Man…I’m just properly doomed….I flat gave a Busse away because it was so factory dull it wouldn’t cut a boiled egg and I wasn’t interested in doing the regrind…Broke the tip off a Mission MPK that’s still in a box somewhere… traded even an Esee for a Becker….and sold the Becker and bought Imasca machetes…that I actually use. I’m going to hell aren’t I?
I see a lot of nice knives for sale, some never used. That’s a sadness to me as the maker didn’t design it for that. There was a pristine Beck Tracker with companion knife up a few weeks back, about $1000 USD. Man I would love that. Wanted one since the early 90’s. But Id be out digging holes and beating it thru twisted wood…wouldn’t be able to keep it untouched in a safe. Collectors everywhere would collectively choke! Honestly though, This thing will do anything that 1k knife will do..maybe better. Cost, $11 plus shipping. Crazy how things work out huh?
You can try to pretend that those WSK curlies aren't magical, but there'll be a mob of knife nuts who disagree. I do understand your points however. Our first-world knife "needs" are quickly disproven by people the world over doing a LOT with much less. BTW, what brand is that chete? The handle looks comfy.
Its an Imacasa 18”. It’s stamped A11 on the blade which may be a model designation, I’m not sure. I found it by searching Amazon for “Imacasa 18” machete. On the handle I thinned it a small amount and deepened the end inlets on the bottom where your fingers wrap. Then smoothed out the work with an old wood rasp and a final go over with a ancient flap wheel. Just working by feel as you go on that part but now it fits my hand like it was made for me. Super secure and no hot spots, even with extensive use time.
Imasca machete ^^ if I am following arnkst. A 12 inch ontario (or whoever) machete could solve a lot of knife problems if push came to shove. Speaking of, I sharpened mine on the wicked edge WE130 to 20 degrees per side down to 1500. The thing flat cuts. It's amazing what an affordable tool will do. I still want a Junglas, even though I have an RTAK2 and a BK9. Just planning my way to trade into other toys. I can't grow my collection.
Thank you. I've got a pile of machetes of different brands, sizes, and styles. The only handles that have screamed for modding have been those from Ontario.................they're awful. The others have been so good by comparison that I've never considered modding them, but after seeing the handle on yours, I'm going to reconsider the ergonomics rather than being so accepting. This discussion has me itching for some chopping, modding, and a few more unecessary purchases. The itch is made worse by the fact that I'm away from home so I can't got grab one to cuddle. Anyway, thank you pointing out what should have been an obvious option for a machete fan.
You are certainly in good company here. I’ve got at least 8 in use with vehicles, kayaks, workroom, ect. Plus 30 or more in extras and spares as recent events have proven the commercial world of shipping and supply can grind to a halt. Out here on the edge of the everlasting swamp denizens paradise a lowly machete is a 1000 times more useful than any of those safe queen wannabes.