I need a decent Machete, for cheap, just to use to hack away at overhanging branches.

S

SilvanNosty

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Jan 12, 2012
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I've done a little research, and it seems a lot of people recommend a cheap Tramontina or Imacasa to just hack away with. I don't need anything to invest my life savings into, lol. Just something I can use every couple months to keep the branches back from the fence.

With that in mind, I don't think I need a large 24" Machete.

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The Machete I had, looked identical to the linked 24" Tramontina. Except it was stamped "Made in Colombia." I don't know where I got it, or who made it. That thing lasted for a long time, though.

The thickest I'll be trying to get through would be 2-3" (diameter) branches. With the majority of what needs to go being .5-1" in diameter.

Anyway, so what do you think?
 
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You might want to remove those links, as deal spotting is not allowed. That being said, I bought from the first retailer you mentioned and was satisfied with my order. IMO, Tramontina has the nicer wood handles than Imacasa. But Imacasa hardens their blades more, so they won't get dull as easily. They're also the company that makes blades for the higher end Condor and ESEE machetes. You probably won't need a blade that long; the standard 18 inch one or a 14 inch bolo should work well. But that really depends on the person, so you might want to pick up a few machetes at the low prices they go for.
 
Tsujigiri said:
You might want to remove those links, as deal spotting is not allowed. That being said, I bought from the first retailer you mentioned and was satisfied with my order. IMO, Tramontina has the nicer wood handles than Imacasa. But Imacasa hardens their blades more, so they won't get dull as easily. They're also the company that makes blades for the higher end Condor and ESEE machetes. You probably won't need a blade that long; the standard 18 inch one or a 14 inch bolo should work well. But that really depends on the person, so you might want to pick up a few machetes at the low prices they go for.
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Oh, okay. Sorry about that.

I really dig some Condor knives, but I don't have the money to drop on one right now. The Condor Golok is one nice looking machete.
 
Post where you live you might not need to order online. BaryonyxKnives- FortyTwoBlades is a member here and can probably get you hooked up. Carbon steel is good and I'd rethink the 24" being too long theory. Beyond that careful practice & lots of it. I can do a 2" branch with my 24"'s in 1 swipe 3"+ in a pinch beyond that I grab a Khukuri. Some of the Condor's can be had without a sheath to save some money.
 
the Ontario machetes are pretty good and can be found under $20.
I've had good luck with just about any S. American machete I've used, the important thing is to avoid the chinese "machetes" at the big discount stores whose names end in "mart".
farm stores, co-ops, some big box homestores all sell decent machetes -- i find a 16" to be a good size for smaller stuff -- 12" is almost too light unless it's one of the Ontario HD models that run 1/8" thick so it still has some weight.
 
You won't go wrong with either imacasa or tramontina. They both make quality machetes. I have the 12" and 14"bolo by tramontina and the 14" daga and 20" liniero by imacasa. I like them all for different purposes. Reading that you already know you don't need a very long machete I would opt for the 14" bolo by tram or the daga by imacasa. Don't discount belloto either. I actually used a 18" bellotto to baton some grocery store bought firewood tonight. I know that is not what a machete is for but I just wanted to see if it could handle it. It took it like a champ. I have no qualms about using any of these for any basic machete tasks. just find one in a style you like and give it a wurl. Machetes are not expensive by two or three and use them all see which one you like the best. You can buy 3-4 machetes for under 50 bucks, unless you get a fiddleback or a Esee and considering the handle comfort I would say you would not be disappointed there either. Just try some out for fun, but for basic utility use tramontina, imacasa, and belloto are of good quality.
 
I cant speak for every single item he has but 42 is a good guy and I agree that an 18" seems enough for your tasks in my mind. Dont have a Imacasa, trams always work for me. Tsujigiri is right though, get either and then wail away.
 
Sounds like you already have things sorted out.

For what it's worth, I dont subscribe to the notion that one <$20 machete is better than any other.

If the shape of the handle and blade are amiable to you, then buy.
 
Condor machetes usually come very sharp out of the box, as well as the more expensive ones. Condor's are worth the money, if you cannot create a good edge yourself. If you can make one sharp yourself, then Imacasa, Tramontina, or even ones from Ontario will make great machetes and should last you for years.
The Ontario's are US made and made from 1095, and hold an edge very well, IMO. If you're just cutting a few branches, the shorter 12" Cutlass machete is a great chopper. If were talking more reach, maybe the 18" would be better. The .125" thick 18" long Ontario is a bit heavy, but they do have the thinner Economy line, the 18" is only $20.
If you can use a file to make a better edge, and have larger hands, the Ontario's are excellent quality for the price. I modified the handle to make them a better fit for me, which isn't too hard to do.
A thin and lighter machete is very important when cutting through light vegetation, and for extended hours. The heavier machetes will do those same jobs in a pinch, but are also better for chopping up roots and when weight will help with chopping.
 
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oldschool45 said:
Post where you live you might not need to order online. BaryonyxKnives- FortyTwoBlades is a member here and can probably get you hooked up. Carbon steel is good and I'd rethink the 24" being too long theory. Beyond that careful practice & lots of it. I can do a 2" branch with my 24"'s in 1 swipe 3"+ in a pinch beyond that I grab a Khukuri. Some of the Condor's can be had without a sheath to save some money.
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With my luck, I'll take the blade so thin it chips, lol.
 
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SilvanNosty, my 2 machete's are older than I am and both have 18" blades 21~23" OAL. I grew up in Hollywood and will be in Okeechobee sometime this spring. Used to practice a lot by pruning/trimming cherry hedges while growing up. For sharpening I prefer a 1" belt sander but I usually finish on sheets of sandpaper backed by "the ubiquitous" mouse pad leather or cardboard for a convex edge. I usually call it done around 320grit
 
I'd suggest a Tramontina they come with pretty sorry edges from the factory however with a little effort the will take an excellent edge.
 
For $15 and shipping you can get an 18" Tram with a squared spine, flushed scales, sharp point, and convex edge. I think that would do nicely. ;)
 
Plenty of options for inexpensive machetes, Cold Steel also has a good lineup, especially if you want an unusual blade shape, like a kukri or panga.
 
I wouldn't quite call pangas or kukris unusual so much as comparatively specialized. :)
 
i purchased my first machete last month for the same reason. we had some really strong winds, and need to clear some brush, and bush.

i got a cold steel magnum kukri, its 17" blade length, and it worked. the edge is coated, and dull, and if the shop didnt sharpen it for me, it would of been bad trying to sharpen that much steel.
after a couple days of hacking with it, i realize im not too big a fan of kukri designs, i think i would prefer a straighter blade, or something with a more traditional curve. because of the lighter duty i applied it to, i didnt really need the tip heavy design of the kukri.

i was intially looking at the condor golok, and wished that i had gone with it.
both are inexpensive, so i will probably still get the condor one day.
go with the condor :)
 
You could use a woodsman pal. I've got a cheepo elk ridge my dad gave me and use it to lop 1-2inch branches off the neighbors tree when it comes over the fence.
 
While I know a lot of folks love the Woodman's Pal I have to say I'm not a fan. The overall concept as a multi-use chopper goes is good, but I find it has many design issues that get in the way of peak potential performance.
 
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