Inexpensive Chinese Saber

[Bill]

I just got back from my first visit to Harbor Freight Tools and found that they carry an inexpensive machete that is a good substitute for a chinese saber.
It's carbon steel, 18" long with a comfortable handle.
The best part is the price, $4.99 each so I bought two.
I can't wait to get home and try them out!!

[allen2saint]

How are you gonna do that?

[JessOBrien]

Famous last post!
Be careful Bill those things look sharp...

[Teazer]

I've got some of those - some sharp ones for practice chopping on brambles and blunts where I ground down the edge and rounded the point for partner drills. The only thing is the edge needs to be reground every now and again if you're doing steel vs steel stuff otherwise you get some sharp divots. Can't complain about the price!

[lenmccoy]

I like machetes because they are cheap enough not to worry about breaking them cutting and you can get a good feel for how different very simlar blades can cut, how different you feel the "recoil" in your arm etc. Respectfully, Len McCoy

[Franklin]

back home we grew up using machetes to clear brush and small trees...
great way to get the feel for actually cutting things....

and yes they are really sharp (sometimes- you have to resharpen them after having used them for a while)
most people back home recommend cutting a piece of stick to hold in the left hand to protect yourself if your swing doesn't connect to the tree you are cutting- otherwise it is really easy to cut your leg
(i never used this though- and have yet to cut my leg ....)

they have a slightly different feel from a dao
but i have run through dao forms with a machete before...
feels different then with a dao- the weight/shape/size
(and it always feels different with a live blade)

try clearing an over grown yard with one
and you will get the feel for cutting things
as well as accuracy


Franklin

[Bill]

Famous last post!

LOL! nice one.

They're a bit shorter than a saber so they feel a bit different but I like them. I enjoy solo practice with a 'real' weapon.

[GrahamB]

LOL at Jess

[yeniseri]

I have always preferred to use a cutlass (machete) because it was a functional tool, inexpensive and approximates the use of common bladed weapon!
Because of the various type (weight), I find it better than the wooden ones I have in the house since kids come in and out. Plus, the wife threatened me on dangerous weapons that can be used by strangers and others. Just in case

[Iskendar]

Is that thing heat-treated? I guess not given the price.

[Niall Keane]

In Ireland it is an offense to possess a machete, however traditionally made swords are fine.

When I traverse the jungles of Mayo I bring along my Dao! ;-)

[neijia_boxer]

this guy has awesome sword play (and mullet)

[Niall Keane]

Great find NeiJia Boxer!

The elusive Sifu of "the Star Wars kid"!

Loved his Shen Fa! Everything is Definately controled by his centre. I like how he pays attention to and guards his dan tien, revealing it in a deceptively careless manner, then concealing it the moment it is exposed! "Lazily rolling down the shirt" That's high level skill!

And his unorthodox tactics! "Flashing underware to frighten a tiger" is a rare move indeed, only found in direct family transmissions.

[Michael Babin]

There but for the grace of the Gods I, and probably some of the people who post here, could have gone down the same graceless road as this fella.

[Finny]

I remember seeing that clip a few years ago - the guy was copping a fair bit of harsh criticism in the comments section, when his sister came on to inform folks that he is in fact mentally challenged (? - not sure of the correct PC term these days)

Just FYI