Martindale Golok Machete 18

Quick delivery (once I realised I had to verify my age lol). Pleasantly surprised with the finish, edge was blunt but at least it had an edge unlike many others I've seen online, 10 minutes with the file and a honing iron and it's plenty sharp enough. Handle not too rough, flush with the tang on both sides, 3mm gap at the end of the tang which is also tighter than most I've seen. Idk if Martindales have recently upped quality control or I just got lucky, overall very pleased with this agricutral tool.

I got this for chopping off small branches in woodland, which is pretty much what its designed for. Nicely shaped blade and good weight to it. As has been mentioned its not perfect, but I was able to sort out the niggles in 10 minutes. Blade was blunt, I've had sharper shovels, but 5 minutes on a mini belt sander and I've got it utility knife sharp. No need for more than that. Smear of grease down the edge to stop it going rusty. Handle is a bit rough, but fine for me. A minute with sandpaper will sort it if you care. Belt sheath is a bit poor. It uses nothing to retain the blade apart from gravity, which is not really much good if you are moving about. Fix was to remove the file and slip a rare earth magnet out a old hard disk drive into the pocket. Provides just the right amount of friction to retain the blade, but also to be easy to draw. Also, I managed to poke the newly sharpened blade through the fabric of the sheath. Duct tape. I'd have knocked a star off for the sheath if it had been a high priced tool, or two if it had been a show piece, but as a budget working tool I'll still give it 5 stars.

Effective, and well priced.

Great for cutting brush for hide making.

I bought the type 2 with open eyes as the various internet reviews I watched and read accurately described the product. Martindale are a farm tool company, and their machetes are finished to that level. They are rough and in need of at least some personalisation when shipped. The steel seems reasonable quality British steel but they are not made in the UK, instead the material is shipped out to the Philippines for production and then brought back. Don't be confused by the union jack. That all said it's a well balanced tool that has a nice weight balance and can crack coconuts open with ease. You have think of it as an inexpensive blank canvas to work on. After a little work with the included file and then a diamond Lansky kit, mine is sharp enough (for hard tasks) with an edge that's not going to chip or blunt at the first branch. Other stuff to consider - as shipped the handle is pretty rough and needs some attention, the rivets are naff and could do with replacing with bull bolts and the sheath is very loose and prone to the blade just falling out (what were they thinking), but as I said, this is one of those tools you grow to love and rely on because you have made it work and fit the way you want and need. It might have the service issue number and Broad Arrow symbol but this is not our 'fathers' Golok No:2 - it is one made to the same rough pattern, cheaply, for farmers. I would recommend anyone who needs such a tool to buy it, the Golok No:2 will provide years of good service - but don't expect a show blade or it to be usable out of the box without effort. Oh, lastly, keep it well oiled or protected, it will rust if you don't and that will spoil anyone's day.

You don’t buy this tool if all you want is a some shiny (all whistling, all singing ) piece of steel;; this is a tool. It maybe a little too agricultural for some but like most agricultural implements it gets the job done! Fantastic weight in the hand, great balance and top quality steel. Go clear some brambles, lay some hedges, coppice a hazel wood or split a coconut for the perfect Pina Colada. Just don’t whinge about the “no edge” on the blade, the “chunky” Unfinished handle scales, the no secure fastening on the sheath. Celebrate the fact that it’s made by a British company, it’s good enough for the British Army and the fact that’s it’s not expensive!! Add to all that the fact that Hennie Haynes deliver great service, it’s a ste(e)l!!!!

Just had it a few days but seems to do the trick I'm happy with it. Takes a good edge.

For the price I should not be surprised, not exactly a polished item. Rough looking blade that may smooth out. Handle needs sanding. Label will not peel off cleanly which sucks. Oh & HH... please consider putting the Lorax sticker on something other than the blade, it leaves a sticky residue.

Not made in England but only regd. in England. At best the build quality is poor with the entire knife covered in a layer of varnish which would have to be removed by sanding before use. The build quality is poor and the edge is dull and even though I have not used the golok as yet the initial impression is disappointing for the cost. By contrast the customer service from HH is once again top class as the item was shipped very quickly.