Which machete? 13" SOG or 18" Gerber?

A

agoutihead

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May 5, 2007
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Ok I was at Dicks today looking at the machetes and they had a 13" SOG and an 18" Gerber.

Both were high carbon steel, so were good there. But I did prefer the handle on the SOG more I think. (both were in the package and I couldn't fully hold either)

I'm just not sure what length I want. I almost prefer the shorter one because I feel it has less clearance.

But is longer always better with machetes?

Both had a saw back, the SoG was $20 and the Gerber was $25. Both great prices.

Thoughts?
 
Go with the Gerber. Very sharp for the price. Just keep in mind, it isn't made for log choppin'!
 
The Gerber is just excellent for brush clearing (although, I like my old Gerber Brush Thinner better). Thin, long, and much sharper than most machetes right outta' the package. The saw actually works, also!
 
I've never tried a SOG, but I have used a Gerber, and they are ok, but I would rather spend my money on an Ontario (Tramontina, Imacasa, Marbles, Cold-Steel, Condor, etc). Gerber machetes don't have much blade in the handle. I've never seen a broken one, but for the money I would have expected more from Gerber.

Longer isn't always better. If you like the feel of the shorter blade better, go with it.

One final note is that I have never been impressed with any saw-backed machete. They never cut as well as a bow saw or folding saw, and having a naked blade on top of a saw always seems like an accident waiting to happen. Anything that can go wrong...
 
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Saw backs also tend to snag on things a lot, especially when clearing brush. I'd take regular machete any day over a sawback.
 
I've never had the aforementioned problems with the saw, but with that in mind I still prefer my CS spear point machete or my Gerber brush thinner. As far as Gerber's handles go, keep in mind that their axes have hollow handles made of the same material and hold up quite well. I don't think a machete will generate as much pressure as an axe.
 
I wouldn't go with either one, but I hate saw backs. I think they're useless and maybe a little dangerous. I've had a machete spring back at me before, and I'd hate to have it happen and have a useless saw tear me up. But I'm paranoid about that kind of thing. I'd go with whatever $5.00 machete your hardware store has first.
 
Hmm ok the general consensus is nonsaw back, got it.

I only suggested it because those were the only models dicks had for sale.

I'll have to check online to see some other options. I'll look into CS and Ontario.

Any other suggestions?
 
Try looking into the cold steel latin machete. I just cut down 2 giant pine trees in my back yard and used it to cut off branches etc. I was very impressed with its performance.
 
I like a shorter machete myself, but I'd never get one with a saw back. If I'm clearing brush I usually have saws with me. Even when packing I have a folding saw. A tool made for two jobs usually sucks at both.
 
If you like the Gerber, go pick up a Fiskars for $8.99. It's the exact same blade without the sawback and a slightly different handle for less money. I, nor any of my co-workers have managed to kill mine yet.
 
Go to your local flea market and look for a Tramontina they should be 6-10.00 and have 12-24" lengths and find which type you like best then sharpen it with a file. I have tram's that I've beaten to hell and back sharpened on a curb, rock, whatever was handy and they still havent broken and probably wont ever.
 
The Gerber Gator? DO NOT buy this cheap piece of crap.

Get a Tramontina, Marbles has some nice orange ones and CS is closing out nice machetes for $10. Hit those up instead and save yourself from the SOG fusion and Gerber broken dreams.
 
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