Machetes anyone?

[Dryfired]

Have you thought about the ever-versatile Kukri?

I find them as useful as a machete, perhaps more so because they are heavier.

[landman]

I've used them off and on all of my life and they're fine and functional if you keep them sharp.    

However, be very careful with them.   Always remember to pay attention and keep your hands and especially your legs away from their arch.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I carry the woodsman pal to and this year I pick up RTAK II it is little over 16" long and will cut through just about anything,it is and Awesome knife.

[gregg dudley]

Like I said, I must have never seen a good one or anyone that knew what they were doing with one...going to haved to youtube machetes now lol.  I'm still not giving u my folding saw...  

[Pon]

Originally posted by gregg dudley:
I know there are a lot of people that like machetes, but I can't figure out why.       Maybe I have just never had a good one...or even seen a good one.  I have used a folding saw or loppers working side by side with folks using machetes on countless tasks and ended up getting more done with less effort every time.  

Sorry to rain on your parade or hijack your thread, but that is just my experience.

Hey Gregg you are getting a machete! Just let me find out about the laws here to ship it.

Here in Mexico a machete is a must on every outdoor trip, it can do the work of an axe, a knife, etc, even as a weapon, plus it is part of our culture

[lpcjon2]

Gerber and SOG make good ones you can get them from SMK.com . The best one I ever had was when I was in the Philippines it was made from a leaf spring from a car. Great tool to have especially if you have brier's around your area.

[nightowl1]

Just an update but it has been narrowed down between the condor kukri, golok and bolo

[K Harris]

nightowl1,

I have read reviews of the Condor brand in places such as British Blades.  Most of the reviews are quite negative as to quality.  Those folks prefer the Tramontina brand from Brazil, which I have not tried.  The only complaints about the Tramontina is the handle needs to be shaped and the edge needs some attention.  I have and use the Martindale #2 Golok.  I would not classify it as a true machete, but it suits my needs.  It was a replacement for the Woodsman's Pal, which didn't.  Martinade also makes a wide assortment of machetes, and the quality of the steel is excelent.  The only thing I would say about the Martindale line is, like the Tramontina, they also benefit from a little work on the handle and edge.

[Pon]

for Machetes my bet is "Tramontina" from Brazil or "Bellota" from Colombia

[LimBender]

gregg,

I'm in your boat.  We have a lot of palmettos and vines, and a pair of loppers really goes fast on those, especially when trying to clear a trail to the ground.  For a quicker, dirtier trail (on the move) I would think a machete would be useful.  

For the ultimate in lane clearance why not a tractor and shredder.        

On machetes, my only advice would be to not buy Gerber, but I see that is not on the list.     :D

[DannyBows]

Dave Canterbury has taken an Ontario machete/sheath and modified them into a nice Bushcraft/Survival tool. I picked-up a couple of the Carborundum sharpening stones he attached to his sheath and they work well on large blades.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/wildernessoutfitters#p/u/0/pQhwbR2a2X4

[Robertfishes]

Like Gregg I live in Florida, I use a set of long handle loppers when cutting or trimming trails..30 years ago I bought whatwe call a sugar cane knife..it was made in Columbia South america and is the best machete I have ever seen or used..the metal is thin and strong.  I use a file to sharpen it. I wish i would have bought a dozen of them, I got it at a army/navy store when I was 18 years old..it looks similar to thisone       http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/machete-cane-knife-86003.aspx

[Steelhead]

I would look at a Kershaw Outcast 1079 with D-2 Tool steel for around 80$-100$$.Very high quality for the money!10 inch blade and about 14" overall length.I dont think you could do better for the costs.

[gregg dudley]

OK, Pon!  If you say its a good 'un that's good enough for me!  

[Scott88]

I use a cold steel long handle machete,this is a very handy tool for clearing shooting lanes,and can be used as a digging tool,walking stick,snake smacker,list goes on,plus there cheap.

[Dryfired]

Nightowl, try here for handmade REAL kukris. There is no option for a kukri but to buy from Nepal if you want a good one. They are cheap but awesome and will last forever

 http://www.nepalesekhukuri.com/

[Izzy]

I have a Tramontina that was a gift from my Grandmother about 20 or so years ago. Its awesome.  Ive hacked through brush, vertebrae, and have used it in the yard since I got it. Its an awesome tool that every outdoorsman who gives a try will fall in love with em and like Pon,  theyre a big part of my culture.  

[Ron LaClair]

This is my "Buffalo Knife" that I carry when I need to do some serious hackin. The handle material is a choice of buffalo horn or walnut. It has a 10 1/4" blade and is 14 3/4" OA. This is a big knife with a shoulder rig option for a high underarm carry.

 http://shrewbows.com/buffaloknife/

   

[DannyBows]

Nice looking knife Ron. Even though my small knives get the most use, I love big knives.

[Recurve50 LBS]

Check out the Fiskars Brush Axe. I bought one to use around the house. The blade wasn't as sharp as I like so I put a file to it. Maybe they don't sharpen the blades very much because they are afraid of getting sued by careless people.