Zombie Tools

[kennith]

Take a moment to read before you laugh. Okay, laugh anyway. Somebody had to bring them up eventually, and now there is first-hand reason.

This is a home grown company operated by some wonderfully eccentric guys. That ought to sit well with some of you who listen to that odd beard-banjo music. You there Snell? They have fun with their business and it's image. Keep that in mind.

They combine modern materials and ideas with old-fashioned tricks to produce interesting and updated interpretations of blades both familiar and unfamiliar. While they have a devil-may-care attitude and "colorful" image, their products are no joke.

I'm not going to run all the way through my sharp object experience. Just consider it thorough.

I don't believe I've ever encountered more business-oriented products. They aren't fragile recreations, they aren't made to fill a catalog, and they aren't heavy clunkers. They are durable, sharp, resilient, and serious.

Believe it or not, the damned things are elegant, with appropriate profiles and tapers.

Now. You are indeed getting a tiny secondary bevel, and you aren't getting a full polish. Both of those things do indeed affect performance. Again, I'm not going to get into the details. Most people will never know the difference.

Side by side with the real thing, these buggers still hold their own. You aren't going to slice any hanging newspaper, but you'll pull right through single mat bamboo-cored tatami if you get it right.

That's enough nowadays.

More importantly, you won't spend hours maintaining them. They are cheap. That's mostly due to the polish, and as a result, the bevel. There is no reason to baby them.

You can do a hell of a lot worse, and it's hard to do too much better without dropping used Rover money. Consider whatever features you may, but you'll never get them all at once for less than the price of a damned decent D1.

Out of the gate, these things are good. They just released a Bowie. If I wasn't first on that list, I'm sure I was right behind him.

Check them out if you are after something. You won't be wasting time. It's worth having a look just to annoy that fat asshat Lynn fucking Thompson. If you have questions, ask them. They will be happy to help you understand each interpretation.

And no, you don't have to have the zombie blood finish.:rofl:

Cheers,

Kennith

As a side note, they've been after someone to crank out some simple leather scabbards that won't kill their prices. If you or someone you know might be able to help, they'd love to hear about it.

 

[az_max]

http://zombietools.net?

 

[kennith]

http://zombietools.net?

Yup. Probably should have linked it.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[Drillbit]

Do you carry the bowie as a back up to the bren 10 when cruising in the Jag?

 

[kennith]

Do you carry the bowie as a back up to the bren 10 when cruising in the Jag?

Only when I'm listening to Phil Collins.:rofl:

I never did get that damned Bren. I don't think they are actually going to make it.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[leeawalden]

<a href="http://s356.beta.photobucket.com/user/leeawalden/library/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo8/leeawalden/NotSureifserious.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>

 

[kennith]

Oh, I'm quite serious.

I first grabbed one of their products when I found they made something I'd been wanting for years. I'd had the pattern made locally at times, and used production models that approximated the pattern, but nobody really got it right.

It took some serious coaxing and conversation to bring me on board. Eventually they convinced me I could send it back if I was in any way dissatisfied. I bought it, and I really, really like it.

The handling shocked me. I wasn't expecting something so appropriately balanced, and I sure as hell wasn't expecting the attention to detail. It may be hard to believe, but beyond their silly image, these guys aren't fucking around.

Doesn't look so damned clunky here, does it? The grind is so slight that by the time it reaches the edge, the secondary bevel is nearly invisible. I tell you, these guys are good. I'm not yanking anyone's chain.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[discokid]

I'm ordering the machete ... if its really nice I will order the whole samurai set!

 

[leeawalden]

That's cool. Whatever floats your boat. But what do you use a sword for? It looks like they put a lot of time effort and planning into them but all of their prouducts look like something that would sell very well at comic con or the renaissance festival.

I'm not ever one to judge people's taste but with all of the smartass'dness that floods this forum I didn't know if you were serious. I guess I'm a guy that if I need more than a cheap machete or lively lad then it's time for a chainsaw, weedeater with a blade, or hell the bush hog.

To each his own. Post some pictures of the handle, in some of the ones I saw that's where it screamed knights of the round table. If it works though it works! It looks like it would rip through some shit though!

 

[kennith]

That's cool. Whatever floats your boat. But what do you use a sword for? It looks like they put a lot of time effort and planning into them but all of their prouducts look like something that would sell very well at comic con or the renaissance festival.

