Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or looking to find the best cutting tool for your survival kit, you need a machete. The machete is normally associated with jungle survival, to cut through dense vegetation to blaze a trail in undiscovered terrain. However, this solid and razor-sharp large bladed knife can be used for all types of cutting and chopping applications.
Whether you are camping or hiking or you need to cut through overgrown vegetation, branches, and tangled vines around your property, the machete is the right tool for you.
The 7 Best Machetes
- Gerber Gator Bolo Machete
- Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri Machete
- Condor Tool & Knife, Engineer Bolo Machete
- Cold Steel All-Purpose Tactical Machete
- Tramontina Bolo Machete
- Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete (Our Top Pick)
- Elk Ridge – Outdoors Fixed Blade Machete
Our Top Pick for the Best Machete
Our top pick for the best machete is the Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete. For heavy-duty tasks such as chopping through dense vegetation and cutting down small trees or preparing wood for a fire, the Ontario machete is a solid and also durable machete that cuts with military precision. It comes at a very affordable price.
Whatever type of outdoor adventure you have planned, blazing a trail through a primordial forest, cleaning up your yard or orchard, or camping out in the wilderness, the hardened black carbon steel blade is designed to be razor-sharp. The weather-resistant handle is just right for all weather conditions. You can expect a top-quality cutting performance which means that the Ontario machete is a must-have jungle craft tool for all types of outdoor conditions.
Check the price on AmazonIntroducing the Machete: the Ultimate Multi-Functional Bush Craft Tool
One of the most versatile cutting tools around, the machete is truly the ultimate multi-functional Jungle Craft tool. You can use it for so many different outdoor applications:
- Cut, slash, hack your way through dense vegetation
- Trim branches or cut down sugar cane plants
- Cut firewood for camping
- Cut open a coconut
- A great self-defense weapon for protection against wild animals
- Food preparation at the camp-site
- Cutting meat
- Hunting purposes, to cut, gut or dress an animal
How to Choose the Best Machete
Material
– Stainless Steel
Machetes are made either out of high carbon steel or stainless steel. While stainless steel is a good choice for a machete due to its durability and anti-rust properties and also its brilliant mirror finish, it cannot compare with carbon steel.
– Carbon
Carbon steel has been the material of choice for centuries for all types of cutting tools and also weapons and it is easy to see why. This highly durable material gives the blade its strength and also razor sharpness. It also allows the blade to retain its edge over the long term. While carbon steel is heavier than stainless steel, the only real downside of this amazing material is that it can be prone to rust, so you may have to maintain by oiling it.
However, in order to counteract the rusting issue, many manufacturers use a zinc phosphate coating for extra corrosion resistance such as the Ontario Knife Co. Cold Steel that uses a baked-on anti-rust matte finish. While other manufacturers use a black powder-coated protective finish such as the Gerber Gear, Ka-Bar, and ELK Ridge.
Blade Style
Machete blades come in a variety of styles, depending on where they were designed. The machete can have a Parang style blade that is used by traditional jungle tribesmen. A Kukri machete blade is used by the Gurkha mountaineers with a wide, curved blade, a Bolo blade, which has a long history in warfare, a slimline ninja-style blade, or a blade that looks like a classic pirate’s sword.
Weight
The weight of the machete is important for when you need to cut or chop heavy, dense vegetation and when you have to hold the machete for a long period of time. The ideal machete has a good weight to size ratio but still feels relatively lightweight in your hand or on your belt, depending on whether you need it for light or tough cutting tasks.
Sharpness
The sharpness of the blade will determine how easy or hard it will be to cut through dense vegetation and tree branches. Most machetes have a great level of sharpness. However, it is standard industry practice for many manufacturers to have their blades undergo a primary grind at the factory.
This means the blade may not feel sharp straight out of the box, but once you sharpen it with a sharpening stone or another type of tool, it will soon have that razor-sharp cutting edge.
Length
The length of the machete will determine its overall weight. The longer the blade, the more material you can cut through and it will allow you to develop a good swing. However, if you want to carry it on your belt while you are hiking, you need a shorter blade. The typical length of a machete blade ranges between 11½ and 18-inches, but for the overall length, you have to add in the length of the handle.
Handle
Besides the blade, the handle also takes top priority. Handles can be made out of hardwood such as the Condor Tool & Knife, Engineer Bolo Machete, and the Tramontina Bolo Machete which gives you a good secure grip. However, a wooden handle can get slippery in wet weather or when you start sweating. Plastic or rubber handles are ideal for all sorts of outdoor conditions.
The Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri Machete has a non-slip grip Thermoplastic handle. The Gerber Gator Bolo Machete has a textured rubber grip, the Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete has a molded black plastic handle, and the Cold Steel All-Purpose Tactical Machete has a durable polypropylene handle.
The Elk Ridge – Outdoors Fixed Blade Machete takes the machete to a whole new level as its super stylish “pirate-style” thick plastic injection molded black and orange colored curved wrap-around handle gives you a superior grip.
Sheath
A machete may not come with a sheath, but a sheath is of prime importance as it not only protects the machete but also protects you when you are carrying the machete on your belt. Sheaths can either be made of nylon which is cheaper and more lightweight and also mildew-resistant. Or they can be made out of leather or Cordura which looks stylish and is more heavy-duty. However, it can weigh you down.
7 Best Machetes – Reviews
1. Gerber Gator Bolo Machete
If you love to get out in the wilderness, the Gerber Gator Bolo Machete will help you to clear the trail while you explore the great outdoors. This heavy-duty machete is a modern version of the traditional machete used by jungle tribesmen in the Philippines. It has good weight distribution.
The curved blade is ideal for cutting through tall grass, or small tree branches such as pine, maple, or oak. So it is a great tool for hiking through the jungle or woods or for clearing away vegetation from your property.
The 15.5-inch fine edge, full-tang high carbon steel blade has a black-powder-coating which enhances its strength, durability, and also corrosion-resistance. It is also easy to sharpen. To maximize comfort and reduce slippage in wet conditions or when your hands get sweaty in a tropical environment, the solid ergonomic Gator Grip handle gives you a superior slip-free tactile grip on the handle.
You can wrap the lanyard cord around your wrist for extra grip security or use it to hang the machete up inside your tent for quick access. The rugged mildew-resistant nylon sheath also features a belt loop and D-ring attachments for carrying the machete on your hip or lashing it to a backpack.
Gerber Gear offers a limited lifetime warranty on its tough and smartly designed machete.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for cutting tall grass, small tree limbs and also clearing small bushes
- Made from solid high carbon steel
- Strong and also durable blade
- High corrosion resistance
- Easy to sharpen
- Full tang construction
- Superior non-slip Gator Grip handle
- Comfortable to hold
- Good weight distribution
- Lanyard cord for enhanced grip security
- Rugged mildew-resistant nylon sheath with belt loop and D-ring attachments
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for cutting through thick branches
- Need to re-sharpen it a lot
2. Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri Machete
The Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri Machete hails back to WWII, and it is still the knife of choice that is used by the US military today. So if you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore the wildest of terrain or you just want a sturdy machete for clearing overgrown vegetation from your yard, the Kukri machete is an excellent choice.
The super sharp machete has a full tang 11½-inch blade that is made from the highest quality non-reflective black coated carbon steel. Its hollow grind helps it to keep its extreme sharpness. As the blade is solid and also durable and maintains its rigidity, the Ka-Bar machete is a great choice for camping and backpacking, for cleaning away brush and weeds, chopping small branches in just a few swings.
You can use it to chop small pieces of wood and also kindling for a fire at your campsite.
The specially designed ergonomic Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer handle has a non-slip grip and grooves for a secure grip. The Kukri measures 17-inches overall. It comes with a black leather/Cordura combination sheath to keep the machete safe and also secure.
Pros
- High quality
- Kukri-style black carbon-steel blade
- Military-grade machete
- Ideal for chopping weeds, vegetation, or cutting small tree limbs
- Solid and also sharp blade
- Very good level of durability
- Hollow grind for extreme sharpness
- Comfortable thermoplastic elastomer handle
- Sturdy handle
- Good balance
- Leather/Cordura sheath
Cons
- Not ideal for cutting thick branches
- Handle can get slippery
- Short blade
3. Condor Tool & Knife, Engineer Bolo Machete
With loads of chopping power due to its solid steel blade that is similar to that of an ax, the Condor Tool & Knife, Engineer Bolo Machete is one beast of a tool. Making it an excellent choice for the extreme survival enthusiast, for trailblazing through the forest or for clearing away overgrown bushes and also tree branches around your property.
If you are heading off for a weekend into the untamed wilderness for an expedition or camping, do not leave home without the Condor machete.
