In the market for a machete

evillama · Apr 22, 2007

I've been looking around for a machete for a while now. Right now, there are two that seem to be what im looking for. The Ka-Bar Black Cutlass, and the Ontario CT-1 Cutlass. right now im leaning towards the Ka-Bar as i like the design better, and the sheath seems to be of a higher quality. Also with the Ontario being about half the price of the Ka-Bar, the phrase "you get what you pay for" lingers in the back of my mind.

I will mainly be using it for clearing underbrush and such on my back property, but would like it to be able to hold up to chopping through thicker wood on occasion as well.

I'm basically just looking for a pro/con or comparison of the two blades as far as durability and cutting ability. Searching through the forum here has been a big help, but if anyone has any more specific info on these models (particularly in relation to each other), or another brand/model that you feel is better for around the same price point ($25-50), that would be great.

thanks for any help/suggestions.

Stubai · Apr 23, 2007

I like the 18 inch standard Ontario issue. Cuts very well and has reasonable toughness. I'd get the heavy guage model and reprofile the edge. They are truly amazing tools and are (in my opinion) better than the Cutlass for the underbrush clearing role.

1Tracker · Apr 23, 2007

Or get the Ontario Spec 8, it'll cut your brush AND your wood

1095 is easy to touch up with a stone by hand in the field if need be too:thumbup:

Fonly · Apr 23, 2007

If you can find one, look into something from martindale, or Tramontina. Their cheap and reliable. But theres nothing wrong withe ontario machetes, just stay away from the cutlass models, you need a workhorse and a good old fashion machete is going to work best.

frank k · Apr 24, 2007

For a dedicated brush clearing/chopping tool, I would recommend an 18” Ontario with the newer D-guard handles in a GI plastic scabbard. As with virtually all low cost machetes, these don’t come near as sharp as they need to be, so plan on a full sharpening and some re-profiling before you use it.

The shorter machetes are good when you need a more portable big camp knife that is only occasionally for real machete work. The 12” machetes are handy, but an 18 incher has much more power and helps save your hands from getting tore up when you are cutting brush.

- Frank

SilverFoxKnows · Apr 25, 2007

I have a Tram, two Martindales and a bolo from Reflections of Asia. The Martindales have a nice distal taper but the fit and finish isn't any better than the Tram. The RoA bolo isn't pretty, think user/ villager grade, but it's a heck of worker and is in the same price range as the Martindales. Comes with a wooden scabbard that is IMHO better than the canvas that came with my Martindale golok.

Frank

jca21 · Apr 25, 2007

+1 for the tramontina. i can get a tramontina bush machete for about 15 bux canadian around where i live.

they are good machetes.

evillama · Apr 25, 2007

thanks for all the replies, you have definitely given me a few options to think about. i think that ill end up going with the ontario 18", and if it isnt able to handle some of the heavier chopping, ill just have to petition the fiancee for a decent chopper or hachet

. havent yet decided on the d-guard, the only d-guard ive handled was uncomfortable so i have some reservations about that.

Moodino · Apr 26, 2007

I have them all. Well, almost all. The Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete is absolutely the best Limber/Chopper and general purpose heavy conbo blade in its class. It will also do vines,bamboo and saplings extremely well. The Ontario 12" is great for general purpose 'big knife' for camp chores but doesn't have the concentration of power that the Ka-Bar develops plus the handles are night and day.Also, if you buy the Ontario- get from them directly and ask them to put a real edge on it for you. Also for clearing, the 18" Ontario is where you really need to be. 12" limits you to close-up work on vines, brambles and saplings.
For what it's worth, I have my own Mach~Axe on tour in a Passaround at the Knifeforums.

evillama · Apr 26, 2007

Moodino said:
get from them directly and ask them to put a real edge on it for you

still being a novice when it comes to higher performance knives, what would a good edge be for the 18"? also, what would the price difference be buying direct as opposed to through a retailer? i know on 1sks its running for about $17 and that is the least expensive that i have found.