A survival machete looks like a big knife with a broad and thick blade. Preppers and survivalists prize the survival machete as the ultimate survival tool!
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Sometimes as a prepper, huntsman, survivalist, or a general outdoorsman, you want to pack as little as possible and still have all your needs met.
For this purpose, a survival machete will serve you in a way that no other tool can. Being a combination of a survival knife and a survival axe, it can be used to replace both those tools hence reducing your luggage.
At the same time, it will adequately perform the roles of both tools.
A survival machete is a tool that looks like a big knife with a broad and thick blade. It has a myriad of uses, from survival to combat.
Preppers, survivalists, and other outdoorsmen prize the survival machete as the ultimate survival tool because of its multi-functional nature and optimal performance. It is ideal for cutting, chopping, slashing, splitting, and stabbing.
Machetes come in different shapes and sizes from different regions of the world. As such, there are many types of machetes, such as the kukri machete, panga machete, and others that will be discussed in this article.
If you are a prepper searching for a perfect machete for bugging out, you are in the right place: below are some of the best machetes in the market that you can choose from.
In a hurry? If you just want to get to our conclusions, here are our top picks and recommendations!
This machete exudes quality all over. At 24 inches long, it is well-suited for a wide variety of tasks.
The 17 ½-inch blade is made with 1075 high carbon steel, which is durable and can handle heavy tasks. The blade is coated with epoxy black powder to keep corrosion at bay.
Speaking of durability, the Condor Tool & Knife, Parang Machete is a full tang tool so you can be sure the blade will not detach from the handle when you are clearing a bush in the woods.
The handle is made of brown hardwood material and has a lanyard hole that facilitates safe storage of the machete. Weighing a mere 200 grams, this machete is easy to carry around.
You can loop it to your belt using the black leather belt sheath that it comes with for easy movement.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Can perform heavy tasks
It is durable
It is portable
It comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
It contains chemicals that are harmful to people
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Genuine Gurkha Kukri Knife
This narrow and sharp machete has a full tang gripper 5-inch handle that is made with quality rosewood material. The pieces of rosewood are steadily attached to the metal part of the handle with metal rivets.
The extremely sharp 10-inch blade is made of Highly Graded Carbon, which has a balanced temper making it very strong.
This machete is handmade using quality materials and with predictable tools by experienced kukri-makers of Nepal. Weighing 700 grams, the Genuine Gurkha Kukri Knife is a little heavier than other machetes and can endure heavier tasks.
Carrying it is made more convenient by the brown, cotton sheath it comes with. The sheath is ideal for storage purposes because, unlike leather, cotton absorbs moisture and prevents rusting.
When you order for this machete, you get two extra survival knives: the karda and chakmak knives.
This kukri machete is ideal for chopping wood, clearing bushes, and a variety of domestic chores.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It is durable
It comes with a cotton sheath
It is very sharp
Cons
It is a little on the heavier side
Schrade SCHKM1 Kukri Machete
Schrade has a reputation for top-notch craftsmanship and quality products, and the SCHKM1 Kukri Machete is no exception. Its blade is made with reliable 3Cr13 powder coated stainless steel. It is, therefore, durable and well-protected from rust.
The black T-Grip handle has a front quillon that provides a firm grip, reducing the risk of the tool slipping mid-swing and causing an accident. With an overall length of 19.7 inches and a weight 1 pound and 6.6 ounces, this machete will fit your bug-out bag perfectly.
For easier access, you can use the polyester sheath that it comes with to strip it on your shoulder, leg, or loop it on your belt. For storage purposes, the SCHKM1 Kukri Machete has a lanyard hole in the handle with which you can hang it.
The product also features a Ferro rod and a sharpening stone. If you are planning to go hiking, bush crafting, or camping, take this tool with you.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It is made of quality, durable products
It provides a firm grip
It is dependable as you can access it quickly and easily
It is light and portable
Cons
Contains chemicals such as TDI, which are harmful to people
Condor Tool & Knife, Golok Machete
If you are looking for a perfect companion for your outdoor survivalist endeavors, the Condor tool and knife Golok Machete is exactly what you need.
