machete recomendation!!!

S

stewey1

Gold Member
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Nov 14, 2010
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407
Hey Guys,

Im after a good quality machete, Ive looked at so many and I still cant decide.

I want something that will last, blade length of 18inches minimum, good handle, and generally take a beating and keep on going. I like 1095 steel but I dont really care what type of steel it is as long as its tough and easy to sharpen

I will be using it for work(Im a grunt) and hunting/hiking in jungle type terrain.

I like the look of the esee lite machete but I would love to hear your opinions on whats great and whats not, my budget is US $100 maximum so any suggestions production or custom would be great.

I would really like to hear suggestions from any soldiers or people that use there machetes alot for work or play, you can look at specs all day but its you guys with the experience that know what works and what doesnt that makes this forum so great,


regards,

Stew
 
The ESEE Lite is a tough machete to beat! The real question is, what sorts of targets do you intend to use it on? I've got plenty of suggestions, but it'll depend on what tasks it'll get used for. ;):thumbup:
 
I was just reading your post over in outdoor gear, thats a great thread, good point about the intended target dictating the style of machete.

my targets will mainly be vines and small skinny undergrowth, as a scout Im responsible for route selection and track clearing so I only need something light to clear small branches and undergrowth that will get caught on packs and rifles etc as the platoon moves through
 
I can't see anything wrong with getting an ESEE Lite Machete. I got mine without sheath and I bough a Condor leather sheath at the same time (one designed for an 18" El-Salvador style machete).
You get a good micarta handle on a light machete that you can swing all day long.
 
The Lite Machete is great, light, fast, bites deep, slices through soft vegetation. It will chop wood, but also has lots of flex. For what you say you want it for, you'll want it to be light. The 18" machete from Ontario, the 1/8" thick blade is too heavy for vines and undergrowth, you would be working too hard when you wouldn't need the weight.
The other options to consider would be Fiddleback Forge and the current Bark River modified Ontario Machete, Condor's similar models.
 
I've owned and used quite a few machetes including military surplus, cold steel, gerber, tramontina, etc.. I have found that most of those were far too thick and short to be efficient. The best machete that I have ever owned is the Tramontina, a 22 inch model with wood handle that I payed $6 for at SMKW. I love ESEE's stuff but I can't justify the price of the Lite Machete when my Tramontina is still hacking away after 8 years and cost less than a 10th as much as the ESEE.
 
The ESEE is an Imacasa blade with a nice micarta handle. You're paying for the scales which are, in my opinion, more than worth it. Imacasa runs their steel a little harder than Tramontina does, too, so you'll have better edge retention as well. :)
 
BackwoodsBummin' said:
I've owned and used quite a few machetes including military surplus, cold steel, gerber, tramontina, etc.. I have found that most of those were far too thick and short to be efficient. The best machete that I have ever owned is the Tramontina, a 22 inch model with wood handle that I payed $6 for at SMKW. I love ESEE's stuff but I can't justify the price of the Lite Machete when my Tramontina is still hacking away after 8 years and cost less than a 10th as much as the ESEE.
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+1 for sure... I agree with you on this one...

I've had a couple trams... I cut one down from an 18" bush to a 14" golok and its sat on my back patio for around 7 months now, over the winter I used it to chop kindling and baton through oak to make smaller fire wood... I've tried (literally) to break this thing to no avail.. its really blown my mind I can still cut paper :eek: alittle rough but it cuts it..

you can't go wrong with tramotina, for your situation you will want something at least 18" long or longer.. There are many threads on the net for ideas on cheap sheath making for the bush..

happy trails..
 
I have machetes from 4 brands and my favorite is the 18inch Tramontina. They are basically the Mora of machetes.
 
If you don't profiling an edge your self, you should check out a Tramontina with a wooden handle. I paid about $6 for my 20" Tram. I've tried Imacasa, but they are made pretty rough compared to a Tram. A Tramontina will will most likely be straighter and have a MUCH better grind than a Imacasa.

