BOB machete recommendations?

T

TommyRuss

Joined
Apr 14, 2009
Messages
7
Currently in process of putting together my Bug Out Bag. I was hoping for some machete recommendations.

Price really isn't an object, but I would rather not spend more than $125. Also, the blade will probably see light use outside of of the BOB.

(apologies if this thread is in the wrong forum)
 
Ontario Knife Co. 12in or 18in Machete or the "econo model" of the same ones - only difference being thickness of blade by 1mm or so for the econo. None are more than ~$20.

any maybe this would be better in the sword forum? but oh well :)
 
For a bob, I agree get an Ontario. A 12" is best I think. For that purpose, they're ideal and you'll save yourself about $100. Use that money to fill in the rest of your bag or better yet a small belt sander and belts so you can sharpen that edge up properly and you'll be in good shape.

Welcome to BF!
 
I haven't babied the 14" bolo and it's held up. For $6 it's got to be one of the best deals in knifedom.

Frank
 
I'd check out some of the offerings from Condor. Your BOB deserves better. ;)
 
+1 on the Condor stuff. They are releasing a new line shortly that looks really, really nice. I'm waiting to get the new Bolo machete as soon as it's released.
 
you can get a 14 inch Tramontina Bolo Machete for under 10 bucks They are imported from Brazil ( a place where people need to use there machetes) and 90 percent of the machet using population there uses Tramontina.. They have thin blades which enable them to whip through light vegetation. They will chop wood but lack the weight and thickness to be as efficient at it as a Hawk or axe or even a larger Bowie.. Theydo chop well hopwever, and can handle abusive batoning despite there thinish spines.. THe come dull as dirt though so some reprofiling will be in order if you want to optimize you performance. I've read in some places that Ontarios can chip while cutting hard wood..Tramontinas don't have the edge retention of the Ontario, but the Softer steel prevents them from chipping.
 
Hi all my first post here since joining the other day. I would recommend the Ontario mine has gone through hell and back camping and hunting here in Florida. I would also suggest the herd sheath for it.
 
Carolina River Rat said:
Another +1 for Condor. Also, even though it pains me to say it, Cold Steel makes good machetes.
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I've been impressed enough by mine for a beater piece, but the South African ones are only so-so, and the handles on the Chinese ones can twist in the hand if you strike a glancing blow.
 
Ontario, Tram, or Cold Steel in that order. If you are looking for more of a large knife - RTAK II, Raider Bowie, HI Kuk, RD9, others will do.
 
If you want to be able to chop with it, get any of the standard Ontario's.
If you want thin, whip slice get the Ontario econo model

They can take a serious beating and have a very good heat treat.

There is a reason BRKT uses Ontario machetes as blanks for their machetes, and then sell them for $125+ - its the SAME machete with a different handle and edge profile, nothing more.
 
Personally, I use either a spear point CS machete (which is a true beater) or Gerber Gator machete. I really don't think you could go wrong with either, and they're both quite inexpensive.
 
...what did you decide to go with? Let us know.


I know people around here have a problem supporting CS, but I will be the first to admit that, when I was 15 (20 years ago), CS's advertising was what attracted me to higher quality knives (admit it fellas, they got you, too). So many companies (and people) use the 'EXTREME TESTING' schtick. In my memory, Cold Steel was the first (tanto through a car door). SOG followed with the blade cutting a fired round (really not a big deal as I've come to see).

Hype aside, CS's machetes are some of the best IMHO. My B.O.B. contains a CS spear point machete (through the straps, just so I don't forget it), a magnesium fire-starter, my old-school all VG10 Fallkniven A1, a BM T-SEK (as a back-up to my EDC), and a Ka-Bar LH Bowie. Oh yeah, and the other required essentials for northern MN (it's a big bag, but not too big, or heavy, to carry).

I love parentheses and hyphens.:jerkit:
 
J.Davey said:
I know people around here have a problem supporting CS, but I will be the first to admit that, when I was 15 (20 years ago), CS's advertising was what attracted me to higher quality knives (admit it fellas, they got you, too). So many companies (and people) use the 'EXTREME TESTING' schtick. In my memory, Cold Steel was the first (tanto through a car door).
Click to expand...

I'll admit it...

My first higher quality folder was a CS Gunsite with a 4" blade. The knife held up well for a year or two, then I moved on to Benchmades and Spyderco. Maybe Cold Steel could be argued as a "gateway" knife company.

I won't buy any of their knives because I wasn't impressed by their crappy design (plastic clip that's part of the handle?) and customer service (I had a knife sheath that didn't fit well, they acted like I was a jerk for calling and asking for a new one), but I like their machetes and tomahawks just fine.
 
RatDrall said:
I'll admit it...

My first higher quality folder was a CS Gunsite with a 4" blade. The knife held up well for a year or two, then I moved on to Benchmades and Spyderco. Maybe Cold Steel could be argued as a "gateway" knife company.

I won't buy any of their knives because I wasn't impressed by their crappy design (plastic clip that's part of the handle?) and customer service (I had a knife sheath that didn't fit well, they acted like I was a jerk for calling and asking for a new one), but I like their machetes and tomahawks just fine.
Click to expand...


contact them a again, is my advice.

lynn thompson might not be Mister Personality, but he takes care of his customers.

he does a lot of nice things.

vec
 
vector001 said:
contact them a again, is my advice.

lynn thompson might not be Mister Personality, but he takes care of his customers.

he does a lot of nice things.

vec
Click to expand...

Agreed. I don't care for LT, their marketing style, or for the fact that their stuff's made in China, but they do make some good blades. I'm especially fond of their cheaper stuff, like the Bushman knives and their machetes. The smaller latin machete, with the sheath with all the pockets, is great.
 
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