I know you guys hate this but . . .

trestle

trestle

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Feb 2, 2008
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Can someone post a link or tell me where to go? ;)

I need information on machetes. Is there a thread somewhere that covers them or a section of the forum? Please include any info that you might consider helpful and pics are always good.

I have a whole lot of brush and blackberries to clear and I've used every hand and power tool known to man over the years. Field mowers, weed-eaters, brush-hogs on tractors, D&R's, loppers, shears, scythes, I've even put my hedge-trimmer attachment on my weed-eater and chopped up those aggravating berry vines. But, this year I feel like trying a new technique and chopping down invasive species is so rewarding:thumbup:

If any of you need something to chop, come on over, we have several acres worth to keep hacked back and the mountain views are rewarding.

Thanks again for holding my hand and helping me with my decisions; I hope to be a valuable member someday as well.
 
crm3137 said:
Can someone post a link or tell me where to go? ;)
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First, "Darn brother, I can't believe you said that". :eek:

Thanks again for holding my hand and helping me with my decisions; I hope to be a valuable member someday as well.
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Someone asking for information. I don't think that should call for an apology. :cool: I wish I knew something- my luck with machetes hasn't been that good either though they are certainly valuable. I'd like to hear something on this topic as well. I think this is a good question. :D
 
There's no special forum section for machetes, so I think you've asked in the right place.

I used to caretake on a farm in Arkansas, and worked in the National Forests there, and have plenty of brush/vine/briar experience.

My own machete is a very inexpensive Tromontina. Works as good as any other vine-cutting tools I've used.

Have you tried matches (control burning), for a semi-permanent solution? Mowing regularly so the area doesn't become overgrown to begin with? Round-Up works great, but would be a rather expensive solution if you have several acres.

-----------
Wandering a bit OT now, away from bladed objects...
I also noticed that the worst areas were where the land had been mucked up - old clearcuts, bulldozed areas, and abandoned fields. You didn't mention what area you live in, but beginning to return the land back to a natural deep-forest, along with control burning, would be the ideal long-term solution. Assuming your land had been forest to begin with...

Edited again to add:
Spraying a large area with RoundUp, there would be no way to avoid spraying desirable plants. So when the briars came back in a year or two, they'd really come back with a vengence since there'd be nothing to compete with them.
 
Tramontinas are far better than their price would indicate. I've also been very pleased with the bolos from Reflections of Asia. The couple of Martindales I've used had pretty rough F&F for the price- horrible bevels and poor wood to metal fit. Ontario machetes have a good rep but I don't have first hand experience with them.

Frank
 
crm3137 said:
As long as you have a C-130 I could borrow to apply it with
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If you have such a large patch of backberries than you would need a C-130 to spread the Roundup, how many guys with machetes would you need?

Asking us to buy the story of all the things you claim to have used on the blackberries and now want to go after them with a machete is a little beyond belief.

I've had a little experience with cutting out blackberries and I don't think using a machete to get rid of a acres of balckberries is not a very good idea, IMHO.

If you use something like Roundup, a section at a time, you won't have to keep hacking the stuff back nearly so much every year.
 
I've had a little experience with cutting out blackberries and I don't think using a machete to get rid of a really large patch is a very good idea, IMHO.
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The worst part is having all of the thorned branched whipping around after they're cut off. Then you still need a fire to get rid of the cut brush. Burn them in place, problem partially solved.
 
Bob W said:
The worst part is having all of the thorned branched whipping around after they're cut off. Then you still need a fire to get rid of the cut brush. Burn them in place, problem partially solved.
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Exactly right.
 
Bob,
Thanks for the tips. Yes, I'm talking about fields that were cleared for grazing that are now becoming overgrown. We are in the process of re-planting a small forest but that takes time and the vines have to be kept back so the new trees get sunlight. This is why we can't use a field mower anymore and why I am looking for a more selective tool.

Rich, let me clarify. The machete will be used for trimming back vines from areas where there are desirable plants, trees, and shrubs growing and I want to be able to selectively chop the offending canes. I have large areas to clear and small areas, each takes a different tool. If you care to question my motives further, get your butt up here and get to work since you do have a littleexperience with cutting out blackberries.

