[Scott Hanson]

I haven't used one, but they use aluminum slab grips wrapped in leather. Leather might come off, but I doubt that aluminum is going anywhere.

Did you check out their video "Destroying the Deuce"? Basically, if you can make that Tainto fail, you probably needed a crowbar or an axe rather than a knife.

[Dylan Hopper]

No I hadn't seen that video previously but I just watched it, and I must say: I am thoroughly convinced on their products. I don't know enough about blacksmithing to know what would qualify as a good make but after watching that demonstration of carnage and seeing the sword never fail until finally being smacked eight times viciously against a solid concrete barrier, is enough for me.

I'm still looking at other options but at this point I think it would be hard to persuade me away from their products.

Thanks for the heads up, Scott.

[Joe Fults]

[David Lewis Smith]

Jungle tools

Old school roofing hatchet, has a nice 5" to 6" ax blade on one side, hand hammer on the other.

I found a photo but it is on ebay,
COLLINS Hammer Head Roofing Hatchet Nail Puller
and as noted before a good kitchen knife.



And I will just put my real opinion out, unless something is a very old antique, say more than a thousand years or an art piece that his very well done no utility knife made for use and 'abuse' is worth $1000, I wold not go much over $100 as I said a good Carbon V knife goes for 70 bucks or so

[Ken Speed]

Dylan Hopper tells us,

"... I plan on using this knife for all-purpose survival reasons and most possibly self-defense. I won't be in American country (where I am now) and most likely in jungle terrain."


I don't know where you're going but if you take a big, flashy $1,000.00 knife to a poor country where people are fighting to eat, they'll steal the knife and probably kill you while doing it.

"Any ways, the reason the style of blade stood out to me was because 1) I can see that the blade goes all the way through the handle (and, in fact, is the handle) so I do not have to worry about it not being a full tang and possibly breaking at the handle due to cheap construction, which I have had happen so many times before, and 2) because the flat style blade would be, in my eyes, more useful in reliant situations. "

Again, I don't know the complete story of what you're doing but I don't think this is the knife you should have. Spend about 1/5 as much and get the CS Recon Tanto and a good multitool and you'll be all set.

I have no doubt hat BKS makes good knives but I think there's something wrong with the pricing. Maybe you should try to buy something from BKS.

"Jean: I can't imagine ever having to use a steel weapon to defend myself against another steel weapon. At dagger and knife length, I wouldn't try to catch one any way. Still, I may be using it against harder surfaces, but I doubt much steel."

" Yes, the knife is a serious matter but not that serious. I would hope I'd never have to use it against another man."

You really need to rethink what you're looking for and why. The knife you want to buy is a man killer but you say you don't want to do that so why buy it?.

I may sound severe but I think you're on the wrong path and spending money less than wisely that could be better employed elsewhere.

The roofing hatchet isn't the worst idea in the world either even if it doesn't have a lot of eye appeal. You could buy a barrel of roofing hatchets for $1,000.00!

[Jean Thibodeau]

I would go for the Kukri again: A regular normal Kukri or if you want or need a maximum monster Kukri I would go for this one, assuming that the steel and heat treat is even normally good.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...nial+Kukri

I'm actually considering buying one of these for my collection Windlass are usually reasonably well heat treated and for actual practical use you really don't need the super steel that might just be advertising hype ! And if you need to ditch it it won't break your heart or pocket book.

Your can also go for a normal sized but excellent steel COLDSTEEL Kukri: http://www.coldsteel.com/gukupl.html

You can often find COLDSTEEL knives sold at a lower price by other vendors than the price posted on the COLDSTEEL site.

I have another variant of this knife in CarbonV and the Kydex scabbard is a very functional plus to have:
This one in San Mai, http://www.coldsteel.com/sanmaigurkha.html

But the much cheaper Windlass would be all you need if your priorities are staying alive rather than having the " supposedly best magic steel ". Top of the line, best possible is mostly a priority if you are collecting top of the line weaponry for it's own sake and even 500% better won't make a bit of difference in the real World, assuming that what you get is cheap but decent quality.

