Barebones Nata Axe Review

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4 жыл бұрын

A Nata is a unique traditional Japanese blade used primarily for gardening and construction. Here I demonstrate the "Nata Axe" made by Barebones in some typical camp/bushcraft tasks.
The Nata Axe appears at first to be a type of machete and as a machete it performs extremely well however it has some features that take it beyond machete applications.
Very versatile and packable -- I'm extremely pleased. It has become a regular piece of kit for me. My only critiques would be that the handle might be a little too small in circumference, and that a lanyard fasten point near the end of the sheath would be useful since otherwise the belt clip can easily slide up and off of a belt.
I don't do many gear reviews so bear with the scattered delivery!

Пікірлер: 106

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

This is my most viewed video and I've gotten some criticism about it. What a lot of people see as product failure is really user error. The fact is that nowadays I will pack this is my only cutter leaving my folding saw or other knives behind for basic bush tasks. I've used this to chop though four inch hardwood with a fraction of the effort of a saw. With this I can split wood effortlessly that no machete or knife could and or course mow brush stuff down for hammock hang and a camp or dig a cat hole really quickly. Two years later this goes with me everywhere because it's so versatile.

@juniperblake7667 7 ай бұрын

I admittedly haven't tried anything other than a packable shovel for cat holes, how would you use this for that task?

@Infinite.Worldz 2 жыл бұрын

Just got the upgraded version today and my first machete. Thanks for this review looking forward to building a collection.

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

I wasn't aware of the upgrade. I'll have to check that out. Thanks.

@kimberlycarignan4977 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! So stoked to hear that you're finding all kinds of uses for it! Dan's getting their field hatchet for his b-day tomorrow. lol!

@NateBuker 4 жыл бұрын

I barely got started here. Haven't tried the chisel-tip feature yet. I have a feeling this is gonna see a lot of places with me. Thanks, Kim!

@sticksnstonespatriot1728 3 жыл бұрын

Badass....I love it, sir. Thanks for the knowledge.

@mvblitzyo 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent review

@eqlzr2 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video. I have a made in Japan Nata that is sharpened on both sides. The blade is not as long as yours, but the handle may be slightly longer. It's a great tool, but I find myself going back and forth between a hatchet and the nata, so generally I think one could easily substitute for the other, except the nata doesn't have a hammer end, so I guess I'd have to come down on the side of the hatchet in a pinch. I have an old Estwing hatchet that my dad got me when I was about 8 years old for my yard work business that I started. It's now 63 years old and still looks and works great.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! There are a LOT of variations to the Nata for sure. For backpacking and stuff this is more practical than an axe for the simple fact that it's so easily packable and does what I need it to do. If I was gonna build a log cabin or something I'd still want the power of an axe for sure.

@kianustarr Жыл бұрын

Great review, thanks. I think I'll purchase.

@machine81hood99 3 жыл бұрын

Seems like a decent tool for light brush. Im considering making my own version of this machete. If I do mine will be longer and wider across the spine. The extra spine width and the extra length would give it more strength and the weight would help with the cutting force when the tool is used. Thanks for the review

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

This is quite a bit more capable than your average machete. To me it bridges the gap between that and a camp axe. Making a cruder version of this from leaf spring material would be a viable option for you. You could get more weight and spine thickness. Most NATA blades look exactly like that and don't have the curve like this one does. Thanks for the comment!

@stevesjurset4880 2 жыл бұрын

Mine will be here tomorrow.

@jonathangomes8683 3 жыл бұрын

The loop of leather near the middle of the sheath is a “secondary” belt loop ( I prefer it). It lowers the sheet and gives a better angle for removal from the sheath.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

I don't quite see how that works as a secondary belt loop but I have used it as a fastening point on my pack's molle webbing.

@nathanbateman8129 2 жыл бұрын

it works well to put the blade on your back

@KelsaRavenlock Жыл бұрын

Was wondering about that bit of leather on the sheath.

@allenwood4771 Жыл бұрын

I love my Nata (Barebones via Bespoke Post) and have had no issues. Mine arrive razor sharp, so I don't know why yours didn't. Definitely my go to field blade.

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

Cool. It works for people like you and I but others not so much. I've recieved other blades from them that were shave sharp. I just got the Nata Hatchet which I'm definately going to need to keen up. Thanks for chiming in Allen.

@stephensjurset6832 2 жыл бұрын

Very good Thanks.

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Stephen! Thank you too for the sub!

@davidjennings6937 4 жыл бұрын

Is the tip of it sharp also? Could be used for notching or chiseling. ?? Thx for the review.

