I'm suprised you have not picked up one of these yet Vic !!!

+1 I tend to have to agree. A good kukris can chop very well, but tend to be too heavy and nowhere near as versatile as a good Golok (IMO).

I still think a nice Barong would be a very good tool and comparable to a Golok, but with a tip. For a Barong, as with any blade, the design can be a make or break factor.




Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised. But, I am not sure yet. I think it would be a good battle with each blade having it's own strengths and still a large amount of overlap in abilities.

My Golok weighs 17.5 ounces with an 11.5" blade

My DFLE weighs 17.0 ounces with a 10.0" blade

The Golok has a heavier handle. Even though the overall weight of the Golok is more, the blade feels (probably is) lighter and much faster. But with it's blade length it still balances and swings very well and with good power. The Golok is noticably more nimble and balanced in the hand.

But, the DFLE has noticably more blade weight and "possibly" more power in the blade. But, this is only based on feel in the hand perception. I have used both, but never together and not in the same scenarios enough to compare.

It seems very possible that the balance of the Golok could hide the perceived power of it's blade. When I cut/chopped with my Golok, I recall being impressed and thinking it had good power. At 1.5" longer, the Golok will have some length to compensate for weight distribution.

I still think it is more of just having a slightly different set of abilities than one being so much better than the other. It really isn't an apples to apples comparison.

But, I still think it would be a very interesting comparison.

I will have to compare these two myself - regardless if before or after Vic. I just need some time as I have been pretty busy. Vic might get to it before myself.






I am not going to say better without qualifying. But, I would much rather have a good Golok for "My" uses. And I feel a Golok is more versatile for "My" uses.
And a Golok is not entirely unreasonable to carry.

.

Behold the power of the Northwind <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Daaaaaeeem.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> That would appear to be a HARD swing based on body angle and facial expressions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />... Plus based on the fairly large chunk of wood being tossed aside like a stick! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

I have layed into my Golok pretty well. But, I honestly haven't used my Northwind yet. Considering the length and blade height, I would say that is an impressive account to the 0170-6's strength and toughness. That is yet another blade I kick myself for not picking up a 2nd. I remember seeing those go for $100 somewhere at a close-out price!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> I almost bought, but didn't.

Kick self.... Kick self.... Kick self.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

.

Samurai Photographer! I love it. Glad to see you doing well, son. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

ahh. I see knifeguy, I guess I just didn't think it would hold an edge like sr-101 or be as tough.
(although yes, they aren't the only two factors)
but that's just all from what I hear and alot of it contradicts itself so, we will see.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

oh, and Ted, I never did think Ak's were even that great for chopping... form some vids I've seen an FBM will chop about the same or better...
but idk for sure.
those northwinds look like great choppers.
how thick are they?

They vary down the length, but are basically less than .224

From my experience INFI won't take an edge as well as My A2 Barkie.
Opinions?

okay.. so not too much thicker than an AK.
hmmm... weird.
take anm edge? or regrind?
cause just putting a good edge on it should be pretty easy considering INFI doesn't chip like other steels...

but I'd say because A2 is just really easy to sharpen... not much too it really.
lol

Hmm, the AKs are actually thicker. Not sure what to think about that.

just because a northwind chops better, that doesn't mean the AK won't chop good.

I'd buy anything longer than a DogFather as long as it wasn't silly thick. I'll probably grab one of the new Goloks too. The cheap machete blades might perform well enough, but I think everybody here can admit that the handles really suck.

oh, wow. my mistake... how thick are Ak's?
I always thought they were 3/16ths.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

but I just saw some vids of the Ak's chopping and I have to say I would be impressed with the Northwind if it chopped half that good.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />