Take on heavy cutting chores with a blade built to work, not just look sharp: the Cold Steel Bolo (97LBM, UPC: 705442011828). Inspired by traditional bolo-style blades known for their chopping power and utility, this large-format tool features an 18-inch blade made from 1055 carbon steel and finished in a black matte baked-on anti-rust coating for added protection in demanding environments. With a rugged black polypropylene handle, an impressive 23.63-inch overall length, and a included sheath, the Cold Steel Bolo is designed for users who need serious reach and cutting authority for outdoor tasks, yard work, and heavy-duty utility.
If you’re searching for a Cold Steel Bolo machete, 97LBM, or 705442011828, this is a long-bladed workhorse tool that’s ready for brush, trail clearing, and camp chores where a standard knife simply isn’t enough.
18" 1055 Carbon Steel Blade: Built for Chopping and Clearing
The heart of this tool is its 18-inch 1055 carbon steel blade—a steel choice often used for impact-heavy blades where toughness is important. An 18" blade length provides:
Greater reach for cutting through brush and vegetation
More leverage for chopping and clearing tasks
A long cutting edge that improves efficiency on repetitive work
A format well suited for outdoor utility and yard/trail maintenance
The bolo-style profile is especially valued for combining slicing reach with chopping power.
Black Matte Baked-On Anti-Rust Coating: Added Protection Where It Counts
Carbon steel is appreciated for toughness and performance, and a protective finish helps it handle wet or humid conditions more conveniently. The black matte baked-on anti-rust coating is designed to:
Improve resistance to corrosion compared to bare carbon steel (with normal care)
Reduce glare for outdoor use
Make cleanup easier after sap, dirt, and vegetation
Provide a durable layer suited to rugged field work
Even with a protective coating, routine drying and light maintenance are still recommended for carbon steel tools—especially after wet use.
Bolo Blade Style: A Practical Shape for Real Work
Bolo blades are known for their forward-biased cutting power and efficient swing. This style is commonly chosen for:
Brush clearing and yard cleanup
Trail maintenance and light limb removal
Camp chores requiring reach and momentum
Utility tasks where a heavier forward blade helps cut more effectively
If you want a long blade that feels authoritative in hand, bolo geometry is designed for that kind of work.
Black Polypropylene Handle: Durable, Weather-Ready Grip
A large outdoor blade needs a handle that can take abuse and stay stable in changing conditions. The black polypropylene handle is designed for practical durability, offering:
Resistance to moisture and weather exposure
A rugged, no-nonsense grip material for field tools
Easy cleanup after dirty or muddy use
A durable option for repeated outdoor handling
For users who prioritize function and durability over delicate materials, polypropylene is a sensible choice.
23.63" Overall Length: Reach and Leverage in a Carryable Package
With an overall length of 23.63 inches, this bolo provides meaningful reach while still being manageable for transport and storage. The longer format helps:
Improve leverage for chopping strokes
Increase effective cutting range
Reduce the number of swings needed for clearing tasks
Enhance efficiency when working through brush or tall vegetation
It’s built for users who want a serious cutting tool without stepping into oversized novelty territory.
Includes Sheath: Safer Transport and Storage
Large blades need proper storage. The included sheath helps:
Protect the blade edge during transport
Reduce risk when carrying or storing the tool
Keep your gear organized in a truck, pack, or shed
Provide a dedicated place for the bolo between uses
A sheath isn’t optional on a blade this size—it’s essential for safe handling and everyday practicality.
Ideal Uses: Yard Work, Trail Clearing, Camp Tasks, and Outdoor Utility
The Cold Steel Bolo is a strong fit for:
Clearing brush, vines, and overgrowth
Light limb trimming and yard cleanup
Trail maintenance and outdoor property work
Camp chores where reach and chopping ability help
Anyone who wants a tough, long blade tool for utility purposes
If you routinely deal with vegetation, weeds, or light clearing jobs, a bolo-style blade can make the work faster and less tiring.
Product Details and SEO Search Terms (Easy Reference)
For accurate listing and ordering:
Brand: Cold Steel
Model: Bolo
Part Number: 97LBM
UPC: 705442011828
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Material: 1055 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Black matte baked-on anti-rust coating
Handle: Black polypropylene
Overall Length: 23.63"
Includes: Sheath
Common searches: Cold Steel Bolo 97LBM, 705442011828, 18 inch bolo machete, 1055 carbon steel bolo, Cold Steel bolo with sheath
A Rugged, Long-Blade Work Tool for Serious Outdoor Chores
If you want a durable, long-reaching blade designed for practical cutting and clearing, the Cold Steel Bolo 18" (97LBM / 705442011828) delivers a tough 1055 carbon steel build, a protective black coating, and a durable polypropylene handle—plus an included sheath for safer carry. It’s a capable choice for yard maintenance, trail work, and outdoor utility when you need more reach and chopping authority than a standard knife can provide.
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