Knife

10 Best Machetes of 2021

Photo: Schrade

For a hunter, a hunting knife is an unvarying tool. It helps in basic cutting and protection. However, there are certain tasks that a hunting knife cannot do. That is why, machete was created.

It is a large knife made of steel in thin profile. The blade of these knifes is usually large with a small handle. Heat treated steel is used in the making of the best machete.

These tools are usually required by the hunters for their protection or the farmers for vegetation and crop cutting.

We should begin with the products recommendations without any further ado.

Image

Product Name

Blade Length

Blade Material

Weight

Current Price

1. Kershaw Camp 18 1074 Machete

18.0 in

65 MN Carbon Steel

14 oz

Check here

2. CRKT Chanceinhell K9110KKP Fixed Blade Machete

18.0 in

65 MN Carbon Steel

20 oz

Check here

3. Cold Steel 97TKMZ Tactical Machete

24.0 in

1055 Carbon Steel

35.2 oz

Check here

4. Gerber Gator Machete Nylon Sheath

18.0 in

High Carbon Steel

14 oz

Check here

5. Schrade SCHKM1 Kukri Machete

13.3 in

3Cr13 Stainless Steel

36 oz

Check here

6. SOG MC02N 12.9-Inch Machete

12.9 in

3Cr13 Stainless Steel

15.7 oz

Check here

7. Fiskars 385091-1002 Clearing Tool Garden Machete

15.0 in

High Carbon Steel

35.2 oz

Check here

8. Fiskars 18-Inch Machete Axe

18.0 in

High Carbon Steel

41.92 oz

Check here

9. Tomahawk Razorback Full Tang Machete

15.0 in

High Carbon Stainless Steel

N/A

Check here

10. Truper 15889 Machete with Molded Handle

14.0 in

T460-26p Tapered Steel Blade

3.36 oz

Check here

1. Kershaw Camp 18 1074 18-Inch Machete

Photo: Kershaw

  • Blade Length: 18 inches
  • Overall Length: 24 inches
  • Blade Material: 65 MN Carbon Steel
  • Handle Material: Polymer handle with rubber wrap
  • Weight: 14 ounces

Kershaw camp is a full tang machete with 18 inches long blade made with high performance 65 MN carbon steel, ideally known for its toughness. Furthermore, this model has black powercoat finish to give more strength, durability, and unmatched hardness.

The handle is excellently contoured and made of solid polymer with textured rubber wrap which ensures optimum grip and provide best control over the knife. Wetness does not harm the performance of the handle or makes it slippery at all.

This model is a great survival machete which can be used while you are at a camp or deep in jungle. Moreover, it helps in hard-use applications such as removing tough vines, small tree removal, stripping barks, etc.

It comes with 18 inch long nylon sheath, used for storage purposes and to carry along as you travel.

Pros:

  • High quality carbon for durability
  • Excellent performance
  • Black powercoat finish for unmatched hardness
  • Ideal for survival purpose

Cons:

  • Tires the hand
  • Sometime slips
Check Price on Amazon

2. CRKT Chanceinhell K9110KKP Fixed Blade Machete

Photo: CRKT

  • Blade Length: 18 inches
  • Overall Length: 24 inches
  • Blade Material: 65 MN Carbon Steel
  • Handle Material: Tactical Handle
  • Weight: 20 ounces

CRKT has manufactured this great model, equipped with 18 inches long full tang blade. It is forged with powder coated steel which makes it super durable and extremely effective in performance.

The handle fastened to this amazing blade is double injection molded with multiple lanyard holes. The grip and hold are super comfortable and does not tire your hand at all. It completely reduces the fatigue while giving you great control over the machete.

If you are concerned about sharpening the knife then don’t be. This model gets sharpened easily just like any other standard knife. You can have as much fun in the forest as you want since this amazing survival machete is by your side.

CRKT gives you a fine working machete along with a reinforced nylon sheath which is perfect for the hunters and survivalists. It keeps the knife well protected and safe from the temperature wear and tears.

This model is available at highly affordable price.