Its durability is top-notch as it is full tang with a walnut handle made with brown, hardwood material. The 14-inch razor-sharp blade is made with 1075 high carbon steel, further reinforcing the machete's durability. To prevent corrosion, it is coated with Epoxy Black Podser finishing.
This Golok machete which has an overall length of 19 inches and weighs a mere 19 ounces. Therefore, carrying it around will not be a nuisance at all. It comes with a sheath that is 100% leather that you can use to loop the machete on your belt for fast and easy access.
This product is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty that secures the product.
No products found.
Pros
It is made of strong, durable material
It is compact and lightweight making it portable
It comes with a warranty
Cons
It is costly
Tramontina Bolo Machete
If you want value without spending too much money, this is the machete for you. The Tramontina Bolo Machete is made in Brazil, where machetes are used widely because of the Amazon forest.
This 14-inch machete is built for durability as it is made of materials of tip-top quality. Weighing only 7 ounces, it is one of the lightest survival machetes in the market.
It has a steep curve towards the tip, which adds weight to the end, creating the perfect momentum for chopping and cutting. It is excellent for clearing bushes and chopping wood.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It is light and compact
Built for durability
Has value for money
Cons
Cannot do heavy tasks
Has a short blade
Schrade SCHBOLO Full Tang Machete
If you want quality, performance, and durability in one tool, the Schrade SCHBOLO machete is the tool for you. At 20.2 inches overall length, it is one of the biggest machetes around and can be used to perform heavy tasks such as felling trees.
As big as it is, it only weighs a pound and 10.8 ounces, so carrying it around will not weigh you down. The 14-inch blade is made of solid TICN 3Cr13 stainless steel that has been reinforced with a coating of Titanium. With proper care, this blade is bound to last you many years.
The T-Grip handle is designed to provide a comfortable and firm grip, which gives you confidence that it will not slip mid-swing and cause injuries. It is conveniently curved in an ergonomic shape and has a finger guard too.
The Schrade SCHBOLO Full Tang Machete comes with a polyester sheath that features a shoulder strap, leg strap, belt loop, and a removable storage pouch to facilitate storage and transportation.
The product also comes with a Ferro rod and a sharpening stone that fits in the sheath. On top of that, it has a lanyard hole in the handle for added security when in use. This machete is perfect for hiking, camping, and executing bushcraft activities.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It has an ergonomic, anti-slip handle
It has a sharp blade made with quality TICN 3Cr13 stainless steel.
It is lightweight
It is durable
Cons
It can expose you to chemicals such as TDI that are known to be harmful to human beings.
CRKT HalfaChance Parang Machete
With this machete, bushes and wild animals stand no chance against you. When you are your own rescue party, this parang machete will see to it that you get out of threatening situations safe.
It has a double injection molded handle that is shaped ergonomically to make it comfortable to carry and use. The thermoplastic rubber handle also features multiple lanyard holes for different grip options.
This machete is durable in extreme environments as it has a thick, carbon steel blade that is coated in a black corrosion-resistant blade finish. The 12-inch blade is, thus, long-lasting, especially when you clean and oil it as often as required.
The CRKT HalfaChance Parang Machete comes with a reinforced nylon sheath that has a Velcro belt loop system that enables you to carry your machete from the belt. This allows for easy and quick access to the tool in situations where delaying could cost you dearly.
Designed by award-winning custom knifemaker Ken Onion of Kaneohe, the craftsmanship is excellent. If you are hunter, camper, or an outdoorsman, this machete will ensure that you have more than half a chance of returning home unscathed.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It has excellent craftsmanship
It has an ergonomic handle for a firm, comfortable grip
It is made of durable products
It comes with a sheath to facilitate transportation and storage.
