View Full Version : Best Kukri or machette ?
I have some top end knives, now I'm looking for something a little larger. I have not seen much high end stuff in this category. I bought a SOG on sale for $20 and trashed the blade on an elk hunt clearing trees for a a clean shot downhill. It seemed like a decent knife but the steel didn't hold up.
I have checked out the Ka-bar and Ontario online, but have not felt or handled them. Any feedback appreciated.
PB
I have an old RTAK from Ontario. Not quite what I would call a machete, more a short sword, what with the 10 inch blade. But handy, and can spot as a machete, and has held up, and is oddly one of the sharper blades that I have. My only gripe with the RTAK is the smoothish grips, but I think the current gen RTAK II has textured g10 grips or something like that. Really should look to see if I can buy the grips separate.
Personal opinion, Ontario knives are better quality compared to most current K bar offerings I have handled. Personal opinion there before someone gets pissed, but I just have not been impressed with the K bars that I have played with in the past several years.
one place to look:
http://www.khukurihouseonline.com/
Are you looking for a tool to perform chopping and camping/hunting chores? The reason I ask is that you mentioned trashing the SOG on an Elk hunt. If that is the main purpose then I really love my Woodsman's Pal. It stays in my truck permanently! I'm in the woods a lot and couldn't see not bringing it when any type of clearing or chopping job is concerned.
It really depends on your price range and size/weight desired. I really like the ESSE stuff because it's sharp, durable and comfortable. Even the smaller models seem to baton wood well, while the larger models still allowing you to prepare tinder for a fire. They're neither Kukri nor machete, but excellent field companions nonetheless.
I use a corn knife with wood handle and 14" blade when in the field. I sharpen the point and leading edge for defensive purposes. I carry it in a scabbard on the right side of my backpack. It's ok for cutting reeds and small tree branches to build a shelter.
If I feel the need to cut limbs off a tree, I use a ring saw. It is easy to carry and works well.
It might be easier to carry a ring saw and skinning knife than a large knife or machete.
Voodoo_Man
07-22-15, 19:30
kabar is probably top quality...
though cold steel is probably best bang for buck.... $21 - http://amzn.to/1ehLNt2
chasetopher
07-22-15, 21:12
Used an Ontario brand army navy store bought machete for 20 years worth of trail maintenance with excellent results.
Held an edge surprisingly well. Looked just like the "Ontario 6145 Military Machete" available on amazon ~$25. Cheap-o handle would sting if you were trying to cut through large diameter hardwood.
Have used several others with poor results: won't hold an edge, poor weight/balance, even had one with some steel so soft it bent into an 'S' during use.
daddyusmaximus
07-22-15, 23:14
one place to look:
http://www.khukurihouseonline.com/
I saw one on this site I like. Thanks. Anybody ever buy from them? Wondering what the quality of the steel is like.
The ESEE Junglas (http://www.jungletraining.com/junglas.htm) is a pound and a half of 1095 awesomeness.
I love Condor Parangs. High quality and reasonable price. Several sizes and styles to choose from. Any decent South American machete should do a decent job as well. The Esee Junglas is a beast of a blade as well. Going to run you more money though. If you don't plan to batton wood, a machete may serve you better. If you want an all around blade, the Junglas is great.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The ESEE Junglas (http://www.jungletraining.com/junglas.htm) is a pound and a half of 1095 awesomeness.
That shows promise. When my 1940's vintage corn knife gives up the ghost, I need to buy one of these.
Another to consider, Lofty Wiseman Survival Tool, Former SAS His Bio is in the first link. Not just a chopping blade, but the one to carry for several applications. A very well thought out blade.
http://www.scorpionknives.com/lofty_wiseman.htm
http://www.heinnie.com/scorpion-knives-lofty-wiseman-survival-tool-11-inch
ESEE teamed up with Condor and made a 18in Machete http://www.knifecenter.com/item/RCLITEMACHETE/ESEE-Knives-Lite-Machete-18-inch-Condor-Blade-Micarta-Handles-Cordura-Sheath
ESEE teamed up with Condor and made a 18in Machete http://www.knifecenter.com/item/RCLITEMACHETE/ESEE-Knives-Lite-Machete-18-inch-Condor-Blade-Micarta-Handles-Cordura-Sheath
that's a nice machete but it's $70.
