Machete recommendations

I had an Ontario GI machete for severall years thar worked really well and held a decent edge. It got stolon over the summer so I replaced it with the same model. Haven't used it much since I got my khukris, but the Ontario GI machete is a great machete imo
 
Glock17JHP said:
I went to their website... I am drawn to this one...

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CN2030MDB
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If you're going to get a Jungle Saber model, get the one without the knuckle bow. The handle shape on the knuckle bow model isn't nearly as comfortable as the one found on the base model. I know Joe is working on getting them to revamp the handle shape, but it'll be some time before we see where that goes. My advice is that if you're worried about hitting your knuckles then just get a longer blade. :)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
All Condor models come with a polished convex edge on them right from the factory. :cool: The handle material is some kind of Central American hardwood, and the blade is 20" long and 2mm thick. It comes with a real sweet swiveling leather sheath. :)

MSRP is around $85 which means you can find it as low as $46 on the 'net. :cool:
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I would like to see the Inca knife get a wood handle.

Marion
 
softpoint said:
Woodsmans Pal, and i have a Becker Patrol machete
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I've looked at the woodsman's pal for a long time but just can't bring myself to drop that kind of bank on something that'll be subjected to the abuse i put a machete through before I lose 'em.
 
Condor is a pretty serious machete.

their stainless versions are a lot better than they sound, too.

Imacasas have the best plastic molded handle on a cheap machete IMHO - Tramontinas have the best wooden handles in the same.

Ontarios are okay, but they have a horrible handle IMHO and they are definitely made for the gringo "thicker is better" mindset, plus 1095 steel is a horrific choice in an impact tool IMHO, over 1080 or 1055, etc.

Cold Steel machetes are great IMHO, i really like the Bowie Machetes, but of course, those have been discontinued for the time being last i checked, so get yours while they are still in general stock.

all machetes need you to customize the edges, and perhaps the handles (which is why i like the wooden Tramontinas - Imacasa has some wooden ones too, but i have no experience with them). - anyone that talks about a stock machete's edge should be looked at with some measure of healthy skepticism IMHO as a person who has lived in the jungle with the natives....

HTH.


i am about to buy a bunch of Tamontina 14" Bolo for our sponsorship of Dirt time 2010.

they are good, especially for machete noobz that are going to be around hardwoods IMHO.

vec
 
I'll chime in with my support for Condor and Imacasa as well. If you want a high-quality, sharp-out-of-the-box machete that comes with a nice sheath, Condor is the only way to go. :thumbup: However, the "lower-end" Imacasas are more than worth checking out. I love my Imacasas.
 
I have been diggin my Condor Golok. I think its awesome.
 
Marion David Poff said:
I would like to see the Inca knife get a wood handle.

Marion
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Once I get a little more advanced in my machete modding I'll consider doing one of those. Could be fun to see in a big block of micarta too! I'm saving up from my current projects at the moment to buy myself some more tools to speed up the process. Knowing Joe's experience with Condor handle removal, though, it'll be quite the chore. ;):thumbup:

I'll be posting a thread in about an hour over in W&SS showing the models I've got right now waiting for mods. They arrived last night. :cool:
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Once I get a little more advanced in my machete modding I'll consider doing one of those. Could be fun to see in a big block of micarta too!
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Yeah, that would be cool.


FortyTwoBlades said:
I'm saving up from my current projects at the moment to buy myself some more tools to speed up the process. Knowing Joe's experience with Condor handle removal, though, it'll be quite the chore. ;):thumbup
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Well, given my experience with good tools, I can tell you if you get the right ones, just about any job is do-able.


Marion
 
I think what Joe had to do when he removed one of the injection-molded handles was take a saw and some chisels to it. :D

ETA: Here's the link to the models I've got ready to mod! It's all very exciting. :p
 
A convexed 12 Ontario would be ideal for a canoe trip as it is a hell of a chopper, is light and easy enough to pack in a dry bag/pack.--KV
 
If you were going to go that short you might as well go with a Condor Aztec Cleaver. Talk about a lot of punch in a small package!

ctk2060s_lg.jpg
 
Djinn said:
I've looked at the woodsman's pal for a long time but just can't bring myself to drop that kind of bank on something that'll be subjected to the abuse i put a machete through before I lose 'em.
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Last I heard they were pretty loyal to their costumers- repair and all, you abuse it they fix it
 
I have the Cold Steel 18'' Latin Machete...it is a nice cutter, used it quite a bit on everything from high grass/weeds to near wrist sized green limbs. It looks like new still...the factory edge was barely passable as sharpened, but it takes a really nice sharp edgethat holds up...IMO it's well worth buying. I think I gave like 14-16 dollars for mine at a flea market NIB.
 
What are you going to be cutting with it is the question, I think, because to even the unpracticed eye there are many types of machetes but not all made for the same thing. For example, some are made for soft green tropical foliage, others for handling woodier things. Check this out:

http://www.machetespecialists.com/
 
Machete Specialist is a great resource for machete fans, as well as a store, and Cam is always happy to answer any questions you might have. Top notch service. :thumbup:
 
to remove the injection molded handle of a condor, drill out the aluminum tubing. Then hammer the handle off the tang.

If you cannot hammer it safely with the blade tapped off and firmly in a vice you should default to cutting it off. the molded fit is quite tight.
 
Another vote for the Ontario Knife Company 18" military or improved machete. Good steel. Made in the USA. Awesome cutter/chopper. Holds a great edge. Mine is about 20 yrs old & counting. I have taken down trees of 12" dia, trimmed atv trails with it & dismembered numerous deer carcases with it. Only time it ever got a nick in the blade was from hitting barbed wire with a full power swing.
 
Kabar is also coming out with a short-bladed machete (funny enough they call it their "grass machete" though its way too short to effectively clear large amounts of grasses) that might be worth checking out if the price point is right. :)
 
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