If the Scrap Yard were to make a machete, what size and shape would you prefer?

Blade Length single choice
	14"
	16"
	18"
Votes accepted starting: 09/19/09 01:38 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Blade Thickness single choice
	1/8" (.125")
	5/32" (.15625")
	3/16" (.1875")
Votes accepted starting: 09/19/09 01:38 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Blade Pattern single choice
	Straight (classic Scrapyard)
	Bolo
	Sabre
Votes accepted starting: 09/19/09 01:38 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Weight single choice
	Under 20 ounces
	Over 20 ounces
Votes accepted starting: 09/19/09 01:38 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

I voted for a 18", 5/32 thick Bolo, which I'd like to have around 22 ounces.
A Sabre pattern would be sweet, but the Bolo is the better chopper (Which is what I would use the knife for).

Regardless what form you'd like to see a Scrapyard Machete in, let's drum up support and try to get this thing out the door. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Machetes are meant for continuous use ie brush clearing and should be as light as possible to prevent fatigue.

Yep. I use them a lot, and the lightest ones see the most use. The impressive custom ones just sit there. The badass Tramontina 18" and 22" rule.

I'm still waiting for a sword.

A short bolo or camp machete might be the way to go. You know, a knife for camping and such. For big clearing jobs, the longer Tramontinas are cheap and effective. I can't see anyone paying big bucks for one that won't be a bit better for the job than the cheap ones.

I just ordered a batch of Tramontina's. I got four of the 22", five of the 18" and three of the 14". Gonna make great Christmas gifts ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I would have to say the machete is well taken care already for its intended purpose and that using high quality material on machetes would be a waste.

+1

I honestly don't think I see Scrap Yard being able to compete in the machete catagory.... Unless Dan can release a very nice one for under $50.
There are just too many good options that are cheap and still quite worthy.

So, I think I would rather see a Parang or Golok styled blade. There are not enough good Parang or Golok designs out there. Bolos are nice too and I think Barongs are quite cool. But, I think a well designed Parang might be a bit more useful.
I still get a bit confused about what gets called a Parag vs. what gets called a Golok. I think some makers I have seen have used the terms incorrectly causing confusion.
So, the terms Golok and Parang seem to offer a wider variety of designs than probably their origins justify (????).
I think the design I have in mind is more of a Parang design. - Something along the lines of the Martindale #2 Golok, Brith Sheffield Golok (which I think are both more like traditional Parangs than Goloks (?????). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Another along the lines in my head is the Valiant Parang Bandol.

In any event, I have some thoughts and design concepts in mind, but unfortunately, my drawings are not really welcome. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I think I would like a good chopping Golok at around 20 - 22 ounces tops.

Probably about a 12.5" - 14.0" blades tops.

My thoughts would be to use the new Regulator handle (ideally suited for larger blades and choppers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) and a blade design along the general design of the Martindale #2 Golok - Thinner at the ricasso, taller towards the tip, shallow belly, reverse tanto"ish" tip . I have some design variations in mind, but too hard to describe and again, unfortunately concept pictures are not wanted. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, that is what I would like to see. Would be a GREAT all around camp, woods, property - beater chopping tool. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

HD, Really that good??? Those things are so cheap (inexpensive) I never took them seriously. I have a couple Ontarios that I like, except I'm always taking little nicks out of them. Constant resharpening is a pain, but for the $20+- they cost I expected that. How do the Trams compare?

However, I'd pay for a lightweight SY -77 machete that could take a beating and keep on ticking.

The Trams are a bit softer than the Ontarios, so they still nick but are easy to file or sand back. I have never seen one break. I have seen Ontario 18" machetes snap in two. Mine hasn't and most don't, but some do. The thinner, lighter Tramontinas are great for working in the heat. I am not so young anymore, so anything that makes the job easier is good. People in South America use machetes all the time. The machetes made there are proven good tools. Would I have Jeff make a sheath like this for a piece of junk machete?