Need advice on a new machete

N

NIKLASAL

Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Messages
194
For years I've used one of those 18" Latin Machetes on CTD for ten bucks. I use it for light farm work, hacking through vines and up to 2" branches. Sadly, I started up my chipper without realizing it was left in the hopper... It survived, but had two inches ripped clean off the top and warped the blade pretty bad.

Anyhow, it has served me well, but then again I never really used another machete. Any recommendations? Also, is there much difference in feel between the 18" and 24" blade?

Thanks!
 
Check out the Ontario and Condor offerings. I really like the Ontarios, they are 1095 steel not junk. I think the 18" version handles the best, the 22" feels too front heavy.
 
Go with Imacasa. Buy on the Internet for about $20. Real Central American machete. ESEE resells them with their own micarta handles for 4 times that price.
 
The one that ESEE re-handles is the Condor Eco-Lite. I reall like the micarta handle they put on and they touch up the edge so it's ready to "go" out of the box. Ontarios good stuff too but you'll have to sharpen it but the steel is alot tougher than Condors and won't easily.... more like a tool than a thinner slicer ymmv.



Carry mine like this:

DSC04484-1.jpg


Or mounted to a pack:

DSC04108-1.jpg


Can't stand the fabric sheaths and belt carry isn't always "conveinent".


Eli
 
HoosierQ said:
Go with Imacasa. Buy on the Internet for about $20. Real Central American machete. ESEE resells them with their own micarta handles for 4 times that price.
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GODSPEED! said:
The one that ESEE re-handles is the Condor Eco-Lite.
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Same difference really. Condor is a division of Imacasa. I also wonder if esee does a whole lot to the edge. Condors are rumored to come ready to go edge-wise.
 
ESEE doesn't do anything to the edges--they order them sharpened by Imacasa/Condor, then laser cut the tangs to precise tolerances to match the machined recesses in the scales. :)

Imacasa/Condor, Tramontina, Ontario, Hansa, Cold Steel, Martindale...lots of good makers on the market. Were you looking specifically for a classic "Latin" pattern machete, or are other patterns on the table for discussion as well?

And yes, there's a big difference in feel between 18" and 24". The pattern will really play a role in what that difference is, and how significant it is though.
 
My ESEE was pretty good for a machete when I got it, but after a few minutes with some 1000 grit and a strop, it shaves hair pretty easily.
 
It's worth noting, too, that Condors/Marble's(made by Imacasa)/ESEE machetes have a thin clear coat on the edges from the factory to keep them from rusting in transport from Central America. This can make the factory edge feel a little duller than it actually is.
 
Hey, thanks for the responses so far. I would like better steel than the sheet metal used on a lot of the cheapo machetes, but I'm worried the extra weight would tire me out a lot quicker... I use my machete a LOT.

So I'm a little confused about the condor and the ESEE machetes... I see them from $20 -$60 in price. Is the only difference the handle? Is it worth it?
 
I've got two Tramontinas (14" & 18") and while they are great machetes -- especially for the really low price,
you have to spend quite some time putting on a nice edge. This is the case with most machetes,
but the Tramontinas I got had really sloppy bevel grinds from the factory.
 
NIKLASAL said:
Hey, thanks for the responses so far. I would like better steel than the sheet metal used on a lot of the cheapo machetes, but I'm worried the extra weight would tire me out a lot quicker... I use my machete a LOT.

So I'm a little confused about the condor and the ESEE machetes... I see them from $20 -$60 in price. Is the only difference the handle? Is it worth it?
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The only significant difference is the handle--yes. It's worth it to some but not to others. Personally I think the polypropylene is more than good enough00the ergonomics are fantastic. However, the price for the ESEE is very fair given the amount of work that goes into them. It's the only micarta handled machete on the market with a fully encapsulated tang, and that takes a lot of work to achieve.
 
stoffi said:
I've got two Tramontinas (14" & 18") and while they are great machetes -- especially for the really low price,
you have to spend quite some time putting on a nice edge. This is the case with most machetes,
but the Tramontinas I got had really sloppy bevel grinds from the factory.
Click to expand...

I sell 'em with an edge on them and the scales flushed to the tang. I'm out at the moment but have more 14" Trail Machetes and Bolos on the way. All my distributors are out of the 18" ones right now though. :(
 
Ontario, Tramontina, Marble's- In that order-good machetes and good values.
Can't comment on the others as no personal experience but will say sadly disappointed in the Gerber Gator.
 
The edge on the Eco-Lite that I have is good too, 42blades... I though ESEE also put the black coating on them, touched up the edge and then put clear only on the exposed/sharpened edge? Probably wrong but I though I read that somewhere.... anyhow it's a nice finished product just like the Condors are. Buying a machete from 42blades is the "exception" to everything I've said about machetes not coming "sharp". Where some of them come as "blanks" (imho) I bought a Mora333 Machete from him and since they come with a really thin blade profile he sharpens them 30* before shipping so it will stand up to actual use.


Eli
 
To the best of my recollection ESEE doesn't do anything to the Lite Machete other than the handle machining and the logo engraving (though the work involved in the handle is significant!) The edges I've seen were all stock Condor-style ones and the clear coat is only along the edge itself, as mentioned. :)
 
How do Collins/Nicholson machetes rank with others in that price range? I bought a 22 inch with a black poly handle, looks about the same as my 18" Tramontina except the handle. I am going to get both out and put them to work here next week getting some trails cleaned up and yard work done.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I sell 'em with an edge on them and the scales flushed to the tang. I'm out at the moment but have more 14" Trail Machetes and Bolos on the way. All my distributors are out of the 18" ones right now though. :(
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Nice! I'll keep that in mind. :)
 
willseeyalater said:
How do Collins/Nicholson machetes rank with others in that price range? I bought a 22 inch with a black poly handle, looks about the same as my 18" Tramontina except the handle. I am going to get both out and put them to work here next week getting some trails cleaned up and yard work done.
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Pretty low on the list. I've got a couple of those and they handle like a limp noodle. :D They hold an ok edge but they're too thin and floppy for the length. Either a stiffer heat treatment, different profile, or the addition of distal taper would be needed to fix that problem. The handle ergos aren't the best either. A bit thin with the propensity to twist in the hand if you strike a glancing blow.

Collins/Nicholson is very different from the vintage Collins machetes. THOSE rank near the top of the list.
 
My Fiskars 22" machete has cleared acres of vines, grasses, and saplings. It holds an edge well, and the handle is really comfortable.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Pretty low on the list. I've got a couple of those and they handle like a limp noodle. :D They hold an ok edge but they're too thin and floppy for the length. Either a stiffer heat treatment, different profile, or the addition of distal taper would be needed to fix that problem. The handle ergos aren't the best either. A bit thin with the propensity to twist in the hand if you strike a glancing blow.

Collins/Nicholson is very different from the vintage Collins machetes. THOSE rank near the top of the list.
Click to expand...

For $7 it is priced right for some modification. I may cut some of that length down. Thanks
 
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