Cold Steel CS97LBMS Bolo 18" Machete - 1055 Carbon Steel Blade, Black Polypropylene Handle, Includes Sheath

The Cold Steel CS97LBMS Bolo 18" machete brings a time-tested design from Asia and the Pacific Rim to your camp, homestead, or backcountry setup. Built around a wide blade that concentrates weight forward of center, this 1055 carbon steel tool excels at heavy chopping and slashing work—the geometry that made it a regional standard for jungle clearing and land management. At 19 ounces and 23-5/8" overall, it balances enough mass for serious cutting power with the control you need for sustained work. Whether you're clearing brush, processing wood, or tackling thick vegetation, the bolo's design rewards a committed swing.

The blade itself is straightforward and honest: 1055 carbon steel, 2mm thick, with a matte black baked-on finish that resists rust without relying on exotic coatings. Carbon steel holds an edge well and can be sharpened in the field with basic tools—no special equipment required. The 5-5/8" polypropylene handle is durable and won't rot, splinter, or absorb water, making it reliable in damp conditions. A Cor-Ex sheath is included, so you can carry and store the blade safely without babying it.

This is a working tool, not a collector's piece. It won't pretend to be a survival knife or a bushcraft multi-tool. What it does, it does well: move weight efficiently through dense growth and heavy cutting jobs where a smaller blade would just frustrate you. If you're clearing land, maintaining trails, or keeping a machete in the truck for real-world brush work, the bolo's geometry and heft earn their keep.

Key Features

• Wide blade design with forward weight distribution for powerful chopping and slashing
• 1055 carbon steel blade holds an edge and sharpens easily in the field
• Matte black baked-on anti-rust finish
• Lightweight polypropylene handle won't rot, splinter, or absorb water
• Includes Cor-Ex sheath for safe carry and storage

Specifications

Blade Length	18"
Blade Steel	1055 Carbon Steel
Blade Thickness	2mm
Handle Length	5-5/8"
Handle Material	Black Polypropylene
Overall Length	23-5/8"
Weight	19 oz
Sheath	Cor-Ex

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bolo machete and other machete styles?

The bolo's wider blade and forward-weighted design make it better suited for heavy chopping and slashing through dense brush. The geometry concentrates cutting force, which is why it's been the preferred pattern throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim for serious land clearing and jungle work.

Is 1055 carbon steel easy to maintain?

Yes. 1055 carbon steel sharpens easily with basic field tools—no special equipment needed. It does require occasional care to prevent rust, especially in damp conditions, but it rewards maintenance with reliable edge retention.

What's included with the machete?

The Cold Steel bolo comes with a Cor-Ex sheath for secure carry and storage.

Is this machete suitable for survival or bushcraft use?

This is a straightforward chopping tool optimized for heavy cutting work. It excels at brush clearing and land maintenance. If you need a multi-purpose survival blade with smaller, finer cutting capability, you may want to consider a different style.