Trail Clearing

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,498
As many of you know, we here in NJ are still cleaning up our towns from Hurrican Sandy.
Also, most of the trails we mountain bike on are littered with downed trees.
So, we're starting to mobilize groups to clear as much as possible.
Several of the group will bring in chain saws for the big stuff.
I'd also like to use something for removing the 1-2" branches that'll make it easier to get the chain saws in.
I'm sure everybody knows about the Woodman's Pal.
This seems to be an ideal tool for what I want to use it for.
It's compact, stout and heavy enough to chop in close quarters, nicely shaped wood handle, and I think the
hook thingie will help clearing the low down small branches.
Plus, I think it can be used as a shovel.
Anyway, it is a bit expensive.
So, my question is, would something else, like a short machete, work better and save me some $?
Please name specific models and where to purchase if possible.
I'd also like feedback from those of you who have used the Woodman's Pal.
Thanks all,
Lenny
 
Get a good real machete. The Woodman's Pal is NOT a shovel unless you're moving snow. Good luck sinking that thick dull end into dirt. For a compact chopper something like an Imacasa can machete or burriquito would do well, same for a Condor Pack Golok or Bolo. The New Cold Steel Jungle Machete is a heavy hitter as well. Lots of good inexpensive options out there. :)
 
The Imacasa cane knife looks similar to the woodsman's pal for a third of the price. The only Imacasa machete that I've used though was not good for clearing 1 to 2" limbs.
 
Good suggestions, but it seems like all the "real" machetes are on the order of 20" or so.
The Woodman's pal is 16.5".
I might have to strap this thing to my Camelback and ride in to the work area.
That's why the shortness and thickness of the WP tempted me in the first place.
So, find me a good machete around the same length with the same capability.
Lenny
 
Tramontina 14" bush machete is an outstanding blade. Light weight and easily packed and used. It's not the best chopper, but works very well at small stuff. Costs $8 around the net and sheaths can be found for around $10. It also has a great handle and just needs a little sharpening. 14" Bolo model chops better, but isn't as handy at clearing light stuff IMHO. They are tough as nails. Take a small file along and you can keep it running forever. I've no experience with Imacasa, but imagine they are as good if not better. Good luck.
 
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