Machetes for survival

B

backwoodsboy

Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
105
I was wondering what machete you guys use for general survival and camping purposes.

I currently use a 12 inch ontario d-guard.
 
I don't really consider it a machete, but my general camp chore knife is a Scrap Yard Dogfather. Really sturdy knife. I love it so far.
 
I generally use a 14" bolo that I've had for years, and has served me well. It's not the best though, by any means. I'll be buying the new Condor bolo as soon as I can. I like the bolo's for my terrain (South West US). If I lived some other places I would probably go for the sweet new Condor Golok.
 
I've been using a 12 inch Ontario for several years now. If I don't have my Ontario, then I have my dad's old 10 inch homemade bushwacker he made from a cut down English machete just after WW2.
 
By the way, backwoodsboy, welcome to Blade Forums. You'll like it here — it's a great group of people.
 
Welcome backwoodsboy. While I no longer have either of them, I used to have a Tramontina 18 incher and a bolo that I believe was Ontario made, maybe 16 inches? I basically gave the Tramontina to my dad--who I don't see too much because I don't live near--about 15 years ago and the bolo a friend lost while doing some brush work while standing in a river (he dropped it, it disappeared under the surface, we looked for DAYS for it and never found it) about 20 years ago.

The Tramontina was lighter and more flexible and seemed to be a better all-around cutting implement.

The bolo weighted a lot more and was less flexible. But, because of its heft, even when pretty dull could smash it's way through saplings and brush.

Hope this information is helpful.
 
Last edited:
Any decent machete will do for camping and survival. Choose a size and weight you are comfortable with. Stay away from the Walmart models, but Tramontina, Galivan, Condor, Ontario, Cold Steel, Collins, and most from latin America are decent. I like the 18" Tramontina for a good all around machete and the 12" Ontario for a good short one. If you want one that is ready to go when you buy it with a good sheath and a good edge, choose a Condor model.
 
I use a CS Trail Master for brush but some loaners machetes are CS "12 Barong and Magnum Kukri, very sturdy 1/8" 1055 spring steel and sharp.

The no name Pakistani junkers from the sporting goods section are just unnacceptable and dangerous.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top