Ontario Bushcraft machete?

S

SurvivorDan

Joined
Apr 17, 2013
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I'm curious if anybody out there has experience with the new Ontario Knife Bushcraft Machete. 16" 5160 steel blade with a walnut handle. I've had an 18" sawback GI issue for almost 20 years and its still going strong. IMHO, its one of the best value/quality machetes on the market. The shorter blade and 5160 steel of the bushcraft model has peaked my interest.

Thanks in advance!
 
It's a stupid price on it, and from what I've heard from folks that handled it at Blade the scales are thin and flat. I'll probably pick one up to see what it's like but I fully expect it to be a poor value.
 
I've heard good things about the Ontario machetes from a few guys in the Traditional forum, although I don't have any hands on experience.
 
My personal experience with Ontario is that their machetes are too hard and the handles are uncomfortable, totally defeating the point of having injection molded plastic scales/handles. They're not bad machetes, and they're one of the only options available for a truly USA-made production machete which is one of the reasons why I carry them in my shop. However, I fully recommend that folks pick up a Condor, Imacasa, or Tramontina instead.
 
With a street price of about $100, that thing better be darned good. The $10-$40 Trams, Imacasas, Condors, and original Ontarios work mighty fine. I don't see 5160 being any tougher than Ontarios 1/8" 1095 versions and the plastic handles are strong as well. For my money the 14" Condor Eco-survivor may be the best option available at $36. That's one fine, quick handling, compact machete. It'll do it all and dissappear in your pack or belt.
 
I've beat the hell out of my 18" GI machete from Ontario over the years. It's a great and affordible US made tool but I agree with FortyTwo the handles on the GI and I assume econo models as well are quite uncomfortable. Even after sanding them flush to the tang they still feel bulky.

Anywho back on topic I saw the Ontario bushcraft machete and was very interested especialy with it being made of 5160 but after looking at the price, I'd rather pick up a higher end Condor machete and save some $
 
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