@NateBuker 4 жыл бұрын

Hi David. The Nata has traditional use in Japanese construction as well so I imagine creating notches and chisel tasks is it's intent -- it's certainly sharp enough for it though the handle doesn't provide a pummel for heavy duty work. I used the tip for digging and cutting through some roots making a fire pit last week.

@Zhurak 2 жыл бұрын

Living down here in tropical South Florida, that looks like an excellent coconut chopper!!!

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

Most certainly!

@agentnuget 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like a really nice tool to have. I'm not going to buy a hatchet since I'm expecting to have to trek through some brush and need a machete, but don't want to carry a machete AND a hatchet. This seems to be a nice compromise between the two.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

That's my take away of it. I always have it on my adventures now.

@juniperblake7667 7 ай бұрын

Would you recommend this for clearing burdock, thistle, and some smaller branches from ranch paths?

@NateBuker 7 ай бұрын

Just keen up the blade edge a bit and it's a fine machete.

@timothydornan6517 2 жыл бұрын

Hollow ground edge. Very nice, just got one myself.

@timothydornan6517 2 жыл бұрын

The extended belly of the blade is useful for draw cuts as one might do with a kukuri.

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

@@timothydornan6517 interesting comparison. I also have a kukuri which I like a lot too but it's blade is too thin for splitting. It's strictly machete action. I'm glad you're like the nata.

@timothydornan6517 2 жыл бұрын

@@NateBuker I’ve had a few. One Nepalese kuk that was as useful as it was pretty, and another from the same company that was a solid kilo of ugly steel. The blade on the second one appeared to have warped during quenching, so I have it set aside, handle off and slowly rusting, waiting for me to find the time to straighten it and re-quench it. I might thin out the cheeks while I’m at it. It’s a bit beefy.

@timothydornan6517 2 жыл бұрын

@@NateBuker but yeah, as far as first impressions go, this little Nata is a beaut. Factory edge took hair off my arm, but not cleanly.

@huaylnw4848 3 жыл бұрын

Take some rest Dad. ^^ I just ordered it today, love the design and heavy duty from your review.

@schlepers Жыл бұрын

Would it be ok to use on a birders of paradise trimming? I currently use a light weight hand saw that looks like a machete. I saw it. So, curious if you can do same w this?

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

If I regular 'chete does it this one will too.

@mortysmith2436 3 жыл бұрын

Mata impressed for chopping

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

It's no axe substitute but a very capable tool for that and other 'chete'tasks. I still pack it every time.

@brerrabbit9668 Жыл бұрын

Min broke about an inch and a quarter/half frome the handle. Clean break. Have seen several pictures of other blades breaking in rhe same spot

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

I've found that as a chopper it really has a sweet spot about a third of the way down from the tip that delivers a lot of force efficiency. I'm sure it's entirely possible to break the blade by hitting something really dense near the tip with a enough force that it doesn't just bounce off. Nice goin' ya brute!

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

You broke it. Love it

@NateBuker 9 ай бұрын

Only thing broke about it is a piece of the handle. They sell replacement handles but it's kind of a non-issue.

@AA-dn8dj 2 жыл бұрын

Have you done more work with it to see whether it holds up under use?

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

I've chopped through several 3-4 inch oak limbs, split lots of oak and maple firewood and some light duty yard work. I've had this for a year and a half and have only taken a honing rod to it a few times to keep the edge nice.

@Arthurian. Жыл бұрын

I remember seeing these advertised on fb.

@kevinschmith9379 3 жыл бұрын

The strap you can put it through your belt and cross draw

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

It doesn't work as well as you might think. I think it's strictly ornamental.

@raphlvlogs271 3 жыл бұрын

was that a single cedar plant or a small group of them?

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

That was a four inch dead trunk I chopped into to the point that I could pull it over.

@AA-dn8dj 2 жыл бұрын

Did you ever figure out how to sharpen the blade properly? And how well does the steel hold sharpness?

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

It's been holding up well and I haven't been gentle with it I've chopped through several 3-4 inch oak branches and split lots of oak and maple with it and have only used a honing rod to keep it keen. It has developed some rough spots but is still performing wonderfully. If I ever need to grind a new edge I'll need some ideas.

@AA-dn8dj 2 жыл бұрын

@@NateBuker Neat, thanks for the response. I saw a guy on another machete review video use a dremel tool with a flat round bushy bit to sharpen and reshape a really dulled out machete.

@Lurifaks707 2 жыл бұрын

@@AA-dn8dj sorry to say, 3cr is a low end budget steel. It's what you get in cheap chinese folders

@KelsaRavenlock Жыл бұрын

I would suggest trying a bit more wrist in your swing instead of the standard machete full arm swing you were using.

