SYKCO 1311 Review

Call it what you want. I call the 1311 a machete. And what a machete it is! I took it out back with the factory edge for some fun. Without a doubt, this is my favorite SYKCO knife of all. This bad boy can chop, slash, stick, hack, dig, split, and do anything you might want a real survival hard use machete to do.
The 1311 is a bit thicker than most machetes, at 3/16". But it is not unwieldy at all. Not too heavy, but heavy enough to do some serious chopping. Just for fun, I brought along my Bark River KSF machete for comparison.




These pesky Sweet gum trees have got to go. Time to let the big dog eat!




After chopping all the gum trees down, I threw the 1311 and stuck it first time. Not recommended, but I'm good with machetes and long bayonets. I can't stick a throwing knife for crap.
The big 1311 chops at least as well as my Bark River, and that's with the factory edge. It bites deep even in this very hard wood. It splits wood well with a baton, and even passed my palmetto leaf slashing test with the factory edge (the BWM needed some help).




[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/1311024.jpg[/img]
I noticed that even after chopping into the dirt to get the roots, the edge was still sharp. That instantly dulls most machetes. I think the 1311 is my new ultimate machete! Time to get some kydex made for this workhorse. The 1311: My new yard knife.

Sweet review! How do you campare it overall to the BWM, say as a chopper?

also what the weight?

Thanks HD

MM

PS

I'm glad those freakin' Palmettos got it again!


MM

I was hoping for a Horn Dog review. I am anxious to get mine and am considering letting go of the Dogfather if I am impressed with the 1311 as you are.

Thanks for the review.

Great pics and review HD. Thanks.

LOL. I was in such a hurry to whack things, I completely forgot to give the specs. With my tired old eyes, it looks like about 19 ounces on my Sunbeam kitchen scale. Balance point is abut 3.75" in front of the handle. Blade is about 13.5" long. My BWM is fully convexed, so I am not sure I can do an accurate comparison in chopping against it. It weighs 22 oz, so I am sure they are close. I can tell you that the 1311 will out slash the BWM (more reach and blade speed). THe 1311 is even more "Machete-like" than the Bushwacker. I like it so much, I'm getting a kydex sheath made for the 1311. It will be my new Yard Knife.

Woo hoo! This is great news.

Man now i want mine even more!!!!!!!!!

Great review Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I'm glad that you like it; that means just about all us will! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Under 20oz sounds good to me!

thanks again
MM

Lighter and longer than the BWM. This knife WORKS. Dan did this one just right!
BTW: This is not the most expensive machete I own. The Bark River was over $200 and it is actually a cut down re-handled Ontario. I also own Collins,Condor,
Martindale, Gavilan, Cold Steel, and ESEE machetes. This 1311 is my favorite short machete of all. I even consider the BWM sort of a machete, but the 1311 tops it for my uses. Dan did just the right thickness and grind on this one, IMO.

I'm glad you came back from your Yard hiatus in time for the 1311 Vic!

I'm now sorely tempted to slap this on the cc...

I have been busy with political activism and prepping. Don't miss out on this one, Rich. It's probably the most useful big knife I own.

That says a lot!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Great review, I enjoyed the read!
Those poor Palmettos never stood a chance!

Thanks for the review -- out of curiosity, how does the Junglas compare to it, since I remember seeing you compare the BWM to that knife when they came out.

Interesting... yes please compare

The ESEE Junglas and the Busse Bushwacker are very similar. They both have 10.5" broad blades, micarta handles and weigh 22 oz. They both came out at the same time and were both designed for "bushwacking". Of course, INFI is much more expensive and better steel than 1095, but for most uses, you'll never know the difference. Comparing them seemed obvious at the time. Neither works better than an ordinary 12" camp machete. The 1311 is more machete-like than those. It is also 3 oz lighter with 3" more reach. And we know that the SR101 is one fine steel. While I really like the Junglas and the BWM, I prefer the 1311 for machete work. And as a chopper, it is very impressive. There are lots of good big choppers out there, and I own a box full of them. Some are custom made. But I honestly like this 1311 the best so far. It is just right.

Thanks for your input

sweet - I was pretty sure that was going to be the answer, but good to have the confirmation while waiting for mine to show.
thanks!

And so says our Machete expert! Thanks Vic. We ALWAYS like your reviews. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Apologies if this is a silly question, but is the handle itself larger than that of knives such as the 511? I have a 511 and I really like it, but I wanted a chopper/machete and this one looks like it would fit the bill.

However, the handle on the 511 is a bit small for me and I was wondering if anyone knows how this one would compare?

