Is a 28" Tramontina too big a Machete?

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
Messages
2,232
Is a 28" Tramontina too big a Machete? Many guys' posts from today listed 12" machetes. Just curious because I just ordered a 28 inch.
 
My 12 incher is fine for what I use it for, but it depends on what you are cutting, that longer reach could come in pretty useful.
 
i have seen the 28 inchers and have been tempted to buy one (especially because they are like $9) i think that it would be fun to use and useful for some specialized tasks. you would probably get more use out of a 12'' 14'' or 18'', because they are less specialized.
 
28" is pretty huge, if I hung one of those on my belt it would probably be dragging on the ground. Not a machete user myself, but I'd prefer 12-18" for packability and handling reasons.
 
YES! unless you are 8 feet tall. Seriously..I like the 18" Tram...it packs alot of power! Gene
 
Yeah, I'd be dragging it on the ground with my stumpy legs.

18" seems about perfect.

IMO a 12" machete is a long thin knife, not a machete (let's see how many people's toes I stepped on this time :( ).
 
Scotch leaf, if it's too long it's the easiest thing in the world to chop it down to a shorter length. Machetes don't really require points, if you can only make it square, goloks and corn knives for example. you could do it with a hacksaw if you are patient, score part way through and snap it off.
 
I've got a 24" tram...as well as an 18". I'm 6' 2" and the 24" is fine, but I usually take the 18" if I need one b/c the shorter length is easier to pack and I don't loose a lot of chopping power with the shorter 'chete.
 
The length of the machete depends on the work that you need to do with it.

If you live in the jungles of South America and you work clearing jungle all day, the extra whip of a 28" is absolutely necessary.

If you just need one for yardwork and some brushclearing, it might be a tad excessive.
 
Yes too big! Unless your very proficient at using machete's (trained/experienced).

Sure you can reach farther, higher (good if your clearing for a giant) but your foot/toes are more at risk now! (and other parts)

Also your going to get things you may not be planning to hack, like thicker branches and trees! Sounds dangerous to me...
 
scotchleaf said:
Is a 28" Tramontina too big a Machete? Many guys' posts from today listed 12" machetes. Just curious because I just ordered a 28 inch.
Click to expand...

I own all lengths of machetes and use them all. Generally, while camping or backpacking I carry a 12" convexed tram.

In the truck I carry larger machetes. The 28" has come in handy a couple of times. It works very well when chopping tall grass/weeds near the ground. Primarily, I have used it to clear firing lanes from a deer blind where ground vegetation obscured my view.

The shorter machetes force you to bend over when chopping next to the ground and work you to death:grumpy::thumbdn:. Do that for a while and you will need advil the next morning. ;)

So, YES... it has a niche in the machete world that it fills very well. Hell, for the money... how can you lose....:)
 
My favorite is a 18'' tram, but the longer machetes are good for clearing thick, smaller stuff like grass and briers, not stiff enough for chopping generally.
 
My personal favorite is the 16 inch. I have found that I won't tolerate an 18 on my belt for long but I will carry the 16. Anything over 20 inches and you have to sling it over your shoulder or keep it on your pack (or in the truck, trunk, shed, etc).

In terms of performance it will give you lots of reach and power but will also be less accurate. When cutting grass, or brush accuracy is not an issue, when chopping wood it is.

Think of accuracy in axe terms. If you put an axe head on a five foot handle you will get amazing power but you won't be able to land it in the same place twice in a row. Long machetes tend the same way. Mac
 
Personally, I've found 18'' to be perfect for any of my needs and that's what my family back on the island use to keep the jungle at bay (and also carry in the jeeps/trucks).

I suppose 22'' would be good for clearing brush alone but you'd probably fatigue pretty darn fast with something that long. 12'' is a little short for my tastes. If I'm going that short, a 10'' chopping knife is better for my purposes at least. If I go with a machete, I usually grab my ontario military machete that I wrapped with tennis tape. Perfect machete (get the heavy one, not the economy one).
 
I have a 28 incher and use it to clear cattails from our ditches. It works great because of the long reach. I can get in there without getting muddy or bending over.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top