Machetes for Hunting and Butchering

C

coote

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Apr 3, 2006
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I'd be interested to read anybody's anecdotes about machetes being used for hunting or butchering.

I am fairly certain that in the places where machetes are commonly used, they will also be used for these tasks.

If used for hunting, a machete with a pointy end might be best. For butchering, especially cleaving the carcase in half down the backbone, a heavier machete could be the most suitable.

I'm hoping Pict and anyone else with some machete culture experience might have something to offer.

Thanks in advance.... Coote.
 
Not quite a machete but a hunting cleaver for butchering large game. Knife on the left (obviously).

Langbein.jpg
 
Whoa HornyToad ! That looks really nice. Has this been used to chop bone in any way? How long is the blade?

ZombaiO... are big knives like machetes commonly used for butchering around where you live?
 
I've only used my machete to skin, backstrap and quarter game. Never deboned or gutted with one. They aren't ideal for the job and I'd much rather have a simple 3-4" blade. The machete can easily chop bones in half. I use the base of the blade and give 3-4 sharp blows the bone will now break in half

They will get the job done.
 
Take a look at the leuku, the big Sami knife.
Here's one example:
5229.gif


The Leuku is the traditional camp knife of the Saami (Lapp) peoples. It combines the functions of knife and machete, and is the constant companion of this northern nomadic folk. It is used for gathering firewood, butchering reindeer and similar tasks.
Click to expand...
 
Great replies thanks. Keep them coming.

I really like the look of that Leuku. Where could a man buy a good one at a reasonable price? Thanks.
 
Thanks Rzwieg. I haven't set any possum snares for over a year now. I've had quite a lifestyle change and I've even moved further into the city (although you can never live far from the bush around here). However we are planning to move to the outskirts again soon where I hope to find a farmer who is willing to let me catch a few possums on his land.

I reckon that Sami 'machete' could be a good companion on the trap line.
 
I don't know anyone who uses a machete for hunting. If I were to use one for cutting up a deer, I'd use a 12" Tramontina or something similar. Full-sized machetes are too long and flexible to be ideal for cleaning game, IMO. I know it can be done- I've seen pictures. ;)

I noticed the big scandi knife Esav posted looks fairly similar to a 12" Tram. :thumbup:
 
That is my view too Moonwilson. The blades I use for cutting up big animals are seldom over five inches long. But it is interesting to learn about how others approach the same task. For instance I am really intrigued to see programs about Asian food where a guy might be hacking into a whole chicken with a big cleaver. Dang that must create some sharp-ended bone fragments.

I think there must be places around the world where an animal is killed with a machete then cut up with it.

Must check out a 12" Tramontina. Bet it is cheaper than the Leuku even if it doesn't have the same mystique.
 
I have the Jarvenpaa leuku I pictured, in a combined sheath with a puukko. The whole rig is very light and both knives are strong. Most of the companies on Ragweed Forge's site sell leukus. Some are large blades, others are 5". I see them as classic camp knives.
 
Ask Jeff (R.A.T.) On the RAT cutlery board. I think some of his work in TK have had pics of guys cutting up crocs will machetes.
 
I saw a video (on youtube I think) where the guy filleted a fish with a khukuri.
Would that count for what you're looking for?
 
Thanks for all the ideas and comments.

Yup, filleting a fish with a general purpose big blade more or less fits the topic :)
 
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