View Full Version : Woodmans Pal
TheViking
27-08-2004, 15:48
Hi...
Anybody know this guy (http://imagehost.epier.com/23293/Woodmans-Pal-Machete.jpg)? :wink: It's a woodmans pal and looks like a billhook... :-)
Comments?
Think its a hedgelayers bill...
Jack? Oh, Guru of the Bills! Any suggestions?
They are not a bad piece of equipment. Troops used them in the south Pacific durring WWII. I have heard many good things about them. Saw a used one at a gun show last spring. Fellow want the price of a new one. I will see if has changed his mind or still has it in a couple of weeks. They are not a long bladed tool like a machete. If your hesitant about it, find someone that has one and see what you think.
bushwakka
25-02-2005, 17:46
As quill quite rightly points out the woodmans pal was issued to US troops during ww2 serving in the pacific. There is even a training manual describing how to use them for hand to hand combat! They are still being manufactured in two styles - one with the wooden handle, another with a leather handle and hand guard. I've never used one but they look interesting - gauranteed to raise a few eyebrows down the pub!! :yikes:
They quite often come up on ebay. A new one costs about £60.00.
they are a really great tool!!!!, I have 4. they made several versions . 1. ww2 model no. 280, or 480,[off the top of my head for m. no.'s], 2. two or three commercial ones, one like the military, one with a long wood handle,w/ no knuckle guard. 3. there is also a vietnam era one made by frank and merril, stamped as follows, axe, survival tool. only difference between this one and a w.p. is it is about 1in. shorter to fit in pilots survival kit. they currently make at least 3 models that I know of. if you want there web add. or any other info, shoot me a p.m.
Ridge Runner
28-02-2005, 23:01
Woodrat - can you post their web address here?
bothyman
01-03-2005, 08:16
Andy
Try >> http://www.woodmanspal.com/
MickT (Scotland)
scoops_uk
01-03-2005, 08:59
Looks like what I've always known as a yorkshire bill hook.
BTCV have a good guide to regional bill hook styles on their site
http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handbooks/content/section/271
10 years ago I missed the hedge I was laying with one of them and hit my left hand, very nearly lopped off two fingers, despite the hedging mitt. I now have a v-shaped notch in my first and second knuckles and a monster scar to boot. :yikes:
You can buy bill hooks direct from the BTCV...
http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level3/19/level
Take care, they are notorious for bouncing off bits of old fencing wire and the double edge means what is heading back towards you is sharp!
Scoops