Ontario machete ?

T

Tracker16

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Jul 11, 2011
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Got this old machete with a US stamp on the blade, Had it so long I can't remember where I got it It looks just like the Ontario knife works version. I was using it today to trim a dogwood and it worked flawlessly. Used to use it back in the eighties to cut and split coconuts for my little girl when we lived in Key West. This is still ONE BAD BLADE. I just spray it with WD-40 and run it across my steel. If I use it harder than that I use a file to bring back the edge and it chops just fine.

Anyone else have one of these or somthing similar
 
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My older brother had one similar, it lasted him around 22 years. I used to use it as a kid to clear mesquite brush from around a cattle ranch during summer breaks. The handles got loose after a while and eventually fell off.
 
Bought mine about 18 - 20 years ago, and it is great. Good balance, great steel for a machete. It is easy to sharpen with a file, but holds and edge reasonably well. I still use it to clean up my alley way and to chop up branches (after tree trimming) into small enough pieces to put into my trash bin.

Nice piece of gear.

Robert
 
I have one as well. One 18" sawback that i have had for about 20 yrs & recently bought a 12" model & modded it. They are simply the best bang for the buck in a quality machete, IMHO. My 12" machete is good for more than just chopping, now.

100_1170.jpg


Handle modified, 2 finger choil, 3.5" of jimping, Bowie tip, & flat spot for fire steel. Now , i just need to send it out for some custom pants.
 
TwinStick said:
I have one as well. One 18" sawback that i have had for about 20 yrs & recently bought a 12" model & modded it. They are simply the best bang for the buck in a quality machete, IMHO. My 12" machete is good for more than just chopping, now.

100_1170.jpg


Handle modified, 2 finger choil, 3.5" of jimping, Bowie tip, & flat spot for fire steel. Now , i just need to send it out for some custom pants.
Click to expand...

Man Thats SWEET. I may have to get one that size and mod it too. Thanks for sharing!!
 
I have used the same machete for many years, its now just a wall hanger, but for using machete it is a great value. If Ontario used higher quality steel they could make the machete thinner increasing it's cutting ability. A great inexpensive blade, but in general this machete feels a little heavy and club like.

Ross
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Aki Custom machetes:
http://www.akiblades.com
 
They could make it thinner--the 1095 they use is good stuff. I agree with you, though, they are rather club-like. Good for the money and USA made, but I like my Imacasas and Tramontinas for cheapies.
 
you are right, 1095 is good steel. I think they use 1/8" stock because it is sturdier than thinner blades. Maybe most people buy their machetes by the pound. what ever the reason, Ontario chose a beefier blade over a thinner better cutting blade.

Ross
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Custom machetes:
http:///www.akiblades.com
 
I'm no expert but I thought machetes were for chopping not slicing. I can't imagine the blade being much thinner and being able to take the abuse most give a machete
 
Machetes can be less than 1mm thick and keep on taking a beating. It's all in the heat treatment. ;)
 
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