I Want a Machete...

D

deermaster

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Apr 19, 2009
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I was wondering if you all could recommend a decent under 50$ (if one exists) machete? I would be using it to clear brush and scare people I dont like:eek::D Anyway, thanks for any suggestions. Brand name, model and aprox. price would be awesome.
 
Tramotina comes pretty much ready to use and they are nice machetes at a reasonable cost. You'll have to buy a sheath separate. Imacasa is not bad but will need an edge put on it to work with it, which is not uncommon with any machete really. Even the Tramotina could use some improvement but it works better than others I've bought straight out of the package when it arrives.

In my opinion the best deals are with Cold Steel Machetes since they come with a sheath for about the same money as the others without. The steels are all similar and for the most part similar in hardness also hovering around 54 to 56 Rockwell, but I think the Cold Steel machetes are a bit thicker than others and probably a tougher steel too since they use 1055 but only slightly tougher depending on which ones you compare it to.

For a really decent one you could upgrade to a Condor or if you like you can browse the auction site and snag one of the recent Legitimus Collins machetes that are arguably the best machetes made even with a distal taper to them and made in the USA. There are still some 18" and 20" models there if you type that in when searching their site. These are the cats meow in machetes in my opinion and I doubt you'll see too many new never issued or used models like this again. These are 50 year old machetes in some cases and quite decent. The company has been out of business since the 60s.

STR
 
My recommendations are either Tramontina (really inexpensive) or Martindale (a bit more pricey but worth the cash).

Tramontina is the best bang for the buck IMO, but STR is right about no sheath. $50 would probably buy you a lifetime's supply.
 
None of my machetes costed over $30 US...
051-4.jpg


I really like the Tramontinas, but they don't come with a sheath.

MacheteSpecialist sells a five-pack of Tramontinas (one of each: 12" Bush Machete with Hardwood Handle, 14" Bolo Machete with Hardwood Handle, 13" Cane Machete with Hardwood Handle, 20" Bush Machete with Black Poly Handle, and 24" Bush Machete with Black Poly Handle) for $45.

yhst-29358752693524_2088_1158742
 
Anything by Tramontina or Imacasa for a super inexpensive one, or a Condor (Imacasa's premium line) for a super nice one. Many of the Condor line are around the $50 mark, and come with a polished convex edge right out of the box. Most come with really nice leather sheaths, too! :)

So basically, go with a Condor if you find one you like in your price range. But if you want to go a little easier on the wallet, go with a Tramontina or Imacasa. :cool:

Here are some of mine.
CIMG8062.jpg

From top to bottom:
Condor Bush Knife, Combat Machete, and Viking
Cold Steel Barong Machete
Unnamed Express brand Latin pattern machete
2X Nicholson/Collins Latin patterns
Legitimus Collins 323 machete modded by Fiddleback
 
Typically around this area, if you go to a sizeable flea market you will see some for reasonable prices. I bought a nice one of those newer Collins Legitimus ones with a fancy leather sheath for $20.

Army/Navy surplus stores also have a good selection of inexpensive machetes for well under $50.00.

Peter
 
peterinct said:
Typically around this area, if you go to a sizeable flea market you will see some for reasonable prices. I bought a nice one of those newer Collins Legitimus ones with a fancy leather sheath for $20.

Army/Navy surplus stores also have a good selection of inexpensive machetes for well under $50.00.

Peter
Click to expand...

If your Army/Navy stores have a good selection of machetes you're lucky. Around here they have nothing but crap. :p

winbag338 said:
Its hard to find a bad machete.
Click to expand...
Try a Wal*Mart one. You'll retract that statement.:barf: :D
 
I have the Cold Steel Barong which is shown is a picture above.
It is a cuttin' Dude!! The edge holds up very well to heavy duty work.
I highly recomend Cold Steel. It comes in quite a few patterns as well.
 
I find the CS way out of balance and tiring to swing for extended periods. Having used quite a few over the years have settled on a Martindale bolo as being the most useful low cost machete for my needs.
 
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