Looking for Good Machetes

Wolfeye said:
not2sharp: I'm intending to use it for clearing woody brush. Not really as a day-to-day & throughout the day type of thing, but capable of that. I figured I'd go with a khukuri, but more & more the one I was thinking of is looking too heavy for that. Also, I figure that it might not really be AS good for clearing brush (although it might be worth it anyway, since it's a bit easier to use for other stuff & has some natural retention). I still figure I'll get one, but I'm looking around again for something solid that's also under two pounds- that way it's not too tiring if I AM clearing brush with it throughout the day.

Maybe I can get one custom-made with a front guard or blade overhang, thick-spined with a blade that tapers toward the edge, and full tang?
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For cutting woody brush I HIGHLY recommend the Ontario. Thicker, better quality (1095) steel with a better heat treat. They stand up to woody vegetation much better than the thinner, softer steel used in the Central American brands which are made more for cutting the soft leafy vegetation found in that part of the world.

My Ontario makes short work of small walnut and hickory trees without damaging the edge.
 
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1095 is, if anything, a less appropriate choice for machete steel than 1075 as at the ideal hardness range for 10XX series carbon steel for that application you're able to achieve equal hardness with 1075 and so the extra carbon content is superfluous. Ontarios run on the brittle side, and it's not uncommon to hear of them snapping (particularly the saw-backed models due to the stress risers caused by the teeth.) Imacasa/Condor hits the nail right on the head for steel/heat treatment in my experience, with Tramontina and Martindale close behind. Edge damage has to do with a couple of factors, and geometry plays as much or even more of a role than the specific steel does. Thicker ≠ better in all cases, and there are other factors to consider when deciding on an optimum tool choice. The forward mass they have does give them some advantage in heavier duty chopping tasks but their chief advantage over other machetes is being able to tout themselves as USA-made. They are severely lacking in the ergonomics department and I'd actually prefer a slightly softer heat treatment on them. They're not bad machetes in the slightest, but in my opinion there are better options out there at an equal or lesser price point as long as you're willing to forgo USA manufacture.
 
I purchased an Imacasa Pata de Cuche 24" machete from Baryonyx knife company. It has been great. The distal taper (thinner towards the tip) keeps me from getting overly fatigued. I have used in on light brush as well as 2"-3" saplings with no problems. The length could cause some issues in cramped areas, but I have never had any problems. It is light in hand and cuts great.
 
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