The German company, Condor are experts in the manufacture of all types of cutting tools and knives. As they are unsurpassed in their craftsmanship, you can expect a superb machete that will arrive with a razor-sharp blade straight from the factory. So there will be no additional sharpening required.
A superior quality machete, the Bolo features a high-quality heavy-duty construction so it is guaranteed to last. The 15-inch full tang blade is made from thick 5mm 1075 high carbon steel and weighs 2.54lbs. Condor’s special classic speckled finish is displayed on the straight part of the blade. As the machete has a deep bellied sweeping blade, it is the perfect tool for chopping and also for push or draw cuts.
The sturdy blade drops away from the handle and this unique design puts the force of your swing at the front third section of the blade, which gives you the power to chop through thicker vegetation like larger tree branches.
The straight hardwood walnut handle has a swell at the base to allow you to get a good firm grip. There is a lanyard hole at the end of the handle to hang the machete up for quick and also easy access inside your tent or garage.
The machete comes with an exquisite made heavy duty hand-crafted welted brown leather sheath to maintain the machete in top quality condition.
Pros
- Superior quality
- Excellent value for money
- Made from solid carbon-steel
- Heavy-duty construction
- Good sized 15-inch blade
- Razor-sharp blade
- Ideal for challenging environments
- Perfect for chopping thick tree branches and also wood
- Deep bellied sweeping blade
- Easy gripping handcrafted hardwood handle
- Exquisitely made heavy-duty leather sheath
- Lanyard hole
Cons
- Heavy to hold
4. Cold Steel All-Purpose Tactical Machete
If you are looking for a sturdy and also sharp all-around multifunctional machete to take with you on your next hunting trip or a reliable and also affordable cutting tool for survival purposes, the Cold Steel All-Purpose Tactical Machete is the ultimate bushcraft survival tool.
Cold Steel knives and machetes have been used by martial arts specialists all over the world. The movie martial arts action star Steven Seagal lends his name to their superior quality products.
The Kukri machete is styled after the traveling Gurkha mountaineers with a wide, curved 2.8mm 13-inch blade that is made out of 1055 hard carbon steel with a tough spring temper. This gives it the strength to cut and also chop through dense vegetation. The black, baked-on anti-rust matte finish gives the blade added durability in extreme weather conditions.
A highly versatile cutting tool, you can use it to cut, chop, slash, hack, split, scrape, scoop, hammer, dig, crush, carve, whittle, crack or smash all sorts of vegetation and material. It is also a must-have tool for hunters and fishermen as you can use it to gut, scale, fillet, skin, quarter and also butcher fish and other game animals.
The machete has been roughly sharpened at the factory and arrives with a good level of sharpness. However, with a few strikes of a sharpening stone, the machete will be razor-sharp and ready to cut through tree limbs of up to a 1-inch thick.
Specially designed for extreme outdoor conditions, the comfortable 5-inch polypropylene handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and safety, allowing you to keep a secure grip. It is rugged enough to resist chipping, cracking, or breaking. There is a lanyard hole for you to attach a cord for extra security.
As the machete is quite lightweight, you can tie it to your belt as you make your way through the jungle. To keep it safe and also secure, it comes with a sturdy Cor-Ex™ Sheath.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Superior quality
- Great all-around multi-purpose machete
- Made from 1055 hard carbon steel
- Black, baked-on anti-rust finish
- Extra strong and sharp blade
- Can cut through dense vegetation and tree limbs up 1-inch thick
- Highly versatile: ideal for hunters and also fishermen
- 2.8mm thick blade
- Comfortable polypropylene handle
- Lightweight
- Cor-Ex Sheath
- Lanyard hole
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Handle is a bit thin
5. Tramontina Bolo Machete
The Tramontina Bolo Machete is used by rural workers in the hinterlands of South America. So this Brazilian made 20-inch machete is the perfect choice for hacking your way through the jungle, clearing away brush and vegetation on your property and it can also be used to crack open a coconut.
With a solid and extra strong carbon-steel 14½-inch blade and a beautiful natural hardwood handle that provides a secure grip in most outdoor conditions, the Tramontina Bolo-style machete is one of the most economical machetes on the market. It delivers excellent chopping and cutting performance.
It is well balanced and quite lightweight, weighing around 1lbs, so it is comfortable to hold and also easy to swing. The machete has undergone a primary grind at the factory but will require further sharpening. However, once you sharpen it, the blade will be razor-sharp and ready for all types of cutting and chopping tasks.
