Machete advice: is bigger better?

7

7rip13a

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
902
Okay, this isn't about RAT knives, but I know you jungle-trekking guys live and breathe machetes. Due to the poor availability of machetes where I live (good ones, not Jason replicas:rolleyes:), I have to choose between a 14 inch or 18 inch Tramontina machete. Of course, I could get both, but I'm curious as to what you fellas prefer, and whether one has any advantages over the other.

I most likely will not be using it to chop down trees, if it makes any difference. Just weeds and brush and the like.

Thanks in advance.
 
I don't own a Tram, but I've heard nothing but good things about them on the forums. They might need a little modification (handle sanding and such) but that's fun anyway.

As for one having advantages over the other...one is four inches longer. If you want more reach and power, go with the long one. If you want more portability and control, go for the short one. That simple. No one can tell you which one will work better for you.
 
I've got a 14" bolo Tram that one of the members here (Heber) put a 14 degree working edge on it for me, and made a beautiful sheath for. It's very easy to work with around the yard (extent of my usage). I also have a longer blade like 22" that I think is too long. So I'd say you'd probably very happy with the shorter one. Good luck, and contact Heber when you want some nice leather for it.
 
I got a 12" Cold Steel Kukri that works great for chopping, but for brush cutting the Cold Steel Panga, Bolo, or Latin Machete would work great. $10 is all it is w/out crappy cheath. I don't know if people around here like Cold Steel or not, but they r cheap and durable, so I use it. I only own 3 knives personaly and have a purpose for all: Spyderco Cricket, Kukri, and Izula:D
 
Size does matter. I have a two foot long Imacasa and it's dull as heck. However, it can sail through 1.5" thick semi-hardwoods with ease. The reason being is that the longer you go the more speed is being generated at the tip. The down side though is that I don't hike with it because it's so long. My advice would be to get the longest one you feel comfy with and not so long that you won't take it with you.
 
Trams are cheap. Get both and find out for yourself what length you prefer. ;)

Personally I like the longer models because of the increase in power and reach, and when I'm using a machete it tends to be in my hand more than on my belt. Bigger is better...except when it isn't. :p You have to find what's comfortable for you and most appropriate for your area. :)
 
Thanks for all the comments fellas. Considering the pros and cons of each, I think I'll just get both and see how I go. I don't plan on hiking with a machete, but it could happen, and I guess the 14 incher would be easier to take. I get combined shipping charges too.:D Worst that could happen is that I give the one I don't want to my dad.

Will have to check out Heber for a sheath once I figure out which one I love more, thanks for the heads up DYD.
 
My best machete for cutting back brush and grasses is the 22" Tramontina. The 18" blade is next best. In the heavier brands I don't go over 18" because they are too tiring for me to swing for very long. The shorter 12" and 14" blades are ok, but more reach makes it a lot easier.
 
7rip13a, I agree with some others who have already posted. Get both then deside which you like better. My current collection includes a 12", 14" Bolo and 18" all Tramontinas. The 14" Got used on a campout a few weeks ago and was pretty good at cutting up soft wood. Done some yard work with it too and no complants so far. A good quality leather sheath is nice to have for it. ;) Email address is in my sig.

Edited to add: I prefer the longer blades for trail clearing (got 4 different 18" models by various companies) do to there extra reach and they way the feel. But my 14" Model does get used more around the apartment.

dull yet deadly, Thanks for the compliments! Hope you get to use your machetes and sheaths a bunch.

Heber
 
I would get at least an 18". Machetes, although seeming pretty straight forward, actually do take some practice and you have to develop the technique. Your natural tendency is going to be to use a hammer grip and swing hard. It takes a while to train yourself not to do this. There should be some good advice here on the RAT forum and also maybe some youtube videos showing proper technique. Until you develop the proper technique, I have found that it's easier to let someone use a longer machete. That way it takes less whacks to accomplish your task. The more technique you develop, the shorter your machete gets. I personally have stuck with an 18", even though I am capable of using a 12" well. I find the slightly longer machetes are a little more versatile. I have a 22", but I don't take it unless I know for a fact that most of the stuff I'll be going through is tall grass. 18" just seems perfect for me for a machete. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on length as it pertains to how often you'll carry it. It's a machete. That sucker is big even when they're small. Don't use that as a factor.
 
Depends on your location and if you want to be in the bush hacking or away from what your hacking.... do you have room to swing a 20" or bigger .
 
I have both the 14" and 18" Tramontinas. The 14 is more portable but the 18 is easier to use. I use both in my yard (lots of trees, branches and brush) but prefer the 18". I have a file ready in my shed to touch up the edge and its ready to go again.

My wife thinks I'm crazy and asks why not use the saw or lopping shears:). Its a guy thing I guess.

Vinny
 
This is my backyard, a good representation of the type of terrain I plan to go up against: hot and dry.

dsc00536t.jpg


Gets even worse on the way down, near the damp riverbed where the mosquitoes play.

Thanks for the extra comments, pretty much confirmed that I'll just get both. If Dylside is correct, than maybe I'll practise with the 18 incher, and still be able to use the 14 incher effectively once I get my technique down.
 
What about a woodmans pal. Those look prety versitile. I haven't tried one yet but check it out. Maybe someone here has one and can comment.
 
IMO, longer blade isn't better. Where i come from(Malaysia, warm tropical place covered by rain forest), most of us have a "parang" and it usually range from 5 to 12 inches. most of the time, blade of 8" to 10" is enough if we plan to do jungle tracking. Just my opinion.
 
hkyew said:
IMO, longer blade isn't better. Where i come from(Malaysia, warm tropical place covered by rain forest), most of us have a "parang" and it usually range from 5 to 12 inches. most of the time, blade of 8" to 10" is enough if we plan to do jungle tracking. Just my opinion.
Click to expand...

In my jungle, longer works better. Especially when clearing. I like the extra reach. But a short one is better than nothing.
ONT12020.jpg

golokathon035.jpg
 
Last edited:
I personally like a springy 22" machete. I can see how it could be unwieldly in a jungle though.
 
jsdvnc said:
I personally like a springy 22" machete. I can see how it could be unwieldly in a jungle though.
Click to expand...

They seem to work well in South American jungles. My 18" & 22" Tramontinas are my work horses for real machete work.
 
It is interesting to note that generally speaking an 18" is considered smaller than alot of machetes that you see in Central America. My guess is that it is the same in SA too. 18" and lower is pretty common in the US. How many of the thick 22" ontarios do you see in the US? Probably not many, they plum tucker you out! (well me atleast) Most of the time, you'll see around 20"-22" in the hands of those that are out there alot, south of the border. As far as brush clearing in the tropics, these are probably seen the most. You have to make them work for you though, not powering through the machete, and using the finesse and weight is the key to how those guys use 'em day in and day out. These longer machetes have a sexy distal taper to make them a bit less flimsy. INMHO, that is what the Cold Steel machetes are lacking.
Though, the 14" machete is called the working man's machete in El Salv.
Man, some of the Jamaicans like a 28" upswept machete (!)
 
Last edited:
I usually stick with an 18"-22", though when I have a lot of other crap I'm carrying I'll pop down to a (broad-bladed) 12".

Went chopping yesterday with my big 'ol Condor Viking. I love that thing so much. :D
railroadchopitude004.jpg


railroadchopitude007.jpg


railroadchopitude009.jpg


It's a nice 20" :)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top