I received the Kershaw Camp 10 in the mail right before I departed to the mountains of Virginia for a few days. I took it out to clear some access trails to our tree stands and it worked comfortably all day. The Kershaw Camp 10 is a full tang fixed blade machete with a design strikingly similar to a bolo knife. The bolo knife is widely regarded as one of the better large knives for survival situations and was developed to withstand the rugged beat down of clearing brush and sugar cane in the Philippines. The unique design of the blade allows for the convex portion of the blade to take the brunt of the hacking and chopping while allowing the tip and lower portion close to the handle to remain sharp for finer tasks. The handle has two lanyard holes to make either a retention loop or dummy cord it to yourself in the event that is a necessity. The blade is a 10” long powder coated blade that handles brush and smaller trees easily.
When I went to cut some smaller brush it was raining slightly and the textured rubberized handle worked great assuring I had positive control of the blade while hacking the brush away. The sheath has a couple of mounting options ranging from the standard belt hang, a more horizontal wear, and a leg loop possibility. I found the standard belt hang works the best and is most comfortable. The blade averages $65-$70 online and is sold in any store where Kershaw knives are sold. The Kershaw Camp 10 makes a solid blade for its price that is capable of handling any tasks you could think of in a camping or outdoor scenario. It now rides under the seat of my truck in case the need arises for a large blade. I also am looking forward to taking this on my upcoming trip to the jungle to truly see if it lives up to its design styling after the bolo. I do plan on modifying the sheath to make it easier to mount to the molle on the side of my ruck but so far after taking the blade out for a while, I am quite impressed as usual with Kershaw’s quality and durability.
Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantryman currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.
