Where can I get a good machete?

[rox]

Ray,
I have not tried their product but I do swear by thier saws. We use their saws for prunning 1,400 olive trees and they are the best we have ever used. You might want to take a look at this product by Silky
CAMAKIRI 180 Single Edge
The saws are made in japan and actually I only found out about them because another TBM member posted how he got one for Christmas and how great the saws are. If you try this, please post back and let us know how it works for you.

 

[Redbug]

I used to use a machete all the time, until I got a bush axe, (bush hook). One stays in the back of my truck full time. If you get one, get the double edge type. You can use it like an axe, or a machete. It's also good for moving the stuff you already cut by snagging it with the hook part and slinging it out of the way. With the long handle, you can cut briars and not get snagged as often.

I think there was a movie which involved a swing blade...Hmmm I like a good swing blade Hmmm Hmmm.

Bush Hooks - Ben Meadows Company

 

[masscity]

You might look at Meyerco machetes. My brother and I have them on our ATV's to clear brush out of the skid roads after winter knocks everything down. We have the 28" ones about 1/8" thick. My brother did break about 10" off the end of his 1st Meyerco, but so far no problems with the 2nd one.

I'm thinking about buying the 19" also, because it's about a 1/4" thick for cutting the heavier stuff. The Meyerco's are $25 each.

For what it's worth, my neighbor has two of the Woodsman Pals and he doesn't like them.

Ed

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

I used to use a machete all the time, until I got a bush axe, (bush hook). One stays in the back of my truck full time. If you get one, get the double edge type. You can use it like an axe, or a machete. It's also good for moving the stuff you already cut by snagging it with the hook part and slinging it out of the way. With the long handle, you can cut briars and not get snagged as often.

I think there was a movie which involved a swing blade...Hmmm I like a good swing blade Hmmm Hmmm.

Bush Hooks - Ben Meadows Company

our Lowe's sells something similar they call a "ditch bank tool" for about $35 - the steel is pretty thin, but it does do a fair job of cutting things - and it's easy to clean up the edge with a file after hitting one too many rocks...

 

[Redbug]

Erik, I also have one of those lighter ones from Lowes. They are OK, but just like the machetes...the ones with the heavier steel blade cut better, (more weight to swing), and last longer. All in all, once you get a swing blade, your old machete will gather dust.

 

[TheKid]

Take a look at a Woodsman.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I got a rubber handled one from these guys. It has been a great tool used tons for clearing 4 wheeler trails.

Discount Hunting Gear, Discount Hunting Boots, Discount Shoes, Discount Ammunition, Discount Ammo, Discount Boots, Military Surplus, Outdoor Gear At the Sportsman's Guide

 

[rfawkes]

I go to a lot of farm sales and sometimes those old hand tools sell a box full for 5 or 6 dollars. The rust will clean off and their are some very good quality old tools out there.

 

[AlanB]

I am a fan / owner of a Woodmans pal as well.

Got mine handed down from my dad.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have stood behind a machete for literaly thousands of miles in the past 25 years as a Land Surveyor here in East Texas. The Ontario Knife mentioned earlier is an excellent choice. Barteaux is also a great choice. Barteaux Machetes Product 1 I always liked Blackie Collins, as the seemed to have the best balance, but can't find them anymore.

I would recommend the 22" with knuckle guard. The 24" models seem to bend a little too often for my taste. The guard takes a little getting used to ( not for the limp wristed among us ), but keeps it from flying out of your hand when you get sweaty.

When you factor in the free shipping, this is about the best price I have found, in fact, I just ordered 4 of them.
Ontario?ｮ 22" Improved Machete - Heavy Duty

We use them for every thing from briars and honeysuckle to 12" oaks. The larger trees we cut by using two men taking alternating whacks. Cutting involves a little physics, but it aint rocket science.

The method that works best for me : Being careful, put some tension on what you are cutting. Using your free hand ( I use a 1" square lath as an extension of my hand ) bend what you want to cut to the left. Take a solid downward stroke at about a 45ｰ angle toward the left at the base on the right side. 2"-3" trees should come down in one whack. For cutting limbs out away from the trunk of the tree, stand fairly parallel to the limb, cut either back toward the tree or away from the tree, so that the limb can't swing away, but has to absorb all the force. Whenever possible, cut limbs up close to the trunk for best results. For briars and honeysuckle, I take that 1"x48" square lath that I carry and wind it up in the vines so that I can put some tension on them while I cut. Takes a little practice, but works well.

Bruce
RPLS 5781

Here's another vote for that method. I was taught to do it that way when working for the forestry dept. in a crop tree release program.
You would be amazed at how large a tree you can take down with one swing once you get the technique down.