Best latin machete.

Sam Cade said:
The IMACASA 1820 "Classic" is the same profile in carbon steel without the back edge ground. The blade is 14.5"

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Also has a little distal taper to it, which is a plus. Personally I love the partial back edge, though. I wouldn't use a panga pattern machete without putting one on there.

And yes, I had the wood handled El Salvadors, but sold out of 'em. Hoping to get more in as soon as they're available, though. They're a slightly lighter build than the standard polypropylene model and pretty lively in the hand. The poly version is better for heavier targets, though.
 
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I could go either way with the back edge.

That spine side horn sure is handy for a lot of things, especially maneuvering cut vegetation around.

All else being equal, I'd rather have a tapanga than a panga since the square tip maximizes edge per length.

These are pretty much perfect I think.

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Incolma manufacture, despite the branding.
 
May have to take a hard look at the Tapanga. I like machetes.

The sharpened edge is handy for moving vegetation out of your way or rolling a log. Do wear gloves if you are doing much swinging.

I have the Cutlass Machete also. It's okay. I don't really use it much after I got the Condor Pack Golok. I find this one very useful for chopping, but it is heavy and I really don't want to carry it in its sheath out in the woods just to have it with me (unless I know I will use it). The handle may be a tad thick for my hands, but I find it okay. I am not big on blades flopping around on my leg as I walk. Also have the Condor Village Parang which I like also for chopping. It has the same handle as the Pack Golok and as I mentioned before, I find this shape comfortable to use.
 
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Sam Cade said:
All else being equal, I'd rather have a tapanga than a panga since the square tip maximizes edge per length.
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Not exactly. What it does is aids in shifting the concentration of mass as far forward as possible so it moves the sweet spot closer to the tip. :)
 
Your're right of course. What I should have said is that it maximizes straight edge per length.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
And yes, I had the wood handled El Salvadors, but sold out of 'em. Hoping to get more in as soon as they're available, though. They're a slightly lighter build than the standard polypropylene model and pretty lively in the hand. The poly version is better for heavier targets, though.
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I got one of the last ones! They are indeed fairly light and lively in hand, a very nice model, though it wouldn't be my first choice if I was gonna be chopping anything heavy either.
 
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skyhorse said:
The Tramontina has proved to be a real workhorse on cactus down here in the S/[URL=http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/blackhorse71/media/9D30A102-A7E7-404C-93BC-23868AF820DA_zpsu68enkt6.jpg.html][/URL]W.
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This is the one! I had one after Hurricane Katrina in Covington LA, an ice storm in Greenwood AR, and the tornado in Tuscaloosa, AL They are cheep less than $20.00 and you can shape the handle to suit your hand with a half round rasp. I can't say enough good things about a Tramontina! I now have 2 just because.
 
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Heavier condors showed up and look nice,haven't used them yet. Ordered a 18" military ontario and a 14" tramontina so I can try different name brands and lengths for cheaper machetes. Looking forward to trying all the mods on the tramontina,sharpening,sanding and staining handle,Maybe tennis handle wrap and making a kydex sheath.
 
I've had several machetes over the years, and the 14" Tram is my favorite all arounder for a cheap but reliable whacker. A Fiddleback of the same size is on my short list. Not something I would want to smack into the dirt, but Andy crafts a hellova handle.
 
Tramontina. I bought 3 Tramontinas for a total of $23 from a vendor at the swapshop (guy gave a discount on them) will upload pics in a second
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My Tramontina 14" bolo has been great on Florida brush. It just saved a $10 fishing lure that I had to hack to get at. Not the best cut path, but I was in a hurry this morning. My sheath is a cardboard and duct tape monstrosity that I made just to keep it secure in the truck. To embarrassing to show!
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I was by that big knife store near the Smoky Mts today and was looking at machetes. Picked up the wood handled Condor El Salvador and the Viking. Was hoping to see a Tramontina (as I don't own one), but perhaps they don't carry that line. I really think the El Salvador is going to work real well for me. The handle is nearly perfect for my hands as it came.

As far as sheaths go, I would consider getting a similar sized Condor with the leather sheath and just rotate other similar sized machetes into it. Some people make them with heated and flattened pvc pipe. A kydex sheath would be just about perfect, but it would probably cost more than the machete. Hope you enjoy your choices.
 
You could also weave a basket from a palm frond, then carry your bush knife (machete) in it, along with coconuts, taro, banana and breadfruit. Right On with the belt clip.
:D
 
I was looking at the Ontario Woodscraft machete. This machete is much more nicely done than most Ontarios I have seen. It comes with a fire steel (pouch in canvas sheath), but rather on the pricey side ($100+ at that store). I wasn't impressed with the sheath, but I didn't look it over real carefully.
 
22-rimfire said:
I was looking at the Ontario Woodscraft machete. This machete is much more nicely done than most Ontarios I have seen. It comes with a fire steel (pouch in canvas sheath), but rather on the pricey side ($100+ at that store). I wasn't impressed with the sheath, but I didn't look it over real carefully.
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Poor value if you ask me. :(
 
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