Needed: Solid Machete. Any Suggestions?

T

Tony Nguyen

Gold Member
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Jul 20, 2010
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Hey everybody,

I was looking for a good machete. I was leaning towards the condor Bolo machete model that is 1/8 inch thick and 21 inches overall.

Are there any comparable bolos to that one? If you have one how does it perform?

Pictures please!

Thanks,

Tony
 
The Condor take on a bolo is pretty unique, so I'd say there aren't any that are really comparable out there. For a bolo pattern in general, Martindale makes a nice one, though it'll take some elbow grease to get the edge and the handle where it should be and there's no sheath available. It's still really awesome though, and has a really nice distal taper.

The Condor has a really comfy handle, nice leather sheath, and a lot of heft. If you want some serious hitting power, that's the one for you! It also has the benefit of being completely ready to go out of the box.
 
Not too sure if they have a bolo but as far as quality machetes for a ridiculously low price, Himalayan Imports. Cant say much more than that. And you'll find nothing but praise for them around these forums.
 
HI makes a machete? I had an Ang Khola and it was very very heavy. I was looking for something on the lighter side.
 
Ontario makes decent ones in the $20 range with plastic handles.
If you can find a tramontina at a farm store, they're decent once you clean them up on a belt sander.
condor is good for out of the box & ready to go.
Corona isn't horrible - check hardware stores, Lowes, & Home Despot for those -- but they'll still need some edge work.
 
If you're looking for inexpensive and high quality the Condor Eco Survivors are nice, especially now that they come with the nylon sheaths. Tramontinas are probably the biggest bang for the buck sharp thing in existence, and Ontario is cheap, ripe for modification, and made in the USA.
 
I find the Ontario 18" long 1/8" thick to be a bit heavy for lots of swinging. I like the 12" better. I'd think a 1/8" thick 20" long would be too heavy for one handed use.
The ESEE Lite Machete is thin, but I can swing it faster, because it's light.

My rule of thumb, is that as they get shorter, they can get thicker.
 
I like Ontario Knives, SP series, I have an SP8 Survival machete and it's one tough Mother

TS-OKC003_540.jpg


The Kukri is another excellent choice, probably better for north american not the south american forests, the shorter, thicker blades tend to be front heavy and swing like longer blade and hit with the punch of an ax.

OK6420.jpg


They have many reasonably priced super tough that'll fit the bill just look 'em uo on the net and type Ontario Knives SP Series I'm sure you'll see some thin' ya like and someplace to buy it.
 
Those two show how different the grinds can be. That Survival Machete is a thick heavy sucker, when compared to the Ontario Kukri. The Bark River Golok is another 1/4" thick, FFG blade. Don't for get the Condor Golok or that new Boomslang.
Lots of thick machetes out there.
 
Thanks for all the help guys. You've all given me some great recommendations. I'll let you know which one I go with and put up some in use photos.

Tony
 
foxx said:
Those two show how different the grinds can be. That Survival Machete is a thick heavy sucker, when compared to the Ontario Kukri. The Bark River Golok is another 1/4" thick, FFG blade. Don't for get the Condor Golok or that new Boomslang.
Lots of thick machetes out there.
Click to expand...

Hoohoohoooooyeah the Boomslang is a beast! Surprisingly light in the hand, but boy does it have some power to it! :thumbup:
 
Here is my two cents.

If you live in a woody area vs. a grassy area and will be using the machete for woody growth, I would recommend a golok or a parang style. They should about 20" overall.

If you are going to use it heavily and want to keep it for a while, I would look at the Valiantco line. You want to have the spine 1/4" tapering to 1/8" for strength and the blade hitting the object to be cut before the hand gets there.

On the other hand there are lots of $30 machetes out there that will work just fine for occasional clearing. Not much difference between them. I do like the design of the Gerber Bear Gryllis which is $30 at Amaz0n with free shipping. Made in China if that bothers you.
 
Blind horse knives just came out with a machette.
it is the MAY SPECIAL ...
ON THEIR WEBSITE UNDER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
 
Woods Creeper said:
Blind horse knives just came out with a machette.
it is the MAY SPECIAL ...
ON THEIR WEBSITE UNDER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
Click to expand...

I got to use one at PWYP in NC last month and just ordered one.
They are short but they do cut and are SO easy to pack.
Otherwise go Ontario as they are CHEAP and expendable.
 
As far as a classic Latin pattern blade pattern goes, I really like the shape of the El Salvador/Eco Survivor/ESEE Lite Machete. Resembles the shape of the old Collins pieces with that graceful swell towards the end and a gentle upward curve to the point.
 
I own both the Ontario SP8 & the Kukri. They are both 1/4" thick at the spine. They are both chopping beasts. The Kukri has a smaller sweet spot. Yet for swing cutting, it is better than the SP8. The SP8 is a great stationary chopper, splitter, & can easily be "choked up" on for finer work. You can easily put 2 fingers in front of the handle & thumb on the top for fine work. They are both FINE pieces of steel & i would trust my life with either one. The factory sheath is better on the SP8. I modified the Kukri sheath with a dangler, so I can stand up/sit down/enter/exit vehicles with no issues. They both now give me all day comfort. Both are Made in America. Sheaths---not so much i think.
 
Hey guys, I ended up finding a Camillus Becker BK6 patrol machete and I went with that. Its a wonderful hunk of steel.

Thanks again for all your help guys.

Tony
 
Nice snag! I'm not a big fan of the design myself, but it's a well-made tool. I miss Camillus. :o
 
Someone mentioned Aranyik machete and knives. I had never heard of them before. Some interesting stuff. Here is a description of their "Oversized bolo" :
"inspired by the machete from the movie Book of Eli, this machete delivers a true oversized bolo, The weight of the blade is only for professionals, as one handed wielding would require the strength of Eli."

I just found that very amusing.
 
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