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Machete Recommendations?

17K views 66 replies 36 participants last post by  awtCZ 
#1 ·
In going through my packs, I found that I have a nice Gerber saw, hatchet, etc. But one thing I noticed was missing was a machete. I had one but I think I lost it in a hunting or hiking trip last year. It was not a good one.

But now I'd like to get a good machete for my BOB. Can you recommend one?

Thanks.
 
#28 ·
I know which I wouldn't recommend... those cheap POS ones from Wally World. I bought one a few years ago...dulls easily, rusts easily, and flimsy as hell.

I know it's not a machete but I LOVE my new ScrapYard knife. It might not cut through 2" thick brush but I'd put it up against the toughest brush I've seen in my area.

-Emt1581
 
#31 · (Edited)
#32 · (Edited)
I found this video, which I thought was interesting.
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/survival-zone-jungle-machete.html

The machete looks a lot like an Ox Head Jungle King I
http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au...ACHETES/MA31084/OX-HEAD+JUNGLE+KING+1+MACHETE

That was a great show and bad ass machete. Have that saved on my DVR. The reason I bought the two kukri machetes I own(which are basically the same style). Good for a small design that excels at close and heavy chopping work. The one he owns looks sharp enough to cut anything down, vines, trees, zombies whatever.


I've always wondered if he put that edge on the blade himself. Or had someone else do it or it was bought that way. That is one mean blade.
 
#35 · (Edited)
Not exactly a machete..

..but the SRKW Battle Rat is what I use in place of one.

The Battle Rat specs are as follows:
Steel: SR-101
Blade Length: 9.5" (measured from handle)
OAL: 14.5"
Blade thickness: 0.25"
Aspect Ratio 1.87" (aprox)
Primary Grind Height: 1.6" (aprox)
Weight: 510g or 18oz (both aprox)

Also doubles as a camp knife, camp axe, shovel, fill-in-blank...


The Resiprene-C handle absorbs the shock of heavy chopping...

..& tougher than nails!


Test on a REAL CONCRETE block...NOT a Cinder block..

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000048





If I ever decide to go "Book of Eli".. :rofl:

..I might tote my 27" SRKW Rodent Waki...

SR101 differentially treated steel with multi-colored (black/red) G10 laminate handle

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=006703

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEfN-sNHWIY


A pic of one...not mine..

 
#38 ·
Not exactly a machete..

..but the SRKW Battle Rat is what I use in place of one.




Also doubles as a camp knife, camp axe, shovel, fill-in-blank...


The Resiprene-C handle absorbs the shock of heavy chopping...

..& tougher than nails!


Test on a REAL CONCRETE block...NOT a Cinder block..

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000048





If I ever decide to go "Book of Eli".. :rofl:

..I might tote my 27" SRKW Rodent Waki...

SR101 differentially treated steel with multi-colored (black/red) G10 laminate handle

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=006703

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEfN-sNHWIY


A pic of one...not mine..

The first one is just too short for what I'm looking for. The second one is a good length...but dang, it's expensive.

I've got some nice fighting / multi-purpose knives. But I really need a machete. I one with decent length, robust handle, good steel that can be sharpened in the field, and good weight to make the clearing work easier.
 
#42 ·
#44 · (Edited)
Well, I finally made a decision. I decided to buy a Martindale No. 227 Bolo


I picked it because it was high carbon steel, good reputation, excellent weight for my application (1 lb, 6 oz), and thick blade (4 mm).

Many thanks to all of you that offered suggestions. The thread is a good mix of different solutions.

I never knew that a seemingly simple tool like a machete could have so many variables. There are many, many designs. And there is no "ultimate solution" that works for everyone. It depends on your environment and what applications you're trying to satisfy.

For me, I was not interested in a "tactical" application for this machete. I was strictly interested in a machete for cutting through thick under brush in N GA. I wanted something with good weight, thick blade, could be sharpened in the field, good handle, and good reputation.

Thanks again :wavey:

I'll post pics of the actual machete when it arrives.
 
#45 ·
Well, I finally made a decision. I decided to buy a Martindale No. 227 Bolo


I picked it because it was high carbon steel, good reputation, excellent weight for my application (1 lb, 6 oz), and thick blade (4 mm).

Many thanks to all of you that offered suggestions. The thread is a good mix of different solutions.

I never knew that a seemingly simple tool like a machete could have so many variables. There are many, many designs. And there is no "ultimate solution" that works for everyone. It depends on your environment and what applications you're trying to satisfy.

For me, I was not interested in a "tactical" application for this machete. I was strictly interested in a machete for cutting through thick under brush in N GA. I wanted something with good weight, thick blade, could be sharpened in the field, good handle, and good reputation.

Thanks again :wavey:

I'll post pics of the actual machete when it arrives.
Glad you found one you liked. WHat did you have to give for it?
 
#48 ·
I have a Cold Steel Kukri machete. Not as sharp out of the box as their other offerings but for $15, I ain't complaining either. 1095 Carbon steel will take an edge so I am not worried.

Gerber Gator is a good machete as well.
that is an excellent blade. I would recommend it for a budget machete. But if you can spend a few extra buck you should check out the Ka Bar kukri machete. I have this one and it is wicked! it comes with a very nice sheath too

http://www.knivesplus.com/KA-1249-KABAR.HTML
 
#50 ·
After surveying in Florida for almost a decade I've had a ton of machete experience. The one I've used for the past seven years is not perfect, but has been great. I can't remember the brand. The only thing readable is the British steel stamp. I bought it at a flea market but its had thousands of hours of use. Holds a great edge, has some heft to it and Colombian style blade...Gonna have to dig up the name.

I know that doesn't help.

But this will.

Stay away from the cold steel Kukri machete. Bought one was a complete pos. Hard to sharpen and couldn't cut snot.

My K-Bar Kukri can chop a hog's head off. Is good for thick branches and heavy chopping. But it's edge is kind of soft and can nick. But you can sharpen it right out. It's with my BOB bag, smaller and easier to carry then my other machetes.


For general use I'd recommend a Colombian style blade. The best over all IMO.


ETA: there it is with the pink ribbon tied around it. :supergrin: My baby :rofl:




Love my kukri's, tough as nails and cheap. After heavy use I can put a good edge on it in minutes.

http://www.knifetests.com/ColdSteelKukriMacheteDestructionTest.html
 
#51 ·
Bought a Cold Steel Heavy for less than $20 at Smoky Mtn Knife Works a few years ago. Today makes the third time I have used it. Got to say I really like it. Next time I am at SMKW I am going to try to get a sheath for it. Had the Woodsman Pal for about 6 months now. Never used it yet, however, I am going to give it a "test/tryout" in a couple of weeks. Got it for $29 at an antique store. Couldn't pass it up. Like new condition.
 
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