ww2"The psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the smatchet in his hand, is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier-confidence, determination, and aggressiveness.
Its balance, weight, and killing power, with the point, edge, or pommel, combined with the extremely simple training necessary to become efficient in its use, make it the ideal personal weapon for all those not armed with a rifle and bayonet."
W. E. Fairbairn from "Get Tough" his WW2 vintage self-defense manual (see link below)
That pretty much sums it up. Additionally there is this quote furnished by my good friend Kevin, attributable to a person unknown:
"The smatchet was designed at Lochailort. The first ones were made in Glasgow by a man who was, by all accounts, a thoroughly insane Scot (he insisted that the blade be tempered in the piss of red-headed boys from Glasgow) and brought by train up to Ft. William. They were delivered to the local hotel ...and then sent out to Lochailort."
This is an example of the earlier British model with the smaller brass pommel. The blade is 11 1/2" long and is sharpened on one edge and 3 1/2" on the other. The handle is African Rosewood and included is a cowhide over leather scabbard.
Inset is one with the later, more common-and-chunkier, aluminum pommel option, available for $5 less than the brass.
Guards of both are steel.
$180 plus $10 shipping.
To order e-mail me.