Machete decisions decisions

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Pioneer_Gadget

Joined
Mar 16, 2008
Messages
5
Howdy everybody

this is my first post on these forums though i have been a reader for some time, i have been looking to acquire a new machete as i will be heading out on a two month survival camp this summer and i finally killed my old machete i purchased from a surplus store in LA. i recently noticed that PVK.com started selling condor knife and tools 13" jungle machete but i am unfamiliar with their build quality though i saw that the company started in the famous solingen, in any case this is my current list and i was wondering if any one had any field experience with these blades

Condor knife and tool Viking machete
Ontario knife CT5 - Machete 22"
Cold Steel Bolo
Woodsman's Pal

in no particular order i know these are birds of different color but i do like the bolo feel and my father once owned a woodsman's pal and raves about it

thanks
 
I have been waiting for some comments on the Woodsman's pal. A classic from WWII and I would like to see how it stacks up to newer designs.
 
I've had an Ontario Blackie Collins 22" machete for about 10 years now, and I beat the hell out of that thing year round. I have never been so impressed with any tool. I've used it for everything from clearing light vegetation on my land, to chopping down a 10" diameter pine tree, and it has never let me down. It did rust a bit once when i left it outside stuck tip-first into the soil for a week, but a light rubbing with sand paper and some oil took care of that. I also managed to bend it slightly near the grip while chopping on the pine tree mentioned above, but it was only a few degrees. It did not affect the performance at all and I was able to fix it easily with a vise and some muscle. it takes and holds a good edge as well. The only difference between the blackie collins and the CT5 that I can see is that the B.C. had a D grip which was made of hard plastic and broke off after a few years anyway. other than that it is identical to the CT5 in size shape and thickness. here is a link to the B.C. so you can compare them for yourself if you like. Click Here. As I said they are pretty much identical except the D grip. Personally I would prefer it without the D grip anyway, seeing as the guard broke off of mine anyway leaving the handle looking the same as the CT5 lol. I have tried a few Cold steel machetes, and own their Heavy Machete and Kukri Machete. They are good tools for the low cost, but in my experience the ontario seems to be higher quality and more durable. Hope this helps a little.
 
Hey, I wouldnt go with the bolo from cold steel its kinda thing but, Maybe you can get the cold steel san mai kukri, Very good! or maybe there cheaper kukri its better than all the other machetes from cold steel with the exception of the san mai.. Im a little iffy about condor tho Dont know how theyre knives are..
 
Pioneer, welcome to BF. Where exactly are you going? Maybe you should wait until you get there, and buy what the locals use. That way the blade will likely be optimized for the local conditions.
 
All of those are great machetes but the woodsman's pal has the thickest stock, so it's the most durable and is more suited to heavy chopping. I personally wouldnt buy the ontario because they are sueing rat cutlery. JMO. You might want to add a tramonita to the list, extremely affordable, I hear you get them in the U.S for $8, they'r $30 here.:grumpy: Sometimes I want to go to the States just for buying a sh**load of knives. $40 native, $26 110, $8 tramonita, $20 fiskars, $40 nighthawk, etc. etc. etc.
 
thanks for the replys everyone good info, i will be flying into san jose costa rica then to the western part of the country starting out in the town of golfito. the Cold steel kukri gets mixed field reviews, i am surprised to find only a few companys make high end machetes
 
I own the Condor Viking Machete, as well as their Combat Machete and Bush Knife (billhook) and they do an amazing job. My question would be more about what kind of use you'd be getting out of it. The viking is my favorite, and has a very long blade with thin stock so you can make incredibly deep cuts. IMHO it's really completely unnecessary to have a thick blade on a machete. The technique many people use--hacking and then prying out the chips-- is to my mind a bit silly. Just make alternating cuts from above and below and the work is much faster, takes less work, and won't roll your edge. If you need something thick, carry a hatchet as well.

The plastic and rubber handles on their machetes are extremely well made, without any flash from the molds and they have excellent ergonomics. They won't "rub" in your hand with prolonged use either. The wooden handle on my Viking machete arrived a bit loose, however, though it only took a few taps of a hammer on each rivet to solve that problem. The sheaths are fantastic on comfort thanks to their swiveling belt loop, and hold the blades very securely.

For what it's worth I would also recommend the Cold Steel Barong Machete if you want one that's a bit less expensive with thicker stock. It has excellent fit and finish with a comfortable handle, lanyard hole, and a big sweet spot. It just doesn't slice the same or carry as easily as the Viking, plus I like its partial back-edge. Very handy!
 
I've been really impressed with the bolos from Reflections of Asia. Hand forged, zone hardened, "villager" grade blades. Not pretty but very good working tools. The best part is the price- $30 shipped.

Frank
 
Go for a tramontina machete or any bolo machete with flexible blade (spring steel)i bought a very good bolo machete made in china for $12.But i will never buy a machete online....online you cannot feel the handle,the balance,you cannot see the quality of steel.But Tramontina are reliable machetes you can trust it.
 
Cold Steel's Bolo, cause you can't go wrong with CS unless you ask their service department a question.
 
I have to say Tramontina also. I got to go to Peru a few months ago and we all used Tramontina for hours everyday. I even use them in the mountains in CA.


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14" Bolo
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12"
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18"
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Kabar Kukri I will always keep. It has a good swing and chops well.

You can have my woodsman pal. It's swing is too short but chops well. The handle chops your hand too.
 
I bought a Barteaux & Sons machete 22" a few years back and was pretty satisfied with the tool. I like the 22 inches of blade so I don't have to bend down so much or kneel in close to make a cut. I didn't like the "D" handle as it tends to bunch up my fingers after a few swings so I cut the guard off and rounded the end for more handling comfort. I will select an axe or hatchet to chop 2" or greater wood but I like the machete for vines and under brush.
 
My trusty Tramontina 18" machete has served me well for many years. It is shown here with two other knives that make a good swamp combo. Tramontina's are cheap, easy to sharpen, light, tough, and very effective for clearing and light chopping.

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