What would you recommend for a machete?

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Snowwolfe

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Jan 13, 2008
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On our property in Tennessee there are a lot of briars that like to bloody the legs on a regular basis. I would like to carry a machete during my walks around the property to chop these bastards down as I go.
What machete would you recommend?
 
The above mentioned seem very popular. I've personally tried the Tramontina and Imacasa/Condor. The Trams are nice and cheap. If you get one you don't really like, you're only out $10 and you can just use it in the yard. Plus, the wood handles are very easy to change/smooth/alter to suit your hand. The Condor Eco-Survivor was very impressive and light, with a nice distal taper, but costs a bit more. There are some real machete guys around who can offer a lot more info. 42Blades' site has a wide array and he can probably tell you a design made specifically for briars! Good luck.
 
BHK Machete (really like the long handle)
Tramontina/Nicholson (hard to beat price tag)
Okapi Pangas.
Malaysian Parang.
 
Long, I never attack briars with anything under 20-inches if I can help it. Try machete specialist for good selection of Latin American models.
 
18 in. is usually regarded as the "normal" general purpose length. If messing with thorny vines is your primary concern though I would go with something a bit longer like a 22/24 in.
 
Keep in mind that if you go with tramontina or imacasa you will have to finish the bevel and the handle yourself. If your not prepared or willing to do that, you should probably go with condor as they will be ready to go out of the box.

EDIT: Forgot to add that if you do want a tramontina without the work then you could just order from barynoxknife and a member here named fortytwoblades who runs the site will sand the scales flush and finish the grind for a small fee.
 
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Thanks for the information. Decided to try the Condor El Salvador with the orange handle and 18 inch blade. $38 and change from Amazon with the canvas sheath and free shipping. Since I have never used a machete before decided to stay with the 18 inch blade until I decide I am competent (safe) with it.
 
Congrats! Let us know how it works out for you.
 
Unfortunately will not be headed back to our property in Tennessee until November so review will have to wait.
 
I'd also recommend soft soft leather gloves no matter what cutter you choose. They will be easy to work with but will save a lot of pain and blood from wild thorns :)
 
jobasha11 said:
Keep in mind that if you go with tramontina or imacasa you will have to finish the bevel and the handle yourself. If your not prepared or willing to do that, you should probably go with condor as they will be ready to go out of the box.

EDIT: Forgot to add that if you do want a tramontina without the work then you could just order from barynoxknife and a member here named fortytwoblades who runs the site will sand the scales flush and finish the grind for a small fee.
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I have one of fortytwoblades' upgraded Tramontinas, and it is well worth the extra cost. As much as I like certain features on my various Condors (especially some of their molded grips), that old-school, somewhat chunky 18" Tramontina is in many ways the "right" machete for me.

Snowwolfe, I have a Condor 18" El Salvador too, and it is a good machete. Having grown up with no machete experience other than badly sharpened '60's mil-surp machetes, an 18" Imacasa sharpened correctly was a revelation, and most of my Condor machetes have been ready to go right out of the wrap.

toc
 
Snowwolfe said:
Thanks for the information. Decided to try the Condor El Salvador with the orange handle and 18 inch blade. $38 and change from Amazon with the canvas sheath and free shipping. Since I have never used a machete before decided to stay with the 18 inch blade until I decide I am competent (safe) with it.
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You made a good choice.
 
Too late, I know, but my personal suggestions would be either an Imacasa guarizama or cuma pattern for a long blade or a Mora #333 if you feel daring enough to get that close. If using a short machete make sure you fashion a reaping hook from a branch so you can sweep the brambles out of the way for good clearance. On brambles a fast and thin blade with a SHARP edge is key. A hooked blade can also be of assistance.
 
Bill Siegle said:
I'd also recommend soft soft leather gloves no matter what cutter you choose. They will be easy to work with but will save a lot of pain and blood from wild thorns :)
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This is important, even still the bushes I work with tear through the gloves like crazy.
 
Baryonyx knife co. sells a upgraded machete for a few dollars more.
I have three or four and they are well worth the money.
 
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