Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife

The Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife is a robust tool designed for those who need a reliable cutting instrument in demanding outdoor situations. Manufactured by Kizlyar, this machete boasts a full tang construction, AUS-8 stainless steel blade, and a comfortable walnut handle, making it a potential workhorse for bushcraft, camping, and survival tasks. It promises a blend of traditional design and modern materials for efficient performance.

I needed a machete that could handle thick brush and small tree limbs on my property. I was tired of flimsy, lightweight options that buckled under pressure.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the solid feel and substantial weight of the Kizlyar Bush Mate. The stonewash finish on the blade looked rugged and ready for action, while the walnut handle felt smooth and ergonomic in my hand.

I considered the Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete and the Ontario Knife Company 12-inch Machete. The Kizlyar Bush Mate won me over due to its slightly shorter blade length, premium handle material, and what appeared to be superior steel.

My first impression was one of excited anticipation. The Kizlyar Bush Mate looked and felt like a serious tool, and I was eager to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Kizlyar Bush Mate was in a densely wooded area behind my property. I needed to clear a path for a new trail, which involved chopping through thick blackberry bushes, small saplings, and fallen branches. The Kizlyar Bush Mate excelled at chopping through the smaller vegetation.

The weather was dry, but the undergrowth was damp from a recent rain. The Kizlyar Bush Mate’s blade maintained a good grip even on wet surfaces.

The handle felt comfortable, even after extended use. I appreciated the full tang construction as it provided good balance and a feeling of security.

I did notice some slight rolling on the edge after about an hour of heavy use on some harder, seasoned wood. That being said, it was easily corrected with a sharpening stone.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kizlyar Bush Mate continues to be a reliable tool. I’ve used it for everything from clearing brush around my garden to splitting small logs for campfires.

There are some minor scratches on the blade’s stonewash finish, but that’s to be expected with heavy use. The walnut handle has darkened slightly with age and use, but it still feels solid and comfortable.

Cleaning is fairly easy. I simply wipe down the blade with a damp cloth and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.

The Kizlyar Bush Mate outperforms the cheap machetes I’ve used in the past. Its superior steel and construction make it a much more durable and effective tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

• Overall Length: 17.5 inches. This provides a good balance between reach and maneuverability.
• Blade Length: 11.5 inches. This length is ideal for chopping through vegetation and small limbs.
• Blade Material: AUS-8 Stainless Steel. AUS-8 is a decent steel that balances toughness, edge retention, and ease of sharpening.
• Handle Material: Walnut. Walnut provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.
• Tang: Full, Extended Tang. This provides maximum strength and durability.
• Blade Finish: Stonewash. This finish helps to hide scratches and wear.
• Grind: Convex Ground Blade. Convex grinds are known for their excellent chopping ability and durability.
• Sheath: Brown Leather Belt Sheath. This sheath offers secure carry and protection for the blade.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and durability of the machete. The full tang and AUS-8 steel ensure the Kizlyar Bush Mate can withstand heavy use, while the walnut handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.

Performance & Functionality

The Kizlyar Bush Mate performs its job admirably. It chops through vegetation with ease and can even handle splitting small logs.

Its strengths lie in its chopping ability and comfortable handle. The only real weakness is the edge retention, which is not as good as some higher-end steels.

The Kizlyar Bush Mate largely meets my expectations. It’s a solid, reliable tool that’s well-suited for a variety of outdoor tasks.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid.

The weight feels substantial and well-balanced in the hand, inspiring confidence. The ergonomic walnut handle ensures a comfortable grip.

The design is user-friendly. There is no real learning curve to use the Kizlyar Bush Mate.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Kizlyar Bush Mate should last for many years. The AUS-8 steel is relatively easy to sharpen and maintain.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and oiling will help to prevent rust and keep the blade in good condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kizlyar Bush Mate comes with a brown leather belt sheath. There are no specific customization options offered by Kizlyar.

However, the handle could potentially be re-scaled with aftermarket materials. The sheath could also be upgraded to a custom Kydex sheath.

Pros and Cons of Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife

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Who Should Buy Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife?

The Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for homesteaders, campers, and those needing a reliable tool for clearing brush and small trees. Survivalists who appreciate a dependable blade will also find it useful.

Those seeking a machete for extremely heavy-duty tasks like felling large trees or those who require superior edge retention might want to consider other options. People primarily looking for a lightweight backpacking machete might find this one too heavy.

A sharpening stone and perhaps a higher-quality Kydex sheath could be considered must-have accessories.

Conclusion on Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife

The Kizlyar Bush Mate Machete Fixed Blade Knife is a solid and reliable tool that offers good value for its price. Its robust construction, comfortable handle, and effective chopping ability make it a good choice for a variety of outdoor tasks.

The price of $149.99 is justified considering the quality of the materials and construction. It falls into the mid-range price point for a machete of this size and quality.

I would personally recommend the Kizlyar Bush Mate to anyone looking for a durable and dependable machete for general outdoor use. If you need a machete that can handle tough tasks and last for years, give the Kizlyar Bush Mate a try – you won’t be disappointed.