The whole purpose of a machete is to have a cheap, easily replaceable blade for field work. I would hate to miss a low vine or branch and hit a rock with a $100 machete. If you would like, you can carve or sand a wooden handle to fit you're hand better. A wood handle would be easier to customize than a Micarta handle, too.
 
I work with machetes and it sounds to me like the Tramotina advice is good. Thin machete for light work, 18 " or less makes it maneuverable and not too heavy.
I like the 13" sugar cane style with a broad blade and a hook for general farm use. I tend to like a shorter machete , personal choice.
More important is keeping it sharp. I use a mill file, rough /fine on one edge about 25 deg until a bur then one light pass on opposite side to remove.
Found this link about sharpening and a good listing of different types and techniques
http://www.machetespecialists.com/mash.html
A sheath is a good idea too, save the edge and for safe carry.
 
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Lethal Overdose said:
If you don't profiling an edge your self, you should check out a Tramontina with a wooden handle. I paid about $6 for my 20" Tram. I've tried Imacasa, but they are made pretty rough compared to a Tram. A Tramontina will will most likely be straighter and have a MUCH better grind than a Imacasa.
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Never had a straightness problem with any of my Imacasas. True they come with the edge less finished than the Trams, and models with wooden handle scales will need some trimming, but I think the increased edge retention, stiffness, distal taper (in many models) and greater variety of patterns in more than worth the extra elbow grease. Hansa machetes fall somewhere in between the two, also, and deserve a look. For shorter models I fully agree on the cane machete suggestion. The broad blade makes for some good heavy chopping, while the thin stock minimizes resistance as it passes through material during the cut. :)
 
I have had my Ontario 18" machete with the military plastic sheath for 20 yrs now. Still works great for everything. Made in the USA. My vote goes for Ontario. You can also get one with a 12" blade if that better suits your needs.
 
I have an 18" Tram for, oh, ~5 years. It's been a great work horse. I leave in my shed all year and use it, don't wipe it down, no rust. It was just getting a nice patina when my son needed a machete last year and I gave it to him.

Now I need a machete and ordered an Imasca Eco-light from machete specialists. Also ordered the Marbles 14" bolo. They should be here tomorrow.

Which begs the question, what is the difference between the Eco-light and Eco-Survival.
 
So what site has the best prices for a tramontina including shipping?
Do these come with a sheath?
Any other brand come with a sheath that's value priced like the tramontina?
 
For a good machete for not much $$, it is REAL hard to beat the Ontario US 18" or 12" machete. I have one of each & they are chopping machines. You will have to sharpen them though. & there is no good sheaths for the 12" one, you'll have to have one made, but it's worth it. If you get the 18" one, i can strongly recomend the military sheath.
 
Bark River Custom Machete, if you can justify the price tag. Full convex grind and edge cuts through everything. Good chopper and good slicer. I have an ESEE Lite machete that I like but was somewhat dissapointed in the blade from El Salvador. Mine came brand new with many imperfections in the edge. You would think that being advertised with a convex edge they would take a little time to make it sharp but no so in my case. The micarta handles and large and very comfortable though and has good reach and balance as a total package. There are also several Cold Steel machete models that are hard to beat for the price tag. The bolo and the kukri come to mind.
 
I saw the ontario and sheath for $ 30 shipped.

I am still trying to locate a tramontina in a store since its like $ 6
 
BackwoodsBummin' said:
I've owned and used quite a few machetes including military surplus, cold steel, gerber, tramontina, etc.. I have found that most of those were far too thick and short to be efficient. The best machete that I have ever owned is the Tramontina, a 22 inch model with wood handle that I payed $6 for at SMKW. I love ESEE's stuff but I can't justify the price of the Lite Machete when my Tramontina is still hacking away after 8 years and cost less than a 10th as much as the ESEE.
Click to expand...

THIS!

I love my Tramontina's. TOUGH, LIGHT, and CHEAP. Whats not to like? I have abused my 18" Tram, and it was still great and asking for more.
I just got into the 14" Tramontina Bolo, man, I am REALLY liking it! It has some great power for its length. And it cost me $7.
 
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