is better for digging than cutting brush. I suspect a smatchet is a fierce delimber and has a penetrating point for non chest wall (ribs) work. All in all I'll take the specialty knife over the compromise blades, and I liked the first custom rendition I posted for it's modern interprtation .

**Fred Fuller** · June 12, 2013, 12:14 PM

Sam Cade,

Cold Steel says their version of the Smatchet is no longer available... not that I would buy one, but I was curious as to where the photo you posted came from.

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/97SMATS/Smatchet.aspx

Sam Cade · June 12, 2013, 02:32 PM

Fred,

It hasn't came out yet.

TTBOMK it is going to be made by Lasher.

**JShirley** · June 12, 2013, 03:36 PM

I wish they'd at least use 1070. 1055?

John

Sam Cade · June 12, 2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JShirley

1055?

Africa John. Africa.

June 8, 2013, 11:21 PM	#1
Gordon Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: central Kali. Posts: 6,865	Really turns me on! I dunno why but this knife he just emailed me is available really turns this old blade loving heart on! I like the specs, the handle looks very beefy and nice but maybe a bit squarish for my round palms taste. http://www.martinolexeyblades.com/Smatchet.html __________________ A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. Robert Heinlein - Time Is Not Enough

June 8, 2013, 11:30 PM	#2
Fred Fuller Moderator Join Date: March 26, 2004 Location: AL, NC Posts: 16,559	http://www.macdonaldarms.com/armoury...rnSmatchet.php The original was pretty squarish in the hilt as well. Though I met several European - deployed OSS types in passing in years gone by, I never heard any of them mention the Smatchet. __________________ MINDSET - SKILLSET - TOOLSET - IN THAT ORDER! -with props to COL John Boyd, USAF http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/john_boyd/

June 9, 2013, 06:17 PM	#3
JShirley Administrator Join Date: December 20, 2002 Location: DC Posts: 17,194	Another 3V. Probably the best steel for the application. __________________ Evil looms. Cowboy up.-Larry Correia NEVER send money to this person! "Civil talk leads to civic action."- Sandra Day O'Connor

June 9, 2013, 10:56 PM	#4
SuperNaut Member Join Date: June 19, 2006 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 2,990	I've been lusting after a Gatchet for a while:, Very similar to the OP's Smatchet. IMO both are modern versions of the tried and true multi-thousand year old Gladius. __________________ Hunting is Green, Reloading is Green

June 9, 2013, 11:44 PM	#6
Jaymo Member Join Date: August 21, 2010 Posts: 2,601	I like the smatchet. I also like the Hospital Corps knife. I got the last one Atlanta Cutlery had. They were down to the display knife in the case. I got a discount on it. I also got their last Brazilian military knife copy the same way. Thrilled with both. Now, if I can get a good scabbard made for the Hospital Corps knife. The one that came with it is pretty good, but the belt loop came off, due to being riveted only, not riveted/stitched. Also, the brass rivet at the throat drags against the edge. Not great for keeping it sharp. To be honest, for chopping, it's really hard to beat a real, Nepalese Khukuri. I have a couple and they are sweet. __________________ Who do you trust when everyone's a crook?

June 9, 2013, 11:28 PM	#5
Archaic Weapon member Join Date: May 26, 2013 Location: Near the River, Northern Louisiana Posts: 259	Greekish leaf blade. The gladius had a wasped/wasted blade, which gradually grew straighter. That is a leaf shape blade, goes back to either Celtic weapons or the Greek xiphos. The smatchet is properly it's own design, with it's own blade shape, size, handle features, and handling characteristics. All of that complaining aside, I have found that slicing blades are not good in my area, and that a smatchet has a reputation as a mean killing blade.

June 10, 2013, 07:52 AM	#7
Deltaboy Member Join Date: November 21, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 4,372	Nasty ole school blades. __________________ I just an ole sinner saved by Grace and protected by Smith & Wesson.

June 10, 2013, 08:44 PM	#8
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 33,818	http://www.edmfknives.com/page3.html __________________ SAF Life Member/NRAILA Contributor **************** Please Read The Forum Rules** TheHighRoad exists to provide a higher grade of discussion than is found on some other gun forums so antis and undecideds can see that gun owners and RKBA advocates are not the reckless misanthropes they tell everyone we are. Personal attacks, group stereotyping, macho chest-thumping, and partisan hackery are low road and hurt all of us.

