Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete 5m71o

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2015 Twobirds Flying Publication

Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete

Copyright 2015, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete

2015

Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete By: Sal Palma The Tactical Katana Machete is Cold Steel’s newest addition to their machete line and the katana machete family.

The machete is a fabulously versatile tool which s for its many global variations. There’s not a corner of the planet that lacks its own interpretation of this ubiquitous utility knife. The machete is used for agricultural work in underdeveloped nations; relegated to tasks like cane cutting, clearing underbrush and chopping. It has also served as a weapon of war. During the 1994 Rwandan Genocide the machete was frequently used in the commission of gruesome atrocities. The machete was also the weapon of choice for the Patuá speaking Hattian Tonton Macoute paramilitaries. Machetes generally have a short handle with typical blade lengths of 12 to 18 inches. Blade thicknesses are in the order of .12 inches and can be easily flexed by hand. A good machete should have a pronounced edge curvature and a nice belly as you approach the tip. The machete should be balanced well forward of the hilt or handle so that it swings naturally and takes full advantage of the curvature or belly. Swinging a machete is a skill set and an experienced can move through brush like crap through a goose! Inexperience s will frequently walk into the blade during a swing resulting in serious injury. Therefore, be extremely careful when using a machete.

One of several challenges in writing this review was deciding on Cold Steel’s design objective and philosophy of use. Blade length is 24 inches, which puts it well outside machete design parameters. At 2.8mm, or .11 inches, blade thickness is a hair thinner than the average machete making the relatively long blade very flexible. This flex translates to a pronounced twisting as its broad blade cuts through an object; not automatically a negative attribute, but if you’re expecting the stiffness of a sword, you won’t find it here. The Tactical Katana Machete has an overall length of 36.25 inches which gives it exceptional reach and can be easily used upright thus eliminating some of the back fatigue associated with clearing brush. The machete is a full tang design, which greatly enhances ruggedness and durability.

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete

The Tactical Katana features a 12.25 inch polypropylene handle. Cold Steel actually simulated the traditional katana cord wrap called fushi and kashira. They did a great job in preserving authenticity so I have to hand it to them. The company also used a material that will not shrink or warp so all-in-all it was very well done.

2015

Manufacturer Specifications        

Weight: 35.2 oz. Blade Thickness: 2.8 mm Blade Length: 24" Overall: 36 1/4" Handle: 12 1/4" Long. Polypropylene Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel w/ Black Baked-On Anti Rust Matte Finish Sheath: Cor-Ex™ Sheath M.S.R.P. $69.99

If you’re thinking that Cold Steel’s Tactical Katana Machete will do a number on Jihadi John, you’re absolutely correct. This is a two handed edged weapon; blade length and thinness requires a two-handed stroke to control the edge and any twisting. However, with the force of a two-handed stroke, it will sever pretty much anything you want removed in one . The machete is made of 1055 carbon steel; finished in a matte black baked-on anti-rust finish. This translates to ease of sharpening, oiling of the unfinished surfaces and expect edge dings with use. The Tactical Katana Machete also comes with a Cor-Ex back sheath for ease of carry and storage. In closing, Cold Steel’s Tactical Katana Machete is a cool addition to your kit that will bring out the Samurai warrior class in you. It meets its dual role as a utility and defensive tool well enough that you should give it consideration; however, it does depart from the traditional Latin machete in significant ways.

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved