A good prepper knows that survival skills are more important than gear, but that doesn't mean you can't use high-quality equipment to help you with certain tasks around your homestead or when you're out hiking. A machete is one such tool. When buying a machete, choose one that has a sharp blade and a comfortable grip. (h/t to ThePreppingGuide.com)
The machete: More versatile than an ax or a hatchet
An ax is great for chopping wood, but it can make your bag heavier if you're hiking. A hatchet is smaller than an ax, but they're only good for chopping wood or securing tent stakes.
The machete is more versatile than an ax or a hatchet. It can be used for different tasks, such as:
- Bushwhacking
- Chopping wood
- Cleaning wild game
- Clearing brush
- Self-defense weapon
- Woodcarving
To cut through more than flimsy twigs, you need something heavier with greater swing power. A good machete has a solid, sturdy steel blade that's also easy to sharpen for a cleaner cut. (Related: Essential gear you need for shelter, fire, water, and survival.)
If you're looking for a machete, check out the five options below with different pros and cons. They're hefty enough to hack through thick wood and they have a comfortable grip so they don't slip from your grasp while you're chopping away.
5. Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete
Condor Tool & Knife's Golok Machete has a full tang design and a 14-inch steel blade made from 1075 high carbon. The blade has an epoxy black powder coating that enhances its durability. The hardwood handle is made of walnut.
The machete comes with a handcrafted welted leather sheath. It has an overall length of 19 inches and weighs 16 ounces.
4. Kershaw Camp 18
True to its name, Kershaw's Camp 18 machete has an 18-inch blade that can easily chop kindling.
The machete has a full tang construction and a 65Mn carbon steel blade. The blade has a basic black powder coat to prevent corrosion and wear.
The Camp 19's rubber overmold handle ensures that you can securely grip the machete.
The machete has a built-in hand guard to protect your hand from the sharp blade. This tool has a glass-filled nylon sheath with gear straps and a belt loop. The machete's handle also has dual lanyard holes for portability.
The machete has an overall length of 24 inches and it weighs 23 ounces.
3. CRKT Chanceinhell
Columbia River Knife & Tool's machete was designed by Ken Onion, an award-winning custom knife-maker.
The machete can be used in harsh environments to chop firewood, clear underbrush, or build a survival shelter. The Chanceinhell's carbon steel blade is 12 inches in length and 0.1 inch thick and has a black powder coat.
The machete's blade is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen, with a double injection-molded handle designed to reduce hand fatigue. The Chanceinhell's football-texture grip has several lanyard holes for varied grip options.
The machete doesn't come with a nylon sheath, which must also be purchased separately. The CRKT sheath's unique velcro belt loop system allows you to either let the machete dangle on a belt or secure it to your side. Alternatively, the machete's extra paracord fob can be used to lash the tool to a backpack.
The machete has an overall length of 17.88 inches and it weighs 20 ounces.
2. Ontario 1-18 Military Machete
The Ontario Knife Company's 1-18 Military Machete was originally made for American soldiers during WWII. The machete has an 18-inch blade.
The massive, two-foot machete is made from 1095 carbon steel. The blade has a zinc-phosphate finish and a classic molded plastic handle.
The machete weighs 16 ounces and it has an overall length of 24 inches.
1. Gerber Gator Bolo Machete
In the Philippines, locals use a bolo knife with a stout, burly blade that has a unique bulge near the tip. This gives the blade extra swing power when it is used to chop wood or clear brush.
Gerber's bolo machete updated the classic design to produce a modern tool with features like a comfortable handle, a slip-proof grip, and a full tang construction.
The bolo machete has a 15.5-inch corrosion-resistant 1050 steel blade. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, with a secure grip.
The Gerber machete comes with a wrist lanyard to secure the blade. The 22.5-inch machete weighs 20.8 ounces and it comes with a rugged nylon sheath. Strap the machete to your belt with the belt loop or lash it to your pack using the D-ring attachments.
Use this guide to choose a machete that suits your budget and prepping needs.
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