Looking for a good Machete

[whiteman]

On the search for a good sturdy machete..Any suggestions??

I have been watching some chopping videos that feature ESEE and I like what I see. Just curious what other makers have and what the folks on here use.

 

[tradertator]

The ESEE is a great machete, but is made by Condor. Condor machetes are considerably cheaper. I also really like the Gerber (or Fiskars) Brush Axe and Woodmans Pal.

 

[MadBomber]

Try a Woodman's Pal. It's a great machete at a reasonable price. I'm not sure if Brad and Sheila carry it or can get it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask them. If they don't, the Pal is pretty easy to order direct:

Woodman's Pal Store - Flat Rate Shipping

 

[grunt soldier]

My first recommendation is always fiddleback forge machetes. check out andy's work. he buys blanks, regrinds them and then puts his amazing handles on them. by far one of my favorite machetes. A bark river golok would be a hell of a choice if you can find one, for a on the cheap option check out any of the condors. I personally really like the parang.

 

[lordjackel]

I got a Condor Golok and love it. Heavy curved blade, wood handle, cuts like a champ.

Here is where I got mine...they have just about every machete you can think of.
Condor 14 Inch Golok Machete, High-Carbon, No Sheath

 

[Fergy35]

Yep, Condor makes some really nice machetes. I really want one of their Golok's. Nice heavy blade, good shape, good size and a reasonable price. Their "Latin" style machetes are quite nice too.

I do have one of the Gerber/Fiskars brush axes and it is extremely handy. Seems to hold it's edge well - except for that bottle I didn't see in the thick grass at the bottom of that brush. The hooked blade works well for clipping small branches too.

 

[mercop]

Fiddleback Forge- Love mine

 

[PwrCruz]

Here is a few of mine but the Ontario is the only true machete.
A Condor golok, Ontario 18"saw back , and a Valiant parang.

 

[paddling_man]

If you don't know the size you really want, Tramontina is one of the machetes commonly viewed as good but inexpensive. They're dirt cheap and not bad at all.

How about a five-pack for $35?

Tramontina Machete 5 Pack

Rocky, crappy areas I've got a cheap piece of crap plastic handled machete that came from a big box. For everything else actually brushy, it's a Bark River Northwind.

 

[M67]

Fiddleback Forge are nice.

The Blind Horse machete is a winner too.

For the price though, Ontarios are great.

 

[.356luger]

I have an maxe-chete one of my uncles must have built in shop class 50 years ago made out of 1/4 plate steel as far as i can tell that stays in my truck tool box at all times. It's kind like. 2 1/4 on one end and 1 1/4" on the other. The smaller end has the handle. Which makes for great striking force at the head

Guess that makes mine Good ol' boy brand

 

[Rong]

I have used my cold steel machetes hard and have been very pleased. My current favorite is the kukri magnum. It fits a GI sheath and has an excellent balance, regrind the edge a little and for $20 it is a great choice.

 

[Dtrap]

Fiddleback Forge are nice.

The Blind Horse machete is a winner too.

For the price though, Ontarios are great.

I will second any and all of these. I prefer them in the order he listed them as well. Also the Blind Horse comes with a nice factory kydex sheath which the others don't.

 

[BigJ3780]

Whatever you do, DO NOT get the $5 one from Harbor freight... I could make a better one out of a coconut.