Machete question

I've got a cs panga machete I use around the house, no complaints, but I did modify handle and edge. Also a condor inca knife I take hiking, love that lil guy. By little mean only 10" blade. I would recommend both. Picked up the panga for $10 at smkw
 
I have a Tram bolo, Corneta panga and Ontario mil issue. The Tram handles the best and at 18" has plenty of reach without being unwieldy. The only thing I'ld nock the Tram for is when I got it the spine was sharper than the edge.
 
Thx Rucker that was quite helpful.
I've got some 6 different ones on the list. And fortunately enough I managed to catch 42blades before his break so I can really chose from different styles and lengths.
And my fiance's uncle made me an interesting proposition - his back yard needs to be cleaned out and he has a bunch of machetes so I can beat the snot out of his and see what fits me the most, so that will help to narrow it down a lot.
 
shangchi108 said:
Everyone seems to tout machetespecialists.com but they are NOT the only game in town. I find their prices to be rather high. Make sure you shop around.
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I just used them as a reference because they have more stock than most places.

Also their customer service is great. I noticed they are semi local and asked if I could pick up an order to avoid shipping cost. They said yes and even offered that if I had a few models in mind that I wanted to get a feel for that they would lay them out for me to handle before I paid.

We have several ESEE vendors that aren’t the lowest prices in town but their service is quite often worth a couple extra bucks. YMMV.
 
A 18" is really not that bad to use. I find the length to be great when dealing with sticker bushes from a distance. I personally wouldn't go anything bigger than 18". To me that would be awkward use in close quarters or backpack with if I needed to.
 
I've got a CS Kukri (16"?) that is a cutting machine. Granted, I put a LOT of time in putting an edge on it. It is shaving sharp now and holds the edge very well. I have beat the crap out of it, battoned with it and generally abused it. Most of the finish is gone. It just takes it all and keeps on going. I think they are made in South Africa. Anyway, just sharing my limited knowlege on the subject.
BaldingEagle
 
BaldingEagle said:
I've got a CS Kukri (16"?) that is a cutting machine. Granted, I put a LOT of time in putting an edge on it. It is shaving sharp now and holds the edge very well. I have beat the crap out of it, battoned with it and generally abused it. Most of the finish is gone. It just takes it all and keeps on going. I think they are made in South Africa. Anyway, just sharing my limited knowlege on the subject.
BaldingEagle
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Close, they're 17 inches. Sounds like you've used yours quite a bit, I've only taken mine out twice (I got it last week) and the finish hasn't shown a bit of wear.
What sort of edge did you put on it? A convex edge, or did you stick with the flat grind?
And I was pleasantly surprised when the kukri arrived and it said it was made in South Africa. From what I know about Cold Steel, they've been out sourcing almost everything to Asia.
 
I actually had a few China made CS folders that committed suicide after actually being used for what knifes are made - cutting. Most likely lemons, but still the CS representative here said that I abused the blades and voided the warranty. Now it's true that it's a screwed up place where ppl don't like to work and sending them by myself it would cost me more than an the actual knife.
So to cut it short, I don't tend to trust CS knives too much and for now I'll stay away. When I finally move, I'll probably give 'em another shot.
 
styx said:
I actually had a few China made CS folders that committed suicide after actually being used for what knifes are made - cutting. Most likely lemons, but still the CS representative here said that I abused the blades and voided the warranty. Now it's true that it's a screwed up place where ppl don't like to work and sending them by myself it would cost me more than an the actual knife.
So to cut it short, I don't tend to trust CS knives too much and for now I'll stay away. When I finally move, I'll probably give 'em another shot.
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Don't give them a reason to replace the knife... get a fixed blade. The Finn Bear, GI Tanto, Roach Belly, Canadian Belt Knife... they have some good practical cheapo blades that can be modified into rockin' users.
 
adaman04 said:
I just used them as a reference because they have more stock than most places.

Also their customer service is great. I noticed they are semi local and asked if I could pick up an order to avoid shipping cost. They said yes and even offered that if I had a few models in mind that I wanted to get a feel for that they would lay them out for me to handle before I paid.

We have several ESEE vendors that aren’t the lowest prices in town but their service is quite often worth a couple extra bucks. YMMV.
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My mileage has varied, indeed. I've found the same products for much less, even without shipping costs. All I'm saying is shop around.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Don't give them a reason to replace the knife... get a fixed blade. The Finn Bear, GI Tanto, Roach Belly, Canadian Belt Knife... they have some good practical cheapo blades that can be modified into rockin' users.
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Well I heard that their fixed blades are better than their folders, but I'll see to them as the need comes, if it comes.

As for machetespecialists.com, they have a big selection. And from the 6 things I have put aside to think about or look at, they have all of 'em. I did manage to find 'em cheaper, but I'm still looking around to see who offers what. But never the less it's a great place to start with the search
 
shangchi108 said:
My mileage has varied, indeed. I've found the same products for much less, even without shipping costs. All I'm saying is shop around.
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That's nice. With the economy most all of us shop around. Have a good one.

Payette, did you get the Condor Kukri with the sheath or have you rigged something up?
 
adaman04 said:
That's nice. With the economy most all of us shop around. Have a good one.

Payette, did you get the Condor Kukri with the sheath or have you rigged something up?
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Got a leather sheath in progress but for now I use a 12 inch Ontario Camp Machete nylon sheath attached via compression strap to the side of my pack.
 
I have the 15" Condor Bolo and the MArtindale Golok #2. Both are beefy, easy to pack, and handle well.

The Condor came ready to use with a nice convex edge. The Martindale Golok needed lots of edge work with the mil file but rocks now.

So many other great suggestions here I think you are covered.
 
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