Machetes

I agree Don't know whats with the holes in the knife. the only draw back to the book of eli knife Beside the holes is the cheep sheath,and I feel it could have been heat treated a bit more to harden the steel and give it more carbon in the blade A good blackend blade holds a good edge.great on berry vines.nothing a little heating and cooling in oil won't fix. kinda fun to learn heat treating metal.Or get a peice of flat 3inch wide 2 ft, long steel and grind your own .like the last Rambo Movie.

Machetes and sheaths:

http://www.armysurplusworld.com/display.asp?subDepartmentID=220

Allen,

I'm curious. What did you end up deciding on?

Fred "True" Trujillo

Hmmm, I missed this one!
 Years ago, I had the opportunity to collect a few chain saw bars, Oregon brand.
 I had the grand idea of making some blades from them as I heard that the Oregon bars were superior to others for making blades. I still have a small stack of them in my shop attic.
 My father was pursuing his master certification in that field prior to his health declining, but I have never had his talent for making blades.
 I would like someone with the know how and desire to have them. They are heavy, and shipping would cost a bunch. If any one would  like to try, give me a shout, they are free for the asking.

Box
If you want to get them into the hands of a master bladesmith, look up The American Bladesmith Society or The Knife Makers Guild. I think there are one or two mbefs in your area. You might even be able to work out a deal with the smith where he gets the blades/ bars and you get two completed implements in return..
If my friend Kelliegh Hagwood ( late San Antonio blade maker and Guild member)were still alive he would be calling you now about them.

I missed getting back on this one.  I ended up getting a Condor Golok.  The blade is 14" and 1/4" thick, so it's mid-length and thick bladed, and has been perfect for my chopping needs.

I'm kinda thinking it's time to start the next machete hunt, perhaps longer and thinner, more traditional, this time.

-Allen