Customer Reviews

United Cutlery® Gil Hibben IV Machete

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

As all Hibben designs tend to be, this one is bad-ass and indestructible! It's made to perfect movie scale, having an ever-so-slightly THICKER spine than the movie prototype - great for the everyday user indeed - particularly due to the fact that it's created from one solid piece of 1090 high-carbon steel. It's truly a force to be reckoned with, easily the beefiest, heaviest and most capable blade I own!!! Ideally you'll land the most recent production line from United Cutlery with black leather-wrapped handle. If you get a tape-wrapped original *first run, United will exchange it for a newer one (the *tape tended to cause stickiness on the handles but the leather wrapped version - which I own - is flawless!)

This machete is BRUTAL! I bought the standard 18" Militarty issue Machete from Ontario when I purchased this blade as well. Just last month I was finally able to put them both to the test. I attempted to chop a log with them both.

Now naturally, you need an axe to properly chop a log, I learned this that day. Machetes are great for foliage, not 8" thick wood. Regardless, I wanted to find out which one seems more deadly.

At first, I thought it would have been the Ontario, which more length and lighter feel, I figured I could get more speed to chop. While this was true, it simply didn't seem to cut deep enough. Also the blade is thinner, allowing it to bend in a direction that seem a little uneasy for a knife owner. The only other thing I noticed was that the wood definitly left residue marks on the Black Matte finish of the blade. Haven't taken the time to wash it off yet, but I'm sure with some correct cleaning methods, I could.

The Gil Hibben did not suffer from any of these problems. I put it farther through the wood, the thickness of the blade did not allow any warping, and the finish of blade as well, did not even leave a streak on the sides. I don't know how United Cutlery did it, but they made one badass blade.

If it comes to chopping stuff thats easy to chop and sorta out of reach, my Ontario will be great for that. You got something that needs a little more oomph, the Gil Hibben is it for you. I love this thing, definitly my favorite machete, at least until I get my Kukri. Worth every penny!

This thing is huge and it just plain looks bad ass. the only thing about it is it does not come with a factory sharpened edge but some time with a file and a wet stone el make it as dangerous as it looks.

Just received this thing the other day and I must say it doesn't disappoint. It big, its heavy, its primitive, and its exactly what I was hoping it would be. My only gripe is the cheap faux leather handle wrapping. Its not even neatly wrapped, and merely glued at the end to keep it from unraveling completely. I would have much rather seen a paracord type wrap, and an actual knot somewhere on the thing. Its an easy fix though, so thats why it only lost 1 star.

Overall, if you want a big intimidating no-frills type of weapon, this is it.

Handle could be better, not good for swinging repeatedly. Too heavy for typical machete work. More of a cleaver really.

The blade is about 3/8" thick and it has some weight to it. I chopped through a 2x10 without much effort and before sharpening, it does not come very sharp. The fake leather wrap is not very well done and doesn't have a great feel, it should be replaced. I re-wrapped the handle with paracord and it is much, much better. I also recommend replacing the wrist loop with paracord or at least something stronger than the brittle, thin leather it comes with, it will break easily and you will probably want to use a wrist strap with this because it can get away from you if you are swinging hard - this machete is front heavy so its better for downward chops than side swinging. If you want just one machete that does it all then you probably want a Kukri machete. This is an awesome tool but it is a heavy cleaver foremost. I will take this on my next camping trip and see how it performs.

I ordered this and the Hibben III at the same time, and while the Hibben III is perfect, I'm very disappointed with this knife.

The blade has a very obvious bend to it (so bad that it's hard to get in and out of the sheath), and the sheath is missing the snap. No problem, I thought; I'll just return it for an exchange. I started filling out the return form and was informed that this item is "refund only". I would return it and order again but then I would be out shipping to return this thing, and it's HEAVY so there's no telling what shipping would cost. Plus, I read another review of one with a bent blade, so there's a decent chance I'll get a replacement that's defective too. It sucks, because this thing would be very cool if it didn't have the defects.

OK This is a pretty heavy piece of steel. But as a whole I am very pleased. As stated by another reviewer the factory edge is lacking but a couple hours with a combination whet stone and it has a very nice edge now. I'm a big fan of the sheath (although the one lone snap on the front did puzzle me until customer service advised me that they all have it. Hibben got something planned for the sheath?) It's a high quality leather sheath and not a cheap leather/leatherette one that I've seen on a few copycat knives. Wearing it might prove difficult so I figured on my left side so I can draw it right handed. It is heavy but not cumbersome heavy as some larger knives can be. This one is def a workhorse kind of knife. No real frills! As its one big piece of high carbon steel with a leather wrap, its very spartan in its look but then there's nothing to break on it! I have yet to chop/cut with it (hence only 4 stars) but my upcoming camping trip should prove fun! All in all I am very pleased. Normally I'm not a fan of large knives but this one stands out. Great price for it as well! So either chopping fire wood or fighting off bigfoot from your campsite, I think this one will do the trick.

This is an AMAZING machete! I got it within 3 days of placing my order, even with the standard shipping selection. The machete has a great weight and is very well made. The sheath is very high quality leather and fits nicely. ZOMBIE KILLER FOR SURE

This is a heavy duty chopping implement. It is a plain no frills yet quality blade. The handle is wrapped in a felt like thin strap which really should be be replaced if you plan on cutting wood with it. Overall if you like unique blades or need a real work horse in the yard this would be a good match. It does not come very sharp and needs to be sharpened but has great potential.