I'm wondering about Cold Steel machetes

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
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I want to pick up a cheap beater machete for hacking through river bank bush. Has anyone been satisfied with a CS machete?, and which one did you get? Thanks.
 
I have the 18in bowie and the 12in barong. I have modded them and beat them up I like them BUT they will cause blisters. I would go with a Condor Eco lite
 
I'd look at Imacasa/Condor. Colt Steel just isn't making much of anything that impresses me as of late.
 
Hmmm, interesting comments. I'm focused on CS because the vendor that I buy from carries the line. I don't need anything fancy, just functional. I have heard many positive comments toward Condor though, that's for sure. I would wear gloves so blisters aren't really a concern for me. I wear them while metal detecting, and I find myself in crazy dense bush at times.
 
I bought a CS 12 inch Sax style, and a longer bolo. They seem to work just fine for me. I carry them in the old truck, and use them a lot.
 
I use the CS Panga for clearing brush in the back yard. I modded it a bit works good for me. Handle is a bit large and I have fairly large hands. Blades are a bit soft and tend to roll a bit but a few swiped with a file get it back to a fairly sharp edge. Think I paid around $12 for it. Worth the cash for me
 
I hate the handles on CS machetes, but that's because I go bare-handed. If you are going to wear gloves, CS machetes will be good for you. The blades are pretty good... it's just the rubber handles that are a problem.
 
As others mentioned, Condor produces a nicer machete for not much more, but if you're dead set on Cold Steel I can tell you that they aren't too shabby. The handles could really use some work, and the steel is run a little softer than I'd like. You also will need to do a little work to the edge for it to be truly work-ready. That being said they're a good buy for the money, especially if you like the designs. I rather enjoy the barong and the two-handed panga I have of theirs, though I usually find myself using my Condors. :)
 
I have the 12", & 18" Bowie machete & two of the 12" barong machetes. I sand the knurling off of the handle & they work great.
 
I have the CS Latin Machete. It gets the job done but leaves much to be desired. As said above the handles are sub-par, and worst of all in my opinion the blade pretty much sucks. At least mine does. Has zero edge. I would go with ESEE lite machete or something by Condor. They make a far superior product as far as machetes go.
 
I have used the pa-rang model for years, tough as nails! The steel is okay, it can roll/dent on hard woods but it remains usable for a long time. The coating keeps them from rusting really well. if the edge rusts a few swings will wear it off.
 
Sanded down the handle on mine a bit. Been quite happy with it. Nothing to brag about, just works & works.
Allan
 
I got the equivalent.

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I made the kydex sheath this Friday

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I am pleased with it so far. For less then $10 from the company that makes CS machetes.

As for the other options given, I do not have an idea. This is my first machete and I am still getting use to it.
 
Thanks guys. The consensus appears to be that they are mediocre tools. I think that I'll look around and see what else I can scratch up.
 
They work fine for me. You will need to put an edge on it. If you can find a good deal, I probably wouldn't pass it up.
 
CS machetes are ok but if you are looking for the best bang for your buck just buy a Tramontina. They can be had for $6 to $15 each online.
 
Add a little more money and get a Condor. Comes with an edge, and a much better sheath(if you get one that is supplied with a sheath) Otherwise, they aren't really bad, just don't have an edge when you get them and have soft steel.
 
Don't forget about Ontario. They have 1095 steel, much harder than the 1055 CS has to offer. The handles on both suck.
CS handles are too tall, my shorter fingers don't allow for the best grip. I'm working too hard to hold onto the damn thing.
Same with the Ontario, but if you get the D-shaped handles, they can be modified. The riveted handles are mostly hollow, but you can remove the scales to upgrade to micarta or something else.
ESEE has a great micarta handle.
 
I have a couple CS machetes, there like most machetes, they come dull. The handles are less comfortable to me than either tramontina or Ontario. I know you can get more expensive machetes and maybe even some that perform better, but to me the inexpensive, tough as nails tramontina does exactly what it supposed to. I like the wood handles, easy to modify to your liking and seem to send less shock to the hand than plastic.
 
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