Brand | KA-BAR |
---|---|
Blade Length | 11 Inches |
Handle Material | Rubber |
Blade Material | Carbon Steel |
Style | Modern |
Item Weight | 499 Grams |
Product Dimensions | 5"L x 5"W |
Hand Orientation | Left |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 18 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches |
Package Weight | 0.86 Kilograms |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 5 x 5 inches |
Brand Name | KA-BAR |
Country of Origin | Taiwan |
Warranty Description | manufacturer |
Model Name | KA1248-BRK |
Color | Black |
Material | 1085 |
Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
Number of Items | 1 |
Manufacturer | Dreme Corp |
Part Number | KA1248-BRK |
Model Year | 2014 |
Included Components | See Description |
Size | 1 |
Sport Type | Hunting |
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Ka-Bar KA1248-BRK Machete Cutlass
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | KA-BAR |
Blade Length | 11 Inches |
Handle Material | Rubber |
Blade Material | Carbon Steel |
Style | Modern |
About this item
- 100% Synthetic
- Imported
- Sturdy machete with cutlass-style 1085 carbon-steel blade
- Ideal for chopping down weeds, clearing campsites, or cutting branches
- Ergonomically shaped Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer handle
- 20-degree edge angle; blade measures 11 inches long
- Includes leather/Cordura combination sheath; weighs 1.12 pounds
- Perfect for chopping down weeds, clearing a camp site or cutting small limbs and tree branches.
- Specifications: Weight - 1.12 lbs.; Blade Length - 11"; Overall Length - 16-1/2"
- Shape - Cutlass; Stamp - Taiwan; Edge Angle - 20 degrees; Steel - 1085 Carbon; Grind - Hollow; Handle Material - Kraton G
- Made in Taiwan
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Product Description
Product Description
The Cutlass Machete features a 11 in. blade made from 1085 Carbon and a black Kraton- G. Machete has an overall length of 16 1/2 in. includes a lanyard hole and a leather/cordura sheath. ATTRIBUTES Blade Detail: Plain Edge Blade Length (inches):11.00Blade Material:1085 High Carbon Black Carry System: Leather/Cordura Sheath Handle Material: Kraton Overall Length (inches):16.50
Amazon.com
Equipped with a cutlass-style 1085 carbon-steel blade, the Cutlass machete from Ka-Bar is ideal for chopping down weeds, clearing a campsite, or cutting small limbs and tree branches. The machete is comfortable in the hand, with an ergonomically shaped Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer handle that ensures a nonslip grip. Users will also love the leather/Cordura combination sheath, which fits conveniently on your belt. Other features include a hollow grind, a 20-degree edge angle, and a blade length of 11 inches. The Cutlass machete measures 16-1/2 inches overall and weighs 1.12 pounds.
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B001H53Q80 |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #160,570 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #122 in Gardening Machetes |
Date First Available | October 4, 2003 |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of use, sturdiness, performance, and portability of the sword. For example, they mention the blade is screaming sharp, it works well as a quasi-hatchet, and it has just enough weight to allow the knife to do the job. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the blade of the sword to be extremely sharp. They say it's easily sharpened, and it cuts very well. Customers also mention that the handle is well designed to hook to their hand. Overall, customers are satisfied with the ease of use of the product.
"...It easily cuts branches and stems over inch thick with one stroke, and easily handles bigger than that- it just takes more swings...." Read more
"...The hollow grind did work fine for me, though. The 1085 steel is easy to sharpen on a hollow grind and still retains the edge decently...." Read more
"...It's a very nice machete, nice finish, great grip, sharp, well-balanced...." Read more
"...processing wood is a breeze, and even when i had a little field and stream knife for what some people call "fine" work i still found that my Ka-bar..." Read more
Customers like the sturdiness of the sword. They say it's built solid, the sheath is holding up fine, and it has a very durable wrinkle finish that hasn't come off yet. It's a great Ka-Bar quality and great design for many uses. The knife holds its weight while remaining clean and still very sharp. The sheathe of heavy leather and heavy cordura is also impressive in its design, and is good for intermittent use.
"...So far the sheath is holding up fine...." Read more
"...(to use as a handle on a descending platform)and the knife held my weight while remaining clean and still very sharp, a quick brush off and it was..." Read more
"...more than half the thickness of the large bowie but the blade is by no means flimsy you couldn't get it to bend with bare hands, but i prayed with..." Read more
"...Razor sharp and ready to do work. The sheath is about to die, and I'm going to make myself a simple kydex sheath." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the machete. They say it works well as a quasi-hatchet, it performs beautifully, and it's very efficient. Customers also mention that the blade is of good quality and works great for a camping/hunting knife.
"...Most of the bamboo was 1" to 2" diameter, so not the big stuff. It worked like a dream, and after two hours was still quite sharp...." Read more
"...do most of the work of a machete, or it is a very small but highly capable machete that can easily do the work of a large knife...." Read more
"...Everything about this thing is perfect, I'm completely satisfied with this purchase...." Read more
"Great product and quick shipping" Read more
Customers find the sword easy to carry or wield. They mention that it has just enough weight to allow the knife to do the job. Customers also appreciate the forward weight balance, which is way nose heavy. Overall, customers find the product to be a great choice for those looking for a versatile and easy-to-use sword.
