Looking for a good econo-chopper. Suggestions?

not-too-sharp

not-too-sharp

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
243
I have an Estwing campers hatchet for wood processing but I need something to clear brush and cactus also to replace it.
The Ontario Camper machete, KaBar Large Heavy Bowie, and Kabar Cutlass Machete caught my eye.
Although I think a longer blade might be necessary to clear brush and cactus.
I definitely want a carbon steel blade and am trying to keep the price under 80$. Like I said It'll be doing everything from clearing cactus and mesquite bushes off the trail to chopping and batoning wood for the fire.
Thanks in advance -Andrew
 
Lots of great options in that price range. Do you have any requests on the blade length, weight, thickness, width, or any other details? Do you like rubber handles or something natural? Narrow down what you WANT and we can help!
 
Look for a corn or cane knife in an industrial supply catalog. Just google industrial supplies. Mcmaster-carr comes to mind.
 
Lots of great options in that price range. Do you have any requests on the blade length, weight, thickness, width, or any other details? Do you like rubber handles or something natural? Narrow down what you WANT and we can help!
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14-18" Blade
Thick enough to baton/chop through logs with a 4-6" diameter
2-3 1/2" Wide
As far as a handle goes, I prefer ergonomics over material.
Anything that fills the hand and isn't a blister factory.
Weight isn't an issue.
Carbon steel with a coating.
I also prefer a leather sheath to come with it from the factory, if that helps.
Thanks again -Andrew
 
not-too-sharp said:
14-18" Blade
Thick enough to baton/chop through logs with a 4-6" diameter
2-3 1/2" Wide
As far as a handle goes, I prefer ergonomics over material.
Anything that fills the hand and isn't a blister factory.
Weight isn't an issue.
Carbon steel with a coating.
I also prefer a leather sheath to come with it from the factory, if that helps.
Thanks again -Andrew
Click to expand...

Condor Golok. Fits your preferences and budget. http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=1239
 
Hi
I dont have them listed on my site yet but I have the following machetes coming in the mail, any one of the three for $23.00 or 2 for $40.00 US. plus shipping
Ontario 18" Economy Machete
Cold Steel Latin Style Machete
Gerber Gator Machete JR.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
The Condor Bolo Machete is a great deal. You can get it from several sources but here is where I got mine...

http://www.machetespecialists.com/coboma15inbl1.html

and I have heard good things on these...

http://www.machetespecialists.com/cogoma14waha.html
http://www.machetespecialists.com/14-el-salvador-machete.html
http://www.machetespecialists.com/coswma16ulwa.html
http://www.machetespecialists.com/17-parang-high-carbon.html

Good luck.
Click to expand...

What he said. Something from Condor would work great. The bolo model would do well for many hatchet-like tasks, and would be my recommendation as well. That model has the sheath sold separately, but you can just add both items to your cart, and the sheath is pretty sweet leather with a swiveling belt loop. Likewise you get Condor's great customer service and a convex edge straight from the factory. :thumbup:
 
when you say cactus the most viable is a machete. living in texas i know all about cactus & reach is important in dealing with this stuff. if you try to work in close as 12 to 14 in. you will find these tend to jump back on you.
dennis
 
I would vote some sort of machete also. For $80 budget you could try two or three different patterns. Condor, imacasa, cold steel, marbles..... List goes on. I use a condor inca knife quite a lot for this kinda stuff. Only 10" blade tho. They a few other models in more of a large knife range if that is what you'd prefer.
 
I use a ditch bank tool for limbing honey locust and other insidious brush that i don't want to get close to, but it's more of a billhook on a long handle.
condor 18" el salvador or parang would work well - just make sure you add the optional sheath to your cart at the same time.
 
Get the Condor Golok. The leather sheath is sold separately. Blade is long and thicker than a machete. Works well.
 
Esee machete is in your range has nice handles and comes with a pretty decent sheath but condor is also a great company for machetes
 
Here's my view of certain machete's.

Ontario, thick plastic handles, the one with rivets is hollow, can't really sand too much off. They come with no edge, but once they are sharp the 1095 is great. Cheap or no sheath, you can get a Blackie Collins thick cordura sheath, or a leather one after.

Cold Steel has a tall handle, I don't find them ergonomic, and it wants to slip from my hand. The steel won't take a great edge, and doesn't hold it well. They don't come that sharp, and the edges are ground unevenly.

Condor's come with a better convex edge, better steel than the CS's.

ESEE's Lite machete is great, the edge on mine wasn't perfect, but best handle I've owned.

The Ka-Bar cutlass is nice for the price, the handle is fat, but I worry that the tang would not be usefull in the event of handle material failure. It's short, so for certain jobs, you have to get real close. Chopping wood, no problem, but cactus or things close to the ground, not so good.
 
Check out the bolos from Reflections of Asia or just peruse Machete Specialists and get the two that call out to you. Maybe a two handed cane machete?

Frank
 
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