Good deal on KaBar Pestelance Chopper Clearance $40

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hso

hso

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https://www.kabar.com/products/5702

If you think the blade shape is familiar, you're remembering the fixed and folding aircrew or navy survival kit machetes of WWII that replaced the Collins'. Those, and this, are based off of a golok variant and is very efficient at brush cutting.

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I'd recommend grinding off the "tail hook" on the Pestilence since I can't make any use of it other than be something to jab me.

Cuts saplings well and lops limbs well.

When it was above $70 it was hard to convince myself to buy it, but I took one for the team. ;)

Now that it is down to $40 it is easy to recommend.
 
Found this one on EBay for $40, unfortunately it’s one of their Taiwán knives, sk5 steel. Supposedly a copy of the old Western L77 blade.

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I like the concept. I have a WW-2 Case made version just like the one in the photo that my Uncle brought back from his time in the Navy. But because of the sentimental value won't actually use it and take a chance of losing or damaging it. Plus it has no sheath, just a metal cover for the sharp side of the blade.

I did find this a couple of months ago made by Condor. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but think it will be ideal for what I do. A full size Machete is just too much to carry. This has an 11" blade and a nice sheath that can be carried on my belt. I paid $69 for it at a survival gear store.

CONDOR Tool & Knife (condortk.com)
 
swoter said:
Found this one on EBay for $40, unfortunately it’s one of their Taiwán knives, sk5 steel. Supposedly a copy of the old Western L77 blade.

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They called that the zombie death dagger IIRC and I got one for $20something complete with Acheron skeleton knife and extra black scales. It was not useful and I consigned it to the pawn shop. One of the many things I picked up because the price was attractive, not because I had a use for it. I am mostly over that these days as I try to find a home for the clutter I've accumulated over the years.
 
The Zombie Death Dagger would have been capable of doing real work, except that finger groove will raise a hot spot quickly. If you could grind that down, should work fine.

John
 
I kinda miss the zombie craze. Simpler times, at least for me.

$40 for a Kabar machete is a good buy. I assume their normal 1095 steel?
 
I have heard, but don’t know myself that Kabar knives made in Taiwan are not as good as US made. But then, I don’t have any.
 
Condor and Tramontina each have a full line of working machete type blades... Either outfit would be a great choice for anyone needing a working machete (from small to large - and in more than one style if memory serves...). Nothing fancy - but very solid and probably used in every country south of us by folks earning their living... the hard way...
 
I know some Spyderco fans only buy Taichung-made knives. Claimed to be the best of all Spydercos.
 
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