by Dennis Johnson MD, PhD. Capt USN (Ret) and Carolyn Johnson, RN
Ranch test and review of the Columbia River Knife & Tool Onion Chanceinhell Machete.
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- There was a myriad of cutlery at this year’s SHOT Show and we thought CRKT had the best variety.
We weren’t looking for a fingernail clipper but a knife you could bring to a gun fight! (or do I have that backwards?) We were impressed with the “chanceinhell” machete designed by Ken Onion. We brought that blade home to see how it would endure the demands of everyday ranch life.
Columbia River Knife & Tool Onion Chanceinhell Machete
The Columbia River Knife & Tool Onion Chanceinhell Machete is about 18 inches long with a 12 inch blade weighing a little over a pound. It comes with a durable black nylon sheath. The 0.1 inch 65 Mn carbon steel blade has an attractive bead blast finish with a black powder coating .
We tested the knife for a month at our ranch where we raise livestock. The blade is incredibly sharp and it holds its edge. After hacking on brush for an hour it still shaved hair from my forearm. The knife has superior bioengineering. It is superbly balanced and precisely weighted for efficient performance. The pigskin textured handle has an excellent feel and won’t slip out of a sweaty grip. It is extremely durable requiring minimum maintenance.
We carried this knife in our 4-wheeler where it was routinely employed for the variety of cutting requirements of ranch life. The knife has perfect momentum for clearing hardwoods or severing bones and sinew processing game. The blade length optimizes its cutting efficiency and little effort is required for scalpel-true cuts. It’s scary sharp and is easily honed.
We were exceedingly pleased with its utility and toughness and found the Columbia River Knife & Tool Onion Chanceinhell Machete to be a practical tool in daily ranch life. It is also one of the essentials that we take when venturing into the field.
We can recommend this blade without hesitation or reservations… and it is priced right at around ($45.00 online at the time of this review.)
The specifications of the Columbia River Knife & Tool Onion Chanceinhell Machete are:
- Overall Length: 17.88 inches
- Weight: 1 lb 4 ounces
- Blade Length: 12 inches
- Blade Thickness: 0.10 inches
- Blade Material: 65Mn Carbon Steel
- Blade – HRC: 52-56
- Finish: Bead Blast w Black Powder Coasting
- Grind: Flat
- Style: Drop Point / Plain Edge
- Handle Material: Polypropylene Core with ThermoPlasticRubber Overmold (resistant to acids, bases, salt, alcohol.. just about everything)
- Sheath: Reinforced Nylon @ 6.1 ounces
- MSRP: $69.99