Machetes

[SmokeJumper]

I'm in need of a Machete for work. It's going to be used for chopping brush and plants in the foothills/mountains. It'll most likely get a spray can camo job. I've been looking at the Gerber models. I don't really have any knowledge on them, what to look for, steel, etc. Any thoughts or experience/opinions are much appreciated. Thanks

[Gutshot John]

Machetes are pretty cheap and universal and pretty fungible. One is as good as the other.

I've used the Gerber around the yard for years and it's perfectly adequate and probably nicer than most.

Be aware if you get one used there was a recall a while back. I'd avoid using the saw anyways.

http://www.gerbergear.com/images/pdf/machete.pdf

[sadmin]

Get a Marbles.
http://www.machetespecialists.com/mabocaknwior.html

Or a Tramontina
http://www.machetespecialists.com/trbumawipoha.html

[Outlander Systems]

Get the Gerber Bush-Hook:

http://www.benmeadows.com/images/xl/Gerber-Brush-Thinner-BEN_i_S_160763.jpg

I use this thing DAILY. It's going on three years old, and is holding an edge like a champion. I used to to clear a 18" oak today that that was on line with our foresight in very short order.

I cannot recommend this item enough. I'm considering replacing my RAT-7, and TBT with two of these. They don't have the "cool guy" flair, but they are cheap, and work better than any other knife/machete/kukri/etc. that I have tried.

ETA: The only thing that sucks is the sheath. It's good enough, but I would love to find someone who'd make me a custom-kydex for it. I'd be in business.

[Jerm]

http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Survival-Machete-Spec-Plus/dp/B001CXJRGM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1

You might find it cheaper elsewhere.

The sheath isn't great but it's serviceable with some simple modifications.

I'm very happy with the machete itself.

[Outlander Systems]

Jerm:

I very much like the Ontario Survival Machete you posted. I used that pretty extensively as well. It is one of the best chopping tools I've worked with. It has a lot of heft, and can easily chop through large sized trees; however, I feel like it is an expert at one thing, and that is chopping. It's patently useless on underbrush; you'll end up picking up the nearest stick, and using it to beat back vines, brush, etc. instead of using the Spec Plus machete. The limited reach doesn't favour clearing things you don't want you hand near.

My other gripe about the Spec Plus is that it will rust - quickly.

I think it is one of the best, if not THE best chopping/hacking tools I've worked with. Its weakness is when you start dealing with more flexible-items such as small branches, vines, privet, etc.

[Jerm]

Yeah,I haven't used it much for brush.It worked well enough for what I have done,but it wasn't very heavy/thick.

I got it mostly for campfire wood.

Haven't noticed any rust...I do wipe it down after use,sometimes with WS(knowing it's high carbon).

[bkb0000]

my guess would be as gutshot said- a machete is a machete. HOWEVER, i'd suggest getting something with at least a name on it... i bought some unknown chicom-looking thing once upon a time when i was a young buck, and the handle broke/slid off mid-swing. i didn't even bother looking for the blade- it arched a good 30 feet off into the brush.

i think it was the same trip that i learned the $5 2-quart striped blanket-lined cowboy-looking canteens you used to find at sporting goods stores weren't a good investment either.

[Jake Bauer]

Check out the ESEE Lite Machete. http://www.eseeknives.com/esee_lite_machete.htm

Or anything by Condor.

[Gutshot John]

HOWEVER, i'd suggest getting something with at least a name on it.

Absolutely, thanks for clarifying.

All I meant was that you don't need to spend anymore than $20 on a quality machete.

[Pathfinder Ops]

Machete's are not all the same. I have a few years of hacking my way around Central America (circ. 1980's) and use around the property and back packing the Adirondacks.

I have had a Machete in the 14" "Bolo" style. I still have the one I picked up in Hondo and its still in service.

It looks EXACTLY like this one:

http://www.machetespecialists.com/imboma15in.html

The difference is the Bolo end widens and adds speed/ energy on your swing/ strike.

Bush Hooks etc are good tools, no doubt, but my Bolo is fast effective, easy to sharpen and price wise very affordable.

[Moose-Knuckle]

I have a USGI sawback machete with the hard plastic sheath that has the built in sharpener. I don't know who currenly manufactures the USGI machetes but there all over the internet they are good to go. Just be sure you don't get one of the Chinese knock-offs.

[jasonhgross]

I have one I can send you for free if you want to pay shipping. Its an Ontario, I have the one with the "D" grip and the one without.

[Moose-Knuckle]

I have one I can send you for free if you want to pay shipping. Its an Ontario, I have the one with the "D" grip and the one without.

Hey there you go! I believe at one time Ontario was a goverment contractor.

[Gutshot John]

I want the one Denzel had in "Book of Eli." :D

[Triton28]

Have a cheap (think I paid $40) Colt Jungle Commander that has served me pretty well. I can cut everything from big weeds to small trees pretty easy. It's cheap steel I'm sure, but it's got enough heft to make quick work of most stuff. It holds an edge pretty well I suppose, but I'm sure a more expensive/better steel blade would do better. Like others have said, I don't think you have to spend a lot of money to get a good machete.

[Outlander Systems]

Crappy camera phone pics from today's "Adventure":

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7562/bushhook1.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9682/bushhook2.jpg

Three years of solid use, and absolutely zero complaints.

[Jack-O]

Those woodsmans pal's look nice. I have a short one for camping but have not used it much.

frankly Gerber and estwing make some really durable tools IME. an Estwing axe and the Gerber machete NC shows would be a killer combo.

Now all we need is a decent bush saw.

[M4Fundi]

I've used cutting tools on 5 continents (meaning really crappy ones to really good ones) and started with the a WW I German Bayonet which had good steel and terrible handle and been thru the lot and the jungles boys (not African) have it figured out. The Kukri style blades (used in Nepal & SE Asia) that are slanted from the grip and wider at the apex of the blade and NOT too heavy are the way to go. I have a Cold Steel Kukri-style machete (not the foreign one they offer) that is my "go-to" blade for everything in the bush. It stays razor sharp, fantastic handle for hours of slashing/chopping and the geometry and steel are phenomenal! If you chop/cut for hours thru jungle they are NOT all created equal.

[Gutshot John]

II have a Cold Steel Kukri-style machete (not the foreign one they offer)

What do you mean "foreign one"?

[tiger seven]

I've used a few different styles (including Ontario, Gerber and "no name" imports) but my favorite by far is the Martindale Golok. Done tons of yard work and camp work with mine and never been disappointed. Perfect size and weight, good grip, easy to keep sharpened and the blade is durable but not too hard.

http://www.machetespecialists.com/sheffielduk.html

Sad to see they've almost tripled in price since I got mine. :(

Derek

[SmokeJumper]

I have one I can send you for free if you want to pay shipping. Its an Ontario, I have the one with the "D" grip and the one without.

Thanks much! I was able to get one already, I was a bit late to read. Great input, Thanks