Cons
Not ideal for chopping hardwood
Gerber Broad Cut Machete with Sheath
This machete is just as effective as its name suggests. It has a heavy, sharp-edged blade that is corrosion-resistant and designed to make clean, accurate cuts. It will see you through a dense brush without breaking a sweat.
Using it is made a whole lot easier with the comfortable rubber grip handle and an oversized finger choil. It also features a safety lanyard that further secures the grip of the machete. Its weight distribution is balanced for a favorable power-to-weight ratio.
The Gerber Broad Cut Machete with Sheath is ideal for manipulating stubborn vines and branches that may block the way. At only 1.13 pounds, the machete is easy to carry around.
To facilitate storage and transportation, this machete comes with a sheath with which you can loop it to your belt for easy and quick access.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
It is portable
It comes with a warranty
It has an anti-slip ergonomic handle
It is ideal for taking on dense brushes
Cons
The sheath may be slightly tricky to handle for some users
Attributes of A Good Survival Machete
Machetes come in about a million different shapes, sizes, and designs.
It can be overwhelming to choose one that fits you just right, especially if you don't know precisely what you are looking for.
To help you with that, here are attributes to look out for when shopping for the best survival machete for yourself.
Machete Size
The perfect size of a survival machete is dependent on the purpose for which you need it. Heavier tasks will automatically require a bigger machete. Typically, machetes range between 10 inches and 24 inches in length.
The average standard width and thickness are 2 ¼ inches and a few millimeters, respectively.
Remember that the smaller the machete, the more portable and easy it is to carry it in something like a get home bag. The bigger the machete, the more versatile it is. So, it is important to establish your needs before settling for a size.
Machete material
Blades of machetes can be made out of a myriad of materials. You should look out for a blade that is made of durable and rust-resistant materials.
There are two materials that stand out and give high-quality blades; high carbon steel and stainless steel. High carbon steel blades are of better quality than stainless steel as they are composed of two elements- iron and carbon.
This combination of elements results in a strong, durable blade that stays sharp longer and holds an edge better.
High carbon blades are also tempered into spring-like steel, which renders them more tolerant to solid impacts. The only downside to carbon steel blades is that they get rusty pretty easily.
On the other hand, stainless steel is more resistant to rust but tends to be brittle and can break easily under strong impacts.
Machete Tang
Tang refers to the amount of metal blade that penetrates the handle. Thus, there are full-tang, half-tang, and quarter-tang machetes depending on how much of the metal penetrates the handle.
The more the metal's penetration into the handle, the stronger and more durable the machete is. On that note, a machete is at its strongest when it is full-tang.
The chances of the blade detaching from the handle are greatly reduced, and you can confidently use your machete for heavy tasks. Anything less than half tang is risky, and it’s wise to steer clear of those, for your safety.
Machete Handle
Machete handles come in various shapes and sizes that are befitting to specific uses. A quality handle is one that is durable and has a firm grip.
Wooden handles are not long-lasting as they are subject to rotting away and, in some instances, drying up and cracking. You will be required to keep repairing and replacing, which is hectic.
Shatterproof, high impact polymer handles are the best choice for a machete handle. Also, ensure the handle is ergonomic enough for you to use without it slipping off your hand.
Machete Functionality and Versatility
A quality machete is one that is designed to perform more than just one task. It can clear bushes, chop firewood, and even be used as a weapon when the need arises.
Some modern machetes are designed to be multi-tools where they have a saw-bladed back or a solid steel pommel that acts as a hammer.
These reinforce the efficiency of the machete as well as enhancing its versatility.
If you're looking for a similarly efficient survival tool, look no further than the survival hatchet. You can see our recommendations in our dedicated guide of the best survival machete.
Types of Survival Machetes
Machetes are among the longest-existing tools in almost all cultures around the world. For that reason, it is safe to state that there are as many types of machetes as there are different cultures.
Over the years, the machete has evolved beautifully in shape and design to the unique types available today.