The 1311 has the standard large handle. It is used on the S6 and Dogfather. It is larger than the handle used on the dumpster mutt and yard keeper. I have not held a 511.

The handle on the 1311 should be the same size as the one on the Dog Father/711/911 I THINK. Maybe someone that has already gotten their 1311 can tell you for sure.

Well there ya go, words from one of our "Experts". Thanks Vic! You up WAY early or just not gone to bed yet?

Thanks for your detailed review and especially for your opinion, Horn Dog. You have confirmed that this is going to be my go to knife for some time.

I have a machete with me every time I go into the bush but they just don't have the bite that I want for the bigger stuff.

Thanks again.

And our resident Machete Expert Vic (Horn dog) said:


Vic said it all! Three cheers for the FDM (Fairy Dog MACHETE)! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Or better known as the MOAD! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Wow glad to see the horndog posting again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and if this man says it's his favorite and is just right that means something.

Now I need mine even more. thanks for the review brother!

Thanks for the review.

Thanks, HD! Your review is the one I was waiting for. I suspected that this would be an awesome work knife given the specs, and you confirmed it. Mine hasn't shown up yet but you have me considering a second!

Great review and pics. You can see in one of the pics that the handle is the same as the 911, for whoever it was that was wondering.

Love the review HD thanks and great pics also.

Good review! And nice to see some nice steel put to work.
I am still waiting on mine, and can't wait to unleash it upon the Danish jungle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the kind words. Just remember, I use machetes often. They work well in this terrain and with technique, you can even chop down a big tree with a thin blade machete. But they dull fast. This machete holds an edge, and is easier to chop with. I got lucky getting my 1311 when so many are still waiting for theirs. But I did not request engraving on mine, so maybe that's why I got it so fast. Trust me, the 1311 is worth the wait. It isn't fancy or pretty to look at. It's plain Jane. But it is a thing of beauty in action.

Very nice review and great pics! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the informative post.

The MOAD is officially a BA blade.

Man I want mine SOOOO bad!!!! I think this will be so perfect for my needs.

HD, thanks for your review/comments on the 1311. It appears to be one of the best knives to ever come out of the yard!

Looks great, waiting for mine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The BEST, IMO. But then, I like the big ones.

Vic, your reviews, especially on big knives are the definitive yea or nay on the blades we love. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I manage several acres with basically machetes and loppers. Look forward to using the 1311. Do you mind saying who is making the kydex sheath? I could definitely use one of those. Thanks from Sopchoppy, FL.

Rainwalker is making mine.

WELCOME TO THE YARD!

Don't know if you've been lurking for a while or just new here but welcome to the bestest knife site on the web!

There are many quality makers here, the three you hear most about are (in NO particular order)

1. Rainwalker
2. Azwelke
3. Buy Brown

There may be other kydex benders here but these three are the most visible.

Other kydex benders include:

- Mashed Cat
and
- Steelnut

And J&G. He is new but the pics of his sheaths look good

Much lighter than I thought. The weight reminds me of a machete. Easy to swing.

This will be my new EDC;~)

It was lighter than I was expecting too. I didn't weigh it, but comparing it to a SRKW M9, the M9 felt a good bit heavier. Can't wait to take some big swings with this puppy!

I have the same Bark River. Does the 1311 fit in the sheath?

Sort of. Not really a good fit, but it could be stretched to fit. I have another 14" machete sheath that fits it better, but I decided that the 1311 was worthy of its own custom kydex.

Yeah, I was just thinking short term until I get something good, don't want to stretch out my machete sheath, so I might go tactical carboard until I get a good one.

I can't stop looking at this post! Thanks Horn Dog.

I just wish they would take my money and send me my pair.

I am so jealous that some dogs will be watchin Walking Dead on Sunday with their shinny new, dull black 1311's and i will not.

I was one of those asking for a B13, so when I saw the 1311, it was a no-brainer. Haven't had shipping notification yet, but hope to see it soon.

My Junglas will have to go to make room for the 1311, and if it slashes and bites as well as the BRK Custom Machete, then that may have to go as well. So the 1311 could end up making me money!

I'd probably still get an INFI version, though, if they ever do make a B13/14 or a Basic Bolo.

Welcome Brummie. I see you've been lurking for a little while.

Brummie, Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thank you. As you might guess from the date, I signed up in order to qualify for the 1311, but I've owned SKKCO cutlery ever since the Scrapper 5 came out, and I post on the Bussekin forums on BF.

Cant wait to get mine.

I got mine yesterday (Saturday) and its really nice. I havn't chopped with it yet, but will soon. It was a bit heavier than I expected, so I'm sure it will be a great chopper.

