Shorter Machete?

[steve-in-kville]

My shortest is about 18" made by Ontario. Bought it many years ago. I would like something a bit shorter for random woods chores, something belt worthy. Maybe more like 14"? Ideas?

 

[Rich S]

Try looking at Cold Steel or Marble's machetes. They both make a variety of sizes.
Rich

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Hard to go wrong with a Tramontina. Condor has some nice premium options in that size range, too, which is a particularly nice option if looking for something with a sheath.

 

[steve-in-kville]

Hard to go wrong with a Tramontina. Condor has some nice premium options in that size range, too, which is a particularly nice option if looking for something with a sheath.

Thanks! Cool website. The Condo Bolo caught my eye. How sturdy is the sheath?

 

[Frisky]

I use a 12" Tramontina for belt carry. Their 14" bolo would be another good one. I use mine for clearing shooting lanes and light brush.

Joe

 

[ocnLogan]

The tram 14in bolo would be good. Also check out the svörd kiwi machete (12in).

 

[steve-in-kville]

Thanks, guys. That bolo is growing on me. Hope the sheath is decent.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The sheath on the Condor Bolo is nice thick leather with a swiveling belt loop. Top class stuff.

 

[Twindog]

Condor sheaths are awesome. 42blades knows this brand very well.

You might also look at Big Chris's bolo-type knife, which runs a 12-inch blade using 3V steel. It will greatly outperform any of the 10XX steels. I switched from a standard machete to Chris's bolo and never looked back.

 

[steve-in-kville]

The sheath on the Condor Bolo is nice thick leather with a swiveling belt loop. Top class stuff.

Hope so. Just placed an order on your website. You just got some of my sobriety money (two weeks today!). Lucky bastid!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Hahaha--congratulations, and thanks much! Will get it right out to you.

 

[Kybosshog]

Cold Steel Heavy Machete's are listed @ 14" 5/8
the short sax is 11 ish

I got 11 older model ones during the 4th July sale, ordered them for $6.99 each w/ sheaths. Had a problem tried to cancel, they called back and offered $4.99 each. Week later same problem, they called me to fix a problem and did the same thing, didn't enter it right in the computer. They did make it right and worth the time, they sent me them for free........The whole reason I wanted them was to practice shaping handles

Not a Cold Steel fan boy but LOVE their close out sales, got 2 recon 1's, axis lock for $60 and sold one for $50 (years ago). Love my $10 Recon 1. I put one of the Heavy Machetes on an axe handle, it could be used as a back up boat paddle, that chops wood.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The handles on those older Cold Steel models are WIDE, but the good news is they're solid polypropylene, so you can shave them down nicely. As a pro tip, you can lightly fan them with a hand-held torch to re-"glaze" the surface after shaping.