Pros:

  • Full tang
  • Super comfortable grip
  • Affordable
  • Great performance

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Could rust or corrode with time
Check Price on Amazon

3. Cold Steel 97TKMZ 24-Inch Tactical Machete

Photo: Cold Steel

  • Blade Length: 24 inches
  • Overall Length: 36.2 inches
  • Blade Material: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Handle Material: Polypropylene Handle
  • Weight: 35.2 ounces

Cold Steel machete looks more like a sword with its huge profile. It comes in overall size of 36.2 inches in which the blade takes 24 inches and remaining is given to the handle.

The blade is made of 1055 carbon steel which is also considered as a powerful kind of steel that can endure wear and tear. With the blade thickness of 2.8 mm, this model is ideal for survival purposes.

Moreover, the anti-rust matte finished blade will not corrode or rust very soon, if you take proper care of it. You must not expose it to water for long time and after every wash, make sure that you instantly dry it.

The 12-1/4 inches long polypropylene handle is a great material for this model. It helps in making utmost grip and keep your hand comfortable.

This model is available with a cor-ex sheath to store the machete when not in use.

Pros:

  • Very powerful
  • Give optimum grip
  • High in balancing
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Extremely heavy
  • Too large
  • Not ideal for carrying along on travel
Check Price on Amazon

4. Gerber Gator 18-Inch Machete Nylon Sheath

Photo: Gerber Gator

  • Blade Length: 18 inches
  • Overall Length: 25.7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Weight: 14 ounces

Coming to the Gerber Gator machete, this model is finely structured with high carbon steel blade. Please note the high carbon is considered to be the finest material in machetes as it is the strongest form of steel.

The blade is not prone to corrode or rust and its performance is incredible. It has full performance saw structure on one side and 15 inches long fine edge blade on the other for the exemplary performance.

The ergonomic handle is made of high quality material with rubberized wrap to provide utmost control and comfort to the user.

Its weight and length perfectly balance one another, making it super convenient for the user to cut the bushes or use it for vegetation purpose.

This model is available with a nylon sheath. Considering all the amazing features of this machete, we can say that it is the best budget machete in our list.

Pros:

  • Ideal for survival as well as vegetation purpose
  • Well balanced
  • High carbon steel that does not corrode
  • Economical

Cons:

  • Sheath could have been better
  • Blade may require sharpening after few months
Check Price on Amazon

5. Schrade SCHKM1 13.3-Inch Kukri Machete

Photo: Schrade

  • Blade Length: 13.3 inches
  • Overall Length: 19.7 inches
  • Blade Material: 3Cr13 Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 36 ounces

This beautiful model from Schrade is to accompany you when you are out on adventurous trips. Starting with the blade, this model has got 13.3 inches large stainless steel blade. The best part of stainless steel blade is that it does not corrode or stain at all.

Giving it is a perfect balance, the brand has given 6.4 inches long handle which is made of great material. The handle is comfortable and give you great grip and hold.

It is a dependable model that comes with a convenient polyester sheath along with a removable shoulder pouch, shoulder and leg strap and a belt loop.

The machete features a ferro rod, sharpening stone and a lanyard hole on it for added value and performance of the product. It is an economically priced model that will be with you for years.

Pros:

  • Ideal for survivalists
  • Well balanced
  • High quality stainless steel
  • Polyester sheath for easy carrying

Cons:

  • Very heavy
  • The handle may slip
Check Price on Amazon

6. SOG MC02N 12.9-Inch Machete

Photo: SOG

  • Blade Length: 12.9 inches
  • Overall Length: 18 inches
  • Blade Material: 3Cr13 Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Kraton handle with Rubber wrap
  • Weight: 15.7 ounces

The SOG machete is an exclusive piece with great features. The blade used in this model is 12.9 inches long which is good for the survival purpose. You can take this machete in the woods without worrying much about your safety.

This model has got exceptional quality stainless steel blade which makes it durable and tough to endure wear and tear. With straight edge and saw back, this model is versatile and useful in various situations.

The ergonomically contoured and well balanced handle feels smooth on the hand and does not tire it as you use the machete for long hours.

