optimal machete blade length?

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kickplate69

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Jan 26, 2011
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What do you guys think is the best blade length for machetes? I am 5'9", if that is some sort of factor. The really long ones seem whippy, and the short ones look useless.
Any input appreciated.
 
My favorite is something with a blade around 13"-15" and on the thicker side but I think I am in the minority on this one. But that size allows me to easily pack them and does everything I need where I live. I use them more as camp tools as opposed to clearing trails and such. So I'd say it greatly depends on what you need your 'chete to do.

My current favorites are the Martindale Golok and Martindale Bolo Cleaver Machete.
 
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For me 14-16 seem the most comfortable, enough reach to be useful and plenty long for chopping. Also they're not so long they get away from you. I have a few 12" machetes that work really well too. The lite machete is the first 18" blade that I've really used long enough to appreciate and lately its been my go to chopper. Machetes are cheap enough that you can buy every length and find what works for you.
 
I have a military issue 18" that I put a nice wood handle on. I like it but most of the time would probably like it better 14-16. But certainly not complaining.
 
I really prefer about 14-16 inches as well. I do like bigger blades for more reach, but I do like the smaller ones more for where I live.
 
Although I have little knowledge of machetes myself, I'll pass this on. Read on another forum a discussion about this and a few guys commented that the ideal all-around machete length for any given person generally has a blade the same size as your arm from elbow to fingertip.

Wouldn't mind hearing thoughts from machete experts here on that concept.
 
I love the 16" imacasa. It's the perfect length for bumming around in the woods. If I had to clear a serious jungle, I'd want something in the 18-22" range.
 
Speaking as someone with literally hundreds and hundreds of real machete use in the woods of Florida, 18 to 22 inches. For real trail clearing, hours at a time, smaller machetes do not work.

I understand people living out of a backpack in a camping scenario have different goals. Working out of a truck and using a machete for its intended purpose, however, you want a long one. Quite simply they get more labor done in a shorter time period.

Your woods and flora types may vary this.
 
rocketbomb said:
Although I have little knowledge of machetes myself, I'll pass this on. Read on another forum a discussion about this and a few guys commented that the ideal all-around machete length for any given person generally has a blade the same size as your arm from elbow to fingertip.

Wouldn't mind hearing thoughts from machete experts here on that concept.
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I was getting ready to say that was the dumbest thing I've ever heard, then I went and measured my arm against my Lite Machete and it was almost exact. :foot:

There are so many variations of machetes beacuse there are many different applications. If I'm going to be cutting through dense vegitation and clearing trails, I don't want to be doing it with a 12" machete. If I just need a big camp knife that's light enough to get some good swing, a 12" or 14" would probably be fine.

I'll be honest, I'm starting to like this machete contraption. Right now 18" seems about perfect, but I'd like to find a shorter, slightly thicker design as well.

Overall, I'd say 18".
 
Thanks guys. I will prolly go with the 16 inch size range. The last machete I bought was after I saw the movie "Rambo" on tv and I went to walmart, bought the 7 dollar machete and cut it into the rough shape of the knife he used. I needed a one hour project and that one was fun:)
 
Fiddleback Forge has a line of machete's now. 12" 14" 16" and 18" lengths, each one is $99. Blades are Imacasa and the handles are done by Andy Roy. I've heard great things about the handles, excellent warranty. They are at Machete Specialists, as well as here through the Fiddleback sub-forum.
I like the Lite Machete, that length allows for speed out at the tip. For certain types of work, the LM is great. Up north a shorter thicker machete might be better.
Even the FB's 12" is thicker than the others.
 
adaman04 said:
I was getting ready to say that was the dumbest thing I've ever heard, then I went and measured my arm against my Lite Machete and it was almost exact. :foot:

There are so many variations of machetes beacuse there are many different applications. If I'm going to be cutting through dense vegitation and clearing trails, I don't want to be doing it with a 12" machete. If I just need a big camp knife that's light enough to get some good swing, a 12" or 14" would probably be fine.

I'll be honest, I'm starting to like this machete contraption. Right now 18" seems about perfect, but I'd like to find a shorter, slightly thicker design as well.

Overall, I'd say 18".
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The "machete" is a tool set with one of the most bewildering numbers of very specialized versions. And most of those variations work very, very well for their intended purpose. The rule is for a general-use machete, one you can carry every day and works OK at anything you'd encounter. It's to me the machete version of the idea that the most appropriate general purpose/pack axe for a person is one where you can put the end of the handle in your armpit and you can just get your fingers around the top of the eye.
 
Well, I'm 5'9" too, and I usually use a 20"-24" machete. I arrived at that choice based on the increase in reach, striking power, and tip velocity (important for grasses and other light targets). However, the ideal blade length AND pattern for you will be determined by your environment and preferences. If I had to make a blanket statement for the best pattern and blade length for general usage in any area I'd say a stiff 16"-18" Latin pattern would fit the bill nicely enough. :)
 
I like a 22" with a relatively thin and springy blade. I like that it takes less work on my part to get that tip going fast. I imagine my preferences might change if I was in a thick jungle without much swinging room though.
 
jsdvnc said:
I like a 22" with a relatively thin and springy blade. I like that it takes less work on my part to get that tip going fast. I imagine my preferences might change if I was in a thick jungle without much swinging room though.
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Love my 22" Tramontina. :D
 
I've gone through some pretty foliage-dense areas before and never had so much trouble with a long blade that I couldn't get the job done. Just swing with your hand a little closer to your body so the sweet spot still lands where it should. Be careful, of course! :)
 
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