June 10, 2013, 08:53 PM	#9
Sam Cade Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Rural Kentucky, surrounded by Amish Posts: 2,293	Since we are working our way down the spectrum: __________________ Resolve to serve no more, and you are at once freed.-Étienne de La Boétie

June 10, 2013, 09:11 PM	#10
JShirley Administrator Join Date: December 20, 2002 Location: DC Posts: 17,194	hso, I don't think Dale Sandberg is still making knives. Shame. __________________ Evil looms. Cowboy up.-Larry Correia NEVER send money to this person! "Civil talk leads to civic action."- Sandra Day O'Connor

June 10, 2013, 09:20 PM	#11
scramasax Member Join Date: August 3, 2011 Posts: 315	One of my favorite knives. Had an original once also one from Buck and ALMAR. All of them had to go when they got worth so much and I needed the money. Still have a Boker and might get Kim to do me one in Damascus to match the 1918 he made for me.

June 11, 2013, 12:06 AM	#12
Gordon Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: central Kali. Posts: 6,865	Stphan Fowler made me this 13" bladed weapon that is similar in application but a little further up the food chain IMHO. __________________ A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. Robert Heinlein - Time Is Not Enough

June 11, 2013, 12:11 AM	#13
JShirley Administrator Join Date: December 20, 2002 Location: DC Posts: 17,194	I'm not usually a fan of double-edged blades, but that Fowler is gorgeous, Gordon. John __________________ Evil looms. Cowboy up.-Larry Correia NEVER send money to this person! "Civil talk leads to civic action."- Sandra Day O'Connor

June 11, 2013, 12:45 AM	#14
Sam Cade Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Rural Kentucky, surrounded by Amish Posts: 2,293	Aye. 'tis purty. Howz it cut? __________________ Resolve to serve no more, and you are at once freed.-Étienne de La Boétie

June 11, 2013, 12:48 AM	#15
Sam Cade Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Rural Kentucky, surrounded by Amish Posts: 2,293	How is the pommel plate on the Fowler sticker attached? __________________ Resolve to serve no more, and you are at once freed.-Étienne de La Boétie

June 11, 2013, 05:52 PM	#16
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 33,818	Gordon, I don't think the Fowler is the same application as the Smatchett. Stephens knife is a big sticker with enough size and heft to slash. That Smatchett is a big chopper with enough belly to slash and enough point to stick. The balances should be completely different as well. __________________ SAF Life Member/NRAILA Contributor **************** Please Read The Forum Rules** TheHighRoad exists to provide a higher grade of discussion than is found on some other gun forums so antis and undecideds can see that gun owners and RKBA advocates are not the reckless misanthropes they tell everyone we are. Personal attacks, group stereotyping, macho chest-thumping, and partisan hackery are low road and hurt all of us.

June 11, 2013, 11:45 PM	#17
Gordon Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: central Kali. Posts: 6,865	I have a 1917 Plumb Bolo but I believe the smatchet (the original one ) was thinner, also about 10" blade I believe. The Fowler "dagger" is long enough to enter into short sword territory and does have the ability to cut a soft pine 2x4 in two with a couple whacks.This shows a Kershaw "bolo" Outcast I use to whack brush compared with Sam 1911's Camp Defender. I think a Smatchet is a little thicker than the Kershaw but approximately the same size. The 1917 Bolo is better for digging than cutting brush. I suspect a smatchet is a fierce delimber and has a penetrating point for non chest wall (ribs) work. All in all I'll take the specialty knife over the compromise blades, and I liked the first custom rendition I posted for it's modern interprtation . __________________ A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. Robert Heinlein - Time Is Not Enough

June 12, 2013, 12:14 PM	#18
Fred Fuller Moderator Join Date: March 26, 2004 Location: AL, NC Posts: 16,559	Sam Cade, Cold Steel says their version of the Smatchet is no longer available... not that I would buy one, but I was curious as to where the photo you posted came from. http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/97SMATS/Smatchet.aspx __________________ MINDSET - SKILLSET - TOOLSET - IN THAT ORDER! -with props to COL John Boyd, USAF http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/john_boyd/

June 12, 2013, 02:32 PM	#19
Sam Cade Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Rural Kentucky, surrounded by Amish Posts: 2,293	Fred, It hasn't came out yet. TTBOMK it is going to be made by Lasher. __________________ Resolve to serve no more, and you are at once freed.-Étienne de La Boétie

June 12, 2013, 03:36 PM	#20
JShirley Administrator Join Date: December 20, 2002 Location: DC Posts: 17,194	I wish they'd at least use 1070. 1055? John __________________ Evil looms. Cowboy up.-Larry Correia NEVER send money to this person! "Civil talk leads to civic action."- Sandra Day O'Connor