Ontario Machetes

Snoopy

Snoopy

Joined
Nov 11, 1999
Messages
270
I have been curious about buying one and have read where performance is mediocre primarily due to the blade being full thickness right to the point the edge bevel begins. I am wondering if a good edge bevel and sharpening job can overcome this to the point it cuts nearly as well as a saber or flat ground blade? Is there any quality difference between the military issue model and the Blackie Collins closed handguard model of the same length?
Thanks,
David
 
Snoopy,

I've been using an Ontario official U.S. Army Issue machete for some 18-20 years. It's a great brush cutting tool. As you indicated in your post, reshaping the cutting edge/blade just a bit helps greatly to enhance its cutting ability. A file and a small stone/diamond hone can accomplish the job in a few minutes.

AJ
 
I liked my Ontario Mil-Spec Machette, but one day the blade just up and broke on me. Their quality control is terrible as several other people have experience the same problem of breakage or chipping under even light use. One guy I asked about it even duplicated the breaking/chipping problem in several different Ontario Machettes by just chopping light brush (1" and smaller vines and bushes). But after mine was welded back together, albeit a little crooked, it still works fairly well. But I would not buy another one. One of my friends has a 3.99 cheapo special that outperforms my Ontario every which way (and does it with a 14" blade vice 18"). That would be the one I would buy if I knew where to get an identical one. Or else I would splurge and get an LTC Kukri.

------------------
SFC

"Is it easier to fight them or to kill them?"
 
I like mine, and for $20 you can't be too critical. It's the same as Uncle Sam's, one of which I hauled around for 18 long months. Served me well then, serves me well now. Since most people don't carry an Edge Pro in the jungle, most machetes are designed to be sharpenable with a file. For chopping brush it's just fine.

BTW, in an earlier time, I could take down a 3" tree in one hack with that machete, and I'm not a big guy. Machetes are great tools, even the cheap ones.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
knifemaker
www.hossom.com


[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 02-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 02-08-2000).]
 
One tip on machetes, get a original military issue plastic sheath! It costs more than the machette, but it's worth it.
You're right about the edge grind, a good file can improve things considerably!
 
Snoopy :

I am wondering if a good edge bevel and sharpening job can overcome this to the point it cuts nearly as well as a saber or flat ground blade?
Click to expand...

On shallow cuts yes as the primary influence on that ability is the edge bevel. However on deep cuts, thick vegetation for example, a deeper primary grind will easily outcut it.

-Cliff
 
Thanks for the great replies
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As they are so inexpensive I am going to go ahead and give one a try. I'm interested enough to go ahead and get another more expensive machete also. I am familiar with Newt Livesay and Ross Aki's versions, are there any others out there I should have a look at? I figure more is better as I could now equip a friend and get some help
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Thanks,
David
 
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