Best self defense machete? (or other blade)

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xs nrg

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Jan 15, 2004
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Years ago I used to live in the Caribbean. Some violent places. We would never go to the isolated beaches without a big group, especially at night because robbery, rape, and murder were a real problem. Firearms are outlawed, so the most common weapon was the machete. They are used to cut sugar cane, fish and pretty much anything else.


Well, I might be headed back and I want a good machete type weapon. Ideas would be great.
 
Cold Steel has a good selection of machetes. You probably want to check the "Practical Tactical" Forum and ask over there.
 
Or get a good, heavy kukri. That will easily chop the rapist heads off!
 
The standard Ontario Military issue machete is my favorite.
 
If I could get buy with a real kukri and not get in trouble that is what I would go for.
 
There are many companies that make good machetes...
Ontario makes good machetes... Cold Steel markets decent machetes... Martindale and Condor Knife & Tool make good machetes as well as other similar type tools. If you want something a tad heavier that will do heavier work I would second the above suggestion of a kukri. Can't beat Himalayan Imports for those.

Personally, for what you mention, I would want a Bark River golok or Northwind sword, both of which are only available on the secondary market right now.

Depending on how much you want to spend, Mineral Mountain makes some very good large knives/cane cutter type implements. Also look into Kris Cutlery and Valiant. They both make very good large implement style blades but are more costly than your average machete... but then again, their tools are more diverse than a standard machete. Cold Steel also markets a Barong that may suit your purposes but is quite pricey. Also, if you can find one on the secondary market or even a dealer that still has some in stock, the Camillus/Becker Patrol Machete is very nice but pricey compared to normal, low-end machetes. But you get what you pay for...

For a simple, cost effective machete I would go with Condor, Martindale or Ontario.

Peace-
Cam
 
I've heard good words about Blackjack stuff (ie Panga and smaller Swift)
CS Barong with hook-shaped handle good too.
I didn't care for SD option so I got medium Tramontina - dirt chep and nice for cutting vines and even thin limbs.
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If machetes are that common, wouldn't this mean you'd have the greatest chance of encountering thugs armed with machetes? I'd say carry a firearm instead.
 
Condor (I think that's the name) makes some nice looking long knives and machetes. They have blue handles. Light thin and sharp is how I've heard them described. ALso, I believe Kelly Worden designed a machete specifically for sd.
 
any sharp piece of metal is a great defense , but the best one is not being there period why would anybody want to attack you ??? if you think about it we attract things from our actions, i mean you can buy a 8$ machete or a custom 400$ one but first of all i would ask myself why? do i need one? do i know really how to use it? what if it gets taken away from my hands and use on me? well if you already know all the answerds for this questions them you know what knife or machete you need to defend yourself with , none anything is a weapon as long as it creates distance from any opponent or thread, a machete is great to chop things or phillipino stick figthing, thats what i would do if i wanted to buy any knife or toll , ask myself why, best of luck there is a lot to choose from and many cool desings;)
 
Deadhead Archer said:
If machetes are that common, wouldn't this mean you'd have the greatest chance of encountering thugs armed with machetes? I'd say carry a firearm instead.
Click to expand...

Same would apply if access to firearms were more common. Having more lethality than a thug is always best, but a risky assumption. Deterrence is more realistic and probably good enough. If the OP has access to firearms, so do thugs. The bigger question is whether a trip to the beach is worth the risk, even if the odds are in your favor. Avoiding conflict is probably the wisest action.

To the OP: Is there any reason to not buy local machetes?
 
The other thing you should consider is that if you do buy a fully functional sword or machete and accidentally kill someone with it, aren't you going to get in trouble with the authorities, even if it was self-defense?? Some of the weapons mentioned above would be appropriate for medieval battles but ask yourself if you really have the stomach for a real life sword fight, something most of us have never seen in our lifetime except in movies.

The best option would be not to go there, however if you have no choice, consider nonlethal options like a Taser, Mace, pepper spray or a baseball bat. If you want a crude stick type weapon, get a police baton, escrima sticks or 2-3 ft of copper plumbing pipe. Or buy the cheapest machete you can find and file the edge off of it so it won't cut, even without a sharp edge, getting hit with a long thin piece of steel, the amount of force exerted on a small area will produce a lot of injury.

I use my machetes and kukris and goloks for cutting plants, but I don't think I would want to be held by the police for chopping off someone's arm, even if it was self defense.
 
Becker Patrol Machete, Black Jack Panga, Junglee Short Sword, and the Laci Szabo Tramontina w/reprofiled edge and custom kydex sheath, in said order. If you have a background in the Filipino Martial Arts these are perfect and all have decent carry sheaths too. For close quarters, can't beat the Cold Steel LTC Khukri.

Matador-
 
Ontario machetes (1095 carbon and U.S. made), from my experience, holds the best edge compared to others like Cold Steel (1055 carbon, South Africa made) or Corona (mystery carbon, and China made).

For best balance between reach and manuvering, I prefer the 18" model with the molded handel, which has no rivets to come loose (army issue with riveted handles are notorious for loose handles). Put the blade to a belt sander to reprofile the edge with a 1/2" cutting edge, it will sever any flesh in its path.;)

there is also another option... stay here.
 
Since we're talking about combat machetes anyway, have you guys seen the gladius style machete from Condor? :D
What gave them the idea? I mean, who's gonna buy this for any other purpose but fighting?
 
I would talk a walking stick/ staff. Using an edged tool on another person is not what I would want to do. :)

Take care,
Scottman
 
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