Questions about machete.

Q

quikzander

Joined
Mar 19, 2005
Messages
14
I would like to know what kind of machetes are the best. I really like the way the Coldsteel machetes look are they any good? Thanks!
 
The RTAK is a cool knife, love the blade profile. But I'd put in a warning that, for me, the handle was an abonomination, and I've heard many other people say the RTAK's handle doesn't work for them, either. Obviously, the RTAK's handle does work for other people. Moral of the story: handle before you buy, and make sure it works for you!
 
But I'd put in a warning that, for me, the handle was an abonomination
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Interesting point Joe. The handle looks nice and is of micarta. The metal protruding from the end looks like it could be problematic. What about it was not good for you?:confused:
 
Mark, I'm not sure I can pin it down to one thing. It was one of the worst-feeling handles I've ever felt, just didn't work in any grip, on a number of levels. Keep in mind, again, that handle comfort is extremely subjective, so don't take this as an objective criticism.
 
I'll check into the RTAK but what about the coldsteel I've been especially fond of the bolo machete they sell and I was wondering if any of you have ever owned a Coldsteel machete because they seem to look pretty good and you really can't beat the price

http://www.coldsteel.com/machetes.html
 
I prefer Tramontina machetes. Light, easy to sharpen, nearly indestructible, and should one ever break or wear out, they're less than 10 bucks. The cold steels are apparently of similar steel and heat treat, but the tramontina's are easy to find locally, they're sold at most flea markets around here.
 
You should have handled the origional ones, I had a custom by Livesay which made the Ontario one look ergonomic, I had to take an angle grinder to it and knock a huge piece off before I could work with it.

Martindale offers the largest selection of machetes that I have seen, and the quality and performance is at the top as well. Barteaux makes some solid performers as well, as does tramontina.

-Cliff
 
I have the Cold Steel Panga. The handle feels great to me. They seem quite strong for such a thin blade. I ground mine a little too thin. Everything I sharpen on my belt sander seems to end up w/ about a 12 degree angle. I also took to throwing mine, which will warp the blade after enough bad misses. As a machete its pretty good, as a way to scare the neighbors, its at its best. My only gripe is that it could be a little longer.
 
My brother has one with a sheath with a built in sharpener. I can't remember what kind it is but it seemed pretty cool. If you guys know of any like this please let me know about them. Thanks.
 
If by "machete" you meant a medium sized knife, that is fine. But I prefer my machete which has a 27 inch blade, partially double edged. I got it for real cheap down in Mexico about ten years ago. about 5 bucks. Holds a decent edge, and the blade is very flexible and can be bent like a "U" without keeping a bend.

here is a pic:
machete.jpg

looks beat up, and could use a new handle since I melted it in a campfire, but it is sharp as a razor and I love it.
 
Other than possibly a lower quality steel does the CS Kukri perform like other kukris, or does it's thinner blade make closer to a traditional machete - more suited to lighter vegitation rather than heavier chopping?
 
Originally posted by Will

Other than possibly a lower quality steel does the CS Kukri perform like other kukris, or does it's thinner blade make closer to a traditional machete - more suited to lighter vegitation rather than heavier chopping?
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I don't have any experience with a Kukri, but I've used my kukri machete to chop branches up to 2.5 inches wide. It may be that this wide a branch is what you refer to as light vegetation.

I haven't had to chop anything wider but from the ease it whent through what I've done, I wouldn't be surprised if it handles heavier chopping well.

Of course, a Kukri would have handled the same task faster and better, but also adding more weight to your bag.

Maybe some one who has handled both knives can give you more information.
 
cmd said:
Here are my favorites, do a search and you will see a lot of other folks that favor them as well.

http://www.ontarioknife.com/machetes.html
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I also really enjoy my Ontario Machete, holds an edge for very long. I have even chopped frozen wood at temperatures ranging from -15°C to -25°C without any chipping. It's really good for most uses.
 
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