10 best machetes

Do you read reviews on machetes and cutlasses with great interest? Do you sometimes look through catalogs of these products, marveling at their diversity? Congratulations, your attention has been attracted by some of the best companions for outdoor enthusiasts and practical, economic people!

Modern machetes and cutlasses are very different from their predecessors. Not only their design has changed, but also their main purpose. Let's take a closer look at what cleavers and machetes are today so that you can choose a good assistant for yourself or a useful gift for a friend.

Usage

In Latin America and other tropical countries it is used as an agricultural tool[2] for harvesting sugar cane, bananas[3], etc., and also as a universal tool in the jungle, in particular for cutting paths in dense thickets[4]. In this region, sugar cane cutters are called macheteros.

(Spanish:
machetero
)[5]. Different countries have their own more commonly used forms and varieties of machetes. https://rusknife.com/topic/24095-fight-with-machete/ The machete can also be used as a weapon; it was often used in civil wars and riots[6][7][8][9]. Some types of machetes have been adopted by the armies[10] of different countries. Interest in military use of machetes peaked during World War II[11] and the Vietnam War.

There are versions of the knife with expanded functionality, for example, in some models the ability to saw (the saw is placed on the butt) or dig is added, it can be equipped with additional tools and devices, and a portable emergency supply can be placed in the handle[12].

The best double-sided machetes

Such models have butts with serrated blades. This expands the functionality of the machete, allowing it to be used not only as a stabbing, chopping or cutting tool, but also instead of a saw.

Desperado Latin 2 Survivor

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The model has a smooth cutting edge and is easy to sharpen. The blade is made of 65MN carbon steel, which guarantees the preservation of ductility and impact resistance for a long time. The use of Black Oxide processing technology eliminates the appearance of corrosion on the metal.

The total length of the machete is 545 millimeters, the thickness of the blade spine is 3 mm. The polymer handle does not slip out of wet palms and is highly wear-resistant. A special hole allows you to attach a lanyard.

Advantages:

quick and easy sharpening;
comfortable grip;
high strength and corrosion resistance of steel;
nylon case.

Flaws:

high price.

Desperado Latin 2 Survivor can be used for cutting down small bushes and chopping wood chips for a fire. A faithful assistant both at home and on vacation.

Bellota 465-12 PBMA

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

The model has an anatomically shaped non-slip polypropylene handle that provides a secure hold with any grip. A nylon sheath with a belt clip adds safety when carrying the machete. A hole for a safety strap reduces the risk of loss.

The total length is 304 mm, the blade thickness is 1.8 mm. The blade is made of hardened chrome-plated steel and is not afraid of mechanical damage, deformation and corrosion.

Advantages:

durable blade;
ease of holding;
wear-resistant case with belt;
relatively light weight - 250 g;
low price.

Flaws:

short length.

Bellota PBMA is not afraid of difficult operating conditions and is suitable for use on a long hike.

Viking Nordway H059

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

The blade of the model is made of stainless steel, which makes it unpretentious to storage conditions and ensures ease of sharpening. This machete will be convenient in camping conditions.

The total length is 470 millimeters, the blade thickness is 4 mm. The handle is made of elastomer, resistant to chemical compounds and high temperatures. It is not afraid of abrasion and does not slip out when wet, guaranteeing a reliable grip.

Advantages:

quick and easy sharpening;
ease of carrying;
durable stainless blade;
non-slip handle;
low price.

Flaws:

It's a bit heavy.

The Viking Nordway is a good choice for outdoor use, although the machete is suitable for a wide range of tasks.

Truper MACH-18

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

The handle of the model has an anatomical design and anti-slip coating, which ensures a reliable grip. There is a special hole in the nose of the blade that allows you to hang the machete in a convenient place for quick access.

The length of the blade is 450 millimeters, the thickness of the blade is 2 mm. The manufacturing material is SAE 1070 steel (0.7% carbon content guarantees high strength and ductility of the metal). High-quality sharpening extends the service life without the need for maintenance.

Advantages:

ergonomic handle;
high strength steel;
durability;
light weight;
holds an edge for a long time.

Flaws:

lack of cover.

Truper MACH-18 is suitable for constant carrying. An excellent solution for cutting down dense thickets and harvesting work.

SOGFari MC02

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

The SOGFari blade is made from 3CR13 steel. It ensures sharpening is maintained for a long time. When finishing the handle, kraton is used, which is not afraid of moisture and rapid wear.

The length of the blade is 32.8 centimeters, weight - 444 g. For easy storage and carrying of the machete, a special case is provided. It is made of nylon and does not tear with prolonged use. All main elements are treated with protective paint to prevent minor scratches.

Advantages:

strength of all main elements;
reliable grip;
protective covering;
ease of storage.

Flaws:

long sharpening.

