Best all around machete?

Raining said:
Condor has a thin 18" blade machete now: the eco-survivor El Salvador model. 5/64" thickiness carbon steel. And only $20.
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A thin El Salvador - could that possibly be the ESEE Lite Machete without the micarta scales? I'm sure I read that the El Salvador is thicker than the ESEE Lite Machete so a thinner version could be the same blade.
 
The folks referring to the El Salvador being thick are folks who have been using the carbon steel version. The stainless one is about the same thickness as the EcoSurvivor.
 
I've really grown to like this Japanese HIRO one the best (and I have about 10 now in my collection)... I used to favor my Martindale No.2

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I should clarify - my Martindale I ground myself to a nice convex (and very sharp) edge and this thing has a hollow ground Japanese stainless steel blade. I also did some comparisons with a more traditional Ontario knife, my modified Martindale No.2 and my HIRO.

I may get shot down for saying this but the HIRO sliced through stuff way more easily and cleanly in my simple comparison IMO (including tree branches, green stuff and hard wood). Goes against conventional "convex" wisdom I know.

It's slightly heavier but that doesn't seem to bother me now after a bit more use. Blade still looks nice too although these pics I took when it was nearly new and it has held an edge very well and is just peanuts to sharpen.

It is the Samurai sword of machetes ;-)
 
I think that the performance differences are due to blade shape, total mass, and distribution of mass more than being due to the Hiro having a hollow grind. Glad you're enjoying it, though it's not what I'd choose. :)
 
My Ontario and Condor arrived today, with a couple other goodies.
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I haven't chopped anything to bits with either but I hope to tomorrow. The Parang is a lot narrower than I thought but also much thicker. It's also got a very interesting weight and balance and seems like it could lop an elephant's leg off (not that I would). I'm really excited to get it into the woods. The Ontario feels familiar and I can't quite put my finger on why. It seems I may have had one very similar years ago. I'll let you know what I think of them once I get them out into the woods.

Off topic: Everyone who has not purchased a Condor Bushlore should immediately do so.
 
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PayetteRucker said:
I'd kill for a martindale for under 20 bucks, especially the paratrooper... but I have no idea where to look as far as survey supply stores...
42, I agree, that cleaver would be a SICK survival knife.
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Lo Ink is an online surveying/engineering store.
 
I really like my Martindale Golok #2...

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This weekend I did some heavy chopping and batoning with it and it did great. Easy to sharpen with mil file. And is easy to pack. Sheath is not so great as the belt hoop gave way when I was way up a tree I was limbing. :o But that's an easy fix.
 
dunno if it counts , but the golocks from blades of java ( handles *may* need modifying slightly for huge hands like mine ) make seriously good users , I have a liking for diferential tempered springsteel tho now
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they are a littler higher priced than the $6 jobs tho,I think it was about $75 or so when I got mine
I grabbed a handmade machete thru ebay from the philipines , its my favorite at the moment . Again , it was more than $6 , it was nearer to $20
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If you don't mind my asking, who was the seller? I like it! :thumbup:
 
jarodelfin is the ebay seller I bought it off , the knife I got was good , Id go back again no hassles , but I dont remember his shipping being so high .. but I did buy in 08 too , mighta changed some over time
 
I've got a guy that I met on facebook who makes GREAT blades. I got a golok off of him for $60...plus $30 shipping :(
Back to the OP, I notice you said axe work. You may want to check out Condors Outback machete. I had nothing to do with the design on that one, but I wish I did. It is one tough tool and chops pretty well. Also, ontario makes a 20 version, but there isn't a taper so be ready for some heft.
 
I bought 20 Marbles Scouting Jungle Machetes for my Khmer Rangers back in November. They have been using and abusing them over the last 2 months here in the Cardamon Mountains of western Cambodia. Clearing lots of brush, destroying illegal camps with them, and cutting bamboo. You can not beat the price! (which is good as anything higher price would not have fit into project budget) $15 and comes with a decent sheath and sharpening stone. Better than anything I could find here in Cambodia, so brought back from the USA with me. Very comfy wood handle. I do like the orange blade, as gives my Khmers more of a visual reference when swinging so they don't chop their legs off by accident and when they set down in the bush they can find again.

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I have the Martindale Bolo Cleaver Machete arriving tomorrow or Sat. I have lots of work for it to do this week. I'll let you know how it does. Looks pretty hefty.
 

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Be good to hear your review of the bolo Trykon.

I was going to order the Marbles Bolos, but could not find enough in stock to get them in time before my plane departed.

I actually ordered though a Jungle and Bolo for myself, that are back sitting in up-opened package at house in Indiana. So will get to test out the bolo when return.

I am really surprised at the quality for the price. Everyone is shocked over here when I show them and tell them $15. They all think at least $50 or more. I can't even find a machete half as good, for cheaper over here.

Best deal over here though, in terms of field gear, are the Hammocks. $15 for a really good quality hammock with attached bug net.

Sheath is good, could be better if was kydex. But, thing is a Kydex sheath would probably end up costing me 3x what the whole package is! I am a big fan though of kydex. Safe and does not rot. Currently have a leather sheath on a Cold Steel LTC, and it is starting to rot out (cause I was too lazy to get around and have a Kydex made for it).
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
I have the Martindale Bolo Cleaver Machete arriving tomorrow or Sat. I have lots of work for it to do this week. I'll let you know how it does. Looks pretty hefty.
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Great example of taper on that piece. Feels lively in the hand while still having some heavy chopping power. :cool::thumbup: It's nearly identical to a WW1 British army bolo I have, but a little smaller and with a more coarse surface finish.
 
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