In the market for a machete.

B

Boondock Saint

Joined
Aug 30, 2002
Messages
346
Well, I've decided to pick up a new machete and I've narrowed it down to the Ontario 12". Now my dilemma is I can't decide between the sawback and regular version. I'm leaning heavily toward the regular version but part of me thinks that having a saw on the spine might be really useful. Who has experience with the sawback version? How well does it work? Opinions?
 
GO with the standard version.. the saw is Poor at best.. and it will chew up a baton should you want to use the machete to split kindling.....also have the edge convexed it will give you optimum performance frothe softer steel
 
No experience with the sawback but the Ontario 12 inch econo model I have is great!

It has taken an amazing edge(given my lack of sharpening skills) and cuts through vines and brush better than any machete I've had before.
I definitely like it better than the Marble's bolo machete my son got recently.

You won't go wrong with Ontario.

For the record, I think I would stick with the regular edge and get a dedicated saw for sawing.
 
I recieved a sawbacked 18" ontario as a gift. The machete is great, but in my mind the saw is a novelty. Sure it works, but not nearly as fast as the blade can cut, even on hardwoods. And I've scraped my hand up a couple of times on it.

Brandon
 
From what I have read here in other threads is that the saw is better suited for notching rather than actually sawing.
 
Thanks guys, that's exactly what I figured. I'd MUCH rather be able to baton and hold the spine for "finer" work, than have a useless saw.
 
I have heard of plenty of people using the saw that thought it was great for notching, and others who have hated it. I prefer no saw, but it really is a personal thing. Many don't like it, but some will.
 
I REALLY prefer a flat grind on my Ontario-I tried convexing it but wound up taking a file to the edge to bring it back to a V grind because it bites sooo much deeper-take full advantage of the edge retention, thin stock and well-distributed weight. That short Ontario is a real performer.
 
I have an Ontario 22" that I finally realized was just too long. I shortened it to 15" and like it much better. I also just bought a Condor golok 14.5" and REALLY like it better than the Ontario.
 
Just a word of caution on the Ontario machetes. They make a couple of different handled models. The one piece w/hand guard is OK, but the model that uses rivets to hold the handles in place is the one to watch. I used a brand new Ontario with riveted handles for less than fifteen minutes and the rivets started to back out. They could'nt be peened back in with a hammer so I had to drill them out and replace them with new hardware. Otherwise, the blade was all you could ask for as far as cutting and resharpening was concerned.
 
My pinned 12 inch Ontario has held up for years with no problems but this isn't the first time I have heard of the rivets working loose.

One the subject of sawbacks,I'd rather have the spine plain and filed to a nice square 90 degrees to use as a scraper for tinder. I use that feature often for fire starting. I also carry a SAK Farmer or Huntsman with a decent little saw for notching. Mac
 
I too have had the pins work loose on an Ontario machete, the short 12" one with the useless handgaurd that will bite the heck out of your little finger. None of my other Ontario machetes have given me any problems. On the short Ontario that had the pins work loose I simply removed the handle and replaced it with one I made from mesquite with epoxied brass pins. I've been using a Condor golok quite a bit lately and find it to be a well-made and highly effecient design. We use machetes everyday on the ranch and carry one in each truck and on our person always.
 
Check out Pict's machete mods on this forum to get the most out of that Ontario. Mine outchops my Becker Brute and C.S. Trailmaster.--KV
 
kvaughn said:
Check out Pict's machete mods on this forum to get the most out of that Ontario. Mine outchops my Becker Brute and C.S. Trailmaster.--KV
Click to expand...


I have seen his video on his 12" Ontario machete mods, and was sold. I will more than likely do those very same mods. For my applications they are perfect. The one thing I would like to have is a decent sheath.
 
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