SOGFari MC02 will be useful on a long hike. A universal solution for cutting down thickets, digging holes and sawing branches.

Heraldry

The machete appears on the 1975 coat of arms and flag of Angola and the 2006 coat of arms of Venezuela.

Machete on the coat of arms of Angola.
Machete on the flag of Angola.
Machete on the coat of arms of Venezuela.

On the coat of arms of Angola, approved on November 11, 1975, the crossed hoe and machete located in the center symbolize peaceful labor and the struggle for freedom, while on the flag approved at the same time, half a cogwheel and a machete, also located in the center, symbolize the union of workers and peasants of Angola[13].

On the coat of arms of Venezuela, approved on March 7, 2006, the machete symbolizes the participation of peasants in the struggle for independence[14].

The best knife makers

The best knife makers are known much less than the products they developed and the production companies they created, but history has preserved the names:

William Moran, who made unique Bowie pieces;
Chris Reeve, creator of the famous Sebenza (a folding knife with a framelock type lock);
Ken Onion, who worked for Kershaw and created the original folding Kershaw Leek;
Ernst Emerson, who invented the Emerson CQC-7, many other models and became the founder of the Emerson company;
Joseph Opinel, who created the Opinel company and produced budget, but very worthy and practical guns;
Tim Leatherman, who perfected multifunctional Swiss knives and created the Wave system.

In our time, the following names have become known:

Kit Carson - creator of the CRKT M16;
Belarusian Dmitry Sinkevich, collaborating with Zero Tolerance;
Les George, another master of Zero Tolerance;
Lynn Thompson, who created Cold Steel;
Kiku Matsuda, who works closely with Spyderco, SOG and creates custom pieces.

Watch the video about the legend of designer Japanese knives Kiku Matsuda:

Machete in culture and art

Machetes are widely represented in cinema. Often appears as a weapon in horror films of the slasher subgenre, such as Friday the 13th and Jason X, as well as in action and adventure films, for example, in the film Commando, Arnold Schwarzenegger's character cuts off his hand one of the opponents. There is a character created by Robert Rodriguez specifically for the actor Danny Trajo and named after this weapon, who appears in a number of films, including as the main character in the film of the same name[15] and its sequel “Machete Kills”[16].

The best long machetes

The large size and heavy weight of such models allow them to be used to solve the most complex problems. They are distinguished by high blade strength and are capable of cutting thick stems, branches of trees, bushes, etc.

Gerber Bolo (31002076N)

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

The Gerber Bolo blade has a distinctive ridge for increased cutting power. Anti-corrosion coating guarantees long-term operation in conditions of high humidity. The textured handle will provide a secure grip even when wet and is not afraid of sharp impacts.

The total length of the instrument is 57.2 centimeters, the thickness of the butt is 2 mm. The kit includes a nylon sheath for storing and safely carrying the weapon. The locking D-element allows you to secure the machete to equipment, a belt or a backpack.

Advantages:

strength resistance to corrosion;
comfort of wearing;
reliable grip;
long service life.

Flaws:

high price.

Gerber Bolo (31002076N) is suitable for use in any conditions. The machete is equally good for household chores or for use on a long hike.

Ontario OKC 22 Heavy Duty

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

One of the features of the model is the D-shaped handle. It provides ease of holding and does not allow the machete to fall out of the palm during intensive chopping. The use of zinc phosphate coating guarantees the metal's resistance to corrosion throughout its entire service life.

The weight of the weapon is 710 g, the thickness of the butt is 3.2 mm. The blade is made from 1075 Carbon Steel and the handle is molded plastic. For ease of carrying and storage, a special sheath is provided. Double-sided symmetrical sharpening facilitates comfortable work from any position.

Advantages:

reliable grip;
strong and durable blade with corrosion protection;
ease of storage.

Flaws:

requires long sharpening.

Ontario Heavy Duty is not afraid of difficult operating conditions, so it is suitable for use on a backpacking trip if its heavy weight is not a problem.

Truper Maca-22

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

The model's blade is made of SAE 1071 steel and is highly durable and resistant to mechanical damage. The curved shape provides convenience when cutting down thickets and allows you to use less effort.

The total length of the machete is 690 mm, weight - 760 grams. The handle is made of plastic and does not weigh down the structure. A special hole makes it possible to thread a safety belt.

Advantages:

comfortable to hold and work with;
high strength;
curved blade;
wear-resistant handle.

Flaws:

considerable weight.

Truper Maca-22 is designed for cleaning work in the garden or country house.

Cold Steel 97AD18Z Latin D-Guard

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

The machete handle is made of polypropylene, can withstand heavy shock loads and is resistant to rapid wear. The blade is made from 1055 Carbon steel. Its main feature is increased hardness, which allows you to use the machete in any conditions without fear of damaging the blade.

