Help Picking A Machete

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DebX36

Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
41
I'm not entirely too traverse with machetes, and have usually stuck with the likes of the $20~ Ontario and Cold Steel machetes. I am looking for a nice all around machete. Something thin and light enough to swing for hours (I have a good amount of time swinging large blades, other machetes and axes) but also thick and hefty enough to baton if needed. I was thinking something between 1/10" and 1/5" thick. Anything between a 14-20" blade. Handle materials, I prefer Micarta or wood, but am open to any. Blade styles, I prefer a bolo, latin, or slight kukri (Nothing overly aggressive - Cold Steel's $20 kukri is a perfect kukri shape for me) Any recommendations are welcome! I'd like to buy 2 - one thats under $50 for a beater, and one under $100 for a nice end all do all SHTF blade
 
For swinging I recommend the Condor Speed Machete (great handle)

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Yup--lots of Condors that fit the bill. Another vote for the Speed Machete--it's a great design that doesn't get enough praise.
 
It works fine on stuff forearm thick and smaller. Good for kindling generation.
 
I can see that for making kindling, but the OP says "thick and heavy enough to baton if needed," makes it sound like OP is talking about whacking real hard on the spine..
 
For the cheap one, look at Tramontina, or Imacasa. Great value for dollar. I haven't any experience with the expensive ones, unless you count the Woodman's pal (fantastic hard use cutting tool, by the way)as a Machete.
 
I meant for small splitting of wood. Chances are I'd have a esee 5 or even hatchet, but if I can or want to only take one blade, I prefer a machete and would like for it to hold up to the job if needed
 
You might want to check out condor, tromontina, or the marbles machetes made In El Salvador ( one bonus with the marbles is the orange blades so you won't loose it )
 
I'm definitely giving several condors a look. Both the economy and premium El Salvador/Latin styles and the speed machete
 
DebX36 said:
I meant for small splitting of wood. Chances are I'd have a esee 5 or even hatchet, but if I can or want to only take one blade, I prefer a machete and would like for it to hold up to the job if needed
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And if you need to do big stuff, use wooden wedges. Score a line in the top of the piece to be split to spread the wood fibers, insert the wedge, then drive it home. The wedge'll get chewed up, but use a long enough piece of wood and you can just keep re-pointing it as needed.
 
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