What do you get if you cross a garden tool with a cleaver, and add a wooden handle like those found on a chef’s knife? The answer is CRKT’s Mah-chete (CRKT.com), and you’ll surely get on board fast with its unconventional survival knife attributes. This camp knife boasts an unyielding blade with the composition to be able to drive it through almost any material. I love a challenge, and my results after taking this blade to task were nothing short of astonishing. This blade not only held up, but it was only just getting started. It destroyed its opposition and was ready to take on all comers.
Unorthodox Appearance
When you think machete, I guarantee you the Mah-chete will not come to mind. This tool doesn’t exhibit the typical machete design. First, the blade is curved, culminating with a prominent and incredibly pointed tip. The thick, satin-finished blade offers full tang that is sandwiched between two walnut wood scales. At its base is an extended pommel. A lanyard hole an inch above the pommel enables paracord or leather cordage to be used as an around-the-wrist security measure or for storage when this brute is not in use.
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Feel within My Grip
With its unconventional design, I could only guess how it would feel within my hand. Wooden handles can be hit or miss when it comes to grip-ability. However, all fears of awkwardness were purged when I lifted the mighty Mah-chete upward. Surprisingly, it was top-heavy but not off balancing to hold. The handle provided enough girth to keep the blade steady and within my control. I could feel the full weight of the tool, but it wasn’t too much to make swinging the tool easy using one arm with little energy exerted. With its distinctive curved blade, it mimicked a Japanese-style short sword, rather than the straight blade of a traditional machete.
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Chopping and Slicing Prowess
This tool can be used in three ways, as a chopper, as a knife-like slicer, and as a puncturing implement. The CRKT Mah-chete succeeds on all fronts. Coconuts are tough, but they shattered under the Mah-chete’s might. Palm tree trunks were cleaved straight through and wood split effortlessly. Though subtle, the top-heavy design provided the extra weight to make most chopping tasks fatigue-free and completed with a single swing. As for cutting, the handle provided the control while the twelve-inch blade sliced through vegetables and meats for meal prep. The Mah-chete’s multi-functionality was unknown when just initially viewing this tool. However, after getting hands-on, its versatility became much more apparent.
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Sheath Construction and Carry Ability
The included woven nylon sheath is adequate to hold the Mah-chete, offering easy entry and deployment of the tool. The sheath has an adjustable belt loop, secured by a hook and loop closure that is large enough to accommodate belts of a variety of thicknesses. Cordage was laced around the sheath’s perimeter frame adding a pleasing aesthetic touch while providing a tie-down at the user’s thigh. Overall, the sheath worked well enough. However, in my opinion, it is rather thin and somewhat flimsy. It will do the job…for now. I believe, though, after constant use and over time, it will fray and wear out. With such a heavy and formidable tool, a more durable sheath would have been nice.
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Overall Coolness Factor
Not only does the CRKT Mah-chete perform like a true powerhouse outdoors, but it also offers a coolness factor that cannot be denied. Its untraditional design allows it to perform like a traditional machete, while accomplishing a lot more. It can slice and dice for meal prep, split wood like an ax, and puncture like a spear. The Mah-chete retails for only $80.00 and when weighing quality versus price, it’s no contest. The Mah-chete pays for itself with its unrelentless performance in the field.
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The Mah-chete’s Spectacular Specs
Blade Steel: 1075 Carbon Steel
Blade Finish: Satin
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Overall Length: 17.44 inches
Blade Length: 12.00 inches
Overall Weight: 19.20 ounces
Handle Material: Walnut
Sheath Material: Woven Nylon
MSRP: $80.00
Website: CRKT.com
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