Looking for good machete

I have never hit rocks barbed wire or fences with my machete.
 
The reason everyone doesn't like Cold Steel is because of their business practices, especially those of the Lynn Thompson, the company president. Some people also don't like their knives, but that's the main reason they trash on them. Personally I love the cheap cold steel machetes, particularly their kukri for $15. It makes a great machete, and I can actually even throw it quite well.
 
Jo Jo said:
I am looking for a good machete, something about 12 - 14 inchecs in length, at least 1/8 thick blade, but no so good that if it gets lost I'm out a bunch of money. Thanks Joel
Click to expand...

You're quite specific about the size you are looking for. I can appreciate that as you may not want to lug a sword around!

In this size range Condor makes a beautiful small Machete in a blade size of 12" sort of bolo shaped called the Inca knife. It is already convexed needs just a tiny amount of work to clean the edge with sandpaper and a rubber sanding block.

On the subject of CS machetes I have a cold steel khukri machete that has been convexed which has been used to cut various different African hardwoods with no (and I mean zero) damage to the edge. Ugly but supremely functional but with a nasty handle!

Regards
 
I have never had a problem with any of the Cold Steel Machetes. The only thing I don't like is the handles. On many of the models, they are way too big. After a little work on the belt and spindle sander, they fit my hand and perform great.

I also have the Gerber Gator, I likeit, and have not had any problems, but I have heard that the tang is very short, and the handles can break off.

As far as the edges go, I ususally just chop branches and brush, so I sharpen with a file, and nothing else.

I have heard a lot of people say the same thing SilverFox said...you can't beat a Tram. You may want to check for threads on the WSS and RAT cutlery forums.
 
I just had Mike Billman (MBHanzo) of Grindstone Cutlery put together this modified Ontario 18" machete and sheath:

Machete.jpg


It's cut down to 14" with the tip reshaped like the Martindale Golok.

I used it on opening day of deer season building a blind/wind screen and it easily popped through 1" branches.

That's the Military Machete (1/8" thick) with the orange D-guard cut and reshaped.

I just did a write-up on my blog about the machete today.

B
 
I've been happy with my Tramantina machete for many years, and I highly recommend. I'd stay clear of the plastic handles though.

I wouldn't turn up my nose at an Ontario either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top