Heavy Machete

[k0ua]

Some call it a "sling blade":laughing:

 

[PhysAssist]

View attachment 446415

Some call it a "sling blade":laughing:

Uhhmph! (My best Billy-Bob as Karl impression typed out)

 

[davesl708]

Maybe consider the axe used by smoke jumpers. Light weight and has an axe on one side and a hoe on the other. Would work great for saplings.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Thanks for the replies all. I just don't know if the brush ax would work on the briars. It seems like a faster swing works well on them especially when you can't reach the base for a solid hit. The brush axes don't seem they would work well for making a trail in my mind? I only need wide enough to walk down the trail with a pack to that leads to more of an overhand swing and not a baseball bat swing.....

Here is an idea of what I'm dealing with. An area that was clear cut about 5 years ago and has exploded with small vegetation.



I would say these pics don't eve. Do the thicker areas justice. You can't even see a fluorescent orange vest at 25 yards.

I really like the look of the two handed machete from cold steel.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate the feedback!

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Thanks for the replies all. I just don't know if the brush ax would work on the briars. It seems like a faster swing works well on them especially when you can't reach the base for a solid hit. The brush axes don't seem they would work well for making a trail in my mind? I only need wide enough to walk down the trail with a pack to that leads to more of an overhand swing and not a baseball bat swing.....

Here is an idea of what I'm dealing with. An area that was clear cut about 5 years ago and has exploded with small vegetation.
View attachment 446449
View attachment 446450

I would say these pics don't eve. Do the thicker areas justice. You can't even see a fluorescent orange vest at 25 yards.

I really like the look of the two handed machete from cold steel.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate the feedback!

 

[RedNeckRacin]

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.

How heavy is this one? It says it's 7/64". It sounds pretty light weight?? I do like the long handle and the blade length though.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

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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That cold steel two handed blade looks perfect and at 35Oz it sounds nice and stout. Does it hold an edge very well?

 

[/pine]

For a decent machete at reasonable prices check out Corona...I've had good luck with all the Corona tools I have...their folding pruning saws are excellent...

Machete - 18 in Corona Tools

 

[HCJtractor]

Wow, your pictures of the thickets look rough. That's going to be tough going by hand, with any tool. If it were me (and I do similar trails frequently) I would use my Stihl Kombi with the articulating hedge trimmer attachment, or maybe the 12" chain saw attachment. It would make fast work out of that. But I suppose you can't use power tools???
If not, I still would go with the brush axe I showed. No way would I tackle that grown up mess with a machete. Before I got my Kombi, I used the brush axe for similar areas

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[HCJtractor]

I don't have the Cold Steel two hand machete, so can't say as to sharpness. My cold steel is the other one, that has a wider shorter blade. It works pretty good but for what you showed, I don't think it's the tool of choice. As for briars, I think the brush axe is actually better. It keeps your hands clear of the briars. But with the Kombi, I could clear a path through those saplings and briars pretty easily and rapidly. Using a sweeping motion, it cuts and pushes the trimmings from side to side.

Excuse me for recommending a power tool when you asked about machetes, but hacking through that by hand is going to be slow going and tiring. With a one handed machete, you will quickly wear our you hand. Those saplings are going to be tough, and the intertwining briars will make clearing it difficult.

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