Machetes ??? Fiddleback Tops Esee Ontario How do they compare??

S

Smiddy

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Apr 20, 2013
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I am getting back into machetes... I have been shopping around lately. I just purchased a ESEE lite machete. I haven't used it yet but I must admit the thickness has me a bit concerned. I like something with some thickness to it. I also picked up an Ontario 12" mi-spec. I really like the blade, feels nice and solid. I plan on picking up the 18" version and redoing the handles on both.
I've been looking at picking up a Fiddleback Forge 16" and a Tops machete. Since I have the Esee and the Ontario, I was wondering how these compare? Are the FB and Tops thick like the Ontario or thin like the Esee? Give me your first hand opinions. Thanks
 
The TOPS measures at 0.130-0.135" with the coating (thickness of coating varies a tad along its length).
 
The TOPS is quite literally made out of an Ontario 18" blank.

The 12" Fiddleback is on the thick side of things but the others are thinner like the ESEE. Both the ESEE and the Fiddlebacks have blades made by Imacasa. The thin blades will hold up just fine. Don't worry.

All those mentioned are good machetes, though premium models.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
The TOPS is quite literally made out of an Ontario 18" blank.

The 12" Fiddleback is on the thick side of things but the others are thinner like the ESEE. Both the ESEE and the Fiddlebacks have blades made by Imacasa. The thin blades will hold up just fine. Don't worry.

All those mentioned are good machetes, though premium models.
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How does the handle compare "hand-filling-wise" on the Fiddleback as opposed to the TOPS?
I find the TOPS handle a tad thin.
 
The Fiddlebacks are absolutely lovely, as one would expect from Andy. I have prototype versions of the 16" and 18" models, which are a little more vertically narrow at the top of the grip than the final versions and even then they're exceptionally comfortable. The one downside of them is you need to obtain a sheath for them, but Wildmanh on the forums here makes leather for 'em and I use a "universal" sheath from Eli at Godspeed Tactical.

The TOPS handle is on the slim side, but I don't find it at all problematic. Then again, I have small hands.
 
I have a 12" and an 18" from Andy(Fiddleback). They are VERY nice and are quite comfortable to use. I have a small piece of property outside of town and have been using the 18" for clearing weeds and the 12" for light wood prep. They both work great. I have a Collins Legitimus(sp?)that is a hog - I think the blade is 24". I have not spent enough time on the handle - it has some hotspots, but thats my fault. It has a panga style blade and once it gets going, it doesn't want to stop. I really want to pick up some of the Condor products - golok and parang as they both look like they really could do some cutting.
 
stabman said:
I may have to get a Fiddleback soon. :)
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If you're in the market for a premium machete, it's impossible to go wrong with a Fiddleback. Not inexpensive, but they're a downright bargain compared to chopping knives in their size range and the quality is impeccable.
 
The 12 inch OKC is a great machete. 1095 in 1/8 size make it better than the thin ones for north american forests. And the price is very reasonable. Do some mods to the handle and blade and it will do most anything you need, literally.


 
I have three 12" Ontario machetes. It took that to convince me that I don't like the handles. I will have to check out the Fiddlebacks, but I'm pretty comfortable with Condor products (Golok, Parang, Pack Golok, and others, but these are the ones I use mostly.).

Most of the machetes are made by a couple companies regardless of the brand names used.
 
I had heard that a lot of the premium machetes are contracted out to other companies. I know the steel and the heat treat have everything to do with how any given blade can proform. I just prefer a heavier blade here in Kentucky. I would be using it more for wood prep and shelter construction. Thanks for all inputs.
 
Smiddy said:
I had heard that a lot of the premium machetes are contracted out to other companies. I know the steel and the heat treat have everything to do with how any given blade can proform. I just prefer a heavier blade here in Kentucky. I would be using it more for wood prep and shelter construction. Thanks for all inputs.
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As far as I know the sub-contracted machetes are the same steel and heat-treat as the originating company, which isn't a problem but for the high price I expected otherwise.

If it were my money, I'd get one of the inexpensive, well-known brands from Baronyx and get the "Special Grade" upgrade.

I can't deny being very tempted by the Fiddleback machete though.
 
If you are wiiling to spend that much, how's about adding a blind horse machete to the mix. :)
 
Blind Horse, Fiddleback, and ESEE all get their blades from Imacasa.
 
I personally love my Svord Kiwi. Its a shorter than the others but it can take a freaking beating, it also happens to be the orange handled one in 42Blades sig.
 
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