Machetes for survival

Ti lite

Warthog

Watchnovru


Oooooooooo! Good sax! Geez warty, your like barbie you have everything.

don't tell ti lite!  he will want to chop me up!

Just you wait.

uh oh!

LATIN MACHETE 24"
MAGNUM KUKRI MACHETE
 
These are the best cutting Machetes.

Biggs


LATIN MACHETE 24"
MAGNUM KUKRI MACHETE
 
These are the best cutting Machetes.

The 24" Latin Machete is much too flexible for me. It feels like one of those springy Chinese Wushu swords. 

If we are talking about survival purposes as in erecting dwellings and rebuilding civilization in general, then I would say something like the Bolo or the Kukri due to their superiority in delivering more pressure and power to the front-swing for tougher hacking jobs, such as through thicker brambles and logs.
 
However, if we are talking about a Machete that can do most of those other tasks but which can also be used for protection from beasts and foes alike in a pinch or when the bullets run out, then I would have to say I’d strongly opt in for a Bowie Machete – or any other Machete that has a sticker tip and bladed back (for lack of the proper term).
 
I just got my CS 18” Bowie today and I am prepared to stake my life on this masterpiece – after it is honed and sharpened up properly, anyway.
 
Let’s just put it this way, there is a reason why Armies still uses this or similar style of Machete for both purposes to this day!
 
P.S. I think it is a HUGE mistake for CS to be discontinuing the Bowie!

Machetes are awesome chopping tools. I personally use the Kukri and Latin style machetes. Can't go wrong farkin.

I think that I would want a doubl edge for survival but i have no clue since we only have a kukri and I am not impressed with its chopping and cutting abilitys. it had much trouble cutting through a half dead six inch branch.

"If you can't learn to respect your elders, then you'll have to learn to respect your betters."

-John Wayne

I'd have to say the Kukri for me, it just seems like it's the best shape for chopping, and where I'm from that's all I'd need it for. It can baton, chop, and hack through anything, very effectively. The huge advantage to it for me is that it only weighs a pound, and is hugely inexpensive.

just my opinion. If I were to choose another one, I'd have to say the 18 inch Kukri. I feel like I'm too attatched  to it, and it has a more efficient shape than the Latin machete, as far as I know.

i believe the heavy machete is the best machete to survive, it's heavy so it can chop stuff quite easy and is durable.

but the kukri would be a great choice. maybe even better.

I like the Kukri Machete 13 inch model and I'll be getting one soon. I also like my cousin's machete (non-CS), it looks like the 18 inch Latin machete but the false edge is a double bladed saw. I think that might be useful depending on the terrain.

"When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny." --Thomas Jefferson

That is most likely a Gerber Gator machete. Any one of the CS machetes blows it away. The saw notches ok but saws not so great.

Watchnovru


The boys in south america run with the latin of course and...the bolo. They do everything with their machetes. From clearing trail to cooking. I have my 18in. barong set up for zero-notice survival.

Well done. Very well done, sir.

I have several machetes. You won't go wrong with any design from any quality manufacturer (CS, Tramontina, Sheffield, Collins, Marbles, etc).
If possible, try different designs to see which you prefer. Choose any machete that appeals to you. All designs are good. It is a matter of personal preference.

Wow! Glad I didn't post a question about the barong machete. Sounds like everybody likes 'em enough. I'm thinking about the 12". Also like the sax in 12". Has anyone noticed a difference in the chopping/cutting abilities?

Actually I'm one of the few who doesn't like the Barong machete.  I find it's balance is awkward and far back toward the handle making the sweet spot unusual.  It would make a great weapon but second fiddle for a machete meant to cut brush.  This is at least the case for the larger one.  The kukri machete or Latin machete is great.
     Keep in mind I'm not a machete person.  Never had one till one of my students bought me one.  Now I'm starting to be sold but I'd still take a bowie over a machete in most circumstances.

The Barong machetes are OK but I also do not care for the balance of the 18" version (the 12" feels better balanced to me), and they are too pointy for machetes.   The 12" barong seems like it would make a good camp knife but I also prefer the standard/Nonmagnum kukri machete and the 18" Latin machete.

The kukri seems like a good choice.

And on a side note...i know it would be rather tacky...but wouldnt grip tape from Walmart work pretty well for improving the grip on the handles?

Kukri machete is the best survival machete in my opinion.