Available with a nylon sheath, overall this model is a great budget purchase.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Versatile for multiple tasks
  • Budget friendly

Cons:

  • Very small handle
  • Balancing issues
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7. Fiskars 385091-1002 15-Inch Clearing Tool Garden Machete

Photo: Fiskars

  • Blade Length: 15 inches
  • Overall Length: 24 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Weight: 35.2 ounces

Fiskars have given some of the outstanding machetes that are ideal for garden use and vegetation. This model is equipped with 15 inches long blade made of high carbon steel. The toughness and robustness of this model is ensured by the quality steel on the blade.

This model gives excellent performance with densely grown vegetation due to the curved profile of the blade. It is so powerful that you can use it to cut smaller trees as well.

Handle is also made of quality material and coordinate finely with the blade. The length of the blade and handle gives you perfect balance of the machete.

This one is available with lifetime warranty and at an affordable price.

Pros:

  • Exceptionally designed blade
  • Life time warranty
  • Durable
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Handle slips away when wet
Check Price on Amazon

8. Fiskars 18-Inch Machete Axe

Photo: Fiskars

  • Blade Length: 18 inches
  • Overall Length: 29 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Weight: 41.92 ounces

Fiskars has launched this incredible model which has got a unique shape. It is an axe like machete, suitable for varied tasks. This one is an ideal model for vegetation purposes.

The axe shaped blade is made of high carbon steel, making it suitable for toughest tasks. Since you have to cut the bushes and tough skinned crops, the blade will make your work easy. Moreover, it will give powerful and controlled chopping.

Coordinating the excellent blade is the comfortable handle made of high quality material. The holding is easy with this handle as it does not tire your hand and feels smooth.

This model comes with a nylon sheath and lifetime warranty. Also, the price of Fiskars machete is quite affordable.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Ideal for tough vegetation
  • Durable
  • Multi-purpose blade

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Handle could have been better
Check Price on Amazon

9. Tomahawk Razorback Full Tang 15-Inch Machete

Photo: Tomahawk Razorback

  • Blade Length: 15 inches
  • Overall Length: 21-1/4 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Genuine Heartwood Handle

Tomahawk Razorback is a promising product that has got 15 inches full tang blade made of high carbon stainless steel. The blade gives exceptional performance and stays away from corrosion and rusting.

The full tang construction makes this model extremely durable and robust. The blade has got detailed sawback serrations at one end and straight edge on the other to increase versatility of the machete.

Handle is made of heartwood which is a durable form of wood. It stays warm as you hold for longer time and does not slips away. Also, it gives ideal balancing to the machete.

This model is available at an affordable price and comes with a nylon sheath to take it along as you travel.

Pros:

  • Multi-purpose blade
  • Handle made of quality wood
  • Affordable
  • Full tang

Cons:

  • Handle could crack after some time
Check Price on Amazon

10. Truper 15889 14-Inch Machete with Molded Handle

Photo: Truper

  • Blade Length: 14 inches
  • Overall Length: 26 inches
  • Blade Material: T460-26p Tapered Steel Blade
  • Handle Material: White Ash Handle
  • Weight: 3.36 ounces

At the end of the list, we have Truper machete that comes with 14 inches long blade made of carbon steel. The durability and performance of this blade is ensured by the quality of the steel. This model is an exceptional one as a utility knife for agricultural and hunting purposes.

The handle is made of white ash that provide optimum ratio of resistance and flexibility. The length of the handle is 9 inches which offer utmost control to the knife while reducing hand fatigue. The trim brush is used to clear walkways and paths.

It is a beautifully designed machete available at highly affordable price. If you are looking for a low-priced machete that can handle all the vegetation cutting tasks then this is your product.

Pros:

  • Economical
  • Quality handle
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Large in size
  • The blade may corrode or rust
  • No sheath included
Check Price on Amazon

Types of Machetes

Machetes are available in various types. Every different type of machete has different purpose to solve. Here are the kinds described in detail below:

1. Kukri

Kukri knife is also known as Khukhuri has inwardly curved edge. Mostly, people don’t refer Kukri as a machete but due to its similar profile, it can be a part of a machete family.

It is a Nepalese utility knife used for domestic purposes as well as by their army as a weapon.

The knife has three parts of a blade. Its pointed tip is used for stabbing purposes, the wide mouth midsection is used for chopping. The narrow area close to the handle is great for carving and whittling.

