Big Blades (That's a knife!)

[Olumin]

Looks like the imperial German entrenching tool during the Great War. These were often sharpened & used in trench raiding. Improvised maces or cut-down bayonets were popular aswell. Swords were still sometimes issued but mostly used for parade or in the cavalry early in the war. Sabres were too long to be effective in trenches, so were most rifle bayonets. Both rifles & Bajonetts became shorter after (and during) the Great War. In 1938 they issued the first folding spade.

Worth noting that even the shortened carbine version of the Mauser 98 (Karabiner 98k) still had a barrel length of roughly 24", which is considered a full length rifle today. Ballistic performance actually improved despite the shorter barrel due to advancements in cartridge propellants.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Our 6 month old dog almost died. I was giving her fluid under her skin with a needle to keep her hydrated. It was concerning that she was so weak for so long. Sometimes a person does a thing to work out one's fears, even though it may not be terribly practical. This is what I made:

 

[KITROBASKIN]

The last minute fifteen seconds of this video I attempt to cut a soccer ball. Starts at 3:57. The rest of the video describes the build and Spyderco knives I had at the time.

 

[alpg88]

Have this one for decades, bought it at a garage sale for $5, not cuz i needed it, but for 5 bucks i could not pass it up. the blade in perfect shape, handle has some storage wear. the point is somewhat sharp, but the blade is as dull as a spoon.

 

[Olumin]

Looks like a Czech VZ-23 sword bayonet. Belongs to a Czech CZ-23 Mauser carbine. Probably 1920s if I had to guess. Seems like its in gerat shape!
The Czechs made some great guns. The BRNO ZKK 600 & 601 are among my favourite bolt actions. Modified Mauser 98 actions.

 

[alpg88]

Wow around 100 years old, that is the oldest thing in my home.

 

[Olumin]

They started making the VZ-23, as the name would imply, in 1923. It was replaced just one year later by the VZ-24. Id imagine these VZ-23 bayonets are probably quite rare, considering their short production run. So as chance would have it, your baronet should be quite exactly 100 years old.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

That bayonet is in great shape. Any way to have more confirmation it is authentic? Is there a market for these today?

 

[alpg88]

The only markings i could find is letter Z in a circle on the scabbard, and this on the back of the bayonet.

 

[Olumin]

Certainly seems to match pictures of other examples sold in auctions Ive seen.

 

[Olumin]

Here is another "big blade" of mine:

A paper guillotine comes in handy more often then one might think. Model: Ideal 1038
The blade is replaceable & made in Solingen.

 

[Chauncey Gardiner]

Also have a fiskars machete, take it camping with me as well, sometimes even use it, lol

View attachment 39644

It's better to have and not need than to need and not have.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Love the bayonet, used to have a much less fine one, similar to yours but gave it to a family member.

 

[knucklegary]

U.S. M4 Bre-Dan mounts to M2A1 Carbine. Blade length 6-3/4" ~ Self sharpening sheath. Weight and balance is perfect in hand, and when mounted it's even better feeling

 

[yearnslow]

Had this made in the UK by a friend of mine, for adventures in Africa.
13" blade 01 tool steel, .25" thick, scandi grind. Micarta handles.
It's had a beating since these were taken!

 

[Olumin]

I'm curious if it has any distal taper at the spine of the blade? 1/4" throughout would be very thick/heavy for a machete I'd imagine.

 

[yearnslow]

It's all the way down, and yes, it's very heavy! More of an axe/machete really. Chops wood really good though.
Can be quite dangerous if your not used to the weight!

 

[Olumin]

Old hand forged 19th century machetes were often made with distal taper & tapernd tangs. They apparently handle much better then modern ones, with better weight distribution & less flexible blades. Would love to get one of those for a reasonable price. Could be a nice restoration project.

 

[knucklegary]

It's all the way down, and yes, it's very heavy! More of an axe/machete really. Chops wood really good though.
Can be quite dangerous if your not used to the weight!

It looks like it was designed to take down small limbs and trees.

Have you weighed it?

 

[yearnslow]

It looks like it was designed to take down small limbs and trees.

Have you weighed it?

It's excellent at taking down trees, up to a certain diameter, obviously. However, I think it could do the business on much larger flora, if you were pushed.
I haven't actually weighed it, but I'd guess around 2 pounds? It's a beast.