I'm not ever one to judge people's taste but with all of the smartass'dness that floods this forum I didn't know if you were serious. I guess I'm a guy that if I need more than a cheap machete or lively lad then it's time for a chainsaw, weedeater with a blade, or hell the bush hog.

To each his own. Post some pictures of the handle, in some of the ones I saw that's where it screamed knights of the round table. If it works though it works! It looks like it would rip through some shit though!

I'm afraid to look up "lively lad" on Google...

I'll try to get a picture of the handle sometime tonight.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[leeawalden]

I guess people call them grass whips.

http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/shop_image/product/4b9192896fed2da4cffe344dde93b6a9.jpg

 

[Drillbit]

Some folks call it a Kaiser blade

 

[leeawalden]

Ahaha nice!!

 

[kennith]

That's cool. Whatever floats your boat. But what do you use a sword for?

Blade cultures still exist, and guns aren't always the answer. Get one look at what a simple machete will do to a man, and you'll be sure to carry something better.

I personally fell into preference over time. I still keep tradition, but I've always felt that the patterns weren't quite right for me. So, I started having things made. I was always asking for a shorter blade, a longer handle, and the straight spine was forever flowing into a more bellied edge.

One day, I decided to begin a search to find someone who regularly made such a thing, or a historical precedent of some kind. I didn't find much, but I stumbled upon Zombie Tools in the process.

Turns out they were already on it, whatever the hell it is.

but all of their prouducts look like something that would sell very well at comic con or the renaissance festival.

That's true, but it's kind of hard to make a sword that won't look cool to a kid.

These aren't toys, though. They are meant for someone who is either familiar with sword use and wants to try something different, or those who might simply enjoy a bit of cutting in the back yard. Some of their patterns are simply bush blades made properly with a bit of visual flair.

Some of the stuff may seem out there, but it's not. See that "Spit" at the bottom of their catalog? Those are very real, and very, very dangerous. In adept hands, the iklwa is a terrifyingly effective weapon.

I recall training with a Masai who carried one. We made a wooden practice model for that purpose, as I wasn't keen on getting anywhere near the thing. That's the hardest I've ever had to think to get past a weapon. A spear is one thing, a sword is another, but that damned thing combines the benefits of both, with very few drawbacks.

I was a bit clumsy with it...:rofl: Much laughing was enjoyed at my expense.

I'm not ever one to judge people's taste but with all of the smartass'dness that floods this forum I didn't know if you were serious. I guess I'm a guy that if I need more than a cheap machete or lively lad then it's time for a chainsaw, weedeater with a blade, or hell the bush hog.

That's understandable, but people regularly go out and buy blades for outdoor and survival use. Often the available choices are not ideal. I'm just putting forth another option. When somebody busts their ass to make good stuff, they ought to be mentioned every now and again.

To each his own. Post some pictures of the handle, in some of the ones I saw that's where it screamed knights of the round table. If it works though it works! It looks like it would rip through some shit though!

I think the handle to which you refer is on the "Ferrous Wolf". The pattern is commonly and less than accurately referred to as a "viking sword". There isn't much else to call them, though, unless you want to bother with Oakshott nomenclature.

There really isn't another way around single-hand double edge with any manner of guard and pommel. It's going to look a bit "knightly" no matter what you do. Any cruciform sword will, but at least the descendants of the spatha don't present the full-on Arthur look.

That's clearly meant as a display weapon, or one suited to appropriate training. Hell, they are releasing a khopesh next year. I've always wondered what's behind that pattern, and I'll likely buy one purely for research.

Here is the handle I pictured up close.

The leather-work isn't top of the heap visually, but it's solid and good quality. It's not going anywhere any time soon. Even if it does go, you've still got a good grip underneath. I like the way it blends with inner-tube wraps common in some areas. It's not too flamboyant.

The indexing swells are nice as well, and help provide multiple methods of grip. It's one hell of a slick machine, man. Now, that's not for everyone, but their smaller knives are a valid contender for the green in any wallet. I can't wait to put the bowie through it's paces.

It comes down to this:

A: If you are interested in swords, here is another option.

B: If you are interested in bush blades, here is another option.

At the very least, it's an entertaining side-note to a blade search. They should be considered, if even for a moment.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[leeawalden]

I understand where you are coming from, they look very interesting and seem to be thought out well.