If you've ever used RoundUp on a large area of offending growth, then you know how inefficient and costly it is and the harm it can cause to plants you want to keep (like my apple, plum, and pear trees, daffodils, irises, lilacs, winter berry, japanese maples, my vegetable garden etc.)
 
Can't burn in place, too close to habitations and our shop buildings. We use the tractor (loader bucket) to pile them up and then make a big fire.

My question was about machetes, not on how to get rid of blackberries.
 
Start a burning program. I've roughly 50 acres of planted pines and the best and cheapest way to get ahead of unwanted under brush is to burn it. Consult a forester. I don't know how big your area is. When I moved into my current house it had a "natural" area that was mostly privet and briars, about 20yards by 10 yards I burned it and have been using roundup to keep the undesirables down.
 
We are surrounded by residences and field grass dominates. I don't know if you've ever seen a grass fire but they move quickly and our neighbors just aren't down with a "controlled burn." And our county has a burn ban for about 10 months of the year, it tends to be damp most of the year and the green vines just don't burn that well.

But what about the original thread, information on machetes?
 
crm3137 said:
Bob,
Thanks for the tips. Yes, I'm talking about fields that were cleared for grazing that are now becoming overgrown. We are in the process of re-planting a small forest but that takes time and the vines have to be kept back so the new trees get sunlight. This is why we can't use a field mower anymore and why I am looking for a more selective tool.

Rich, let me clarify. The machete will be used for trimming back vines from areas where there are desirable plants, trees, and shrubs growing and I want to be able to selectively chop the offending canes. I have large areas to clear and small areas, each takes a different tool. If you care to question my motives further, get your butt up here and get to work since you do have a littleexperience with cutting out blackberries.

If you've ever used RoundUp on a large area of offending growth, then you know how inefficient and costly it is and the harm it can cause to plants you want to keep (like my apple, plum, and pear trees, daffodils, irises, lilacs, winter berry, japanese maples, my vegetable garden etc.)
Click to expand...

If you want info about machetes fine, but it would help if you wouldn't exaggrate your situation in your first few posts. You are the one who said it would take a C-130 to spread Roundup.

Roundup can be used very selectively if you apply it correctly. I have blackberry vines on my property along with plants I want to keep.

If you want to use a machete I suggest you get an 18" machete from Ontario.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ON18
 
I would add that you, crm3137, are the one who brought up blackberries in your first post to this thread.

"I have a whole lot of brush and blackberries to clear and I've used every hand and power tool known to man over the years. Field mowers, weed-eaters, brush-hogs on tractors, D&R's, loppers, shears, scythes, I've even put my hedge-trimmer attachment on my weed-eater and chopped up those aggravating berry vines. But, this year I feel like trying a new technique and chopping down invasive species is so rewarding"

We were trying to help you find a tool that would work best for your needs.
 
I know some of the other forum members don't like them on account of the stainless factor, but I'm quite fond of Condor machetes. I own three and use them pretty heavily, and haven't had any issues yet. Plus if anything happens to it, they'll replace it. ;)

For your purposes I might recommend the Viking or the Beaver Tail. The Viking has great reach and the partial back edge can be used as a brush hook in brambles. The Beaver Tail is great for heavier chopping thanks to its broad blade, and has a sharpened back hook for brush and brambles trimming on the back side. The sheaths are good heavy leather with a swiveling belt loop, so they move comfortably, don't poke you when you sit down, and allow for multiple draw options.

Give 'em a look here.

hope that helps!
 
crm3137 said:
Can someone post a link or tell me where to go? ;)

I need information on machetes. Is there a thread somewhere that covers them or a section of the forum? Please include any info that you might consider helpful and pics are always good.
Click to expand...

http://outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?rubrique21
http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/

The machete related articles on the second URL start about halfway through. Also, about half the stuff on the first URL is reposted from the second. Both have some very good stuff.
 
You could check out some of the Cold Steel machetes. I have a panga, and for cutting blackberries and wild rose bushes, it seems perfect. I used mine for throwing and cutting heavier things like 2-3 inch branches, and now its a little bent. If you stick to light brush and branches and grass, it should be fine. I really like the handle also.
 
i've got an old ontario GI machete that i really like, does a great job and pretty inexpensive. as mentioned above tramontina makes a good one for even less.
 
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