The difference in the shape and design of one machete from the next is largely based on its origins and uses. Here are some of the most popular types of machetes today.
Barong Machetes
This machete has origins in the Philippines and other ethnolinguistic groups. It is popular for its thick, leaf-shaped blade, which is single-edged. The barong machete is heavy with a fantastic slicing power.
It is great for clearing bushes and vines when in the woods. Its elongated blade has a long gives it a long reach that knives lack.
This machete was originally made for combat and self-defense for the Philippine people as they were wading off European colonizers.
Heavy/Weighted Machetes
Cue to its name, the weighted machete is a heavy tool and the biggest machete. Its design is such that it is a cross between an ax and a utility knife, making it the perfect multi-tool.
Its tip is broad and flat, making it perfect for chopping through thick vegetation and splitting wood. It is also ideal for felling small trees. The origin of this machete is unknown.
Billhook Machete
This machete is synonymous with European wine-growing countries where it is used in the growing of vines. Its shape suggests that it is an agricultural machete- its blade is straight towards the handle and curved towards the tip.
For a survivalist, it would come in handy when clearing shrubs and cutting small branches.
Kukri Machete
Originating from Nepal, the kukri machete is a favorite of survivalists all over the world because of its multi-purpose nature.
It has a unique curved shape with a pointed tip that is great for stabbing through flesh, making it ideal for hunting and combat.
The mid-section is large and ideal for chopping. It is a perfect machete for camping and other outdoor activities.
The best survival kukri machetes were reviewed earlier in the article.
Bush Machete
Also known as the Latin machete, the bush machete is characterized by a long blade with minimal or zero curves. The edge gradually widens from the handle towards the tip.
It is ideal for a myriad of uses in an outdoor setting, especially chopping and cutting. When jungle machetes are being mentioned, the Bush machete makes it to the top of the list.
Parang or Golok Machete
Both the edge and spine of the Parang machete are curved, providing a generally curved shape.
With this design, it makes clean cuts without it getting lodged in the material of the item being cut. It is ideal for chopping and shaping wood.
In Southeast Asia, where it is originated, it is seen as a symbol of masculinity.
Bolo Machete
The Bolo Machete is, without a doubt, the perfect chopping machine. With origins in the Philippines, this machete has a tip that is pointed and bulged.
When you swing it, power is transferred to the tip giving the machete a tremendous chopping force. The all-round tool is also small and compact enough to fit in a survival bag.
Panga Machete
This powerhouse of a tool is built for chopping and cutting. It has an upper pointed tip that gives it piercing power. The blade is sharp and large, giving it chopping power in downward motions, and great maneuverability.
It is widely used in Africa and the Caribbean. It is perfect for slicing through tough meat, cutting small logs, and creating a way through woody vegetation.
Bowie Machete
This is the go-to machete for hunters and woodsmen, as it is ideal for skinning animals. It has a sharp, pointed tip that effortlessly pierces through tide.
The long, thin blade comes in handy in situations that require self-defense. The Bowie machete is American and was named after a frontiersman called Jim Bowie.
The machete is usually a survival tool associated with the jungle. If you would like to know more about this, have a look over our dedicated guides for jungle survival skills and jungle survival gear!
Survival Machete Uses
Being a cross between an axe and a survival knife, a survival machete is an immensely versatile survival tool as it can perform the duties of both tools. It is widely used all over the world, mainly for agricultural purposes.
For a survivalist, it is one of the tools that offer the most utility. In case you are wondering how to use a machete in a survival situation, here is how:
Clearing bushes - There is no better tool for this function than the machete. With its broad blade surface, cutting capacity, and lightweight, it is the ultimate tool for bushwhacking.
Make sure to carry a machete with you when traveling through dense woods. It will make your adventure more tolerable by removing wild plantations that may obscure your path. Parang and Kukri machetes are among the best for this function.
