Good, sturdy, chesp cutlass...

[OverUseOfMachetes]

I dont know what got into me, but all of a sudden i've wanted a cutlass style sword that'a not too flimsy like the condor bush cutlass bit in a similar price range...

 

[baeleg]

I haven't handled the Condor, but the Cold Steel Cutlass machete seems pretty sturdy and is inexpensive. I picked one up from Baryonyx.

 

[G. Scott H.]

The Cold Steel cutlass machete is probably your best bet. The cheapest usable "actual" cutlasses are going to be the Windlass 1860 naval cutlass at around $125 or Cold Steel's 1917 at around $160. If you don't mind something longer, Windlass' 1860 Union cavalry saber can be had for about $90. I've had one for about 7-8 years, and while it's only a rough approximation of the actual sword and much thinner, it's proven to be a super durable backyard beater. It developed a small amount of play in the hilt after a couple years, but the tang is peened, so a bit of work with a ball peen hammer with the sword clamped in a vise took care of that. I think mine was like $79 back when I bought it. About the best money I've ever spent on a cheap sword. :thumbup:

Btw, the Windlasses come dull, but they're very easy to sharpen with a file and some fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper on a piece of wood.

 

[bdcochran]

Have both Condor and Cold Steel (the one released this year for $30). Ultimately, both will get the job done.

When evaluating a machete, I suggest that you pay close attention to the review descriptions of the handles. You will want to avoid blisters.