Lite Machete or Junglas

infantrylife

infantrylife

Joined
Jul 17, 2010
Messages
159
Newbie to the Esee brand here looking for advice.

I have the RC-3, Hest, Izula and looking to add to the collection. Wanted something bigger that will help getting thru those very tough areas. Saw the Lite Machete around $50 and the Junglas around $130. If anyone knows something else feel free to suggest. Thanks a lot.
 
Lite Machete gives you better reach when dealing with thorny stuff, Junglas hacks stuff VERY well, and packs easier due to length.
I have a Junglas, probably will not get a lite machete, since I already have a couple of kukri's and a ditch bank tool that niche is pretty well filled.
 
Those prices are likely without sheaths. on the lite, that's not a big deal. On the junglas, It's well worth the price to get the sheath with it.

Between the two, I don't know that they compare in the same niche. For me, I always want the Machete on my pack. The junglas is for the times where I can't or don't want something that large. If I'm sitting in camp and have both around, I'm going to chop with the machete, and baton with the junglas.

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Junglas sheath, with a few extras strapped on:
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I like my Lite and would really like to get my hands on a Junglas. Everyone needs a machete, but a stronger large blade has it's place.

I'd take a hard look at the Junglas and a cheap machete and if you like the whole machete thing, go for a Lite.
 
texastonydobbs said:
out of all my ESEE Gear the Lite Machete is climbing to the top 3 real fast...
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yea...I was a SERIOUS skeptic about this whole "machete" thing. Got and tried a condor and was sold on it in about 5 minutes. I've never had a product turn me around as fast as chopping one tree with one did. The lite machete is noticeably thinner, and I've been very happy with it. Right now it's my go-to hiking chopping tool.
 
Dizwolf said:
yea...I was a SERIOUS skeptic about this whole "machete" thing. Got and tried a condor and was sold on it in about 5 minutes. I've never had a product turn me around as fast as chopping one tree with one did. The lite machete is noticeably thinner, and I've been very happy with it. Right now it's my go-to hiking chopping tool.
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Agreed. I think I always underestimated speed over blade weight. A thin blade swinging 40 mph into green vegetation renders "wow" results.
 
I like the Junglas.
It combines big knife awesome with machete fun into one really neat outdoors tool!:thumbup:
Pretty much THE most comfortable handle I have encountered so far.
 
I think everyone should own both.

When it comes to the machete, basically any cheap machete will do what the Lite will do. What makes the Lite worth its weight in gold is the handle. The comfort level of the Lite's handles far exceed any other machete I've ever used.
 
I used machete's before while as a scout but they were just cheap ones. Didnt know if the Esee's machete's quality was as good as their other knives.

Seems like most people like both though. Guess i'll just buy both. Pretty soon i'll have the entire Esee collection like most of you.
 
Nothing out machetes a machete. I just happen to like big choppers, but when the serious clearing needs to get done, I grab a real machete. You'd be surprised how much you can do with a good sharp machete.
 
The Lite Machete will get you through light brush much faster and the Junglas will chop through heavy wood much easier. The tipping point where I prefer a big blade over a lite machete is around 3"-4" diameter woody plants. When working with harder, seasoned wood, the heavy blade will make things easier. I am basing this on my ESEE Lite Machete and my Busse BWM. I have not handled a Junglas, but it seems to be a very similar blade to the BWM.
 
You guys have helped a lot. Think i'll buy both, but the machete first. Are there good dealers on here?
 
ESEERATFAN said:
When it comes to the machete, basically any cheap machete will do what the Lite will do. What makes the Lite worth its weight in gold is the handle. The comfort level of the Lite's handles far exceed any other machete I've ever used.
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The machete I use is made by Cold Steel. It was on clearance for $10 (Barong 18" model) and it has a very nice handle. I have used other machetes in the past that are the "military" style and the hard plastic grips on them were not very friendly to the hand. The CS machete has the same "standard" handle shape, but in polyethylene. I expected this to be just like that hard plastic, but it isn't -- there is some grippyness to it. It's not as soft as Kraton, but it feels good in the hand and still feels good after extended use.

I like Canvas Micarta (I have it on my RC-3MIL and Izula), so I expect that the Lite Machete is even more comfortable in the hand. But... I'm going to wait until the CS machete wears out before I replace it with the ESEE.
 
(lite machete) can be done .... but I would not advise that..., simple twist or flex and you could ruin the edge or snap the blade if baton incorrectly....
thicker machetes can be baton if needed... woodsman pal for example.
 
infantrylife said:
You guys have helped a lot. Think i'll buy both, but the machete first. Are there good dealers on here?
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Good Idea. I have a Junglas, and it swings like a sword. And wood just gets wacked off a tree in one swing, exelent for making a shelter in a very short time. Its just a Great.! all around camp knife. For the really brushy thorny stuff, a bit of reach is allways nice, so a good machete will keep your hands and arms safe from harm. (as long as you don't put your hand in the way.! Eek) I am going to get an Esee machete as well. If they are any where as good of holding an edge as my junglas? you should be in a pile of cut branch heaven. And there is a difference in how some machetes actually cut. Some just don't cut it.--Pun? Well go for it. As for dealers. There are good ones refered here. I used T-K-C The price is hard to beat, free shipping, sent fast, and Dale is a great guy. either way Enjoy edgy:thumbup:
 
Birdkiller said:
How is batoning with a lite? Or machete in general?
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I avoid it, simply because I nearly always will have an RC6 on me. (readas: i sleep with it)

However, I've done it, and it isn't bad. Just don't go into it stupidly and blindly smash away at it. Avoid knots, pick your spots, etc. I do notice a TON more vibration in my hands while using machetes. The spindle for this kit was batoned out of the other half of the log that the hearth is made of.

I used the Lite machete to make this bowdrill kit. the RC 3 was used for cleanup and drilling the block:
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