Can someone recommend me a Machete?

[bmilla35]

Hey guys...it's about time I get a machete. It's close berry picking season and I could really use one to help clear all the surrounding brush (along with other uses). Can anyone lead me in the right way of finding one?

I was leaning towards one that Joezilla posted a few weeks ago, found here: http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerc...ode=Brand&Brand=398&PriceStart=&SKU=CTK2020HC

Unfortunately, they are out of stock. I am on a college student budget and would rather not go much past the amound given there. Does anyone have experience with that or any other that they would like a recommend?

Thanks for any help ahead of time.

 

[RescueRiley]

14 inch tramotina bolo Send it to one of our industrious folks for a good sharpening.... or for about 50 bucks you can contack Brian andrews and get a customized Ontario that will slice atoms in half

 

[Guyon]

I like the Tramontina bolos myself. About $6 + shipping at SMKW.

They also have some longer Tramontinas (18", 22", and 24") if you're worried about getting into briars.

 

[bmilla35]

I like the Tramontina bolos myself. About $6 + shipping at SMKW.

They also have some longer Tramontinas (18", 22", and 24") if you're worried about getting into briars.

Excuse my ignorance, what is SMKW? lol

Will it need sharpened? If so, I have no problem sending it to someone if they offer that (sending it directly there would be even better)

A longer version would be better, but it isn't necessary

 

[Carolina River Rat]

Excuse my ignorance, what is SMKW? lol

Will it need sharpened? If so, I have no problem sending it to someone if they offer that (sending it directly there would be even better)

A longer version would be better, but it isn't necessary

SMKW=Smoky Mountain Knife Works. While you're on their site looking at Tramontinas, also look and Condor's machetes. Good stuff.

 

[HikingMano]

I placed an order for the 18" Condor in Carbon Steel on SMKW since I didn't mind waiting for it, but it sounds like you need one soon. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably go with a Tramontina also and have someone here put on a wicked edge for me. My guess is that a Tram and sending it out for sharpening will come out to not much more than the Condor 18" El Salvador w/ shipping. I don't think Trams come with sheaths though, unless I'm mistaken, so keep that in mind :thumbup:.

 

[bmilla35]

I placed an order for the 18" Condor in Carbon Steel on SMKW since I didn't mind waiting for it, but it sounds like you need one soon. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably go with a Tramontina also and have someone here put on a wicked edge for me. My guess is that a Tram and sending it out for sharpening will come out to not much more than the Condor 18" El Salvador w/ shipping. I don't think Trams come with sheaths though, unless I'm mistaken, so keep that in mind :thumbup:.

Yeah you just beat me too it...good thinking. That is definitely a plus. If I have to spend a little bit more for another model I will.

The Tramontina's look good though, and the price is definitely right. I'll just have to try and figure out whether or not I really need a sheath

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

I picked up the biggest Martindale for less than what you are looking to spend, but I did not get the sheath. I do have briars to deal with which prompted the extra long blade purchase. In any other regard, it does not seem necessary to have the extra length.

http://www.loink.com/product/891/44

Perhaps you could invest in sending whatever you purchase to Siguy in CT for a convex edge. At one point he was offering the first sharpening order at no charge. I'm not sure about shipping fees.

 

[mneedham]

+1 for the Tram bolo, hard to beat for the price...

 

[Kennr]

What's the general opinion of the Corona machete found at Home Depot?

 

[bmilla35]

+1 for the Tram bolo, hard to beat for the price...

Yeah the price seems great...and since everyone keeps recommending it, it can't be crap lol. The biggest deal is it doesn't come with a sheath. I am still debating about it

 

[mneedham]

Yeah the price seems great...and since everyone keeps recommending it, it can't be crap lol. The biggest deal is it doesn't come with a sheath. I am still debating about it

Pict, one of the resident machete gurus here, recommends sanding the grips even with the tang. I do that with all my Trams now, makes them a lot easier on the hand.. I've had my Tram bolo for years, it just quietly does it's job...

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Given your money situation, go with a Tram. If you ever have the cash (I managed to, though I'm a college student myself) go for a Condor. I have three and they're my absolute favorites. I do a tone of machete work, and I haven't found better.

 

[bmilla35]

Given your money situation, go with a Tram. If you ever have the cash (I managed to, though I'm a college student myself) go for a Condor. I have three and they're my absolute favorites. I do a tone of machete work, and I haven't found better.

Glad to see i'm not alone. Good luck in the future :thumbup:

I've managed to get the extra money...and was looking forward to the condor. It seems to be bad timing, with it being out of stock and all.

What do you guys think about the other models (that is, those other than the El Savador)?

 

[dawsonbob]

If I understand it correctly, bmilla35, the Condor carbon machetes aren't scheduled for production until July (Joezilla would have a better idea than I do). However, Condor makes a whole line of stainless machetes that are readily available, and are pretty highly rated. If you can't wait for the carbon, then check out the stainless. Personally, I'm waiting for the carbon bolo.

 

[bmilla35]

If I understand it correctly, bmilla35, the Condor carbon machetes aren't scheduled for production until July (Joezilla would have a better idea than I do). However, Condor makes a whole line of stainless machetes that are readily available, and are pretty highly rated. If you can't wait for the carbon, then check out the stainless. Personally, I'm waiting for the carbon bolo.

Interesting. Maybe he will chime in soon and tell us what he knows.

Does anyone have any other experience with the Martindale Crocs mentioned above?

 

[HikingMano]

I thought the Condor carbon el salvador machetes were already made and the Bolo's weren't in production yet? Anyway, maybe I misunderstood Joe's earlier thread.

You can back order the item if you wish (what I did) and they'll ship it too you when they get it in. In the meantime, you can go with a Tram Bolo or one other options mentioned here :thumbup:. I'd probably just go Tram, and if I still feel the urge for a Condor, get them when they're in stock.

 

[dawsonbob]

I think rksoon pretty much nailed it. The Trams are so cheap that you could get one of those now, and pick up the carbon Condor when they're available.

rksoon; I could be wrong, but I got the impression that all of Condor's new stuff was slated for production in July. A couple of people picked some up at the Blade show, but they weren't actual production pieces. I'm waiting for the bolo, and a lot of people are waiting for the goloks. I guess several places have them for pre-order, but nobody's shipping yet (that I know of).

 

[TheGame]

If I were you, I would get the Tram if they don't have Condors in stock. That being said, since everyone else said it already, I needn't say they don't come with sheaths.

 

[HikingMano]

rksoon; I could be wrong, but I got the impression that all of Condor's new stuff was slated for production in July. A couple of people picked some up at the Blade show, but they weren't actual production pieces. I'm waiting for the bolo, and a lot of people are waiting for the goloks. I guess several places have them for pre-order, but nobody's shipping yet (that I know of).

You're probably right dawsonbob, I haven't been closely following Condor's new line up and schedule :thumbup:.