New Machete.

T

Tyronethepro

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Oct 25, 2010
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I'm in need of a new machete, my old tanto machete is beat up and retired. I have no specific style i'm looking for or a specific blade length, although I would like to try to keep it under 20 Inches. Some that stick out to me right now are the Martindale 13 Inch Crocodile Golok 2 with Hardwood Handle, the Bellotto 10 Inch Cocoa Machete, the Imacasa 14.5 Inch Colin Machete, or the Hansa 15.5 Inch Yegua Rambo Machete (not because I think i'm rambo, but because I like the small serrated section on the spine and the spey tip.) Any thoughts on these selections? Any recommendations of any others? I'm a hiker and a hunter so I don't need a Zombie Decapitator.
 
Check out some of the newer Condors they have an excellent lineup with a variety of blade profiles and styles.
 
I would stick to machetes with 12" or longer blades. That 10" is a little short for a working machete.

Ross
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custom machetes
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I've heard good things about the Condor machetes. I had an old model with a stainless blade and blue rubber handle. It was a good machete and the leather sheath was awesome, especially for the price.

My go to machetes right now are made by Cold Steel. I have several 12" and one 18" They are comfortable, inexpensive and work well. The steel is pretty soft, but I don't think that I'll ever be able to break one. When I'm planning on using one a lot I bring a bastard file along. The sheaths aren't very good either, they are not bad per-say, not the quality that Condor offers though.
 
I am really interested in what works for others too. I only have a 22" Ontario and would like to get a 12-15" blade for more carryability (is that a word??) :D
 
Imacasa and Tramontina are great choices and they don't cost very much. Tramontina seems better fit and finished to me, but the Imacasa has a harder steel. And then Condor is basically Imacasa's high-end, North American branch.
 
I agree with the over 10" for real machete work. But if you want a 10" blade I have a kershaw outcast with a 10" DS tool steel blade. Came super sharp too! very comfy grip, I would check those out.
 
Condor for a premium model, Tramontina or Imacasa for a budget model. I agree about the 10+ inches verdict. What sort of tasks were you planning on using it for?
 
Tyronethepro said:
I'm in need of a new machete, my old tanto machete is beat up and retired. I have no specific style i'm looking for or a specific blade length, although I would like to try to keep it under 20 Inches. Some that stick out to me right now are the Martindale 13 Inch Crocodile Golok 2 with Hardwood Handle, the Bellotto 10 Inch Cocoa Machete, the Imacasa 14.5 Inch Colin Machete, or the Hansa 15.5 Inch Yegua Rambo Machete (not because I think i'm rambo, but because I like the small serrated section on the spine and the spey tip.) Any thoughts on these selections? Any recommendations of any others? I'm a hiker and a hunter so I don't need a Zombie Decapitator.
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What in the world is a tanto machete??

I personally like Cold Steel's magnum kukri..
 
I can recommend one of Cold Steels machetes. I have a Panga, Kukri, and Barong machete. All 3 work well, but you must be prepared to sharpen them. The "utility" edge they come with is only useful if you intend to practice sharpening. The Panga pattern is my favorite out of the 3, due to longer blade and ligher overall weight. A lanyard is recommended for any extensive work, but maybe my hands just sweat a lot.
 
I like my Condor Golok. It is a performer at about $30

I have used and own the Ontario 22" and 18", they are both quite decent, only the handle and sheath suck, the blade is high quality at the price. I have Cold steel, not to my liking but not too bad, less quality HT than the Ontario's IMO. The condor has a better grind and better design overall for performance.
 
Cold Steel or Condor, I have the Condor Golok, Cold Steel Latin, Spear Point, and another 18" model that the tip curves down on, these are all great !!! I have a 12" model by Cold Steel that I have baton-ed with to make kindling !!! You can get the 18" Bowie machete by Cold Steel on Ebay for 18.00 !!!! They are nice !!!
 
I am partial to Ontario machete's. I have an 18" blade one & a 12" blade one. I have recently modified the 12" machete, to be more than just a machete. Made in America, but you will have to have a sheath made for either one. I have the military sheath for the 18" one & it's OK, but thats it. Great "bang for the buck" with either.

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Remember, there a lot of good machetes in surplus stores and flea markets waiting to be picked up. I found an old Disston machete at an antique mall for under 20 bucks.

My sisters boyfriend got me an ESEE Lite machete for my birthday, it is very comfortable to use.

I don't have any machetes from them, but Condor did a great job on the Hudson Bay I picked up. Imacasa and Condor did the blade for ESEE machete.

I just read a really good review by Joe Flowers in TK about the BHK machete. My sisters boyfriend has been talking that up, I'll help my sister get the best deal on it for him ;).
 
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