Stick the pig...

Now, I'm no "authority" when it comes to bladed instruments, tools, or weapons, but I love a good pig sticker. I've got more that a few knives that I use everyday as tools, and rotate out on occasion as my EDC (every day carry) piece. I also like to keep a longer bladed tool on my Bug Out Bag/Camping bag. Hell, I may have even more sharp shineys that I haven't even mentioned, you never know....

Cold as the reptilian namesake:

Gator with sheath.

I got curious a while back after seeing a little on the Gerber Gator series of machetes, and having held one that was a loose return at the local Academy sporting goods store. What grabbed me right off the bat was, well, what I was grabbing at the time. I really took to the grip on that bad boy. It has a nicely shaped handle, some might use the big word "ergonomic." It's rubber coated, and just the right length for most hands. The entire unit is well balanced overall, not too heavy on either end, and easy to swing and chop with.

"Teeth" are more shark like than gator like.

The Gator has a "sawback" design, meaning the back of the normal cutting edge is serrated, so that it can be used for sawing. I have yet to get a chance to put it through its' paces, but it looks like it can do the job on some light duty work, and with proper elbow grease, could do in a pinch if you are in an emergency or survival situation. Speaking of: overall I think this would serve as a very good cutting/chopping tool in a survival situation, combining a machete and limb saw in one. The main cutting edge is typical fare, not razor sharp like a knife. This is to be expected from a chopping tool, where razor edges can be dulled or chipped rather quickly. For a tool like this, you want a slightly duller blade for longevity, in case you weren't informed of this already. Keep this in mind as you go to sharpen your bush blade down the road.

The blade comes in two lengths, the 18 incher I picked up, and the Gator JR. in 10.75 inch form. Both have the same nifty handle and lanyard, and come with a decent plastic lined nylon sheath. Be wary about this last bit, as I have heard that the stitching on the attached belt loop is poor and may cause the loop to come loose, causing you to find a creative way to mount this puppy. So far, with limited strain on the belt loop, mine has yet to fail, although one of the rivets in the sheath has decided to go AWOL, and the MP's have yet to locate the deserter. 

There is nothing supremely spectacular about this machete, although it has a nice cool factor, and seems perfectly capable of performing the jobs it was designed for. No huge frills, bells or whistles, just a straight forward and slightly updated machete. It's a tool. And a nice one, from what I can tell so far.

Meat eater:

Carnivore set loose.

I have recently spotted a "machete" like cutting tool in my local sporting goods shops, as well as Wal-Mart of all places, that has really been catching my eye. Something about the glimpse of it just tickles my fancy. So I gave it a closer look. The Camillus Carnivore, near as I can tell, comes in either 12 inch or 18 inch versions. I am trying out the 12 inch version. The shorter length does not seem to be a drawback at all, in fact, it may prove to be a plus when compared to longer blade machete types. It is easier to carry/store, and seems to be slightly easier to use. Having said that, you obviously won't get the leverage and chopping action that a longer blade gives, but that longer blade can be what tires you out early on as well. On top of that, the substantially thicker blade should make up for the lack in length with added dense heft.

The handle is similar to the Gerber. It is a rubberized and contoured grip, comfortable and sized well. It is not as textured as the Gerber, and I actually prefer it that way. It also has a sort of camo-leaf type print embedded into it, which I could take or leave. On the Carnivore there is no lanyard or lanyard hole, which disappoints me, but I'm sure an industrious person could find a way to drill a hole into the handle, provided the tang doesn't occupy the entire bloody thing.

As for the blade: WOW. This is one of the more interesting blade designs I have seen in a while on an everyday tool, something that isn't out of "Lovecraft's Designer Nightmare Guide for the Discerning Sword Loving Hell-Butcher."

Nice handle, but needs a lanyard hole.

The steel features Titanium bonding, which is claimed to make the steel 3 times stronger, more corrosion and adhesive resistant, and adds to edge retention. So they claim, we'll see soon enough. The blade shape itself is almost like that of a flat tip tanto type, making it look more like a wicked short Samurai sword than a tool. It features a "multi edge" blade. This means that they have integrated a good portion, maybe as much as half of the blade, to serrations that look to be pretty rugged. Additionally, there is a slant at the end of the blade that is intended for digging and other dirty work, the very tip of the blade is designed as a chisel, and the back of the blade has an integrated wire cutter, although at first blush it doesn't appear to be nearly as sharp as the rest of the edges. As I said before, you don't want a thin razor edge on a bush tool like you do on your pocket knife. With that said, the main edge of the Carnivore is not thin at all, but is laser sharp. I cut myself pretty good, while being my usual overly paranoid cautious self, just by gently running my fingers along the flat edge, not even really on or against the cutting surface. I think I cut my nose just by looking at the thing.

Balance and weight is really nice on this piece, and I can't wait to put it to work and see how it performs and holds up. The plastic lined nylon sheath is better quality than the Gerber's, and has an integrated two stage belt loop, which looks to be able to hold up for years of service. At the moment, without even a decent field test, and possibly very rashly, I have decided to replace my Gator with the Carnivore on my Bug Out Bag. I'll write an update after I get some miles on it.

While these are absolutely not the only two options out there for affordable edged bush/camping tools, they are pretty easy to obtain at most chains, and seem to be great bang for the buck. They definitely warrant a little of your attention, and I'd advise getting your hands on one to borrow if you know someone who made the purchase. I think you'd be happy with either one. More pictures of each follow below.

Carnivore caged.

Carnivore blade detail.

More blade detail. Notice the integrated chisel tips and wire cutter.

Gator in its's enclosure.

Handle closeup.

Blade detail.

Textured rubber grip, the feature behind the name.

And yet more grip detail.

-Owen

Owen McGoogie does not claim or accept any liability from any injuries sustained by individuals upon reading this article. Use product at your own risk. Exercise caution. Safety is your own responsibility.