Thanks for the great review HD!

I haven't ordered one, but I do like this review thanks Vic

Love the bigguns! That thing is a beast! Thanks for the pics <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the review HD. It makes the waiting a little bit easier. Also glad to hear how much you like the knife!

What's your take on the choil/not choil area? I'm a little surprised since I figure the longer the blade, the more I would want to choke up on it...is the flat part long enough to get a finger in there?

Not my fat finger. I didn't try any notching or fine work with it.

I was hoping that you would do a chop off. I appreciate the compliments on the knife. This was a an intense effort in trying to get a good balance of all the different variables of weight, length, grind, balance, thickness and control. I was pretty happy with the out come but then that doesn't really count, its about the Dog's and what they think. The 1311 sets a new standard for the Performance to Price Ratio...very cool

It was funny to see and listen to the Busse and SwampRat team members as these blades went through the shop. They usually said something like "What the heck is that beast...I gotta get one of those". I informed them they needed to be a ScrapYard Forum Member to buy one since it was a special offer...not sure I made any friends <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again for going to the effort to test this blade.

Dan

From what I have heard he is only new to making his craft for Bussekin steel....

Highly Recommended from my experience with his work! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thank you, Dan, for making this for us dogs. We have been asking for a big chopper for years. The 1311 exceeds all my expectations. It is the Ultimate Machete! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'll plus one on that I can't wait to get my first piece of dog steel.

Thanks for bringing the Big Steel Big Dog! I'll be even happier once it's actually brought to my house <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's a great knife, Dan! Having chopped through a downed limb already, this is truly an "appreciated" blade by me. Thanks for letting us have it.

Well, I would say thanks, but I haven't received mine yet! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> in process my friend...it will be worth the wait

Dan

Im sure your working hard on my set also <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

And My single one as well. There are many like it, but this one will be mine, all mine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If all the 1311's are shipped naked, how come they're not in plain brown wrappers? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

+1+1+1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/2weeks.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Do we get the sweet tactical cardboard sheath?

With a little duct tape it becomes a useable tactical cardboard sheath! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Nice write-up, HD. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share your thoughts. That is one huge blade! I wish I was a forum member when it was released!!!

I ended up ordering one, just my fourth scrap yard blade but certainly not my last

1311,411

Love it.

The 1311 + 411 combo is just about perfect. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Add in a 711 for the one blade "generalist" option.

Terrific review.....as always <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Horn Dog, you used to own a very expensive Killa Zilla Test Team (KZTT). How does the 1311 compare? If you could have both and cost was not an issue, which one would you USE? Would you find tasks for both? If so, which would you prefer to use the most?

Also see this post:

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthread...ge=0#Post671926

Kookery, you might also ask Jroden. He has a 1311 and a KZ that he convexed.

I found his post that compares them. It just makes me want both <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I sold the KZ. It was very heavy. It made a great chopper and splitter, but way too heavy to swing all day in the bush (at least for this old man). For all around, the 1311 is just about perfect for my uses. It is basically a short machete made with high quality steel.

Well, the master has spoken. Thank you. I wonder what place the kukri has when challenged by the finest machetes?

When in heavy tropical vegetation, I find a kukri much less useful. There simply isn't enough woody-stuff to stand up to it. But I have razor grass that grows 2 inches per day. They're just night and day.

I think you mean to say the 1311 is better for your razor grass? Is the 1311 better than an old fashioned machete, in that case?

I would love to see a blade that's curved for more "bite" in the cut where it makes contact with the target. I'd also want it in a bigger size, and maybe also in this same size too, for a set of 2. 13 to 14 inches and 18 to 20 inches.

Granted, most branches and stems of things to be cut are already round, but even a very slight curve would still probably give improved cutting ability over a straight edge.

I'm sure something like that has already been thought up, but maybe it's not that big of a deal for most people's uses of these?

Agreed, standard thickness traditional kuks are usually to thick and to short to be very effective at grasses. The 1311 is a real nice compromise between a thick chopper and thin machete.

Exactly. It's a great compromise. And as Horn Dog said, the 1311 is some nice steel.

So far as a long, curved blade is concerned, that sounds like a cane knife. Also, the panga has a big, up-swept hook on the end that adds mass. Sharpen that hook and you get what is used here to cut vines and sugar cane. The swing doesn't have to be precise and the vine doesn't move out of the way.

When you get into large curved blades its hard to keep a good performance
To price ratio

Are the curved blades more expensive to make? It wouldn't have to have much curve to it. Even a slight amount will make a big difference in ease of cutting over a straight edge. I would love to see something like that from Busse kin, with their nice steel and heat treatments.