Esee lite machete vs. fiddleback machete

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
Messages
2,232
These look like the top two machetes on the market - which is better? Andy's handle appears to be more ergonomic. And, if you would go with the Fiddleback, what length is most useful - I'm leaning 18", but the 12" looks so great in some of the reviews.
 
um... the top machete on the market is IMHO the Tops .230...

Fiddleback is a close second

of course, before i'd buy a 12" machete, i'd buy the new Scrapyard 1311... i know, because i just did

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I like the look of the Fiddleback one more.
If I were buying a high end machete, that's the one I'd go for.

18 inch for extended machete usage, 12 inch for hiking.
 
I've owned and used both quite a bit. The ESEE Lite is a great machete, standard bush style blade. Like all micarta handles, if you are using it like a machete, it gets slick with sweat and grime. But the hook on the end, really lets you grip and rip, even when its gunked up.

I've had 3 sizes of the FBF, including one of the proto 12"s. Great blades, and Andy does the best handles in the biz, IMO. FBF is the only knives I collect for the sake of collecting, with one of his burlap bushcrafters being a solid user that I EDC quite often. The best size in his machete's, again, IMO, is the 18". Good size, good weight and good handle. BUT.... like
I said about micarta, I find it gets slick about about hour 2 of a good bushwacking session, sans the hook though. I use a lanyard to ensure safety. My ESEE, not so much.

The ESEE has a more blocked off handle, that feels just like a machete handle, with the FBF feeling more like a custom knife handle.

My recommendation, the ESEE Lite, if you are looking for something that feels, and acts more like a tradition machete would. FBF if you are gonna be using it for more "knife" type stuff.

Hope this helps ya out.

Moose
 
If you dont want to spend the $$$ for the esee, you can buy the condor eco lite which is the same machete that esee uses, they just use a different handle material.
 
Can't add much here, except to say the steel in both are pretty much the same, both excellent for machete purposes. It's the edges that will differ, and of course blade shape, and handles. Blade quality is the same.
I have a medium size hand, and so I sanded down my ESEE lite's handle, where I just ran with my FBF 14". If I were buying them over, I'd get the FBF 18", just for the handle, but that's my hand/short fingers making that decision, not based on quality.

The TOPS machete may be nice, but it's 1/8" thick and therefore a different type of machete, any Ontario is a great starting point for a good machete.
 
If you don't already have some machetes, I would reccomend buying an Ontario and a Condor or two for cheap and trying them out for a while to find out what will suit your needs. My favorite right now is the 18 inch Ontario (after contouring the handle) because a thicker machete suits me well. Practice and skill will make a much bigger difference than the machete.
 
Both blades are Imacasa steel. That 12" FBF is a great all arounder, thick to.

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Moose
 
I'd just get a plain Jane Imacasa. Same thing as the ESEE with a simple handle. I have old Collins Legitimus models which were made in Guatemala that my dad got on Army-Navy stores back in the 60...still going strong. Those Central American machetes are the way to go. You just have to take a whole different approach to the edge. Just file it, don't worry about a burr, etc.
 
Between the ESEE Lite and the Fiddleback I'd go with the Fiddleback, but you'll have to get a sheath for it. My favorite from the FBF line is actually the 16". Love the blade shape.

Personally I prefer a solid injection molded polypropylene handle over any of the fancy materials. :D

Personally I disagree about having to take a different approach to your edge. Keep that puppy stupid-sharp! You can get by with a coarse edge with a file, for sure, but I prefer polishing mine up on the belt sander and maintaining it with a Jewelstick "stubby" diamond steel. Tucks right in my back pocket.
 
Another good one thats packable, sturdy and light with a great L6 steel is the Svord Kiwi. machete
 
I'd go with the FB and have Wildmanh make you an awesome sheath, but I'm biased as Andy and Heber are good friends of mine:)
 
I have the 18" Fiddle back. The handle's size and shape are wonderful and aid in the use of such a long blade. It cuts like a razor through all types foliage.
It is a bit big for backbacking & would scare sheeple...Best of luck on your quest.
J.
 
If I were buying another machete it would be a simple Imacasa (maker/heat-treater of the Fiddleback Forge machete) or Tramontina.
Of course, I hear it's hard to beat the handle and edge that Fiddleback Forge puts on the Imacasa blank.

Concerning which machete length, I prefer longer, thinner machetes because they work better for brush because you can get a faster swing speed.
Any size will be able to chop well enough. 18" gets my vote.

Now... if you can find a CPM-3V machete, let me know. :D
 
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