Survival Machete
If you find yourself in the midst of a tangled jungle or surrounded by acres of dense undergrowth, your best friend is a survival machete. There isn't another survival tool out there that can compare to it in terms of usefulness in dense overgrowth. That or when you just want to get rid of some blackberry vines. So, what do you look for when it is time to get one?
Well, when it is time to select a machete, there are certain attributes that it should never have. Really. It shouldn't be lightweight. It should not be bright and shiny. Light, shiny machetes usually can't hold a very sharp edge. This makes them very inefficient. The machetes themselves won't last very long, either. That very thin blade might just break in two on your first hard job. A shattered blade flying through the air is entirely possible. Believe it, I’ve seen it happen.
The best kinds of machete are those that are made of very high carbon steel blades with spring temper. This sturdy composition allows for some flexibility of the blade with little fear of snapping it in two. They can be identified immediately by the black oxide finish on the blade.
If not, there is usually some other black anti-rust baked-on finish.
The best handles are high impact shatterproof polymer handles that are usually black in color. Steel compression rivets are optimum for holding the handles in place.
As with all sharp blades, you should always have a sheath on your machete unless you are actively using it. Falling on an unsheathed machete, knocking your swinging arm into it or even accidentally kicking it on the ground could result in an ugly wound and hospital visit. Don't even question the need for it. Without a sheath, it's better left at home.
Here are a couple of "don'ts" for choosing a sheath. Cloth-like vinyl sheaths are easily found but they aren't recommended. This very large, very dangerous blade should have a much tougher form of protection. There are some wooden sheaths available but they aren't very practical, especially in the field. They are heavy, unwieldly and could split or break leaving you carrying an unsheathed machete.
While some survival machetes come with very nice leather sheaths. Leather sounds good, but this type of sheath isn't recommended for a working machete. Especially not when you're going to store it. Leather absorbs moisture and facilitates the production of tannic acid. Tannic acid facilitates the formation of rust. This is a problem that is entirely unavoidable. You really don't want to go there.
The best machete sheaths are made of a very tough, very thick flexible plastic that completely covers the blade from tip to handle. Military surplus stores are the best places to find them, although they are available at many other stores. They aren't as common as leather sheaths but they are much more functional. My personal favorite is the one that comes with a metal swivel belt hook and a built-in sharpener. The classic military machete sheath. Very nice.
Some new machete models have features that are quite impressive. These features improve the functionality of the machete. Some have a prominent saw-toothed edge at the spine of the blade, sometimes called a saw back. Minus the tip, it sometimes covers almost the entire length of the spine. It's awesome. This is a machete with a fully functional saw. Really nice, especially for rubbery or extremely hard wood. No need to wear yourself out with repeated chopping.
Another improved is the addition of long grooves that run lengthwise along the flat of the blade. These grooves allow for better removal of sappy wood or vegetation of similar texture. Lanyard holes are not a requirement of machete handles but they sure are nice to have. They are convenient for quick temporary storage.
There are many styles and types of machetes available in today's market. You could get a Bowie Machete, a bolo machete, a two-handed or a double edged usefulness, to name just a few. These machetes range in price from just over five dollars to nearly a hundred dollars (sheath and sharpening stone included). Even the best machetes can be found at less than thirty dollars. Just be sure the one you pick has the best features possible based on the considerations we have laid out.
A good quality survival machete is an extremely valuable tool in the right circumstances. It is extremely versatile and efficient. If you are or plan to be out in the field a lot, you should have at least one machete in your collection of tools. There is nothing like the magnificent machete.