A good "truck" blade

T

twistedshifter

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Mar 26, 2015
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Looking for opinions on a good truck blade to stash in my truck when I am off roading. Needs to be able to hack away small to medium sized branches, shrubs and the misc. stuff that gets in the way of my truck.....or keep from scratching up the side of my truck. Was thinking some sort of machete type blade, but wondering what any of you 4x4 guys have stashed under your seat for this sort of task. Thanks for any insight.
 
Becker 9 or some Kabars -- some of the bigger ones might work well for you. If you're looking for something really rugged but still affordable, there's some bigger Ontario knives (RTAK 2) that are ruggggged.
 
look for a blackie collins D -ring Ontario knife company machete. comes either 12" or 18" depending on truck size. they can be found < $40 and are tanks. Heavy beast and you don't worry about beating them to death. The other option is a Woodspal, great USA legend.
 
+1 for the Ontario Machete. I keep my Spec Plus Ontario machete tucked between the seats...gets much use.
 
Since it is in your vehicle, weight is not a big issue. When I did a lot of 4x4 driving, I kept an axe, machete, a large knife, and eventually started carrying a small chain saw. I didn't cut much flexible vegetation, so a stiff machete is what I would suggest for you.

Added: Seldom used the large knife. Pretty much been the story of my life with blades over 7". IF I were equipping my vehicle today for eastern hardwoods, I'd have the Condor El Salvador machete, an axe, large pruning saw, and chain saw along and such things as a large bumper jack, heavy duty come along, a 10 ft chain, tow strap, and shovel. It just depends on how far away from the paved road you typically drive. My regular folder and fixed blade would handle the knife stuff.

Probably toss in the Kabar Becker BK-2 since I never use it for anything.
 
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Ontarios are beasts and cheap enough to not be a bummer if someone grabs it or you smash it into a rock inadvertently. Another even cheaper option is the Tramontina 14" Bush or Bolo machete. Both are well suited to "heavier" chopping (like small to medium limbs/saplings/etc), but are cheaper at $19.99 with a sheath, with a little 'Net searching. They'll do more damage to wood than you'd believe AFTER a little edge work with a file. Or buy from 42Blades http://www.baryonyxknife.com/14trailmachete.html and for $13-14.50, he'll sale you one minus sheath, but with a screaming custom edge. Make a Busse (cardboard) sheath and you're good to go. The Trams also can suffer major damage and be cleaned up well in no time with that same file, due to softer steel than the Ontario. Good luck and have fun.

ETA: Do yourself a favor and throw in a $20 Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel. It's an awesome little shovel and can hack wood as well. Plus it throws well for ninja battles back at camp;)
 
I like cold steels katana machete. I did not care for the handle, so I rehandled it myself and found it to be much more useful tool.
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Whatever steel Lynn used to make this with is some tough stuff, had to anneal the tang before I could drill the corby bolt holes, wrapped the blade with ice towels to create a heat sink. It holds an edge fairly well, .
 
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+1 on Tramontina...and a chainsaw..have had trees fall on my backtrail..back in the old days in my strong Bronco..Ozarks..really olden days.

Best.
 
I use a fiskars axe and take along the largest blade I have at the time. Best chopper I've used (not owned) is one of the bigger Becker knives. They chop slightly better than the SCHF37 I got yesterday and I know you want to chop quick when you are on the trails and don't always want to grab the axe if you don't have to.
 
I keep a Cold Steel Jungle Machete in my Jeep. For $20 you would be hard pressed to find anything better.
 
The axe is there IF you need it (just like the chain saw). I would also grab the machete first if it will handle the job. I have had trees fall down behind me and had to find a way out when I didn't have anything to cut something over about 6" diameter. That's where the chain saw comes in, but you can work at it long enough to get by with the axe.
 
A Gerber Prodigy has always been my truck knife. Partly serrated for cutting cloth or webbing , and a window punch on the pommel. It's a very tough knife and I never had blade issues with it. I also put a Sog Jungle Canopy knife/machete on the roll bar. I've been trying to break it for 3 years ,lol. I also have an Estwing tomahawk in there.

I have a lot of higher-end blades, but those I picked are easily replaceable if someone steals them. I've torture tested them and they work , and they helped me get out of trouble before. They also work well as camp knives if you don't have your usual knife stash with you. Also get a heavy-duty prybar. I use an Estwing construction bar. Never know when you might have to pry a door open or something.

I'm not about to put my Kosters , Bark Rivers , Esse's or Fallknivens in there and have to cry and moan on here when someone breaks into my truck and steals them.
 
I also have a CS tomahawk that I would throw in there. It cuts way beyond its size. They can be had for under 30 bucks.
 
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