The weight of the weapon is 519 grams with a blade thickness of 2 mm. The protective D-ring promotes a secure and secure grip. All structural elements are treated to protect against corrosion and retain their quality characteristics for a long time.

Advantages:

fits comfortably in the hand;
strength;
corrosion protection;
presence of a cover.

Flaws:

thin blade.

The Cold Steel Latin D-Guard Machete will be useful when moving through the wilderness to complete difficult routes.

Tramontina 26621/018

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

This machete has a very simple design. The wide blade is made of high-quality steel, so the blade retains its cutting properties for a long time and is not susceptible to splitting under heavy load.

The thickness of the butt is 2 mm, the total weight is 505 grams. The absence of sharpening at the tip makes it possible to perform territory clearing and digging work using a machete without the risk of damaging the blade. The handle is made of wood and is not afraid of sharp impacts thanks to reinforced rivets.

Advantages:

high strength;
high-quality sharpening;
convenient use for various tasks;
low price.

Flaws:

instability to corrosion.

Tramontina 26621/018 can be used as an ax or cleaver. An inexpensive machete for household use will last a long time if it is properly stored in a dry place and the blade is properly maintained.

Literature

GOST R 52737-2007 - “Hunting cleavers, tourist machetes, cutting tools, tools for restoration and rescue work. General technical requirements and safety test methods."
Trubnikov B.G.
Edged weapons: a dictionary-reference book. - St. Petersburg: "Amphora", 2004. - 360 p. — ISBN 5-94278-643-7.
Leonid Spatkay.
Emblems and flags of the countries of the world. Africa. - 2020. - ISBN 5040322054, 9785040322053.
Leonid Spatkay.
Emblems and flags of the countries of the world. America. - 2020. - ISBN 5040310102, 9785040310104.

Rating of the best budget hotels in Russia

The best budget knives made in Russia are:

Corsair from the Kizlyar Supreme company. This is a universal monolithic product with a 110 cm blade, which is not a bladed weapon. Its features are a sharp blade, reliability, and attractive appearance. And the product costs no more than 2000 rubles.
Taiga-2 from Rosoruzhie. A knife with a blade made of steel with a hardness of 56-58 HRC, 18.5 cm long. You can also do almost anything with it - from working in the forest to working in the kitchen. Price – from 2800 rub.
MT-106 from Vorsma. The product has an 11 cm blade made of forged steel, an ergonomic handle made of moisture-resistant material. Price – from 2600 rub.

Budget knives

1 of 3

Kizlyar Supreme Corsair Aus-8

Taiga-2 from Rosoruzhie

MT-106 from Vorsma

The rating of inexpensive knives of good quality can be supplemented with the following products:

Fox, Finka-3, Snipe from AiR;
Taiga-2, Stalker from Rosoruzhie;
Colada AUS-8, Fortuna from Kizlyar Supreme;
Siberian Crane-2, Eagle Owl from Kizlyar.

Features of application in Russian climatic conditions

What grade of steel is your machete?

Sandvik 12C27AISI-420

For taiga forests, a light machete is not particularly relevant. You can take it on a one-day hike through a forest belt, but such a cleaver is not effective for cutting kindling. A simple hatchet will help you do this kind of work faster.

But the Latin American blade will be a good helper when fishing. With its help, you can make a path through bushes, clear the desired area of reeds, and perform other similar tasks.

The selection of the type of tool largely depends on the area in which it will be used. For cutting bushes and thick branches, it is better to take a heavier option.

The machete successfully combines the functions of a hatchet and a knife. There are various options for everyday tasks, differing in shape and size. You can easily select a tool for specific purposes and get maximum return and pleasure from an easily completed job.

The most expensive knives

The most expensive knives are usually decorated with precious metals and stones and created by hand:

Pearl of the East. This item is forged from 18-karat gold, and the handle and scabbard are decorated with diamonds and emeralds. It looks like a dagger 32.5 cm long, the blade is sharpened on both sides. But gold is a soft metal, so the Pearl of the East is more of a jewelry rarity. It is in a private collection and costs more than 2 million dollars.
Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer. This is a large kitchen tool with a Damascus steel blade. That is, theoretically, it can be used for its intended purpose, but its handle is made from bog oak, which was 5 thousand years old at the time of production of the Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer. And it is also decorated with a platinum edging with 25 diamonds. Therefore, the price of the product is 100 thousand dollars.
Nesmuk Diamond Studded. A kitchen tool whose blade is the same shape as the previous product. But it is made of multi-layer carbon steel, which makes the blade unusually sharp. The handle of the product is finished in silver and decorated with 8 diamonds. And its price is 40 thousand dollars.
Searpoint Lace. This is a folding automatic weapon made of Damascus steel, the handle of which is completely covered with handmade engraving. It is also decorated with gold. The precious metal, the pattern of the handle and reliability in use allow us to set the price of the product at 25 thousand dollars.

