Would you call this a small Machete ... or not ?

Gavin Nugent · 20th June 2023, 08:27 AM

Looks a lot like a "No Spin" vintage throwing knife to me, but at 18 inches, one would have to ask why? Many vintage throwing knives share this handle profile though.

If a Machete, it looks simple, robust and practical enough, but why 6" long grip when 4" would suffice and offer better reach and fulcrum point... the grip does not look practical for a machete application.

The length falls around a Smatchet length, being used for chopping and thrusting, which the blade shape provides, but typically these also have a short handle and a Bolo type blade.

The handle profile also reminds me a lot of the old French made "Navaja", made for local and export markets, many contracted by Spanish guilds.

20th June 2023, 08:27 AM	#11
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Looks a lot like a "No Spin" vintage throwing knife to me, but at 18 inches, one would have to ask why? Many vintage throwing knives share this handle profile though. If a Machete, it looks simple, robust and practical enough, but why 6" long grip when 4" would suffice and offer better reach and fulcrum point... the grip does not look practical for a machete application. The length falls around a Smatchet length, being used for chopping and thrusting, which the blade shape provides, but typically these also have a short handle and a Bolo type blade. The handle profile also reminds me a lot of the old French made "Navaja", made for local and export markets, many contracted by Spanish guilds. Attached Images