if you're willing to do some final edge sharpening, you could get one made by the same people, Imacasa for $17. it has wooden handle instead of micarta and small dimensional differences, it is made with 1074 vs 1075 steel but I doubt you'd notice any difference in use. it even comes with distal taper...
http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18padecuma1.html
canvas sheath for $9 -- http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18grcamash.html
CONDOR is good stuff at a reasonable price. http://www.condortk.com/
I have held the Ontario and KaBar. I wanted to like the Ontario more, because love their other blades and it says, MADE IN THE USA. But I give the slight edge to the KaBar for handle size and balance. My SOG was $20, these are list price $99ish and if you look around $50ish. They are double the knife and very nice. Either are a great choice for $50.
For the authentic Kukri, Himalayan Imports has a very strong following and some guy named Tora (but is not as easy to deal with per se or have inventory) EGKH is the next tier for authentic and can be found on ebay. It is not advised to but from the other "houses" so I have read.
I am very impressed with that KaBar /Ontario, they are more than double the knife in size weight etc. About perfect for a elk hunt or truck knife for clearing and small chopping. Great camping tool.
Thanks guys for the feedback.
PB
that's a nice machete but it's $70.
if you're willing to do some final edge sharpening, you could get one made by the same people, Imacasa for $17. it has wooden handle instead of micarta and small dimensional differences, it is made with 1074 vs 1075 steel but I doubt you'd notice any difference in use. it even comes with distal taper...
http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18padecuma1.html
canvas sheath for $9 -- http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18grcamash.html
What he said +1
I've had one of the Ontarios for over 20 years. Holds the edge well and does not bend like some of the cheapies.
Plain
https://www.amazon.com/gp/mobile/dp/B0001WBIEY/ref=msh_ip_am_cp_sg_0?app-action=detail&asin=B0001WBIEY
Sawback
https://www.amazon.com/gp/mobile/dp/B0001WBIFI/ref=mobile_oh_details_?ie=UTF8&app-action=detail&asin=B0001WBIFI&clickstream-tag=your_order
I got the Kabar Cutlass Machete http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/9 on a whim for like 50 bucks off Amazon even though I have higher-end, higher-dollar super choppers (Busse, swamp rat etc). Damned if that cheap kabar hasn't become my favorite go-to beater! Just looking at the blade geometry I knew it would be a great camp wood-processor and I wasn't disappointed, but it's...dare I say it... surprisingly agile in the hand. The sheath is low end, I resharpened it and put some o-rings on the handle for comfort but other than that, that thing just keeps on trucking.
TOPS - and good luck choosing which one you want! I've been eyeing quite a few of these and I'm having a hard time choosing...
TOPS - and good luck choosing which one you want! I've been eyeing quite a few of these and I'm having a hard time choosing...
I like the TOPS offerings too, the only thing I dont like is how skinny the handles are. Good quality material, just pretty darn skinny.
I went with the classic Ontario machete myself. I have it in my field bag and I like it. My dad has had one for 20 years and it has only gotten better with age.
I use an Ontario as well and it is very durable when hacking through thick stuff. I also mark trees along my path with it and it does well with that also.
I have had an Ontario Knife Company RTAK for the last 20 years. It is great and has seen a lot of use.
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d706b3127cceea636248a57b00000030O00AcMWbZy0aOGIPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00108449631820150927221139452.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://www.machetespecialists.com/trmabr.html
I have a short Tramontina I like very much.
whoa. There are different types of machetes. Are you looking for a light grass and jungle type. Or do you plan on using it for chopping. The Jungle machetes tend to be thin and made to work your way through grass or jungle. They are easy to swing for long periods.
The chopper type blades are made to act as wood choppers and usually have a thicker blade that can be used for batoning while splitting wood. I don't find straight up machetes to be super useful. I like the heavier blades that can be used for chopping wood.
Swamp Rat (Busse Knife Company) makes some great knives. They use high quality SR101 steel and are highly regarded. They are pricey too. Here is a 9 inch blade that can be used for chopping or heavy machete.
