What are your top three machetes?

[SOUTHSTAR]

Also what is reccomended for a sheath on a machete?

Leather , cordua ?(hold water)

Make a kydex one?

 

[Sam30V]

Also what is reccomended for a sheath on a machete?

Leather , cordua ?(hold water)

Make a kydex one?

I tend to stay away from cordura. Over time, between sharpening your machete and pulling it in and out of the sheath, the side will start to cut open, unless it has a plastic insert.

Leather is good.

Haven't tried kydex for a machete yet.

_______Rat Pack #106_______

 

[SOUTHSTAR]

Thanks

 

[Joezilla]

Anyone try the coldsteel Latin style machete? How is that rubberized handle? Is it durable?

I personally don't like it. They don't get the taper right on it and the rubberized handle digs into my hand even when using a loose grip.

 

[raindog101]

Anyone have an opinion on the Brian Andrews-modified Ontarios? I'm liking the idea of that 12" for a camp knife. As far as my current setup, I have a 14" Tram bolo, and so far have not needed anything else for around the homestead.

 

[Hornady]

No fans of the Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete here?
Seemed like a hell of chopper to me.

 

[texastonydobbs]

I have 2 Tramontina and to me you get what you pay for...I mean the edge is crap the grinds are crap must have a cross eyed tribal dude working 'em...... wooden handles are so so... both came with decent leather sheaths.... LOL ,I am going to flip this crap.....I want something to use... not work on and restore to use... I pay the extra cash to have something good to go...I am going to look at condor..... Pic of Trams

 

[bushmattster]

TexTony,

What lengths are your machetes. I believe Condor is the way to go. My first will be the 18' el salvador.

 

[texastonydobbs]

one big 18-22" other is short 12-16" not sure Pulled 'em from box and seen the shotty work and put 'em up ....that was about 6-9months ago

 

[Horn Dog]

I like the 18" Tramontina a lot. The Condor El Salvador is nice, too.

This BRKT modified Ontario is another favorite.

I need a coat for all my machetes.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Anyone try the coldsteel Latin style machete? How is that rubberized handle? Is it durable?

By the rubberized handle, I take it you're talking about the Chinese made ones? The South African ones just have polypropylene handles. Can't stand the rubber personally. The handles will roll in the hand if you accidentally strike a glancing blow, and the rubber wears pretty easily. Rubs badly on the hand after extended use also.

 

[willworship]

I currently own a Tramontina that I picked up in a small shop in Brazil a few years ago. It's amazing what the locals accomplish with only a machete. I witnessed one being used as a hammer, and one as a tree-trimmer up on a ladder. I figured they must be pretty tough. It hasn't let me down.

Based on this thread, though, I'm definitely going to look into Condor's machetes. They get pretty high praise!

 

[PayetteRucker]

Condor Bolo-as thick as a knife with a shaving full convex edge, and a sweet spot that mimmicks a tomahawk for awesome chopping, long straight blade for drawknifing and a false edge spine for digging. Great secure full grippy handle that doesn't rub me the wrong way. Looking for a camp beater? This is it.
14 inch tram (don't own a condor el salvador yet, TRYING to hold out for a wood handled one but it doesn't look promising) Cheap, ergo, just one of those deals that feels right. Gave it a good working edge with a Lansky puck, and for 6 bucks? Heck, why not?
Condor Kukri-Small, light, with great forward weight for chopping. Also, a very ergo handle. For bushwacking or wood processing this is the high performer.

Condor really takes the step up on their machetes. You'll know when you buy one-Other than the 200 dollar TOPS and Bark Rivers or the customs out there you simply will not find a better factory produced machete (especially at 20 bucks!!!!). Their black leather sheaths are of quality, very durable and good finish.

Currently looking at Hansa's smaller machetes, Bellotos and those New Zealand Frontiers, if anyone has any experience with them I'd like a review. Tried to import a Svord Bush Machete (15N20, AWESOME steel) but it would have costed 120 dollars

If I were to buy a custom, it would be that Livesay Rapid Deployment thing. Since he can't seem to keep his website up, I may have someone else produce something along those lines for me.

 

[DH1]

I got that Condor Bolo you mentioned Rucker and you're right, for a beater you can't do better for $20. Personally I like thinner more flexable machetes (they are lighter and easier to sharpen).

But a thick bolo blade (especially with the false edge) excels ar digging...

 

[Dizwolf]

I'm a fan of condor Vikings, thing chops like an axe. Second is condor el Salvador or esee lite machete. Just great all around tools. My option for a beater is a 12" Ontario economy. Thin small blade for 15 bucks.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'm a fan of condor Vikings, thing chops like an axe. Second is condor el Salvador or esee lite machete. Just great all around tools. My option for a beater is a 12" Ontario economy. Thin small blade for 15 bucks.

Yay Viking! :thumbup: