12in machete help

B

Brutane

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
239
Are the 12in machete's made by Ontario Knife Co made well, or would you go with a little more expensive model?
 
me personally as far as 12 inch machetes go you can't beat the fiddleback forge machetes. he is a custom maker here. they are awesome. his famous handles and a nice regrind on them, not crazy pricey but 110 dollars shipped. only down side is a bit of a wait.

here are some pics

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sheaths doesn't come with it but the price is right for great machete and just a heads up this will probably get moved to the wilderness/outdoors equipment section
 
I forgot how many mm the Ontario is, but it's heavier than many machetes of the same size.

Here's BF's "pict" talking about the Ontario 12":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVHeKNbRXgc

Have you been to Machete Specialists (.com)? You can get good latin stuff for cheaper, but you'll have to check the mm as many will be lighter.
 
I would say they are very well made. I have had this one for over 13 years and still going strong. I replaced the plastic handles after one cracked.


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I have one of the 12 inch Ontario "economy" (less expensive) models and I am more than satisfied with the quality and performance. I have no experience with any more expensive brands.
I will say the Tramontina machete at $6 is a great bargain and in my experience has been as good as the Ontario at $20.

You should be well served by Ontario or any of several other lower priced but well made and durable brands.

Just avoid Gerber.
 
:thumbup:I modded mine ala "Pict" and it outchops my Becker Brute and C.S. Trailmaster.I got a "heavy duty" 18"er and still prefer the 12". Ben Meadows outdoor catalog has them both and some quality sheaths.--KV
 
For the money I'd say there decent but you'll seriously need to reprofile the edge the Ontarios seem to be a bit thicker than most machetes imo.
 
There were two versions, economy and standard (I guess). I have the standard version. It has a thicker blade relative to my other machetes and is a good solid performer. I have rounded out the grip and evened out he edge. It is a good tool IMHO. I will say the one from fiddleback forge looks sweet.
 
I've got one of the ontario 12"s and love it. I had micarta scales put on and modified it to high heaven. I also like the condor 12" bolo but Of course I would as I helped out with it. To tell you the truth, I don't use the 12" ontario too much anymore, even though I have a kydex sheath for it. For some reason I always turn to a 14" instead. Not really any preference or bias based on it. It is a handy HANDY size.
 
In order to bring out the full potential of the Ontario 12" machete you will need to really thin out the very coarse factory edge, preferably by convexing it. Once you do that it will be a cutting machine and the edge will be very easy to touch up with just sandpaper, ceramic rods, or almost any other sharpening device you might have.
 
skab8541 said:
I would say they are very well made. I have had this one for over 13 years and still going strong. I replaced the plastic handles after one cracked.


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Looks good. The handles on mine shattered. It has been through hell though, the blade has held up to what I consider abuse.
 
Well... I've got one of the BRKT Custom machete's that started life as a 18" Ontario heavy machete. It's cut down to just under 14", fully convexed and stripped... and, it's a beast. Pricey, but a beast.
 
Well-built machetes. The scales are a bit boxy and the longer lengths get a little clunky because they aren't tapered. USA made, too!
 
Joezilla said:
I've got one of the ontario 12"s and love it. I had micarta scales put on and modified it to high heaven. I also like the condor 12" bolo but Of course I would as I helped out with it. To tell you the truth, I don't use the 12" ontario too much anymore, even though I have a kydex sheath for it. For some reason I always turn to a 14" instead. Not really any preference or bias based on it. It is a handy HANDY size.
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Im with you joe, I love the 12" bolo I got from you.
 
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