Trailblazing - Getting lost in the woods is a given, especially in an unfamiliar place. To ensure that you find your way back, it is wise to maintain trails.
Machetes are perfect for this purpose. They make clear markings on trees and cut branches of trees quite smoothly. A machete is, without a doubt, the best companion when cruising the woods.
Chopping - Machetes are designed to make clean and powerful cuts, and they do not disappoint. In the absence of a survival axe, they are the perfect replacements in chopping firewood and branches off trees.
They also do a good job felling small trees. The most preferred machetes for this purpose are the Kukri, Heavy, and Bolo machetes.
Camping - the versatility of the machete makes it a must-have camping accessory. For one, a machete will clear a bushy area to create room for a campsite. It will also split firewood to prepare a fire, and hunt wild animals for food.
In case of danger, a machete makes for a perfect weapon. A multi-purpose machete such as the Kukri and Bolo machetes are favorites for camping expeditions.
Self-defense - Anything can happen in the wild outdoors. As a bush crafter or a survival prepper, it is essential to be prepared for anything. Having a machete puts you in a favorable position against predators.
With a sharp machete, you can fend off wild animals and slice through venomous snakes. When worse comes to worst, you can use the pointed tip of the tool to stab through a predator.
Here's a great video explaining how to use a machete as a survival tool.
Machete Care and Maintenance
To reap the most out of your machete, it is of great importance to keep it in the best possible condition. When a tool is well taken care of, it performs optimally and lasts long.
Here are different ways you can ensure your machete is always in a good working condition:
Machete blade care
The blade is the most important and functional part of the machete, as it is the part that gets the work done. You should, therefore, know how to maintain your blade properly.
For starters, make sure you clean the blade immediately after use by wiping it using a damp rag. Do not wait too long after using to clean it because the dirt will stick on the blade, making it much more difficult to clean.
Ever so often, apply a coat of oil on the blade to slow down rust or prevent it altogether. Note that carbon steel blades are more likely to rust compared to those made of stainless steel. Thus, they should be oiled more often than stainless steel blades.
Aside from oiling, it is essential to keep your blade sharp at all times. You do this by sharpening it as often as possible and especially when you notice that it is starting to get blunt.
Apart from being burdensome, a blunt blade is also dangerous to your safety and the people around you.
Machete handle care
Just like the blade, the handle of a machete needs to be cared for. The care awarded depends on the material of the handle.
Normally, wooden handles need the most maintenance as they are the most prone to warping, cracking, and rotting.
To make sure they last for as long as possible, keep a wooden handle away from moisture, oil it often to keep it dry, and use sandpaper to smoothen it when it gets rough to the touch.
Other handle materials such as plastic and fiberglass are more durable and require less maintenance.
Machete storage
Where you store your survival machete will determine the condition of the tool.
You should store your machete in a place that will not compromise the states of both the blade and the handle. A good storage place is one that is:
Clean and dry- A clean and dry environment will protect the blade from rusting and the handle from rotting away.
Cool, away from direct heat- Heat will cause the drying up of a wooden handle, which will lead to cracking.
Remember to keep your tools off the floor as much as possible. Also, do not cover blades with a leather sheath during storage, as the sheaths tend to gather moisture, which is a cause for corrosion.
Absolutely. Many machetes have shape blades and pointed tips that you can use to scare away wild animals, slice poisonous snakes, and stab through predators.
Can a machete cut wood?
Machetes are designed in such a way that they have a tremendous cutting power.
When the blade is sharp, it makes a clean, unmistakable cut through things. So yes, machetes can cut wood very efficiently.
Survival Machete Final Thoughts
If you are a survivalist or prepper, a survival machete should never miss in your collection of survival tools. It is incredibly versatile and convenient to carry into the great outdoors.
However, you should be careful to choose the right machete for your specific need according to the size, weight, and design. We hope this article has made it easier to choose the best machete for yourself.
Feel free to click on the links provided if you still need more information or wish to buy a survival machete to include in your bug out bag.
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