How well does the blade keep an edge? I am looking for something to carve feather sticks for camp fires. How well will this hold up doing that?
1960630
Not a bushcraft knife, will maybe work for feather sticks but its a tactical knife.
1960631
I couldn't say. I just recently bought it and haven't had a chance to put it through its paces. I bought it for a camping trip next month.
1960632
I haven't used it extensively. I tried to do some chopping and made some feather sticks and it seemed to holds up pretty good. The only problem for me, it's a little bit hard to sharpen this knife with regular sharpening stone. I found out the best way is using the Diamond Pen sharpener. This is due to the unique curved shape on the middle of the blade. If you're experience maybe you can get by with a smaller, like 1 inch wide sharpening stone. But at the same time, that curved is very helpful to carve feather sticks. So it has it's pros and cons.
1719453
Mr. Byers, Yes sir, it should do pretty well, it has a good heft, comes with a sharp blade and will hold an edge.I'm happy with mine.
504283
Hi jack,To tell the truth I'm bad on guessing edge angles but it's a wide angle similar to an axe.The BOB can carve and chop wonderfully but I don't find it to be a hunting blade
1416149
This knife is not full tang. Its about half i believe. That does not hold this blade back from being a great knife. I have one, I field dressed a deer with it, did great. This knife is fantastic for in the field, it is sharp, it is light, and if used as a knife and not a hatchet, it will last forever. This is not a survival knife... this is just a good hunting knife/backup knife for your pack when you are carrying one of those bulky bushcraft monsters.
1005029
It seems to hold up pretty well. Of course when I sharpen the edge it will gain a little rust, yet not to much. I've really enjoyed using it as I scout through the woods looking for deer signs.
1899600
First, and believe me I'm not trying to sound like a d!ck, but I don't recommend battling with metal swords. As for your question, it would hold up great as far as the blade is concerned, however the handle is pretty wimpy so if any part of the sword would break it would be that or where the blade connects to the handle. The blade itself is insane, check out youtube: WeAllJuggleKnives does a great demo vid for cutting.
1169735
I own two of these tramontina Machetes. I have used mine extensively. I took down six fruit trees last year and completely chopped into small firewood sized pieces all branches/ I have not sharpened mine since putting first edge on it. Very happy, would buy more if needed. Very durable blade, handle needed sanding. Sharpens easily, holds good edge. Price is right.
1990506
I use this knife mostly for dressing big game and highly recommend it. Heavy blade, good steel and the handle is oversized making it easy to grip when the slick stuff starts. Minor stone work keeps it shaving and Im sure a steel would also. Wipe it off and put it back in a dry sheath or you will get a rust. I use my knives to dress 4 to 10 deer or hogs a year and the Robust is one that will be in the work. I don't baton a knife but this blade would hold up to it better than the rest you mention.
564756
I live in Oregon and I work in an area surrounded by forest. I carry this all the time when I'm doing my thing, clearing hiking paths, walk ways, other paths, hunting or working for the county and when I need to make a path to... say a stream or take a short cut this MTech has proven it's worth time and time again. I won't blow smoke here, I ran into some thick 1/2 vines and 1 inch stock branched bushes and managed to bend the last 5 inches just slightly less than a degree out of true. Still went into the sheath ok. I used it for the rest of the day. It came back true and has held straight since after bending it back in a vice, the finish didn't even crack or flake off, which was nice, and it wasn't easy to bend back either. Which made me think how hard it must have been to bend in the first place... but I managed it somehow cutting my way thru like a mad man I suppose. It's keeping it's edge well and with the weight it swings good and strong, cuts thru the light stuff with ease, just keep the blade straight towards the cutting edge when you swing it... like you're suppose to. ;-) Hope that helps some.
1719457
It is pretty effective. I have put a couple dings in the blade while clearing a camp site. It is a good strong blade but it will curl if you get a little ridiculous. I have had it for a while now and have brought it camping twice now. It's a decent tool.
663882
I dont do much carving, but I really was impressed when using it to clean deer skull caps and dressing dear, they stay sharp and are easy to resharpen I would definetly try a mora for carving, whittling.
1660373
The blade is not thin. It is a strong, sturdy piece of steel that will cut through all types of brush and shrubs. I would get the longer blade if I had a chance to do it all over again. Less bending required....
50636
The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with their products. The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with... » Read More The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with their products. « Show Less
59673
The blade is 4 inches, solidly made with good heft. Would definitely stand up to rough use. However for bush crafting my preference would be a multifunction blade with a hook and/or saw. A beautiful knife.
1262018
I am not sure, they are supposed to last a long time. There are many good tips on yahoo as to how to use it and keep it.Many people use it for camping and claim that you will lose it before you "use" it . They say is also depends on how much you shave off with you knife each time. Works very well. I decided to try it as I am tired of having damp matches. But we don't camp that much so ours I am sure will last forever
492813
Honestly it is a well made blade. Feels strong and stable, I've used on 2 inch thick branches, sliced right through them no issue at all period. There's a lot of Gerber haters out there. It comes with an awesome side sheath for belt it works for left or right hand. Overall I would recommend it highly. I have been clearing out back of house lots of trees big branches 2 to 4 inch thick branches. I went in and sliced straight through with no problems at all. I haven't seen a dent nor chip in the blade. So yes it does come with sheath for sides using left or right but not for your back like a sword type of thing. The blade is very reliable. Honestly it is a well made blade. Feels strong and stable, I've used on 2 inch thick branches, sliced right through them no issue at all period. There's a lot of Gerber haters out there. It comes with an awesome side sheath for belt it works for left or right hand. Overall I would recommend it highly. I have been clearing out back of house lots of trees big branches 2 to 4 inch thick branches. I went in and sliced straight through with no problems at all. I haven't seen a dent nor chip in the blade. So yes it does come with sheath for sides using left or right but not for your back like a... » Read More Honestly it is a well made blade. Feels strong and stable, I've used on 2 inch thick branches, sliced right through them no issue at all period. There's a lot of Gerber haters out there. It comes with an awesome side sheath for belt it works for left or right hand. Overall I would recommend it highly. I have been clearing out back of house lots of trees big branches 2 to 4 inch thick branches. I went in and sliced straight through with no problems at all. I haven't seen a dent nor chip in the blade. So yes it does come with sheath for sides using left or right but not for your back like a sword type of thing. The blade is very reliable. « Show Less
1521057
Not really if it was injection Molded into the sheath and not glued I would say yes qualitys good but outdoor exposure to prolonged heat could make it fall off note sweetish fire steel is one of the best the sharpener ok but prefer a good sharpening stone for all of my blades I hoped this helps in your decision