The only downside of the Tramontina machete is that it does not come with a sheath, but you can purchase one from Cold Steel.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for jungle treks, clearing vegetation and also cracking coconuts
- Strong and sharp 14-inch blade
- Made from solid carbon-steel
- Sturdy, well-built machete
- Excellent balance
- Lightweight
- Full tang construction
- Very good length
- Beautiful natural color hardwood handle
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Will require further sharpening
- Does not come with a sheath
6. Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete
If you are looking for a machete that can be used for heavy-duty chopping and cutting, the military-style machete from the Ontario Knife Co. is one super cutting machine. The Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete has been manufactured for over 60 years under the US government’s strict specifications.
As it is of the same high quality that is expected by the US. military, you can rely on it to deliver a superb cutting performance under the harshest conditions.
The machete has an extra-long 18-inch blade that is designed according to a classic Latin machete pattern. It is made from thick black specially hardened 1095 carbon steel that has been zinc phosphate coated and it has a flat ground edge. Its solid build and razor-sharp full tang blade mean that it is highly resistant to outdoor conditions. So it is an excellent choice for hunters, landscapers, wilderness trekkers, and campers.
Although the machete has undergone a primary sharpening process at the factory, you will have to sharpen it. However, once you sharpen it, it will be razor-sharp and will hold its edge over the long term.
You can use it for cutting through dense undergrowth, small trees, and also chop small pieces of wood. The handle is made out of strong, shatter-proof molded black plastic, which is securely riveted to the blade with steel compression rivets and it gives you a good solid grip in all sorts of weather conditions.
This superbly crafted knife is great value for money, but you will have to purchase the leather sheath separately from the Ontario Knife Co.
All of OKC products come with a limited lifetime warranty cover.
Pros
- Professional grade quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for heavy-duty use
- Can chop and cut through dense vegetation, small trees, and also small pieces of wood
- Extra-long 18-inch blade
- Made of 1095 thick black carbon steel
- High durability
- Specially hardened with zinc phosphate
- Blade will be razor-sharp once you sharpen it
- Flat ground edge and full tang construction
- Strong, shatterproof, weather-resistant molded black plastic handle
- Handle gives you a good solid grip
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Have to purchase the sheath separately
7. Elk Ridge – Outdoors Fixed Blade Machete
The super-stylish machete from Elk Ridge features a style that is reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean. As well as being stunningly beautiful, it is a sturdy and strong and a very affordable machete. Whatever your choice of adventure from camping or hiking, with the trusty Elk Ridge – Outdoors Fixed Blade Machete by your side, you can clear the trail and boldly venture into unexplored terrain.
It is a very good choice for chopping through vegetation that blocks your way on the trail and cutting back bushes and tangled vines and trimming small tree branches in your yard.
The machete is 20½-inches overall in length and the 13-inch blade is made from 3mm 440-grade thick black stainless steel with silver trim. ELK Ridge has field-tested the machete but you will have to sharpen it. However, once you have finished sharpening it with just a few scrapes of a sharpening stone, the machete will be ready to tackle all sorts of outdoor situations and it can hold its edge very well.
The “pirate-style” heavy-duty plastic injection molded black and orange colored curved wrap-around handle gives you a superior grip even in the wettest of conditions. There is a lanyard attached so you can hang it up inside your tent for emergency situations at the campsite. This machete also comes complete with a nylon pouch for easy and safe transport.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Affordable price
- Stylish design
- High quality
- 3mm thick stainless steel blade
- Blade has a very good level of sharpness after sharpening it
- Solid and also sturdy
- Full tang construction
- Superior grip orange and black injection molded Pirate-style handle
- Lanyard cord
- Nylon pouch
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Heavy
Our Top Pick for the Best Machete
Our top pick for the best machete is the Ontario Knife Co. 1-18-Inch Military Machete. For heavy-duty tasks such as chopping through dense vegetation and cutting down small trees or preparing wood for a fire, the Ontario machete is a solid and also durable machete that cuts with military precision. It comes at a very affordable price.
Whatever type of outdoor adventure you have planned, blazing a trail through a primordial forest, cleaning up your yard or orchard, or camping out in the wilderness, the hardened black carbon steel blade is designed to be razor-sharp. The weather-resistant handle is just right for all weather conditions. You can expect a top-quality cutting performance which means that the Ontario machete is a must-have jungle craft tool for all types of outdoor conditions.
Check the price on Amazon
