Machete Question

Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
891
I'm looking for a quality machete and would love some input on a good "user" machete.

Thanks for the input!

Cole
 
Hey Cole..

I Really like the Ontario Machettes..

There are some other cheaper ones that are good as well..Someone will chime in for sure with the name.. Can't think for some reason right now..

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
I like my ColdSteel Kukri machete :thumbup: Comes w/decent sheath & a good utility edge. With a little work this blade will shave you :eek: My father & brother both use Ontario machete 12" & 18" these are awsome blades too !
I'm getting ready to order myself a TRAMONTINA 14" bolo machete ($5.99 @SMKW) they say these are the real deal ! But you need to give the blade a real working to get it sharp they tell me.
 
I have found the panga cold steel machete to be a little thin, but then I did use it for throwing a lot. They have some that are thicker now, but I have not tried these. The handle on the panga is excellent for me, and less abuse on my part would alleviate the thin blade issue.
 
The Trams I have are excellent. For $5.99 @ SMKW and free shipping you should buy one of each. I gust got a 12 and 14 inch to go with my 18. I took a lot of time on the edge of the new 12 inch and chopped some 4-5 inch pine and hardwood with it with no edge deformation at all.It will be my new hunting-camping-survival carry along.
 
gotta go with the ontario pretty good value for the money, i've heard a lot of good things about the tramontinas though and for the money you can't go wrong.
 
I sure enjoy my Ontario. The blade might not be as long as some, but 1/4" thick of 10" 1095 steel sharpens easy & works very well.
 
I guess the Tramontina edges vary quite a bit. Mine was in fair working order, so I had less work to do to get the edge where I wanted it, than some people have reported. But, I had to sand out some rust spots on the blades of both my bolo and my 18". Didn't get them from SMKW, however.
 
Tramontina's are a very good buy. They are made in Brazil for people who can't afford to spend a lot but don't let that fool you, they are a great user. They come with wooden or plastic handles but I'd suggest the plastic because they feel better and will last longer (a friend who had both advised me of that).

I'd also suggest staying under 18" because swinging something bigger can be dangerous! (unless you know what your doing)
They are light, strong and durable; good luck.
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Trams are worth way more than $6. Their bolo is a great little blade. I've had mixed luck with Martindales. Good steel, lousy fit & finish. The bolos from Reflections of Asia are good villager grade knives at a great price. No experience with Ontarios but they have a good rep.

Frank
 
I have a few tramontinas, very good steel. easy to sharpen in the field, and they get sharp, hold it for a decent amount of time. I just carried a small file and quickly touched it up now and then.
 
Second the 18" length too. Short = light= controlable = you don't get tired and start cutting stuff that doesn't need cutting quite as fast.
 
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