Heavy Machete

RedNeckRacin · Nov 5, 2015

Gents,

I'm looking for some recommendations on machetes. I have been cutting trails into areas through briars and trees up to 2" or so in diameter. So far I have been unimpressed /destroyed two machetes. The gerber unit has a very comfortable handle but I have taken out two nickel size chunks out of the blade. I also tried a fiskar machete but the handle is less than comfortable even while wearing heavy leather gloves. I have heard that after ww2 there were alot of left behind trucks that had the springs cut up to make good HD machetes. I obviously don't expect anything that impressive but I'd be tickled to get close. I'm not looking for alternative tools at this time. I.e. no brush ax, Swedish ax, or a brushhog. These trails are to gain access in natural areas that I don't own to perform work.

Any suggestions on what you have used that works or even ones to stay away from? I'd obviously like a longer blade to reach low and high but also cut thick saplings with single swings!

smstonypoint · Nov 5, 2015

I have been satisfied with the Woodman's Pal that I have owned for about 15 years -- https://www.woodmanspal.com/categories/woodmans-pal-classic-model-481.

Steve

DFB · Nov 5, 2015

I have one of these...pretty rugged tool

Ontario? U.S. Military Issued 18" Machete with Sawtooth Spine

Not at all like the flimsy china machetes everyone sells at the flea mkt

In retrospect the only issue I find with the sawtooth back is that if want to cut something like a hubbard squash or a huge rutabaga (without a wild swing to chop it

) you cant push down on the back of the blade with your hand...

at least not painfully :confused2:

RedNeckRacin · Nov 5, 2015

Steve,

I looked at those but I was concerned about the length (16.5") and the weight (23oz). The length gave me pause for dealing with the briars and trying to cut trees off as short as possible without being bent over all the time. Is the blade sharp enough/ hefty enough to go through thicker saplings?? Thanks for the quick reply!

smstonypoint · Nov 5, 2015

Doug,

I have the "Classic" version and the blade is capable of handling thicker saplings. The ad says you can cut 1" saplings with a single stroke -- a reasonable claim in my experience.

The "Classic" is not my weapon of choice for clearing at ground level -- my back complains too much and so I use my Husqvarna brush cutter.

It looks like the "Long Reach" version would work for brambles, but wouldn't work well in clearing thicker samplings.

Steve

rinconryan · Nov 5, 2015

Look for a Martindale machete, it has a picture of a crocodile on it. I use the 22" with the plastic handle. Usually get 2-3 years out of them with everyday use before they break. Have used the Ontario knifes before and they work good for small trees but are hard on your arm after chopping all day, very heavy.

HCJtractor · Nov 5, 2015

Any machete has performed poorly for me. Know you said no brush axes, but the one below will out perform a machete ten fold. They come in various sizes, some quite small. I use it also as a walking stick. My other is a Cold Steel two handed blade, shown also. It works well, and can be worn. The last Cold Steel machete looks like it has potential, but never used one. In my opinion, A two handed handle is a must.The longer handle on the brush axe is much easier on the hands, more powerful, and has better reach for striking saplings at ground level. Plus it's safer.

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HCJtractor · Nov 5, 2015

Whoops. Posted wrong pic. This is my second choice

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PhysAssist · Nov 6, 2015

HCJtractor said:
Whoops. Posted wrong pic. This is my second choice

View attachment 446398

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I also have a two-handed brush and ditch hook from TSC, that works great for all the tasks you mention, but they don't carry it any more...
Thomas

Council Tool Ditch Bank Blade, 12 In Edge, 30 L, Hickory 1230 | Zoro.com

Surveyors Brush Axe Ditch Bank Blade 813008 - EngineerSupply

Chinese War Sword Machete - Cold Steel Knives : Outdoor, Survival, Martial Arts, Sword Machete

Search

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brush_hook

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiser_blade

Al 2 · Nov 6, 2015

I've used a small axe for over 40 years on a daily basis as I needed to deal with larger trees and at times small brush and thinner vegetation. Now I mostly use a Sandvik Brush Axe for the small stuff and I like it . It may go by other names but it is the one with the 'D' type head and replaceable cutting edge .More like an axe with the weight on the end of it, it seems to work better than a machete for me. The blades used to be rasor sharpe when new but they seem to have dulled them down a bit now . I usually put a sharper edge on before using. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Sandvik+Bush+Axe&FORM=RESTAB

Al