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If you believe machetes are exclusively used by explorers to chop their way through the forests and mountains, you should think again. These versatile tools can be used for yard work, gardening and camping. A machete can replace an axe, saw, sickle, loppers, shears or pruners when you have a lot of cutting to accomplish and just want to carry one instrument.

There are a number of Machetes available on the market now, which can overwhelm those who don't have experience in choosing this kind of product. Don't worry because we provide you with top products and buying guides to help you choose the Best Machetes in 2023. Let's jump right in and find a suitable one for you.

Harry Sawyers
  Jun 3, 2023 6:44 PM
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Top Picks

Best Overall: Gerber Gator Bolo Machete

Runner Up: Jungle Master JM-031B Machete

Best Premium Product: Tramontina Machete

Best Seller: Hooyman Bush Machete

Best Short: Condor Tool & Knife, Pack Golok Knife

Best Heavy Duty: CRKT Halfachance Fixed Blade Parang Machete

Best For Clearing Brush: Condor Tool & Knife, Golok Machete

Best For Chopping Wood: Tramontina Bolo Machete

Types of Products

There are six common types of machetes, which are Latin, Kukuris, Bowie, Panga, Bolo and Parang.

  • Latin: Machetes with straight back blades are known as Latin-style machetes. They're best for cutting green vegetation, although they can also do some cutting and splitting.

  • Kukuris: Kukris have a sharp tip for piercing, a large middle area for chopping, and a thin section near the handle for whittling and carving. Slicing firewood, chopping vegetables, opening cans, and other tasks can be all done with them.

  • Bowie: The Bowie knife is more lightweight than other machetes, which offer easier maneuverability for slicing and chopping.

  • Panga: The Panga machete features a straight cutting edge that curves upward to form a deep “belly” near the upturned tip. Pangas excel at chopping and slicing through moderately-thick, woody vegetation.

  • Bolo: Bolo machetes work well for harvesting narrow row crops like rice, peanuts, and soybeans. They're mostly used to remove weeds or cut up big items into smaller bits.

  • Parang: Parang machete, which has a larger blade than other machetes, is used to chop heavy and woody foliage. It has a primary grind that makes it easier for the blade to get trapped in the material.

Buying Guides

Blade Materials

Carbon steel, stainless steel, and high carbon stainless steel are the three materials used to make machete blades.

  • The classic and effective material for machete blades is carbon steel. It is tougher and less costly than stainless steel, and its edge can stay sharp longer. However, it is prone to rust and hard to resharpen.

  • Stainless steel is most commonly used for ceremonial and ornamental blades. It resists corrosion and requires less care than carbon steel. The minus point is that  it is more costly and becomes blunt over time.

  • High carbon stainless steel combines the advantages of carbon and stainless steel. It's rust-resistant and long-lasting, but it's pricey and cannot withstand heat.

Blade Length

Machete blades commonly vary from 10 to 28 inches long. Machetes with long blades will cover more areas and create more momentum when swung. However, they are difficult to control. Short blades offer greater flexibility and are compact and portable, but they are less powerful than longer blades. Make sure you choose the blade length that suits your needs

Handle Material

The materials of the handles is another consideration. The handle with good grip and cushion is best for the user’s hand. Wooden handles are light and comfortable to hold. However, they need regular maintenance and are not moisture resistant. Plastic is low-cost and strong, yet it can crack over time. Leather and rubber both provide comfort and good grip, but they are not durable and can be slick to use when wet.

Micarta is the highest-quality material for a machete handle. It's tough, long-lasting, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and of course pricey. Micarta is a moisture-resistant material that can withstand heat and does not fracture over time.

Sheath

When the machete is not in use, the sheath protects both the blade and the user. Leather, molded plastic, and thick textiles are used to construct machete sheaths. Leather is durable, but it is prone to moisture and requires extra cleaning and conditioning. Molded plastic is tough, but it's also heavy. Heavyweight textiles are resistant to weather, but they can be damaged by sharp blades.

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Last update on 2023-06-03 / Prices / Affiliate links / Images, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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