2. Bowie Machete

Bowie was first invented by the Americans. It is also named after the popular American frontiersman- Jim Bowie. Basically, it is a survival knife with a clip point tip used for skinning wild games.

There are various brands that manufacture quality bowie knives such as condor, ka-bar, southern grinde, etc. These are the sharpest machete and readily available for the users as a survival tool.

3. Panga

Panga is widely known as tapanga and it was first created in the east and southern Africa. The blade of these knives is broader on the backside and it is available in length of 16 inches to 18 inches.

The deep belly of the knife provides great weight for chopping and its arc makes it convenient to slice. And not to forget the upturned point which will be helpful in stabbing and piercing.

4. Bolo

Bolo is quite identical to Panga machete in its profile however, the blade swells right before the tip, making it more effective for chopping.

The knives were first originated by Filipinos that is why it is commonly found in Philippine households.

They use the knife for clearing vegetables or chopping huge food items into smaller pieces. It is also used as a training tool of martial art in Philippines.

The machete is excellent as a harvesting tool for narrow crops such as peanuts and soyabean. It is because of the bulge of the blade which offer excellent amount of weight behind the blade for effective chopping.

5. Parang

Following the footprints of bolo and panga, this machete is also quite powerful and give excellent performance. It is rather shorter than its counterparts. However, this one works great with the woody vegetation.

Parang is usually found in Indonesia and Malaysia. These have thicker blades which makes it ideal for cutting thick green vegetation without worrying about it getting stuck in the greens.

6. Golok

Golok machetes were originated in southern Asia. It is a traditional agriculture tool because of its short length blade. However, it is not suitable as a weapon.

These machetes have thicker blades which are used to chop down green trees and branches.

How to Buy the Best Machetes

There are so many types in machete that it becomes practically very difficult to find the one that satisfy your needs. Basically, first you need to acknowledge the requirements before approaching the right product.

Here are some of the helpful tips in finding the high quality machete:

1. Blade Material

The blade material enhances the performance of a machete. There are various blade materials that you can refer.

  • Carbon Steel : In a machete knife, carbon steel is considered to be the best material for its wonderful properties. It is strong, economical, and ideal for tough jobs. However, these machetes are more likely to rust.
  • Stainless Steel : Well, if you want a durable knife that do not corrode or rust with time then stainless steel blade is the solution. However, it is not as strong as carbon steel.
  • High Carbon Stainless Steel: This material is a combination of both the kinds of steel mentioned above. It comes with the properties of stainless and carbon steel.

2. Blade Length

Machetes can be as short as 10 inches and large up to 28 inches. It is essential to first know that whether you want better reach of a machete or its portability.

Machetes with longer blades are hard to carry while they give better reach and performance. At the same time, small machetes are easy to carry.

3. Blade Style

As discussed above in this article, there are different kinds of machetes that are ideal for versatile tasks.

  • Survival Machetes : If you are looking for a machete solely for protection and survival then Kukri and bowie should be your choices.
  • Agriculture Machetes : For agricultural needs, you can always refer bolo, panga, parang, and golok.

You will never find a single machete that is capable for all kinds of tasks.

4. Full Tang

Machetes are heavy headed knives so make sure that you only buy full tang ones. These knives are more secure and durable.

5. Handle Material

You can find different types of handle materials available in machetes. Here are the materials with their advantages and disadvantages:

  • Micarta Handles : This one is considered to be the best handle material in machetes as they have heat treated layers of canvas, fiberglass, or plastic on it. They are extremely strong and offer excellent grip.
  • Wooden Handles : This material gives good grip in the hand and stays warm. But they are prone to crack when continually exposed to wetness or moisture.
  • Plastic Handles : Last but not the least is the plastic handles that are very inexpensive and does not crack as well. But the only pitfall is that these become slippery when used wet.

It is best to pick the material that satisfy your needs.

Conc l usion

As we conclude our machete review, we would like to say that the different types of machetes are ideal for varied purposes. It is essential to make your pick only after determining your needs.

In this list, you will find impressive models of best survival machete as well as for agriculture purposes. The model with suitable length, tough material, and comfortable handle will serve you the longest.

Also, all the products in our list have high standards of performance. You can make your selection without worrying about buying the wrong product.

Happy Shopping!

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