Machete for Rocky Mountain (Colorado) region

raindog101 said:
When watching my pack weight in the backcountry, sometimes I'll take my Ontario 12" cutlass machete. Custom micarta handles, and convexed by Scott Gossman. It's a fair piece lighter than the Golok, but tough as nails. I've tried to beat it to death, but it just won't die!
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Got pics of your customized Ontario?
 
wildmanh said:
Got pics of your customized Ontario?
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Not at the ready. I can get some this weekend, was wanting to get out and work on my firestarting now that the weather is warmer. It's a nice piece. The handles were done by Greg Haugh, was convexed by Scott Gossman. I got it from Kevin Estela a while back for a killer price. Until the Golok came along, it was my primary woods tool. I just love it to death. I've been toying with the idea of reshaping the tip area, to get it a little pointier.
 
When I lived near eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains (not dissimilar for the woods of CO) I've found the BK9 and the CS kukri machete to be great tools. The kukri needed some work on the edge but other than that it's a good value.

I really want to get myself a Ka-Bar grass machete and an Ontario 12" machete.
 
bigghoss said:
When I lived near eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains (not dissimilar for the woods of CO) I've found the BK9 and the CS kukri machete to be great tools. The kukri needed some work on the edge but other than that it's a good value.

I really want to get myself a Ka-Bar grass machete and an Ontario 12" machete.
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For those that aren't aware I sell the CS Kukri fully sharpened in-house. [/shamelessselfpromotion] :p
 
bigghoss said:
Do you even out the grind too?
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You betcha'. The bevel gets thinned out at 40 grit to start and then worked up through all the way to a leather belt with chromium oxide. I also square the spines on 'em. :)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
You betcha'. The bevel gets thinned out at 40 grit to start and then worked up through all the way to a leather belt with chromium oxide. I also square the spines on 'em. :)
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Cool. The thing works pretty good after touching up the factory edge. I bet it's great after that.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It's been very useful. I know there will be other purchases, but as a first step I picked up a Imacasa Spoonbill Bolo from FortyTwoBlades. I haven't had it up in the mountains yet, but it has been put to work in the backyard cutting back the tall grasses, trimming some aspens and grubbing some aspen roots. Working great so far. Thanks FortyTwoBlades for getting me set up.
 
No problem, dude! Glad you're enjoying it! It's a sweet li'l chopper for sure. :)
 
raindog101 said:
When watching my pack weight in the backcountry, sometimes I'll take my Ontario 12" cutlass machete. Custom micarta handles, and convexed by Scott Gossman. It's a fair piece lighter than the Golok, but tough as nails. I've tried to beat it to death, but it just won't die!
Click to expand...

How much did the custom work run you? I'm interested!

Thanks,

Rick
 
A while back my eyes were opened to what the lowley machete can do. Pretty much anything! They're nothing short of amazing considering the thickness and price. A buddy has spent months trying to destroy, on wood not with powertools;), a razor thin Imicasa. I took one look and said it'll never last. It has taken every bit of punishment and asked for more. He bent the tip twice and just bent it right back with zero problems. It weighs as much as a feather. Machete are the perfect outdoor working tool IMHO. Be safe.
 
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