35719
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/available-now-rodent-9/
Or this....With as 15.5 inch blade. OK, so this is more of a fighting blade. But its cool right?
35720
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/available-now-rodent-rucki-cg/
If you just want a Machete Benchmade sells them too.
I like the TOPS offerings too, the only thing I dont like is how skinny the handles are. Good quality material, just pretty darn skinny.
Yeah, TOPS makes nice stuff too. I think SWAP RAT and SCRAP YARD Knives are a little better, but its all a matter of what works best for you.
Benchmade $125
35721
Outlander Systems
11-15-15, 18:44
The last bushwacking tool you will ever need:
http://www.noze-nuz.com/gerber/thinner/1.jpg
Gerber Brush Thinner
The older version with the plastic handle was better, but the new school ones still get the job done.
I've spent probably a grand on hot-shit Ontarios, ESSEs, RATs, Kukris, etc. They all suck.
Short of a full-bore bush-hook/bush-axe that cheap Gerber served me far better than anything I ever tried.
I'd take a Martindale in a pinch, but the fat-assed blades on most machetes is a massive detriment to performance.
I saw one on this site I like. Thanks. Anybody ever buy from them? Wondering what the quality of the steel is like.
Not the same site, but I ordered one from here: http://www.nepalesekhukuri.com/?106a6c241b8797f52e1e77317b96a201. The blades are made from truck spring steel and I've found they hold a decent edge and sharpen really nicely. The one complaint I have is that the buffalo horn handle has about an inch long crack in it from chopping wood.
The best place to buy is from Himalayan Imports. Hands down. I have bought from them all.
My Ontario Beaver Tail is the best of what I've used...... Strong steel and decent edge holding for its intended use.
Ill stick with my filipino specials, great for brush and medium to large game. Some guy in Ilocos Norte made them and he doesn't have a website, but if you ever visit they arent expensive at all.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/01/20150618_080542_zpsa2rvlagy.jpg
remington79
12-02-15, 13:49
I used to land survey for a few years. For those that don't know there is a lot of cutting brush to clear sight lines and for traverse. We used Tramontinas. http://www.machetespecialists.com/tramontina-24-bush-with-canvas-sheath.html We used the 22 or 24 inch blades with aftermarket leather sheaths. The handles can be slick put that is easily fixed with a qrip or two of duct tape. The link has the blade profile of the ones we used.
I don't know about batoning but I did cut down quite a few trees with some being about a foot in diameter. Even in heavy brush we would only have to sharpen the blade once or twice a day. I would get it so sharp that the blade would "sing" when cutting through a thin vine. The metal on the blade would last about a year and a half or so. Bear in mind that this was used every day to some extent and at times weeks cutting all the time everyday. No special care was used in sharpening. We just used mill bastard files so a lot of metal was taken off at once. Despite this the blades still lasted that long.
On mine the tips would get smaller first since I tended to sharpen it the most. This is because it wasn't practical to carry a shovel in the woods to dig for property corners. As a result the first 4 inches took a lot of punishment. I wouldn't hesitate to by one with my own money. Based on my experience I prefer the longer blades for brush work. The short blades mean your hands are closer to your work meaning they'll get cut and scratched more often and I just pictures the short blades taking knee caps off.
Ive got one of the older Gerbers with the plastic handle. Great brush tool.
The last bushwacking tool you will ever need:
http://www.noze-nuz.com/gerber/thinner/1.jpg
Gerber Brush Thinner
The older version with the plastic handle was better, but the new school ones still get the job done.
I've spent probably a grand on hot-shit Ontarios, ESSEs, RATs, Kukris, etc. They all suck.
Short of a full-bore bush-hook/bush-axe that cheap Gerber served me far better than anything I ever tried.
I'd take a Martindale in a pinch, but the fat-assed blades on most machetes is a massive detriment to performance.
I have owned my Ontario 18'' since the 80s and it has never gave me a reason to try or buy another brand.
Nice blades
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because of what I do and what I needed, many years ago I commenced making knives, specifically bolo and parang types looking for the perfect trail companion. I cut lots of trail and maintain it on my ranch and beyond in remote areas here. It is an interesting study. Little by little I came up with designs that were the most practical and efficient and interestingly enough, they were not too much different from many designs common to the SE Asian knife culture areas.