Anyway, it's up to you to decide what your'e priorities are, and we are just giving you a variety of opinions and options to be helpful.

[Dylan Hopper]

Joe: Very true. No comparison is made. I hope nobody here is under the impression that I would actually pay the $1,000 USD they are asking for that knife. While I love the concept of it, I could never bring myself to pay that much money for something like that.


David: As previously stated, I agree. I am not sure how they get away with asking that much but I am sure somebody has paid it before. I should also note that I have other tools in my arsenal that can cut brush and do various things, I just want a good solid knife to go along with the collection.


Ken: The Recon Tanto is a beautiful knife, in my eyes. I do love tanto blades. As I said in an earlier post... I would hope that I'd never have to use it against another man, but I wouldn't be surprised if/when I have to...

A barrel of roofing hatches is a hilarious idea, haha. One for me and all of my friends! That would just leave about 999 left over.. Hm..


Jean: Kukri is a very good idea. My father had a very nice one that I wish I had right now. That Kult of Athena one is huge! Although unsharpened, I like how they left the blood sacrificer on there. You should go ahead and get it! A Kukri would definitely leave no vine intact.



Thanks for all the replies, everyone. At this point, and actually at the first point, I would never get that Angel Sword weapon (solely because of the price). If ever at some point they decide to sell it for 1/10th of the price, they'll have me as a buyer. Any way, thanks to you all, I have a lot of considerations to make and they are very good ones. I'm so grateful you all could help me. It means a lot.

[Sean Flynt]

The SAS favors (or at least favored) the parang for jungle applications. There are many, many versions out there.

[Ryan McLaurin]

If you want to stick with something similar in appearance to the blade you linked, you should take a look at Swamp Rat Knives. Their Rodent Rucki and Wacki are both very close in appearance to the Skymarshal except they have either micarta or G10 handles, which are going to be much more comfortable and durable than the wrapped handle shown on the Skymarshal. The Rucki is currently available for slightly less than $300, which is still not cheap, but is less than a third the price of the Skymarshal. Swamp Rat uses SR-101 steel I believe, which has an excellent reputation from all reviews I've read. Swamp Rat is an offshoot of Busse Knives, who also have a good reputation for durability. Only down side is they don't supply a sheath for that price, though aftermarket ones in kydex can be found for around $65.

[Sean Flynt]

Check this!
http://www.machetespecialists.com/seeallmachetes.html

[Phil D.]

Not a tanto but I have the Cold Steel Natchez Bowie in San Mai steel and it is indestructible. Another great choice for quality tactical knives at a reasonable price is Ted Frizzell

http://www.mineralmountain.com/

[Lee Reeves]

allow me to add my two cents. I have had and do have several swords and knives from BKS. All are real swords which could be used in a combat situation. They also make stage weapons the same as they make there swords that are used hard and banged together constantly and hold up well for years of use. That says a lot about their swords.

I also have several knives from Mr Palmer at http://traditionalarcherybows.com/ They are serious tools. Check out the videos he has on his site to see him put them though some hard use.

Lee

[Lee Reeves]

Lee: I checked that Zombie website out, and I must say: I am actually quite interested. I normally don't go for fantasy style weapons but these actually have blade styles and even handle styles that I personally prefer. I'm not sure what the 5160 steel is exactly but sounds better than the 1040 I am used to.

here is a link with some information on steel types

http://forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic...60#p158217

http://www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/sword-steels.html


and this http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/buy-swords-online.html

Lee

[Chad Arnow]

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Ralph Grinly]

$1, 000 for a so-called 'tactical' knife ? Boy..that company will probably sell you the Brooklyn Bridge as well I don't care how well made, or what sort of advertising flummery they claim, that any *useable* knife could be worth that much. I suspect, sheer use-wise, and veritility wise it wouldn't outperform some thing like a Cold Steel Recon Tanto or similar blade that can be obtained for..say $200..and I'm being generous with that price range