Too crude to be a Machete ?

[fernando]

You and your way, Jim. I appreciate listening to your collecting experiences during youth but, aren't we missing the point ? This topic, as submitted, being weaving considerations over artisanal machetes, is it within context comparing their variable specs. with a mass produced example like the 1881 military pattern ... whether you find it an excellent and fascinating example ?

PS
I later saw that you edited your post; sorry, too late !

[Jim McDougall]

I knew you'd be comin' Fernando, so I always go back and recheck to 'fine tune', even though never quite out of reach.

I guess its important to note that I am mostly interested in the historic aspects of arms, so of course I tend to find most items of some notable age 'fascinating' in one degree or another.
Also, having noted that my 'collecting and study' of weapons spans back to my youth, a most considerable number of years, it is hard to resist some degree of analogy in writing. I think it is highly typical of men my age to be unapologetic story tellers, just ask the grandkids! In positive notes on weapons being discussed, I always recall hearing of one of the most highly respected of the early collector/scholars, Sir Guy Laking, of whom it was said,
"...he would always find something kind to say about a fellow collectors object, however humble it was".
I see these weapons even in the 'militaria' class as interesting in their own right, just as are most items presented in this miscellania forum, which allows presentation outside the chronological boundaries of the others.

I suppose sort of a mantra, and that was written by Mr. Claude Blair, a kind man and brilliant scholar, who always had time to answer questions and it seems, followed in much the same manner.

It seems that 'my point' was about what inspired me to pursue the study of weapons, and while identifying them by comparitive differences, learning the history of them in thier use.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... I always recall hearing of one of the most highly respected of the early collector/scholars, Sir Guy Laking, of whom it was said,"...he would always find something kind to say about a fellow collectors object, however humble it was". .

Absolutely Jim; a commendable attitude. I am sure Sir Laking was a sensitive person and had a fine way to do it; in a sincere but not exalting mode ... and in an innocuous manner concerning others in the room.



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[Interested Party]

Kronckew's lower example's handle is vaguely reminiscent of the machete in post Spanish(?) Machete Sword with horn grips.

As far as this post's original example goes, I have been perplexed by what looks like a small diameter piece of pipe welded to the blade as a tang or uncomfortable handle. Even weirder is the apparent split down the back if the blade?? Is this iron forge welded around the steel edge with the line being a cold shut welding flaw? I have looked at this every day and just scratch my head. I've seen a lot of homemade agricultural knives for different crops and uses. This one is an interesting and unique curio.

We seem to be developing a machete data base in this forum as of late.

[fernando]

I don't have the luggage to exchange ideas on the handle fixation nor on the blade forging method, but i see that the handle length (only) fits a small grip like mine. It could be that this was the only piece of pipe the owner (smith) had at hand. I did post the blade split picture in purpose to call attention, but only now i notice that this happens in both sides, as both forte edges have the same thickness in the first third section.


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[Jim McDougall]

Many scythes, and 'clearing' or cropping implements had hafts, thus were mounted on these or perhaps even longer, in the manner of pole arms.
Recalling the idiom, 'swords into plough shares' which reflects the cases of weapon into tool, or clearly vice versa, as glaives, bill hooks and the like.

Whatever the case with this item, it is fascinating for its rustic character and clearly obvious age, its 'mystery' not withstanding.

The handle is perhaps not viable for most modern hands, if indeed this was the intent, but overall the hands of individuals centuries ago much as their physical size and structure was generally smaller. However, the 'socket' idea seems quite plausible.

[fernando]

I can see what you mean, Jim. However i doubt that this thing once had a haft. The handle has an elliptical cross section, the usual shape of a grip, and it doesn't look like it has been previously round, like for a socket. Nor could its diameter fit one ... i would say.

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