So, my guys are getting restless about their machetes again (this seems to happen every year). The steel on the last set sucked.
Based on research on this site, I just bought a Tramontina and an Ontario. The Tramontina hasn't shown up yet, but I received the Ontario yesterday, and it felt like a hunk of steel, not a well-balanced machete. The thing doesn't swing very well, especially if you are going after black-berries.
I have a 70 year old Collins Legitimus, and when I pick it up, it feels entirely different. The blade is tapered from about 3-4mm at the handle, to about 1-1.5mm at the tip. Also, the steel on the Ontario looks good, but appears to be much more brittle (doesn't flex like an old Collins). I would guess that the Ontarios aren't heat treated as well as the old ones.
Are the Martindale's any better?
It makes no sense to me that with all of our tools and processes these days, that we can't make a machete better than ones we made 70 years ago.
If you have any suggestions for decent machetes with good steel that are balanced and tempered correctly, I would appreciate it. If not that, then just give me the best ideas that you can. I'm probably asking too much of our throw away society.
FYI - an old Collins Legitimus will run you about $100-$200 on ebay. Although, from what I've seen over the years, they are 10 times the tool that the new ones are.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I switched to loppers.
I can beat your machete any day of the week.
The strategy is different, though. Get underneath and cut the stuff off at the base.
And it doesn't tear up my elbow and shoulder.
I spent 5 minutes mowing some scotch broom with a machete, elbow and shoulder hurt the rest of the week.
You would be surprised how fast you can go with big compound loppers and a pocket saw.
I use a woodsman pal and love it. Very well built.
> You would be surprised how fast you can go with big compound loppers and a pocket saw.
I'll second that! I've used wooden handle compound loppers, but changed to these a couple years ago:
Little pricey, but they work as well as most compound styles, and they're not kidding about the 2" capacity. Replaceable blades if you ever do start cutting a lot of barbed wire with them (they'll do it--I've tried. They are rugged and will last a lifetime. The long handles let you bushwhack through thorny blackberries (or whatever), and reach down and lop off the brush right at the base without breaking your back.
And best of all, you can actually pound in lath and hubs with them, lol!
We bought the Fiskars ratcheting anvil style, they work very well.
Also the Fiskars Axe is amazing, that'll almost go through a 4" tree in one swing.
Sometimes in heavy thick brush there is no swing room for a machete, that's when the loppers really shine.
Different blades for different needs.
All around is the Ontario 22in for cutting everything from brier to small tree. Blade is angled to lop something off. It is knife steel and will hold an edge.
28in Crocodile wood handle is a good brier and Blackberry blade.
Fiskar 22in machete has best handle and is quality steel and very lightweight.
Ditch bank blade is best for cardio, it will give you a workout.
I have a pair of lopers in my truck that get a lot of use.
A double bit axe is in the ATV tool box.
B-)
I found a vendor on this other website a few years ago, a forum for "bushcraft", the place is kind of a crack up and I thought I would head back on over there and search for threads on machetes to link you, I am sure there are many but to search you need to login/register which I do not not feel like doing so instead, for your internetting pleasure check out a 52 page thread "Knives with guns/Axes with knives, lets see yours!"
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/99691-Knives-with-guns-Axes-with-knives-lets-see-yours!
lol
Found the vendor in my email before posting
MacheteSpecialists.com
I was not really happy with the blade I picked out, one of the wide ones, had a lot of weight which was kind of nice but did not hold an edge.
I was really not happy with the sheath, it did not mention that it was zippered in the description which is stupid and the zipper broke in like a days use making the whole item garbage.
But the guy seemed okay and there are certainly a lot of blades to choose from.
I am going to go ahead and leave the bushcraft link in here, some of the theads there are a crack up and some are actually pretty cool, the Russian making a hut and the canoe threads come to mind.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've had experience with those other tools, and prefer a decent machete for the type of work we mainly do. Although, if they don't exist anymore, then we'll have to use something else.
Wow - you're right - that is quite the site.
The Martindale is the closest I have found to a collins machete.
James
I used Collins when I first started surveying back in the early 70's, and hated them. Pretty much a hate/hate relationship for decades, until I discovered Tramontina about 15 years ago: best machetes I've ever had. My only gripe is, after about 5 years of heavy use, the rivets on the wooden handles start to loosen up, and eventually the wood splits. Of course by then, the blade's about done anyway, so it's time to break out a new one.
I second the vote for the Martindale machete. We get the 22" wood handled blade. I used to use a little longer Collins machete, but have gotten used to the 22" blade. We run the edges of the wood handle across a concrete porch to round off the rough or sharp edges and it makes a world of difference. Also, the Martindales are not too expensive and would be worthwhile to try one out.
As for somebody getting 5 years out of a machete... well, maybe loppers would work them. We get 1 year out of a machete at best, we do a lot of brush cutting.
I just got a Fiskars 22" machete at the big box junk store. Hardly used yet, but it looks very good.
A few weeks ago we were staking out a house and the contractor's guys were clearing at the same time. Their new machetes' handles were fastened with plastic rivets. They lasted about 3 swings.
I had the blade on a fiscars break, as in I hit a branch and half the blade snapped off and went flying. Would not buy again.
I can't comment about machetes more than has already been stated. BUT if you're going through thick blackberry briers don't even try to cut them. Cut you small tree about 8-10 feet long and about 1-1 1/2 inches thick and BEAT the briers down. A lot less work and a lot faster. Been there - done that.
Andy
This CKRT , " chance in hell" , although small, has been the best quality machete and the best to use todate that we have had.
Cost be the equivalant of $40
Cuts droppers no sweat
Never used machetes much here in MT, but when I surveyed for USFS we always carried Sandvik brush axes. being able to swap out the blades on the go and using them to hammer stakes was a big plus
My first choice is a khukri unless it's dense wild rose bushes. Then I break out the machete. All I know is my machete was made in Columbia and is a fine piece of work and holds an edge very well. The Khukri came from Nepal and works better at dropping small trees and rides very comfortably in the back of my vest. A blast to throw btw (though I don't condone such activities!)
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
> Never used machetes much here in MT, but when I surveyed for USFS we always carried Sandvik brush axes. being able to swap out the blades on the go and using them to hammer stakes was a big plus
+1 on the Sandvik
I will sharpen the existing blade before switching out to a new one. The newer Sandviks seem to have less spring to them and the blades tend to rattle after switching them out several times.
I have a khukri that gets occasional use, very good in severely dense privet where swing radius is reduced. For everything else I use a Cold Steel Brazilian with the extended handle. I really don't have many times I need to swing it two handed but find it works well and holds a good edge for a long time.
I have to date converted 7 other field crew members to this blade, now the Ontarios (great edge, way too heavy) and Barteux's (hate the handle) now reside in the truck.