Backpacking/Hiking machete questions

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ocnLogan

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Jul 31, 2011
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So, I have absolutely no experience with machetes, which is why I'm reaching out and asking all of you for help.

My oldest nephew and I are discussing going on a multi-day hiking trip at the end of the school year (I might be whetting his appetite for edged tools, as he has taken an interest), and I realized that this might be an excellent use case for a very lightweight and packable machete.

So far I've been mostly looking at the Mora #333 ultralight machete, the Svord Kiwi machete, and the 14in tram. I'm looking for something pretty easy to pack around, and something that won't break the bank.

The use case for the blade would mostly be to stick in/on a pack, and take care of any chopping or "big" work that we might encounter on our trip. I'm sure it might see some batoning if that was needed, but the primary targets would likely be woody vegetation and firewood prep (we're not in bushwhacking territory around here, so its not going to be used on grass/vines).

I've done some searching on it, and besides a handle comparison shot between the svord and the mora, I haven't found many people talking about these.

Any input on which one of those you would take? Any comparison shots between them?

Thanks for the help.
 
i have the Svord and must say that the one i got was extremely sharp. The L6 steel that it is made of is significantly better than the other two machete steels that you listed. Infact after chopping numerous hardwood including bamboo and 2x4's the edge did not have any nicks or rolled edges. It was dulled so lightly that a quick swipe with my ceramic rod brought it back to hair popping sharp.
 
Never needed a machete while backpacking in California. Not sure where you are going but a lightweight 4-5" blade is all I have ever needed. Not saying it might not be useful but it is not necessary.
 
I hear what you're saying. I know that perhaps a machete isn't "needed", but I might feel more prepared for anything if I had one along with me on the trip. I figure between the two of us having something might not be a bad idea. It also might just be my excuse to finally get and try out a machete :).

I'll be in Utah for the hike if that makes any difference (not quite the great white north, but its also not tropical). Like I said, the targets would be much more "woody" than they would be leafy green stuff up here.

I guess I'm looking for a lightweight chopper and big task "knife". I currently use my BK9 for this role, but I figure for 80 miles I don't need to have something that hefty coming along for the ride.

I'm liking the look of the svord to be honest. I have been eyeing some svord stuff for a while (really want to try L6), and the kiwi machete looks to be just about the best out of the kiwi line. That, and its the only one that comes with a sheath, and its only 2-3oz heavier than the Mora.

The tram is so dang cheap though.
 
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared. Another option is ti get the Mora #223 Leuku. It can be pretty much a one knife deal. It is almost a 9" blade. And go ahead and buy the Tramontia too!
 
I just ordered the Mora UL machete and the Svord Kiwi machete. So, I can't say which one I'd take based on experience, but a guess would be the Svord. It's the same thickness as the Ontario 12" Cutlass machete, but not as tall. It's a few ounces more than the Mora, but that's a good thing when chopping wood. Plus, I'm betting the edge retention will come in handy on that 80 mile trip. I can sharpen a machete when needed, but when they stay sharp longer, I don't complain.
I'm at the point where I want to lighten up my chopper but add a Silky saw. I want to try out that combo for myself, to see if I can save on calories on my next backpacking trip. Last trip, all the wood on the ground was very wet, and I spent way too much time and energy chopping limbs from downed trees. It worked, but a saw would have been the better tool in that location. I'm glad I had the heavier chopper(12.5" Culberson Bolok) because the wood was very hard. I would worry that the Mora could not have chopped that wood, I could be wrong. The Svord should have more forward weight over the Mora.
 
I have a 14" Tram -- 5-10 minutes with a belt sander to true up the handles and the edge and it's good to go.
I'm also debating strongly between the Mora 333 and the Svord Machete -- I've already got a peasant knife and it's great, so I'm familiar with their HT.
 
Tram. Super value and good heat treated carbon steel. Bring a file with you and you are good to go. Plus since you aren't in the swamp like I am, rusting won't be a huge issue. Since a machete isn't gonna get allot of use as you said....why spend more than a tram. It will hold its own to the others...I know cause I got all three and they do allot of work in the swamps and bush with me.

Although if you want to spend more......I go with the svord.
 
Its true, the tram would cost me less than my Mora (which is saying something).

Anyone know the RC of the svord? I checked on their website and there is essentially no information on there. When you click on the machete on the site all it does is give you a bigger picture :(. I've read a number of instances where people say that the svord has better edge holding, and was just curious how hard they are.

Also, I know that people say the Mora acts more like a knife than most any other machete. How does the svord do knife like tasks (lets say making feathersticks or tent pegs)? I guess just because I've never handled a machete, I'm not sure what to expect. I'll still have a 4-5in belt knife with me, but am curious how one of these machetes would do if pressed into service like that.

Thanks guys.
 
I have a 14" Imacasa and I would recommend that. The heat treat is top notch. When I got it I beat on some 4 yr old cherrywood laying around in my woodpile. Beating lasted about 30 min. No chips or rolls. I was sold on Imacasa. I also have an 18" Tram that performed the same. But I have thought about this very question on backpacking: I would take my Imacasa coz its a little shorter and lighter and then take prolly my Esee 4 or something that size for everything else.
Great advice given from others, too!!
If weight was an essential, perhaps a mora for the small knife........
John
 
ocnLogan said:
Its true, the tram would cost me less than my Mora (which is saying something).

Anyone know the RC of the svord? I checked on their website and there is essentially no information on there. When you click on the machete on the site all it does is give you a bigger picture :(. I've read a number of instances where people say that the svord has better edge holding, and was just curious how hard they are.