Another to consider, Lofty Wiseman Survival Tool, Former SAS His Bio is in the first link. Not just a chopping blade, but the one to carry for several applications. A very well thought out blade.
http://www.scorpionknives.com/lofty_wiseman.htm
http://www.heinnie.com/scorpion-knives-lofty-wiseman-survival-tool-11-inch
Man, I like the looks of that. I don't like a straight handle large knife for any kind of chopping. Something like a Katana is one thing for a purpose but if you are running around chopping random stuff I like that arc of blade and grip.
Second vote for Himalayan imports. Hard to beat for the money. I do have a extrema ratio kukri that beats it but it is 3x the price.k
I really wonder how many guys in the US of A really need/use a large knife {parang, bolo, klewang, matchet, machete}. The guy some pages back that referred to the Woodsman's Pal is on to it.
For the most part, let's face it, those that carry/use large knives in the US of A are looked at sideways by the guys "that know". It's one of those things that's "just not done".
But truth is, the large knife is the most practical tool a guy can have in the woods. Outclasses an ax or a hatchet by miles of usefulness. I carry and use my own home made versions on work managing my ranch here and on my hikes and hunting {24/7/365}. So the OP
's question is legit.
Who actually makes the best?
I'm talking "factory/production" as mine are the best and I don't make them for sale.
So what IS the BEST out there, for all those stuck with paying cash for something vs making their own?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/1-25-15%20033%201024x555_zpsledddly6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/1-25-15%20033%201024x555_zpsledddly6.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/heavyknives2.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/heavyknives2.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer9f.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer9f.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer6.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/parangbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/parangbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/grallochingbowie.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/grallochingbowie.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/tolleknivbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/tolleknivbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/shortbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/shortbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/heavyparang44.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/heavyparang44.jpg.html)
SeriousStudent
05-07-16, 20:20
I am a big fan of the golok. I had a beauty when I was stationed in Asia.
And like an idiot, I gave it away when I left the military - sigh. :(
The JEST bolo is a good option and if you are looking for a higher end kukhri, the one made by RMJ tactical looks great.
Another vote for the Condor kukri. Used in weekly when stationed in Latin America. Economical, holds an edge great for cutting kindling. http://www.themachetestore.com/products/condor-kukri-machete/
I really wonder how many guys in the US of A really need/use a large knife {parang, bolo, klewang, matchet, machete}. The guy some pages back that referred to the Woodsman's Pal is on to it.
For the most part, let's face it, those that carry/use large knives in the US of A are looked at sideways by the guys "that know". It's one of those things that's "just not done".
But truth is, the large knife is the most practical tool a guy can have in the woods. Outclasses an ax or a hatchet by miles of usefulness. I carry and use my own home made versions on work managing my ranch here and on my hikes and hunting {24/7/365}. So the OP
's question is legit.
Who actually makes the best?
I'm talking "factory/production" as mine are the best and I don't make them for sale.
So what IS the BEST out there, for all those stuck with paying cash for something vs making their own?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/1-25-15%20033%201024x555_zpsledddly6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/1-25-15%20033%201024x555_zpsledddly6.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/heavyknives2.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/heavyknives2.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer9f.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer9f.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/Standhauer6.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/parangbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/parangbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/grallochingbowie.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/grallochingbowie.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/tolleknivbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/tolleknivbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/shortbolo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/shortbolo.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/Skaapskieter/KNIVESFinished/heavyparang44.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Skaapskieter/media/KNIVESFinished/heavyparang44.jpg.html)
Nice looking blades. And the leather doesn't suck much either. Nice work.
PB
Texpatriate
05-12-16, 00:18
ESEE Junglas.
/thread
coastwatcher42
05-22-16, 21:48
I am a big fan of the golok. I had a beauty when I was stationed in Asia. (
I've got a Martindale No. 2 Golok that I picked up who knows where about 20 years ago. It was used when I got it and it's still going strong. I really like the weight and size of it. It has a permanent place in my BOB.
SeriousStudent
05-24-16, 00:05
How are the handles on it? Did you have to alter or sand them down?
The one I had was made in some back alley, but had handles of buffalo horn. They were perfect for me.