"...The Ka-Bar is just right: short enough to swing well, heavy enough to develop some momentum...." Read more
"...It's very forward heavy with the large belled blade and, overall, is surprisingly heavy for its size at around 16 oz...." Read more
"...the weight is no issue cause the sheath is comfortable. if you have Nancy wrists you may have issues...." Read more
"...Yet it is so much more agile and easy to carry or wield than either. Plus it can do all the large knife chores with aplomb...." Read more
Customers like the size of the sword. They say it's small enough to do fine work, yet big enough to make larger tasks achievable. They also say it fits perfectly in their hand and the sheath is attachable to their belt. Customers also mention that the length and weight are good, and the blade is tough for the price.
"...The Ka-Bar is just right: short enough to swing well, heavy enough to develop some momentum...." Read more
"...icing on the cake is the fact the cutlass is still just small enough to do finer work with the back half of the blade...." Read more
"...knife that can easily do most of the work of a machete, or it is a very small but highly capable machete that can easily do the work of a large knife..." Read more
"Ok. First off it is kind of a hybrid tool. It is too short for a traditional machete to hack your way through the woods...." Read more
Customers find the comfort of the machete to be very comfortable in hand. They say it's comfortable to stand, sit, or lay down with it on their belt. The size and ergonomics of this machete are perfect, making it easy to wield. Customers also say that the machette does not hurt their hand when they swing it.
"...It feels good in my hand, and the hook at the end of the grip helps a lot for retention.The sheath has gotten some negative comments...." Read more
"...is my permanent companion on extended stays in nature and provides a psychological comfort on par with a firearm or fire starter...." Read more
"...Every task has been handled with ease and comfortabilitly. The Kraton G handle is astounding...." Read more
"...the weight is no issue cause the sheath is comfortable. if you have Nancy wrists you may have issues...." Read more
Customers find the sword well worth the money, with a great weight distribution and pure quality. They also appreciate the included sheath and the tough blade for the price. Overall, customers say it's a very good buy.
"...Can't recommend it highly enough. An absolute steal at this price, massive bang for the buck...." Read more
"...I've come to the conclusion that this large knife/machete is well worth the money.Why? Here are the pro's and cons I've found:..." Read more
"...This machete costs more than an average machete but it is worth every penny...." Read more
"...I want to purchase a product that is pure quality for a great price.....sound familiar?? well, let me save you some time, I did the research for you...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the sword. Some mention it's an outstanding design and well crafted, while others say that the sheath is only just decent and the blade dulls with time and use.
"...great bush craft tool, would need smaller knife for finer chores but, a pocket knife can fit the bill if worried about the weight of two fixed blades..." Read more
"...Also, the sheath is only just decent. The leather and cordura will not hold up to repeated exposure, especially if you live in wet areas...." Read more
"...It can chop and hack through anything that a full-sized machete or small hatchet could handle...." Read more
"...the knives axes and Machetes I have I have to say that This is the most useful...." Read more
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The carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen, takes a great edge, and holds the edge well.
One important use for me is working inside our hedges. A long machete just won't work there as I cannot get a long enough swing to cut anything. The Ka-Bar is just right: short enough to swing well, heavy enough to develop some momentum. It easily cuts branches and stems over inch thick with one stroke, and easily handles bigger than that- it just takes more swings. It's also a real good size for camping when you don't want the burden of something bigger.
It feels good in my hand, and the hook at the end of the grip helps a lot for retention.
The sheath has gotten some negative comments. While I would prefer it was all synthetic to resist mold here in Hawaii (no problem with that yet tho), I use the sheath mainly for storage and have no real gripe with it.
I have two other short machetes which I liked a lot, both traditional hand made Philippine pieces. One, hand forged from what I suspect was a leaf spring from a vehicle, with buffalo horn grips was a favorite until I got the Ka-Bar. The Ka-Bar has more mass for better chopping.
When I am finished for the day, I clean the blade, sharpen it, and oil it before putting it away. Treat good tools well and they will treat you well for a long time. I expect this one will.
UPDATE: We are just back from several days at a campground on the North Shore of Oahu. I used the Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete for splitting ironwood/Australian Pine (Casuarina)logs up to 5 inches thick into kindling, and it worked fine.
The technique is simple: wearing heavy gloves, lay the blade on the middle of the end of an upright log (that is, bisect it so you get two roughly even sized pieces), letting the tip end of the blade project several inches beyond the log. Whack the top of the blade with another piece of wood to set the blade into the log, then, holding the machete handle firmly, keep hitting the projecting part of the blade until you have split the log. Repeat until you have pieces appropriate for kindling. Don't hit it like you are trying to kill an attacking T.Rex, just firmly.
