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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.
 
#53 ·
So i feel like i can weigh in on this topic. I started shopping for a machete a couple months ago, looked at several, and ended up purchasing two of them. A cold steel kukri machete, and a sog, Sogfari with the 18 inch blade. Sog makes it with a 13 inch blade also but i went with the longer model. It has the saw on the back of the blade.

I ordered them off of amazon.com, and got them in, and was really unimpressed with the cold steel. To call the edge an edge on the cold steel is a dramatization. It is really dull. I am probably going to sharpen it before i even try it out. So i got an itchy mouse finger, and ordered the Ka-Bar kukri machete as well. It costs as much as the other two combined, 48 dollars, but i got it in and i'm really impressed with it. I took it out to clear some low hanging limbs in my yard that are a hassle to mow under. It actually cuts the thicker stuff better actually, a limb one inch in diameter cut through with one swing. With the smaller branches and vines, I had to pull them tight to get them to cut easier. It is a hefty blade, a lot of weight to it, and it feels good in the hand.

I also tried out the Sogfari machete on some plants and grass that i am cutting out of my garden. It cut up that stuff really well, but it certainly wasn't tough work. I will have to give this thing more of a workout when i get out to our land.

The cold steel may be a fine cutter once i take a bench grinder to it, but i have to say i was less than impressed with it right out of the box, it just feels cheap, and yes i know that it only costs ~20 bucks, but still. I have one other cold steel knife and I was fairly happy with it.

Overall, if I had to make the choice again, I would purchase the Ka-Bar kukri and the sog. Those two are real nice and would both take some hair off my arm right out of the box.
 
#54 ·
The cold steel may be a fine cutter once i take a bench grinder to it, but i have to say i was less than impressed with it right out of the box, it just feels cheap, and yes i know that it only costs ~20 bucks, but still. I have one other cold steel knife and I was fairly happy with it.
Do yourself a favor and use only a belt sander and file. No cutting blade should ever be exposed to a bench grinder.
 
#55 ·
Some posters here remarked on the lack of sharpness on machetes purchased in this thread. It's pretty much a "given" that a machete must be sharpened to your desires. Some brands come sharp, however far more come not sharp. You may need to profile the cutting edge and sharpen yourself. Many also come with a dull tip section. I've been told this was because machetes when in camp or the user takes a break. Are just stabbed in the ground wherever the men sit down. Don't know if that's true, but have observed that a lot of machetes come pretty much un-sharpened toward the tips last couple of inches. Just an observation.
 
#56 ·
I have a Martindale 14" Golok that I'm fond of. I think I paid $40 with shipping. Its the same design the British SAS use. The handle had some sharp edges and needed some work with a file and some sand paper and I convexed the edge on my belt sander. Machetes really do much better with a convex edge....

I bought it from these guys--probably on of the best selection of machetes on the web and great prices too.

http://www.machetespecialists.com/sh13incrgowi.html

My Bark River Golok is in a class by itself. I had it with me this weekend cutting some brush blinds for bow season... Its the best of the best but has a big price tag.
 
#58 ·
The thread comes alive again...thanks BigBird :)

A friend bought the same machete at the same time. He's used it to clear brush here and there on his new land purchase. It's worked well. Mine has not see as much use...but I love it. It's got a good weight and the handle is well constructed.
 
#60 ·
ESEE (Formerly RAT Cutlery) 18 Inch Lite Machete with Natural Micarta Handle with Cordura Sheath

Regular price: $104.99

Sale price: $69.99

paulgl26 recommended this item. I received it today. Made in El Salvador. The handle will never give me a splinter. Handle has hole for 550 cord.
 
#61 ·
Some posters here remarked on the lack of sharpness on machetes purchased in this thread. It's pretty much a "given" that a machete must be sharpened to your desires. Some brands come sharp, however far more come not sharp. You may need to profile the cutting edge and sharpen yourself. Many also come with a dull tip section. I've been told this was because machetes when in camp or the user takes a break. Are just stabbed in the ground wherever the men sit down. Don't know if that's true, but have observed that a lot of machetes come pretty much un-sharpened toward the tips last couple of inches. Just an observation.
You aren't really using the tip of the machete for chopping much, and a sharp tip will tear up the tip of a canvas machete sheath.
 
#62 ·
Another comment on sharpening. People sometimes watch too many movies. They think that a combat knife or machete (think the PHilliipines around 1900) must be sharpened to be effective. Not true. A slightly dull blade is better.

If you ever feel the need to sharpen a knife, machete or sword and don't know what you are doing, consult a professional or have a professional do the job.
 
#63 ·
If you make a machete too sharp, it just gets dull faster and more work to resharpen. If you are actually using the thing, you'll learn about a "working edge."
 
#65 ·
I have three that I bought down in Honduras for about $4.00 apiece. The blades are about 26" long. One is from Costa Rica (Imicasa #127) and has a cutlas like appearance. Two are from Colombia (Gavilan C 11 T) and have a Martindale bolo look. All have a checkered black plastic handle, and don't slip when your hand gets wet.
They are all working machetes, bought in a hardware store. Surprisingly well balanced and don't tire your wrist out.
I agree with those who say a belt sander sharpens a machete the best. Put it in a vise and use a file for touch up.
 
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