The most expensive knives

1 of 4

Pearl of the East

Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer

Nesmuk Diamond Studded

Searpoint Lace

Also mentioned among the most attractive knives are Monarch Steampunk Dragon ($18 thousand), Gentak Makara ($12 thousand), Black Panther ($8 thousand), Nenohi Honyaki Dentokougeishi Sakimaru Takobiki with Corian Handle ($7 thousand) .

Choosing a machete as a multifunctional hiking tool

The length of the machete is usually about 50 cm. The blade of the blade has a convex shape and is sharpened on only one side. The blades are made of especially strong steel and have a high cutting ability. Their main advantages include the following:

simple and reliable design;
attractive appearance with an exotic touch;
reliability and durability of the blade;
versatility of use;
comfortable operation.

Traditionally, in our latitudes, the best assistant during hikes in the forests, and even in everyday household chores, was the good old ax. With it you can chop firewood and branches for building a hut. In practice, light machetes will not cope with all the tasks that an ax can do. For example, if you need to set up a temporary shelter for the night, cutting down poles with an exotic cleaver will take up all your energy and time. But for lovers of fishing and hunting, this particular tool is simply ideal, as it allows you to easily:

cut a passage in the bushes;
clear the fishing area of reeds;
build a hideout;
cut up fish or other caught prey;
chop small branches for a fire, etc.

The choice of a specific type of machete should be made based on the characteristics of the area in which the knife will be used. In general, for short forays into nature, modern machetes are universal tools that can replace both light knives and heavy axes. You just need to correctly select the appropriate length and thickness of the blade, and also decide on the most comfortable handle.

Recommendations for handling and maintenance.

Sharpening a machete

An angle of 25 to 35 degrees on the blade should be maintained. Hold the blade in a vice with the edge raised and the tip pointed towards you. Then use a 12-inch bastard file to sharpen and be sure to wear heavy leather work gloves for protection.

Carefully push the file onto the sheet at the desired angle. With precision on one side, rotate your piece and repeat. Finish the edge of the blade using a sharpening disc.

Finish your sheet with leather cord.

A strip of leather will help remove microscopic rounded edges, nicks and small burrs left by the sharpening tool. To polish the edge of a blade with a leather strip, you might be wondering first. Once you are finished and your piece has reached the desired sharpness, clean the blade with a few drops of polishing oil.

What to look for when choosing a machete

When choosing a machete as a working tool, which should really facilitate the work of a traveler or fisherman who does not want to burden himself with extra cargo in the form of knives, saws and axes, the following points are important:

massiveness and weight of the product;
blade and handle length;
steel hardness;
chopping ability and resistance to shock loads;
the shape and strength of the handle, as well as the possibility of its fixation.

The decision of which knife to choose is also made depending on the planned amount of work with it. For example, lightweight machetes made of 420 steel can handle most small household tasks. Such a blade is ideal for a hike, and if it becomes dull, it can simply be sharpened. For serious loads, it is better to take a heavier and more massive cleaver with a thick spine. It is advisable that his sharpening angle be close to the sharpening angle of the axe, then he will be able to chop and cut without sharpening for as long as possible.

Quality knives: characteristics

High-quality knives meet the following requirements:

The value corresponding to the purpose of the tool. This is, for example, a machete, which is convenient for cutting through tropical thickets.
Convenience, which also depends on the purpose of use. We are talking about a reliable, non-slip handle, a sharp blade, and a good blade shape.
Sufficient strength of the material. It should be carbon or alloy steel for the blade, strong wood, high-quality plastic, micarta, kraton for the handle.

Biggest

The largest knife of all categories is, perhaps, the Skramasax. It is very similar to a sword in size (35-55 cm, but there is also 75 cm), as well as its purpose. This is a military weapon with a blade much larger than the handle.

Scramasax

There is also a Tramontina machete. It is intended for cutting down tropical vegetation, but has also been used as a military weapon. The product is characterized not only by an impressive blade that resembles a cleaver, but also by the flexible steel of this working part of the weapon.

The most comfortable

The most convenient knife can be found if you know what it will be used for:

on a camping trip you need a folding one with many blades;
for hunting and fishing - monolithic, with a powerful short blade, non-slip handle;
For everyday wear, a small universal one is suitable, which is easy to get and can be used for different jobs;
in the kitchen, the convenience of the tool depends on the product you are dealing with and the type of activity (cutting, shredding, separating meat from bones, etc.).

But the most important thing is how the knife lies in the owner’s hand. That is, at least the size of the palm and personal preferences matter

So everyone has their own convenient product.

The most durable

The most durable knife in the world is made of powdered carbon or chromium steel (blade) and a handle made of synthetic material (G10, kraton, micarta). The cuttings are also all-metal or titanium. But this does not mean the tool is easy to use. And the high-carbon steel of the blade does not always make it ideal.