Esee Junglas or 12" Ontario machete

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Aug 21, 2002
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Ok it's machete season and I like the looks the Esee Junglas but I already have the 12" ontario machete. Would the Junglas be just a more expensive version of what I already have?

Thanks,
 
It's a different kind of edged tool--more of a large chopping knife than a machete. Get it! :D
 
A Junglas isn't really a machete as much as a big knife. It is for hard wood.
 
I have the junglas and the machete. I recently got a Kabar cutlass machete. For $50 ( probably less) it is one wicked chopper. The sheath ( back-open kukri style) isn't too bad either and has a dangler attachment which I like. If you got the money the Junglas is a wicked knife and great chopper , but if you want something less expensive that combines machete/large knife attributes , the Cutlass is a good buy and not as blade heavy like a kukri.:)
 
I think the Ontario Cutlass has more power to the chop. I like both, if the Ontario had a much better handle, material and ergonomics, then it would be a much better blade.
Also, with the Ontario, you will need to improve the edge, cause there is little to no edge.

Junglas comes sharp, has a great handle, and an excellent sheath, it is well worth it. If, on the other hand, you can mod the handle, convex the edge, and obtain a good sheath, then you have a great chopper.

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I like both, and wanted a thicker, longer Junglas, with the fatter tip, so...the Culberson Bolok

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The Ontario will do more "machete" work easier than the Junglas will or I should actually say it will do the work with less strain on you because of the weight. But if you just want a big chopper that is indestructible the Junglas fits the bill.
 
ontario 12" machete is a totally different kind of blade from a Junglas.
thinner, lighter, faster in hand.
the Ontario will whisk through thin, light stuff with less fatigue than the Junglas.
The Junglas will chop through thicker stuff with less effort because of its weight and adge geometry. It will also split and chop wood somewhat better.
If you're not doing a lot of wood processing, and are happy with the Ontario, you don't need the Junglas. (Want, however, is a totally different animal -- if you can afford it, it's a great blade)

Another bargain alternative to both would be the Condor Golok -- 14" of distally tapered chopping/slashing goodness.
 
I've been tempted many times by the Junglas, but my current collection of machetes seems to handle just about any situation I need them to. My current all-around favorite is a 12" Ontario rehandled by Greg Haugh and convexed by Scott Gossman. It's a beast! A very close second is the Condor Golok. And for a heavy-duty beater, I have my Condor bolo. I like the Junglas and all, but I've come to realize I'm just a machete kind of fellow.
 
I dont own a Junglas, I do have a few Ontario's. My only gripe is the revits come loose in the handles. I usually rehandle the ones I really count on

A good convex grind really wakes them up ! The 1095 holds a edge notibly longer then others.

A Machete addiction can make knife addictions look like a hobby
 
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