Axes and Machetes......your opinions

M

Merlyn

Joined
Nov 27, 2005
Messages
7
Hey guys,

I'm putting together a new survival box to keep in the event of an emergency and while making up a list I realized I need a new axe, hatchet, and machete.

Over the years I've been through my fair share of boring old run-of-the-mill axes, hatchets and machetes and while I've always been into buying high quality knives ( even though I'm just now learning the in's and out's of different steel compositions ) I never cared about other bladed implements, which is probably why they have universally sucked. As I've looked around online, I've realized that there have been significant improvements in these items..........better quality steels, better handle materials, fiberglass or carbon fiber handles. Additionally, many of the knife makers that I know of also make hatchets and machetes.

So, my big question for you is......who do you think makes the best all around outdoor axe, survival hatchet, and machete.........and why?

Secondly, I've always simply used the traditional South American style machete......is there another style that you prefer?

Jester
 
I don't know much about machetes, but for hatchets and axes go brose Lowe's / Home Depot if your area has them and look for Fiskars products. They work very well, are durable, inexpensive and easy to find.
 
For regular Axes and survival hatchet I'd suggest you to look for Wetterlings, unbeatable for quality/price ratio.
For Machetes it depends what kind of use do you need them for:
1) Light : Look at Tramontina, inexpensive but tend to rust without proper care.
2) Medium/Heavy: Martindale.
3) Heavy : Ontario in 1095 are not too bad. (Camillus is gone but you may find an old one around)
 
For hatchets and axes go with Fisckars and for Machees go with the U.S. issue line of heavy duty machetes. You will never look back.
 
You could get in line for one of the new BRK&T Goloks. A new run is coming out soon but they are selling out fast even before the steel has arrived in Michigan.

Top notch bush knives.
 
For machete's I like tramontina the best,inespensive,and the steel is hard enough to hold a decent edge but not so hard that it's brittle.
 
As far as the style of machete is concerned, the Tramontina bolo (14") seems to work better for fairly heavy limbing and chopping than the standard South American designs. Cliff Stump uses them which is pretty much why a bought one. It cuts nearly as well as a kukri and costs only about 5 bucks.
 
My mistake. That's Cliff Stamp not Stump. My apologies Mr. Stamp. No offense meant. Just getting a little loopy in my declining years.
 
I bought a Wetterling small forest (I think that's the model, pretty small) as a step up from the GB mini-hatchet. The Wetterling cost almost half as much, weighs almost twice as much, is 3+" longer, but . . . it doesn't outcut the GB one whit. Maybe if I try reprofiling it a tad, although that will take a huge amount of elbow grease. Believe it, GBs are the Rolls Royce of axes.
 
I own a Wetterlings hatchet and after putting it through everything I have, I can say this is one hell of a tool. It out cuts any of my old run of the mill no name hatchets and its solid feeling and nice looking. I personally don't trust any handle material thats not steel or wood for the handle or hatchet, but thats based soley on opinion as i've never owned a plastic/fiberglass handled hatchet. Definiteley can't go wrong with the wetterlings, especially at the prices its offered.
 
belfagor said:
For regular Axes and survival hatchet I'd suggest you to look for Wetterlings, unbeatable for quality/price ratio.
For Machetes it depends what kind of use do you need them for:
1) Light : Look at Tramontina, inexpensive but tend to rust without proper care.
2) Medium/Heavy: Martindale.
3) Heavy : Ontario in 1095 are not too bad. (Camillus is gone but you may find an old one around)
Click to expand...

Ontario and Camillus are two different companies. If that is indeed what you were implying.
 
Yes PC356, too sad but that's exactly what I was trying to "imply" :) Thus even the Becker Patrol Machete used to be available from Camillus is now very difficult to find and in case you're lucky chances are that it will be overpriced too much.
 
Axe - GB, Wetterling or Fiskar. Depends on your price range, they will all do a fine job, Some just need more TLC and elbow grease to get there.

Hatchet - Same as above plus Eastwing. My first hatchet was an EW and I still have it. First loves have no flaws :)

Machete - Tramontia (inexpensive) or Valiant golok (love 'em but more expensive)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top