I have some top end knives, now I’m looking for something a little larger. I have not seen much high end stuff in this category. I bought a SOG on sale for $20 and trashed the blade on an elk hunt clearing trees for a a clean shot downhill. It seemed like a decent knife but the steel didn’t hold up.
I have checked out the Ka-bar and Ontario online, but have not felt or handled them. Any feedback appreciated.
PB
I have an old RTAK from Ontario. Not quite what I would call a machete, more a short sword, what with the 10 inch blade. But handy, and can spot as a machete, and has held up, and is oddly one of the sharper blades that I have. My only gripe with the RTAK is the smoothish grips, but I think the current gen RTAK II has textured g10 grips or something like that. Really should look to see if I can buy the grips separate.
Personal opinion, Ontario knives are better quality compared to most current K bar offerings I have handled. Personal opinion there before someone gets pissed, but I just have not been impressed with the K bars that I have played with in the past several years.
one place to look:
Are you looking for a tool to perform chopping and camping/hunting chores? The reason I ask is that you mentioned trashing the SOG on an Elk hunt. If that is the main purpose then I really love my Woodsman’s Pal. It stays in my truck permanently! I’m in the woods a lot and couldn’t see not bringing it when any type of clearing or chopping job is concerned.
It really depends on your price range and size/weight desired. I really like the ESSE stuff because it’s sharp, durable and comfortable. Even the smaller models seem to baton wood well, while the larger models still allowing you to prepare tinder for a fire. They’re neither Kukri nor machete, but excellent field companions nonetheless.
I use a corn knife with wood handle and 14" blade when in the field. I sharpen the point and leading edge for defensive purposes. I carry it in a scabbard on the right side of my backpack. It’s ok for cutting reeds and small tree branches to build a shelter.
If I feel the need to cut limbs off a tree, I use a ring saw. It is easy to carry and works well.
It might be easier to carry a ring saw and skinning knife than a large knife or machete.
kabar is probably top quality…
though cold steel is probably best bang for buck… $21 - http://amzn.to/1ehLNt2
Used an Ontario brand army navy store bought machete for 20 years worth of trail maintenance with excellent results.
Held an edge surprisingly well. Looked just like the “Ontario 6145 Military Machete” available on amazon ~$25. Cheap-o handle would sting if you were trying to cut through large diameter hardwood.
Have used several others with poor results: won’t hold an edge, poor weight/balance, even had one with some steel so soft it bent into an ‘S’ during use.
I saw one on this site I like. Thanks. Anybody ever buy from them? Wondering what the quality of the steel is like.
The ESEE Junglas is a pound and a half of 1095 awesomeness.
I love Condor Parangs. High quality and reasonable price. Several sizes and styles to choose from. Any decent South American machete should do a decent job as well. The Esee Junglas is a beast of a blade as well. Going to run you more money though. If you don’t plan to batton wood, a machete may serve you better. If you want an all around blade, the Junglas is great.
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That shows promise. When my 1940’s vintage corn knife gives up the ghost, I need to buy one of these.
Another to consider, Lofty Wiseman Survival Tool, Former SAS His Bio is in the first link. Not just a chopping blade, but the one to carry for several applications. A very well thought out blade.
http://www.scorpionknives.com/lofty_wiseman.htm
http://www.heinnie.com/scorpion-knives-lofty-wiseman-survival-tool-11-inch
ESEE teamed up with Condor and made a 18in Machete http://www.knifecenter.com/item/RCLITEMACHETE/ESEE-Knives-Lite-Machete-18-inch-Condor-Blade-Micarta-Handles-Cordura-Sheath
that’s a nice machete but it’s $70.
if you’re willing to do some final edge sharpening, you could get one made by the same people, Imacasa for $17. it has wooden handle instead of micarta and small dimensional differences, it is made with 1074 vs 1075 steel but I doubt you’d notice any difference in use. it even comes with distal taper…
http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18padecuma1.html
canvas sheath for $9 – http://www.machetespecialists.com/im18grcamash.html
CONDOR is good stuff at a reasonable price. http://www.condortk.com/
I have held the Ontario and KaBar. I wanted to like the Ontario more, because love their other blades and it says, MADE IN THE USA. But I give the slight edge to the KaBar for handle size and balance. My SOG was $20, these are list price $99ish and if you look around $50ish. They are double the knife and very nice. Either are a great choice for $50.
For the authentic Kukri, Himalayan Imports has a very strong following and some guy named Tora (but is not as easy to deal with per se or have inventory) EGKH is the next tier for authentic and can be found on ebay. It is not advised to but from the other “houses” so I have read.
I am very impressed with that KaBar /Ontario, they are more than double the knife in size weight etc. About perfect for a elk hunt or truck knife for clearing and small chopping. Great camping tool.
Thanks guys for the feedback.
PB
What he said +1
I’ve had one of the Ontarios for over 20 years. Holds the edge well and does not bend like some of the cheapies.
I got the Kabar Cutlass Machete http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/9 on a whim for like 50 bucks off Amazon even though I have higher-end, higher-dollar super choppers (Busse, swamp rat etc). Damned if that cheap kabar hasn’t become my favorite go-to beater! Just looking at the blade geometry I knew it would be a great camp wood-processor and I wasn’t disappointed, but it’s…dare I say it… surprisingly agile in the hand. The sheath is low end, I resharpened it and put some o-rings on the handle for comfort but other than that, that thing just keeps on trucking.