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  #1  
Old 08/13/07, 06:48 PM
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Western WA
Posts: 4,729
Need a new machete

I currently have a very cheap, plastic handled machete and would like to purchase a high quality machete for clearing a trail, nasty blackberry vines, other vegetation, and some light duty chopping of small branches etc.

Would like something that is easy to sharpen, has good ergonomics, a handy blade length (although not too short as the blackberry vines are very tall), lanyard, and a good belt sheath. Something that had an additional kydex or or hard plastic sheath to mount on a vehicle (ATV) would be a bonus.

Not too worried about price, just quality.

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 08/13/07, 06:56 PM
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my nephew bought me one made in Equador, made of spring-steel, its amazing quality and holds an edge like a razor.

I have no idea where he got it. I'll ask and if I can get another one, maybe I can ship it to you.

the military grade ones made in canada are nice too... thicker but they hold an edge nice.
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  #3  
Old 08/13/07, 07:53 PM
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Idaho
Posts: 4,332
Cold Steel makes one but it has a blade that isn't as wide as I'd prefer. I'm sure the quality would be high compared to most machetes.
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  #4  
Old 08/13/07, 08:03 PM
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Location: WV
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I can get any size, shape and length here in Panama for less than $3 apiece. Very high quality, too. Here, they aren't a novelty item - they're as common as pocket knives.

I selected several different types for my last expedition, and paid some guy here in Panama City to sharpen them to a razor's edge. They held their edge throughout the week, under very heavy use.

I could ship one from here, but it'd be costly. Handmade leather sheaths go for about $6. Machetes come in lengths ranging from 8" to 30". I like the ones about 24".
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  #5  
Old 08/13/07, 08:38 PM
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: near Abilene,TX
Posts: 5,323
This looks interesting......

http://www.drpower.com/TwoStepModelD...59432XI2780000
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  #6  
Old 08/13/07, 09:26 PM
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sounds like you have the makings of a good resale deal chuck... if the postage can be worked out.
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  #7  
Old 08/13/07, 09:28 PM
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Idaho
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
I can get any size, shape and length here in Panama for less than $3 apiece. Very high quality, too. Here, they aren't a novelty item - they're as common as pocket knives.

I selected several different types for my last expedition, and paid some guy here in Panama City to sharpen them to a razor's edge. They held their edge throughout the week, under very heavy use.

I could ship one from here, but it'd be costly. Handmade leather sheaths go for about $6. Machetes come in lengths ranging from 8" to 30". I like the ones about 24".
We got some handmade knives in the Philippines. Very cheap, very strong and stay sharp. It looks like some of them are made from car springs, others I can't tell. They come with a mahogany sheath wrapped with aluminum bands from beer cans. The handles are water buffalo horn. A machete costs about the same as it does for you, I guess that is the going price around the world for a working model
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  #8  
Old 08/13/07, 10:04 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: AR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
I can get any size, shape and length here in Panama for less than $3 apiece. Very high quality, too. Here, they aren't a novelty item - they're as common as pocket knives.

I selected several different types for my last expedition, and paid some guy here in Panama City to sharpen them to a razor's edge. They held their edge throughout the week, under very heavy use.

I could ship one from here, but it'd be costly. Handmade leather sheaths go for about $6. Machetes come in lengths ranging from 8" to 30". I like the ones about 24".
about what would shipping cost
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  #9  
Old 08/14/07, 03:52 AM
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: West Tn
Posts: 136
Hands down, I would go with the Survival Kukri by Ontario Knife Co. It is extremely versatile and the slight forward curve to the blade makes it a suitable substitute for a small hatchet as well. You can find it here: http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/ta...=18048&M5.ctx=
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  #10  
Old 08/14/07, 06:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtman
about what would shipping cost

If you can wait until the next time I'm in the states (in about a month) I could ship it to you via USPS for just a couple of dollars.
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  #11  
Old 08/14/07, 07:10 AM
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
If you can wait until the next time I'm in the states (in about a month) I could ship it to you via USPS for just a couple of dollars.
If it would not cost too much I would be interested. No hurry here.
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  #12  
Old 08/14/07, 07:18 AM
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Indiana
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Yeah, Cold Steel........

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Norman
Cold Steel makes one but it has a blade that isn't as wide as I'd prefer. I'm sure the quality would be high compared to most machetes.
They make a couple different models. All are good.
My DS#1 has one that's kinda like a straighter Kukri fighting knife.
It gives a good cut, slashing things off right well.
Takes getting use to.I like their straighter, regular machete.

I use an old U.S. military model, I've had for 30+ years.
Good temper, always sharp.
They are worth every penny.
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  #13  
Old 08/14/07, 11:02 AM
EDDIE BUCK's Avatar  
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Location: Eastern N.C.
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WWW.WOODMANSPAL.COM A little expensive but you can't beat it for brush.
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  #14  
Old 08/16/07, 03:19 PM
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Location: AR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
If you can wait until the next time I'm in the states (in about a month) I could ship it to you via USPS for just a couple of dollars.
sorry it took me so long to find this thread again
i can wait until you get stateside
please keep me in mind
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  #15  
Old 08/16/07, 03:25 PM
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will do.
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  #16  
Old 08/16/07, 03:32 PM
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,963
Add me in there for your recommended 24" length and whatever style you find to be effective, Chuck, if you don't mind. Sounds like a durable tool. I have been using one for years that my Dad made, could use another. They are handy! Just let me know where to send the money, and in what form. Thanks.
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  #17  
Old 08/16/07, 03:35 PM
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 275
Search through the internet for any Puerto Rican shopping site or any other Latin American shopping web site. We have one from PR and it has been with us for a very long time. In South America and Caribean Islands that's what they use to clear brush and jungle areas. They sharpen up very nicely also. Never had a sheath for it. You might find one on line or maybe have someone local who can work with leather make you one.
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  #18  
Old 08/16/07, 06:31 PM
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: deep south texas
Posts: 5,067
For A decent handle do what my nephew done, He destroyed the Plastic handle, And I wrapped Rawhide around the handle, Then cotton Twine topped with Duct tape. Still going after 5 years!!!
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  #19  
Old 08/16/07, 06:38 PM
Lynne's Avatar  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,775
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
If you can wait until the next time I'm in the states (in about a month) I could ship it to you via USPS for just a couple of dollars.
Is that open to anyone? If so add me to the list please
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  #20  
Old 08/16/07, 06:50 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Canada
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for manual trail brush clearing and some pasture brush like willows in fall, I generally use large pruning shears. Also, an item you might want to consider in addition, or rather than a machete, is what's called a Swedish Axe. They can do some amazing hacking and clearing in short order for stubborn brush up to couple or more inches diameter. I don't have the pic to show, but if you google it up 'Swedish Axe', I'm sure you'll get all the info on them you need.
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