@mikeulukau1905 6 ай бұрын

Couldn’t agree more. I’m a Pacific Islander and we were practically born with a machete in our hands. Watching the lack of West want in machete videos makes me cringe.

@1979Spica 4 ай бұрын

Concave grinds are called hollow grinds

@NateBuker 4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@mockdawg Жыл бұрын

So should I sharpen it before I use it than?

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

No, but knowing how to use it helps.

@spiderklanblaze3124 2 жыл бұрын

I got one

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you like it as much as I do. It goes with me everywhere.

@rickynavarro6461 Жыл бұрын

Oh so this is where Woods went after Call Of Duty: Black ops 2

@escapetherace1943 Жыл бұрын

2:20 even a small traditional hatchet roughly the same weight would have struck through that in 1-2 swings, lol!

@NateBuker Жыл бұрын

Well ya know strike at springy things when a saw coulda taken it in a few seconds. Operator error. It happens a lot here.

@user-pq4gl3zl4m 4 ай бұрын

Если бы у меня была рессора от грузовика я бы из неё себе сделал похожий тесак

@FireStar-gz2ry 2 жыл бұрын

This looks like it would need some serious preshaping right out of the box 🤔

@tanktopper 3 жыл бұрын

Chisel function with no striking surface.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

For sure. Still good for digging and chopping out small roots and stuff.

@raphlvlogs271 3 жыл бұрын

it cannot thrust but can function like it can.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

What?

@14.huanle60 3 жыл бұрын

Come here after Higurashi

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

Pretty sure you have to sharp'nit

@NateBuker 9 ай бұрын

Yes it needed a nice honing. I did that and have another video where I easily take down a three inch tree with it. Other people tell me they got theirs razor sharp out of the box. Oh well.

@kwhp1507 3 жыл бұрын

How do you still have all of your fingers? Get a draw knife.

@NateBuker 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe I have fingers that grow back.

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

Well,,, you kinda cracked the blade a bit.

@NateBuker 9 ай бұрын

The blade is fine. Better than ever actually since I keened it up.

@alexz1341 3 ай бұрын

Why is he so shakey moves fast

@NateBuker 3 ай бұрын

Red light fever. Thanks for trolling 😄

@mannihh5274 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not impressed by the chopping performance you showed - maybe reprofiling it to a scandi or slightly convex grind would help to improve the performance. No matter, how tough the wood is, a 1-1.5" sapling shouldn't require more than 1-2 strikes.

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

Not many people are impressed with my chopping performance here! Choosing a less springy point or providing tension to the area to cut would have helped cut that branch. If you want Mr. Slick demo guy I'm not him. Thanks for the comment!

@mannihh5274 2 жыл бұрын

@@NateBuker It's not about you, it's about the blade, as you may conclude from my suggestions for improvement.

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

@@mannihh5274 I've been using this for over a year now for everything from brush clearing, processing firewood and even chopping through four inch oak limbs. I think the blade design decisions have resulted in an extremely versatile tool, but if you want a camp knife or an axe get a camp knife or an axe. For me this has fit in my kit by being one very capable tool. My only complaint is that I still think the handle is too small.

@boompete4886 4 жыл бұрын

hello sir im not expert on chopping using machete or axe. but i observe the way you chop using Nata, you put alot of energy using your body. you hack so hard to separate into parts with suddenness or violence. i will not correct your way of doing it, but i want you to try just using the own weight of Nata and a lil bit of elbow swing with angle.

@boompete4886 4 жыл бұрын

and also you dont need batoning technique. as i said for chopping use own weight of the Nata for splitting.

@boompete4886 4 жыл бұрын

lastly the way you make kindling and stick the Nata tip to the ground? please dont make it a hobby.

@NateBuker 4 жыл бұрын

You sure have a lot of advice for someone who's "not an expert"! LOL

@user-hh3lg4ro4g 2 жыл бұрын

that shit is dull AF !! those tiny branches must be cut in one hit !!

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

My bad for choosing springy targets on the get-go. Believe me I've done plenty of clearing and hardwood chop-throughs with this. I have plenty of blade choices and I take this wherever I go now.

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

Strapp...

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

Slow down ...

@ckjamn 9 ай бұрын

Dude, slow the fu'down,, Look

@tiseye654 2 жыл бұрын

THAT IS EITHER BLUNT OR A SHITE MATCHETE....

@NateBuker 2 жыл бұрын

Neither. I chose some silly, springy targets for this at first. I've done big brush clearing and hard, thick wood chopping with this since and it performs well. I carry it on my pack wherever I go now.