Wistful sigh......
coastwatcher42
05-24-16, 00:15
How are the handles on it? Did you have to alter or sand them down?
The one I had was made in some back alley, but had handles of buffalo horn. They were perfect for me.
Wistful sigh......
I haven't altered the handle and the only thing about it that I don't like is that it gets quite slippery when your hands sweat, kind of like the Ontario USGI machete (I have had these fly out of my hand more than once). It has a patina on it from use and it appears to have sealed the wood grain almost like a varnish. Little, if any, of the original finish is left. As I said, it was used when I got it and the previous owner may have sanded the handle...it's hard to tell. It was well taken care of when I got it but had obviously seen a lot of use. I used it a lot early on but not so much lately.
It's late and I just now realized why you mentioned sanding the handle. I'll try sanding it this weekend and see if that helps with the slippery grip issue.
boosterboy
06-01-21, 02:37
Terava Skrama
I've used it in the woods a few times, and it definitely can cut through thicker branches with ease.
It's lighter than axe, more cutting area than an axe, and there is an acute edge near the hilt for if you need to whittle.
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-skrama-240-carbon-steel/30189
Very interesting hybrid on a axe/machete hybrid.
Why limit yourself? A Khukri is a one trick pony, and so is a machete. Look into the Fallkniven modern Bowie or a Silky chopper. If on a budget, I had good luck with the kershaw camp 10. Ever tried to baton wood with a Kuk? Try that with a machete, Bolo or other. Not gonna work. A good chopper combined with a decent folding saw will do everything an axe will do, just better, safer and faster, plus take care of the rest of your camp chores.
My workers on my farm used the cheap Chinese machetes when I bought the farm. I measured productivity and when I had a matrix, I then introduced GI machetes and Cold Steel Khukris, productivity went up almost 15% and the workers said at the end of the day they didn't feel so worn out.
My guys use a machete until it has been filled down so much it looks like a sabre, they then will reduce the length of it to like 10 inch blade and use it for processing during harvest till it breaks.
You want a hard workout try swinging a machete in tropical heat bent over for all day.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RMJKKUOB/rmj-tactical-kukri-fixed-105-80crv2-carbon-blade-blackorange-g10-handles-kydex-sheath-with-low-ride-straps-knifecenter-exclusive
I have always wanted one of these....
Terava Skrama
I've used it in the woods a few times, and it definitely can cut through thicker branches with ease.
It's lighter than axe, more cutting area than an axe, and there is an acute edge near the hilt for if you need to whittle.
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-skrama-240-carbon-steel/30189
Very interesting hybrid on a axe/machete hybrid.
I just picked one up recently and the more I use it the more impressed I am.
https://youtu.be/J8wWiX1xDzk
My workers on my farm used the cheap Chinese machetes when I bought the farm. I measured productivity and when I had a matrix, I then introduced GI machetes and Cold Steel Khukris, productivity went up almost 15% and the workers said at the end of the day they didn't feel so worn out.
My guys use a machete until it has been filled down so much it looks like a sabre, they then will reduce the length of it to like 10 inch blade and use it for processing during harvest till it breaks.
You want a hard workout try swinging a machete in tropical heat bent over for all day.
Cheap Brazilian that works, or at least on stuff in Kentucky.
https://www.machetespecialists.com/filter/brand/tramontina/#
Heard 2 bits of Machete advice. One is to buy machetes made in areas that use them with the second being a caveat that good designs are geared toward vegetation similar to what those areas figured out will work.
titsonritz
11-05-22, 01:52
This is a Bad Ass Mamba Jamba
https://www.topsknives.com/storm-vector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhz809nuCtw"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhz809nuCtw
constructor
02-22-23, 14:46
Cold Steel, I still have the first one I purchased in 93, I could shave with that one. The second one didn't come as sharp but didn't take much to get it that way. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015590393?pid=671403
1_click_off
03-07-23, 19:32
Woodsman pal. This thing is a beast.
This is a Bad Ass Mamba Jamba
https://www.topsknives.com/storm-vector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhz809nuCtw"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhz809nuCtw
Those TOPS knives are pricey but 100% legit. His video was good.
PB
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