FOX679-BRK Pathfinder Machete

I was seeking the best value for a thick stainless machete. I bought mine a while ago , it was $140 then. For $140 you get a thick heavy piece of Nitro B Steel thats sharp. I researched thick machetes for a while. Tops machetes run $90 to $190. You get 1095 Carbon steel. Most think 1095 is tough steel, and if heat treated correctly it is decent. But over $100 for plain 1095 steel is ridiculous to me. From my research I discovered 1095 is not a tough steel unless tempered back below HRC 57. Nitro B is fine grained steel and contains Nitrogen , which acts sort of like Carbon in steels. For over $100 i find 1095 unacceptable , and Nitro B totally acceptable. The handle is best out of many machetes i own , and the spine is thicker than my Tops 1095 , Tops is 4.5 mm and the Fox is 5.08 mm thick. It was easy decision to pick the Pathfinder over others , per my perceived value per dollar. Totally recommend it . Impressive piece of steel thicker and better steel than Condor, Tops or others. I know Condor machetes are highly rated , but $100 for plain 1075 steel is a joke to me. Fit and finish , blade grind and sheath are all top notch. 5 stars to Fox Italy Pathfinder. I like Condor , but there fit and finish is sub par, especially for over $100. 1075 is decent steel at best. My opinion , yours may vary.

It is quite an amazing, beautiful blade, would be impressively display-worthy if it had a more decorative handle. The handle it comes with is very thick, probably not good for small hands. Comes razor sharp out of the box. Very good steel quality. Showed it to a discriminating blacksmith friend and he was reasonably impressed. Everyone I've shown it to wants one.I wanted a blade that would handle everything thrown at it, this satisfies. Slightly heavy without being cumbersome. I fully expect this thing to still be chopping long after I'm dead.Would like to find a non-leather, molle-compatible sheath.If you hit your foot with this, you will lose your foot. Good idea to wear steel toe boots & similar protective gear while chopping. I would absolutely not give this to a child, a careless teenager or an irresponsible adult. This is a serious tool that demands respectful usage.

It a big knife quality materials. Nice weight to it