I'm not really into the whole survival deal, but I wouldn't be worried if it came to it. I just don't know if I would want to work cutting brush with the thing. Regardless, as always a thorough review kennith!.

 

[kennith]

I understand where you are coming from, they look very interesting and seem to be thought out well.

I'm not really into the whole survival deal, but I wouldn't be worried if it came to it. I just don't know if I would want to work cutting brush with the thing. Regardless, as always a thorough review kennith!.

Yeah, I dig them. Good bunch of guys forever striving to be better. When I say bush, though, I don't mean shrubs.

If that's the game, one might find the Vakra very handy. It's a kukri pattern with speed. The original pattern was a very work-oriented tool. They've just thinned it out and added a bit of length and spice.

That wouldn't be half bad around yards and in the woods.

It works much like a machete combined with a hatchet. Very handy, if that's what you need. I wasn't keen on the pattern at first, but once I wrapped my mind around it, I found a kukri to be just as useful as a decent bowie and hatchet.

Either way, I just wanted to get the name out there.

Thanks for helping carry the conversation along.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[kennith]

I'm ordering the machete ... if its really nice I will order the whole samurai set!

If you are serious, you'll get a good machete, but pick up bokken and find some basic training before you go anywhere near the live Japanese patterns, and spend as much time as required to get the form right.

It's from months to years in traditional training to move from bokken to iaito, and the same from iaito to shinken.

Learn and experience everything you can, because a polish edge is incredibly sharp, and if you don't religiously watch you're form, you could be in for a serious accident. They aren't polishing to an edge here, but the geometric profile is close enough to fuck you.

Bullets are dangerous. They can put you in a hospital. One slip up with a sword, however, can do enough damage lose you a limb in a single stroke. I know of a fellow who lost six pints of blood as a result of one mistake, and he'd trained for years.

Their design is not forgiving. Entry angle is critical, and proper form is required to get it right.

That form takes a long time to understand, and longer to practice. Just be careful, and start with something that isn't sharp.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[leeawalden]

Yeah, I dig them. Good bunch of guys forever striving to be better. When I say bush, though, I don't mean shrubs.

Nah I know what you meant. I'm not that much of a purist. If I need to clear some brush and undergrowth ill be on the tractor. I just don't backpack or go camping in places where I'd need something like this. I had been interested in the kukri to keep in the work truck to replace a machete but just haven't bought one. For as little as I'd use it I don't know that I need a custom blade that big.

 

[kennith]

Nah I know what you meant. I'm not that much of a purist. If I need to clear some brush and undergrowth ill be on the tractor. I just don't backpack or go camping in places where I'd need something like this. I had been interested in the kukri to keep in the work truck to replace a machete but just haven't bought one. For as little as I'd use it I don't know that I need a custom blade that big.

Pretty much any kukri is going to be large. You can see some traditional models here:

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/

They are good, naturally, but very thick and might not be what one expects. It's a good place to try out a traditional idea, but as you can see the place pretty much spoils you for choice.

Of course, Cold Steel has been on about their offering for some time now:

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/35ATCJ/SAN_MAI_III_GURKHA_KUKRI.aspx

I really don't think they "get" it...

Ontario has a more traditional pattern than Cold Steel:

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/ontario-combat-survival-kukri-machete/

Never been an Ontario fan, though.

The Zombie Tools variant is a melding of several ideas and calls their offering the Vakra. I'll be on the list for one of these soon:

http://zombietools.net/images/weapons/zombie_tools_vakra_1200-thumb.jpg

As you can see, none of them are particularly small. The Zombie Tools variant isn't out of line, considering some of the traditional models will make it look quite small in comparison.

If you do want to try the pattern, though... As much as I hate to say it, Cold Steel offers this:

http://coldsteel.com/Product/97KMS/KUKRI_MACHETE_W_SHEATH.aspx

It's not the real thing, but it's a way to find out whether or not you like the pattern. If you've been considering one, buy the cheap-ass Cold Steel kukri machete.

If you like the pattern, buy a real one.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[discokid]

If you are serious, you'll get a good machete, but pick up bokken and find some basic training before you go anywhere near the live Japanese patterns, and spend as much time as required to get the form right.

I appreciate the warning, however if I do purchase the sword it would go on my wall with my actual Japanese set. I've always loved the samurai way! So much as I'm working on a samurai based sleeve on my arm! Now the machete however, I have been looking a nice one as I would use it about every weekend! Thanks for posting the site!

Jon