Also, I know that people say the Mora acts more like a knife than most any other machete. How does the svord do knife like tasks (lets say making feathersticks or tent pegs)? I guess just because I've never handled a machete, I'm not sure what to expect. I'll still have a 4-5in belt knife with me, but am curious how one of these machetes would do if pressed into service like that.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Seems like the Svord, being sharpened all the way up to the handle, would do feathersticks and tent pegs just fine. Many folks will sharpen that area on their Ontarios in a scandi edge, for that same reason. The Fiddleback 14" that I have is very sharp in that area, and yet is still light enough for me to do some knife tasks.
It's going to be more limited when it comes to using the tip, IDK how sharp the tip is, I don't have it yet.
 
I'd still question whether you really want a machete.

Most bushcraft tasks, from cutting food to making feathersticks, are best done with a smaller knife, and a machete isn't great for larger woodcutting tasks.

If you have to bushwack through soft brush, bring a machete. For your uses, I'd suggest a very small axe or folding saw.
 
Bismarck22 said:
I'd still question whether you really want a machete.

Most bushcraft tasks, from cutting food to making feathersticks, are best done with a smaller knife, and a machete isn't great for larger woodcutting tasks.

If you have to bushwack through soft brush, bring a machete. For your uses, I'd suggest a very small axe or folding saw.
Click to expand...

Both the Mora #333 and the Svord are very "knife-like"--especially the Mora. I find the Mora has the presence of a small knife in the hand and is exceptionally capable of handling knife tasks. In spite of its light weight it chops exceptionally well thanks to the fine edge and thin stock. The Svord is the heavier chopper, both because of its heavier weight but also because the mass is more nose-distributed. Either will baton, but the Svord will hold up better in the hands of the inexperienced simply because it's thicker. The #333 just takes a more sensitive individual to "read" the stresses on it so it's not overpowered. Not really difficult at all--just not a piece you hand to a gorilla who learned to baton by watching Nutnfancy clips on YouTube. :D

I find myself using my Mora most, and have my JRE sheath rigged up with a paracord baldric sling. The Svord is a phenomenal piece in a similar but more "robust" form for heavier chopping in more potentially abusive situations. Either sounds perfect for the situation you describe. The question is simply which one you think will be better for the style of the user behind it. :):thumbup:
 
foxx said:
It's going to be more limited when it comes to using the tip, IDK how sharp the tip is, I don't have it yet.
Click to expand...

The Mora has a very fine point. The Svord has an acceptable one for if you really need it, but is of a much broader angle so piercing work isn't as easy.
 
ocnLogan said:
Also, I know that people say the Mora acts more like a knife than most any other machete. How does the svord do knife like tasks (lets say making feathersticks or tent pegs)? I guess just because I've never handled a machete, I'm not sure what to expect. I'll still have a 4-5in belt knife with me, but am curious how one of these machetes would do if pressed into service like that.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

works just fine. i have in-field pics of it here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/977157-another-overnighter-burnt-holy-book-and-plan-b
 
I'm very happy with my special grade 12" ontario from Baryonyx. It'll handle the work you describe, it'll baton, it'll chop and clear small woody stuff with ease. It's special grade because it comes with a real edge and with the handle scales fixed to be flush with the tang.
 
Bismarck22 said:
I'd still question whether you really want a machete.

Most bushcraft tasks, from cutting food to making feathersticks, are best done with a smaller knife, and a machete isn't great for larger woodcutting tasks.

If you have to bushwack through soft brush, bring a machete. For your uses, I'd suggest a very small axe or folding saw.
Click to expand...

You're actually spot on, I'm not sure if I really want a machete on this trip. I'm a pretty experienced camper, but not so much a backpacker. So this is partially me doing my homework in advance to answer the question I had about "hey, instead of carrying my BK9, maybe I should bring a lighter, longer machete. I wonder which one would be best suited?"

I already own a folding saw, but will be looking at getting a smaller one for the trip as well (I keep the 10in corona in the jeep).

My nephew and I are also going to be going on a few shorter trips before the big trip to make sure we have things all sorted out before we go. And like previously mentioned, I will be bringing along a belt knife that will be doing all of the small work, I was just curious how one of these machetes would work if I was somehow "forced" to use it in that manner, having never handled a machete before.

JV3 - I really appreciate that link, that was perfect. Its nice to see the svord in action. Because I know you have experience with some Beckers and the Junglas, how would you say the svord chops in comparison. I'm talking ballpark is all. For instance, I know offhand that my BK2 chops roughly half as well as my BK9, so just something like that.

42blades - So of the two you carry the mora more? Is that because the sheath you have with it, or because a preference for the machete? Also, with the Mora in the sheath you sell, how much does it weigh in comparison to the svord (the svord is heavier I know, but it seems like the sheath might be lighter than the leather one you sell for the mora and it might weigh about the same in the end).

K, I think that just about wraps it up for me , unless someone knows what RC svord uses.

Thanks guys.
 
With sheath the Mora is 12.6 oz. and the Svord is 15.6 oz. so you're talking a perfect 3 oz. difference between the two.

I carry Mora more personally because of how flat it is and "floaty" in the hand so it's very easy to make ultra-precise snap cuts with it. It's almost like a "road bike" of a machete vs. the "mountain bike" of the Svord.
 
I have put my Kabar Kukri machete to good use.

It works as a really big knife and the kukri style blade seems to chop above it's size class.

That being said, I tend to prefer a saw, axe, and 4-5 inch knife for most geographic areas. But a machete definitely has it's place in some areas.

Here is a size comparison shot of the machete on top.

IMG_0502.jpg
 
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