In the global knife market, piercing and cutting products are presented in a wide range. Among knife products, a special place is occupied by a machete. This device first appeared in South America. Over time, it has found wide application on other continents. Today, a machete is a fairly effective tool that a person uses in many areas of his activity. Information about the origin, device and features of this product is presented in the article.
Introduction
Machete is a tool that is used in agriculture due to its chopping properties. The product is a huge knife, which is very convenient to chop and cut. In addition, the machete is one of the types of edged weapons. The long knife was widely used in its time for military purposes.
Origin
The blade appeared in the regions of South America after the arrival of the Portuguese and Spaniards. The local population used this product as a large and light cane knife. It was used to cut sugar cane, corn stalks and other agricultural crops. Also, using this inventory, the colonists cleared their way in the thickets of the jungle. Today there are severalversions about the origin of the machete. According to one of them, a long knife is a descendant of the kopis, the sword of the ancient Greeks. The proof of this theory is the design features of the Javanese parang, one of the varieties of the concave machete. The weapon in its appearance is very reminiscent of the kukri, which was once used by the Gurkhas. All three types of bladed weapons are characterized by a boomerang-like shape. However, the convex part of the blade is sharpened in the paranga, and the concave part is sharpened in the kukri.
About combat use
In the middle of the 20th century, professional soldiers began to use South American agricultural implements. The American soldiers appreciated the impressive size of the machete and its center of gravity shifted to the tip of the blade. This peasant inventory is easy to manufacture. It is not difficult to make it in artisanal conditions, thanks to which guerrilla wars were fought with the use of this edged weapon.
Machetes were used by Latin planters to punish runaway slaves. The cane knife, and not only as an inventory, but also as a weapon, was also used by Negro slaves (South America) during the uprisings. In the army, a large blade was used in World War II and during the years of the Vietnam War. Today, several varieties of machetes have been created. In the army of some states, this blade is in service. His image adorns the flag and coat of arms of Angola.
About the specifications of the cane knife
The design of the classic long blade has a fairly simple shape. The knife has a widea blade that is completely unsuitable for stabbing with a point. A blade with a thickness of 3-4 mm is characterized by one-sided sharpening. The length can vary between 400-600 mm. However, you can find larger cutting products. For the manufacture of handles, simple materials are mainly used. Classic machetes have wooden handles. In modern versions, wood has been replaced with plastic. Handles are made using surface mounting technique. You can make a similar cane knife at home. To do this, you will need a piece of high-quality sheet steel, a metal working tool and a machete drawing (for example, such as in the photo below).
What is special about the knife?
Since the machete is designed for chopping, there is absolutely no guard in its design. Also, the cane knife is not characterized by the presence of any decorative elements and ornaments. Since the rough work is done with the machete, everything in it must be functional. In some samples, the handles are equipped with lanyards. According to experts, this element is not necessary.
About Kukri Plus
Judging by the numerous consumer reviews, the machetes of the American knife manufacturer Cold Steel are in great demand. Blade length is 305 mm. In the manufacture of the blade, high-quality SK-5 carbon steel is used, which is processed by forging. According to the owners, the blade of the machete is sharpened to razor sharpness.
The blade has an extension at the end. Due to this, there is absolutely no load on the hand during cutting. Compared to other similar products, Kukri Plus comes in a shorter length. In this regard, it is not very convenient to cut vines, branches or vines with this model. Nevertheless, the Cold Steel machete can be used as an effective means of self-defense. The knife is equipped with a textured reinforced handle. It is easy to crack nuts or strike with it. The machete of this model can be used as a tool and as a military weapon. The price of such a product is about 11 thousand rubles.
About long knives in cinema
Machete looks simple and sinister at the same time. The directors decided to take advantage of this by using the use of the blade in the cinema. The machete is often seen in action, thriller, and adventure films. In two feature films by Robert Rodriguez - "Machete" and "Machete Kills" - the main character, performed by Danny Trejo, skillfully wields a long cane knife.
In conclusion
In accordance with Russian law, a machete is a household item that cannot be a melee weapon. Along with hunting cleavers, the machete is considered a tourist, cutting tool. Today, the product is mainly used on the farm.
