How to effectively use a machete

Are the top blades from Martindale? I am interested in the blade and the shealth. Any idea how much does the Sheatlh coause in Brazilian doallor?
 
The top blade is a 14 inch Tramontina Bolo. They are actually hard to find here.

I pay about $6 - $10 for the sheaths in US dollars. What that means here varies. The trouble with these sheaths is that you have to search around to find them. It's not like you just walk into Wal-Mart and pick one up. They are hand made in small numbers and sold in odd places like rural feed stores. Mac
 
Hi acewire,

I'm from Sing too although I've been overseas for some time. I would second Ravaillac on going local.

Have you tried going to Malaysia to pick up a parang from a local store there? You shouldn't neet one any longer than 14". I don't know how easily you can carry it in through customs -- best check with arms and explosives division first.

However, it will probably cost you very little to pick one of those up and it will be an interesting test for you to see how local blades stack up against all these other exotic blades we hear about in BF. Afterall the Tramontina's are a local blade for most South Americans and so are the panga knives in South african and they are all very well regarded. Try something made in Malaysia and see how it goes -- maybe you can go to some of the palm oil or banana plantations and see what they use and ask where they get them. It will be an interesting trip. Good luck.

P.S. What are you cutting that a machete cannot get through?
 
alephlex said:
Hi acewire,

I'm from Sing too although I've been overseas for some time. I would second Ravaillac on going local.

Have you tried going to Malaysia to pick up a parang from a local store there? You shouldn't neet one any longer than 14". I don't know how easily you can carry it in through customs -- best check with arms and explosives division first.

However, it will probably cost you very little to pick one of those up and it will be an interesting test for you to see how local blades stack up against all these other exotic blades we hear about in BF. Afterall the Tramontina's are a local blade for most South Americans and so are the panga knives in South african and they are all very well regarded. Try something made in Malaysia and see how it goes -- maybe you can go to some of the palm oil or banana plantations and see what they use and ask where they get them. It will be an interesting trip. Good luck.

P.S. What are you cutting that a machete cannot get through?
Click to expand...

To avoid customs, mail it home!!:)
 
Hi alephlex, I am currently doing some WWII relic exploration and need a steady and cheap machete to cut my way around the vines and bushes.

BTW, it's very difficult to mail it into Singapore, they will still stop your baggae and remove the knive from your baggage.
 
Ok ... (deep breath) ... you guys are going to kill me for suggesting this. But I'll try anyway.

Acwire, have you considered using a cleaver if you can't get a machete? I know this is unconventional but in view of the strict customs regulations, would one of the cleavers you can get in sing with the narrower blades (more rectangular than square) work? My wife has one with a wicked 9 inch long , 3.5 inch wide and a 2 -2.5mm thick blade with wooden scales. I know this is unconventional but if you cannot get your hands on a parang or machete, this might be the way to go. It is too short for the short of work you want to do but it will work better than an axe or any of the kabars etc. Especially if you take out the wooden handle scales and put in longer ones.

I'm trying to think of a practical solution here and yes, it isn't as cool as a parang! :o)

Good luck
 
Oh, I didn't think of that! haha!
I could get hold of some axes in my country, but they are too bulky and are pretty obvious weapon when I walk on the street.

I do have a Becker BK1 at home though, not sure if it is good enough for the job.
 
I've not bothered reading the whole thread, but in case someone hasn't mentioned it the only good cutting technique for vegetation that requires more than one swing is as follows;

1; strike trunk/branch with a cut minus 45 degrees to perpendicular.
2; strike " " " " with a cut 45 degrees opposite ie; *plus* 45 degrees perpendicular.

3; repeat.

- what happens here is that the wood will 'chip off'. By that I mean it will break along the wood grain between the two cuts and fly off thus saving you heaps of work. You then repeat until you have cut through the wood or you have cut it enough that you can break it using your body. Just like using an axe- google wood-chopping competitions and you will see what I mean.

Apologies to those that know this already.
When cutting through jungle vines or just small bush- secateurs are far more energy efficient and totally quiet. Here in Australia, special forces use them for all jungle work that requires stealth.
 
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