What are your top three machetes?

I have had pretty good luck with the Ontario. I have worked with a surveyor cutting lines and the Ontarios did well. The handle rivets will loosen on some after time. I am going to have to pick up a condor and give it a try.
 
I just bought a martindale from someone here on the forums. I can't wait to get it, and my last one was an Ontario. I liked that one, but only after about a half hour of use the rivets started coming loose.
I hope imnot going to have that problem with the martindale
 
Condor ROCKS! My personal favorites would have to be the the Outback/Latin (even toss up between the two, but great for general work) the Bush Knife (short but incredibly versatile and better than a hatchet) and the Beaver Tail (for a huge nasty "have to destroy something NOW" type of heavy chopper). There are countless wonderful designs by them, however, and they all have their place. It all depends what you're doing with it that decides on the design you choose.

I find myself (in the thick Maine undergrowth and scrub) using my Viking and Bush Knife machetes, both by Condor, but when I'm out taking pictures I'll take their Combat model since is low-profile and light.
 
Its kind of in the opposite direction, but the one I got that I really dont like is a SOG Jungle Primitive. To much stuff on it. It needs to just chop. Not the best handle either. I am waiting for my Busse and CS Machete. I will let you know if the CS is good in my opinion or not. The Busse I have no doubt it a good chopper but its not really a machete now is it.:cool:
 
only one i have is a short 12' Gavilan. It's good, but i can't put an edge on the thing to save my life. I think it's because i had it when i was in college and just abused it to heck. Now it's so dull i think it needs professional help. I don't seem to be that great w/ a file...
 
The lightweight Ontarios are very good machetes, IMO.
 
Good thread.
I've been interested in a machete for a while now. I'll be going with the Condor brand. I like the Outback design but can't decide whether to get the 18" or 20".
Everyone here seems to favor the 18. I have no usable experience on the matter, but my first thought was to get the longer blade.
Can I get your opinions on why the 18 would outshine the 20?
I know it's a small difference, but I like to cover all the angles.
I also noticed Jeff tends towards the l
Latin model.
Jeff, could you explain why you like the Latin model best and what do you think vs. the Outback.
Your opinion means alot.

Hey Boats,
Got any pictures with machetes :D

Thanks,
Matt
 
If you use a machete as much as we do in the jungle, you will get tired of the weight-forward, nose heavy Outback compared to the better balanced and faster Latin machete. I imagine if you are going to be chopping a lot then the Outback might serve you better, but I haven't found anything I can't chop with a Latin machete.
 
bushmattster said:
Good thread.
I've been interested in a machete for a while now. I'll be going with the Condor brand. I like the Outback design but can't decide whether to get the 18" or 20".
Everyone here seems to favor the 18. I have no usable experience on the matter, but my first thought was to get the longer blade.
Can I get your opinions on why the 18 would outshine the 20?
I know it's a small difference, but I like to cover all the angles.
I also noticed Jeff tends towards the l
Latin model.
Jeff, could you explain why you like the Latin model best and what do you think vs. the Outback.
Your opinion means alot.

Hey Boats,
Got any pictures with machetes :D

Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...

Doesn't make much difference until you have to cut through briars. Then you will want all the length that you can get, unless you want them to cut you first. :)
 
Collins, if you can find one.

I've had mine for >30 years and it's hit metal fences and rocks without much damage, and holds a good edge. It also "sings" -- those of you who have one know what I mean.
 
I got mine from a military surplus store about 20 years ago. Not in front of me so I do not know who made it. Still going strong.
 
I only have one that I picked up in a general/hardware store in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas in 1992 and carried through customs in Miami tied to my small duffle carry on bag which had been stored in the over head bin. Try doing that today! It has no brand name and was probably made in China. Still cuts and chops and takes an edge.
 
Buy three Tramontinas or Imacas of your choice. I prefer something over 20-inches. Sharpen them up on a belt sander and go to work. When one gets dull, move to the next one. Three should last the average day. Go back to the belt sander and start over the next day.
 
R.A.T. said:
you will get tired of the weight-forward, nose heavy Outback compared to the better balanced and faster Latin machete. I imagine if you are going to be chopping a lot then the Outback might serve you better, but I haven't found anything I can't chop with a Latin machete.
Click to expand...

I've found this to be true as well. I live in central Brazil which isn't Amazon type jungle but I use a machete every time I go to the bush and alot for clearing vacant lots.

For wilderness survival / Bushcraft applications I use a 16 inch Tramontina more than anything. Believe it or not in Brazil you won't find many different brands in the shops. You pretty much have Tramontina and lesser brands. I find the ones sold in any area tend to be the most useful anyway, in my area the most sold machete is the 16 inch Latin pattern Tramontina and I find it does very well.

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Edited to add - Any longer than 16 inches and a machete becomes a real pain to carry in a sheath as the point will be down below the knee.

For clearing head high grass I use a 20 inch Tramontina.

Up in the mountains it is a tropical alpine ecosystem with very few trees. I carry a 12 inch Tramontina and use it mainly to clear areas to sleep and level the ground.

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Mac
 
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In my neck of the woods the targets tend to be quite varied, ranging from brambles and grasses all the way up to small trees. There are lots of little scrubby pines that shoot up and die, clogging the undergrowth in some places. A machete for me often tackles targets larger or heavier than many encounter, and I tend to favor a light yet broad and forward-balanced blade. This allows it to still be thin and fast enough for the lighter more flexible stuff, but with ample chopping power to destroy the thicker vegetation as well, including trees. The Condor El Salvador "Latin-styled" machete is one good example.
 
What with the wealth of knowledge and experience shown here, I feel a little silly joining in. :o

It's short, fairly stout and perhaps only a machete by name but I like the KA-BAR Machete Cutlass.

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Shown next to a 9 inch Finnish leuku.
 
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