Marble 14" vs Tramontina 12"?

A

ahil925

Joined
Jul 18, 2013
Messages
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Hello all,
I live in the Chihuahuan desert area and was looking to get a small <18" machete for general bushcraft and brush/yard work.

I've narrowed it down to 2 models, both of which I will have to order as no local store seems to stock them and what they do stock isn't what I'm after.

The choices are a Tramontina 12" wood handled machete (no sheath) for $10.80 after S&H.

or

A Marbles (Imacasa) Scouting Jungle machete (13 3/4" blade) with nylon sheath and sharpening stone for $22.98 after S&H.

I have a few metal files so in theory I can work on the edge of the blades as needed.

In your all's opinion what is the better value?
 
Hmm... I would personally get the imacasa. I think the blades are pretty comprable. But for me, I'd like the option of the sheath. If you are just using around home and not carrying it far, you might be okay with out it.
 
I would probably go with the longer machete personally. Imascasa and Condor makes good machetes. Unless you are on a really strict budget, I would opt for a Condor to get the leather sheath which should last many years. I would probably go with the Swampmaster (16") since you are cutting things with thorns and bite back. I have the 14" "Swampmaster" (Puerto Rican) which was discontinued and find it to be a very useful shape once you sand the handle down to fit you.
 
What about the 14" Tram? I'd say that may be better. I've handled the 12 and 14 and they are very different. The 12 is more of a large knife while the 14" is a smallish machete, but very capable.
 
I should have mentioned earlier, I was hoping to take it with me while hiking so more compact is more attractive. I'm leaning towards the Marble's right now but I came across an old, dull, crooked chinese machete in the shop. I'm thinking of taking a cut-off disc to it and making a "practice" short machete to see how it feels. Now I need to decide what profile for the blade.
 
The 12" Ontario was the very first short machete I purchased. Bought several actually believing it would be precisely what I needed. After one use, I said no thanks to the 12" Ontario. One of the most uncomfortable handles out there.
 
I'll echo 22-rimfire's recommendation on the Condor. More comfortable handle than the Marbles or the Tramontina and the leather sheath is surprisingly nice. I like your idea about the 12" machete in general. My most used machete out of 10+ current ones is a 12" Fiddleback which uses Imacasa 1075 steel. My advice is to not underestimate the importance of having a comfortable handle sans hot spots that can be used for long periods of time.
 
Both are good. I have a 14" marbles and a 14" Tramontina latin machete. The Tram is much lighter and thinner, better for vegetation but still cuts thicker stuff well. The marbles is a little better for chopping wood, I think. You can get a sheath for $5-10 US so the cost is about the same. You can get just the marbles sheath for ~$10 and carry the Tram in it.
 
The extra 2 inches on the 14 inch machete will get you much better chopping ability. I have a 12 inch Tramontina but its a bit small to be a true machete (in my own mind) though it does have it's uses (very small and light).

The marbles machete sheath isn't great but workable. That would be my choice between the two.
 
I have a 12" Tramontina and love it. It cuts like crazy, holds a good edge for a machete and is lightweight enough to carry all the time on a pack. I did make a basic leather sheath for mine.
 
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