Do bisect the log: if you try to cut a quarter off, the blade may veer out of the side of the log, and hit your leg. Self-amputation is widely regarded as exciting, but considered bad form. And yes, do wear shoes while doing your wood splitting. Your toes are attached for a reason. Keep them that way.
UPDATE II (February 2013): I have now used it on a camping trip on the Salmon River in Idaho, camping again on the north shore of Oahu, and cutting bamboo for a couple hours in the mountains above Honolulu, as well as routine yard work. I am still delighted with it. I generally sharpen with a diamond sharpener it before each use, and spritz it with WD-40 before putting it away. On the Salmon River trip I used it to fell dead Ponderosa pine up to about 5 inches, to trim off the branches, and to baton the logs for kindling. Camp on north shore: split ironwood again for firewood. Bamboo: I helped remove invading bamboo from around a radio transmitter station/tower. Most of the bamboo was 1" to 2" diameter, so not the big stuff. It worked like a dream, and after two hours was still quite sharp. Green bamboo, by the way, is softer and easier to cut than dry (brown) bamboo.
So far the sheath is holding up fine. I have not experienced the problems several others have reported, but I use it more for storage than hard use on my belt.
If you'd like a video showing how to baton firewood, just go to YouTube and plug in "baton firewood". There are a number of videos, some by people who look like they have never done it before, but you'll get the idea. Just remember to keep splitting the log in half, not shaving a skinny piece off the log. Also: Keep a firm grip on the handle when you hit the blade. You do NOT want this thing flipping out of the log and hitting anyone.
However, do not be mistaken: an ideal set up when venturing in the wilderness ALWAYS dictates, at the very least, a small to medium sized knife, and a larger tool blade such as a machete or axe. All of which depend on your location and goals. Relying only on one blade for everything is risky.
Which brings me to my first point; the absolute uniqueness of the cutlass's design and functionality. It's pretty hard to categorize this beaut but in the most objective of observations I think it is best described as a large knife. Many people list the blade thickness at 1/8", but with a ruler at the base of the spine it clocks in at just under 3/16 of an inch: a length much thicker than traditional brush machetes (as a reference point my Ontario 18 is in the 1/16 - 3/32" range and that is considered a rather stout machete for its size). It's very forward heavy with the large belled blade and, overall, is surprisingly heavy for its size at around 16 oz. This design is overtly made for massive chopping action very similar to a hatchet or small axe. And when you take your first few swings with it, you'll feel like you're, in fact, wielding a hatchet. Much like the increasingly popular kukri design, it chops with as much gravity as it does technique. When properly wielded and maintained, it cut through small to medium diameter wood of all types like butter. In fact, in my experience it has performed just as well if not better than any hatchet I own.
Unfortunately, the cutlass will still get outclassed in chopping by a good cruiser or hand axe and even extremely robust blades like the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri.
Regardless, refer back to that "machete" label in the product description because when put to the brush and briar, the cutlass can perform in league with full sized machetes. 11" (I admittedly think I'd prefer it at 12 inches) is just enough surface area on a blade to get good horizontal momentum and connection, that it can clear trails with the best of them. This style of blade was favored by sailors due to the ease with which it could cut through thick nautical cordage on ships.
Perhaps the icing on the cake is the fact the cutlass is still just small enough to do finer work with the back half of the blade. It may be more clumsy and time consuming than a proper bushcraft or wood working knife, but it can be done much easier than with an axe or full sized machete. I can think of numerous occasions in the Sierra Nevedas where the workload was light and it was the only blade I used all day. From proportioning firewood to chopping up a few vegetables, everything was achieved at zero inconvenience.
If forced to take only one blade into catastrophe and the unknown, my cutlass would be at my side. Though I'd much rather have a Gransfors Bruks axe next to my wood pile, an Ontario 18 in the swamps of Georgia or the jungles of the Amazon, and any Mora on my belt with fresh game or fish, I could carry my cutlass with confidence knowing I could use it for any of the above tasks. It is my permanent companion on extended stays in nature and provides a psychological comfort on par with a firearm or fire starter.
Buy it with confidence and trust it with your life. It's a tool that will last generations with the proper care.
As a side note:
To make it a true jack-of-all-trades knife, I recommend the factory hollow grind (which, admittedly, is an odd choice of grind for a knife like this) be replaced by a more consistent convex angle on the bell, and 2 - 2 1/2" of a scandi grind near the rear for finer work. This is a relatively common modification made to machetes to give them more versatility. The hollow grind did work fine for me, though. The 1085 steel is easy to sharpen on a hollow grind and still retains the edge decently. Just be careful as it is more delicate than convex on a tool made to be used and abused such as this.
Also, the sheath is only just decent. The leather and cordura will not hold up to repeated exposure, especially if you live in wet areas. I was able to get quite a bit of mileage out of mine before it was completely unusable. If you plan on using this blade extensively, I recommend investing in constructing your own kydex sheath. It can be done cheaply with minimal tools. Check out some tutorials online.
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024