Machete or trail clearing tool????

T

"That Guy"

Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
10
Hey guys and gals, I'm looking for something to clear brush on the trails I walk, something that can handle abuse. weight is not an issue, I like the challenge haha ^.- -T~G
 
Condor 17" Parang Machete

Some people use the names Golok and Parang interchangeably, but the Condor Parang is longer and I prefer the 17" model.

you can get it for about $49.00. Its 1/4" thick and can take a real beating. The handle is comfortable. I wouldn't call it lightweight, but it can handle light brush, but had no problem taking down thicker branches, as well.

I love mine.
 
I have a 16 inch Fiddleback forge machete that I love. it is tough and holds a shaving sharp edge for a good long time.
 
I would use the earlier mentioned Ontario or a number of different Cold Steel machetes. The magnum kukri, one of the latin machetes, or the all terrain chopper.
 
Ontario and Condor are good, check out some of their machetes. But I have a lot of fun with the Cold Steel Heavy Machete, I feel like I am holding a big sharp hunk of steel that I can beat up all day, does great with thick vines.
31BRRc89K7L._SX342_.jpg
 
Machetes work well in certain instances. They can leave very sharp stubs though, and often it's impossible to get a good swing at the base of the brush.
Most of the time I use clippers and a bow saw.
 
Bang for the buck imacasa or tram. Both will do as well or better than the ontario. j do allot machete work being in the swamp and own them all. Its your money...but I see no reason to spend allot of extra money for a superb but really expensive fiddleback or evn twice as much money for an ontario...when a tram or imacasa will do just as well.

as for patterns I prefer the latin or bush myself....for the task you are referring to. As usual ymmv...but figured someone should throw in the 2 brands that are the cheapest and do just as well as the more expensive ones. Unless of course you want a high dollar blade....then everything I said goes right out the window.

Im also gonna let you in on a secret....I got a chinese harbor creight machete......its terrible for hot spots...but it keeps an edge as well as my more expensive ones. Granted im talking working tools not ones to be proud of and display on the wall.
 
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my favorite is the 26" imacasa 'pata de cuche' in the middle of the pic. less than twenty bucks delivered. they need some work because they dont have any sort of edge on them, just an initial bevel. ive used the one in the pic for hundreds of hours. it will work fine for you.
 
Get a 21inch Gelbu Special from HI. Keep it sharp and it'll handle lighter brush with ease, and it's got the power to take down a tree if needed.
 
Secateurs/hand pruners & a short cross cut saw. No chance of them bouncing off springy foliage & you dying of blood loss.
If you still feel the need to hack'n'slash get a military shovel designed to double as a machete.
 
Kershaws said:
Ontario and Condor are good, check out some of their machetes. But I have a lot of fun with the Cold Steel Heavy Machete, I feel like I am holding a big sharp hunk of steel that I can beat up all day, does great with thick vines.
31BRRc89K7L._SX342_.jpg
Click to expand...
A friend of mine has that one. We compared it to my Ontario chopping the same limbs, trees, vines, brush, etc. The Ontario was better on all, but the Cold Steel was about have the price. I just don't consider $25-$30 a lot for what you get in return. To me 18" is a good all around blade. The only drawback is the factory edge on both of mine was about as good as a Martindale Golok. After some time on the belt sander they both cut thin briars with a flick, but don't chip cutting back Oak limbs.
 
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