Best blade for chopping limbs and clearing paths

J

jmp343

Joined
Jul 8, 1999
Messages
149
I usually carry a cheap machete for this purpose. It's more work than it's worth. What is the best blade for cutting limbs and who makes it?

Jeff
 
Jeff,

Its hard to top a good machete for trail maintenance. Can you tell what you are using now and what you like and dislike about it? BTW how much are you planing to spend on this?




[This message has been edited by not2sharp (edited 09-23-2000).]
 
I went for the BK&T Brute. It is a little heavy, but it clears all types of growth well. What's more, it can do a bunch of other things. I did a review on it some time back, give that a look and tell us what you think.

steve in nyc


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What we do today in life...echoes in eternity...
Every man dies...not every man lives...
 
I would recomend the Himalayan Imports Khukuries (they have a forum in the Knife Manufacturers section). They have a long blade that works well for brush but they are also a little heavier so they make effective choppers. There are a lot of designs to choose from so you can get one that best matches your work (I like the Ang Khola OL=16.5" weight=2.25lbs).

I have heard the Ghurka House also makes some good khukuries but I dont have any experience with them.
 
For large limbs nothing beats a chainsaw. If you have to be portable then go with a hand ax. If it's more than just limbs you're clearing, where light vegetation comes into play, then you need something with a thin edge profile...machetes are what I've found to be the best at this.

I guess it depends on the quality of machete you are using. Kmart machetes usually bend after the first good whack into a limb. Buy an Ontario or Barteaux, throw it on the belt sander to profile a good edge and you'll be happy. If you really want an awesome machete then go with the Martindale jungle blade....they come from the factory with an edge that needs no re-profiling to work

The only problem I have found with some Kukris and some of the heavier chopping type blades is the edge is not as good for real light vegetation. I like a machete I can cut grass with by duckwalking across a field as well as doing light chopping.

Jeff

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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com
 
Both of those blades are fine camp tools (I have copies of both) but they are far heavier and shorter than a mid=size machete. Might as well mention the Busse knife line as it will undoubtably come up next, as well as the Cold Steel trail master, Greco, Randall, Brend, Stryder, Fowler, and many other maker's of fine camp/survival knives. There are many good choices, which is best, depends on your objectives, wallet, and strategy.
 
Go to the himalayan imports forum and do a search on the 25 inch kobra. It is thinner and lighter than the ang khola and has a longer reach. It really goes through branches well and would clear a trail. It is my favorite. The question is do you want to spend the money. A machete is less than 1/10 the price. If money is not a concern and you just want a blade that feels good and cuts like a lightsaber go to the HI forum and talk to Uncle Bill. Kobra, Kobra, Kobra!
 
Thanks Guys. I've actually been out using that cheap machete today at the hunting club.

I think I'm going to take Jeff Randalls lead and get a quality machete. Thanks Jeff.

Jeff
 
It depends on what you are cutting. Thin and somewhat long machetes are best for light brush and thin branches. If the material is light you need the thinness and high speed of a light and long blade to zip through it. If much of the material is hard and thick, such that your blade sticks in the material, you are better off with a thicker blade with a more obtuse bevel. This will cut deep, yet be easier to remove from limbs that don't cut in a single whack.

One interesting option for trail clearing is a "brush hook". See link:

http://www.nationalfirefighter.com/mc4_detail.phtml?id=93&cid=6
 
I would say for very light brush,a good old Goverment issue machete should do nicely.I really have not used them very often.I sa an ad a long time ago for some company called Miami Machete that had some nice looking machetes that looked good for heavy cutting,but I don't have personal experience with that type of machete.Regards,Ralph
 
For clearing shooting lanes during hunting season, I use a Sandvik folding saw and a Barteaux machete.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
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