Did you know that the first machete was sold in 1845? Yes, for more than 100 years, people all around the world have been buying these survival tools for various purposes.
Nowadays, survival machetes have evolved so much, and there are different designs and manufacturers you can choose from. When comparing different cultures, you’ll see that the modern machete has a lot to do with a kukri, kopis, seax, parang, dao, parang, or a fascine knife.
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Survival Machete
The characteristics that machetes are known for are the length of the blade (typically 12 to 18 in) and its thickness (0.12 in).
These units are used for agricultural purposes and to cut through rainforest undergrowth, but they can also be used as a weapon, as you have probably seen in many horror movies.
Since it’s never too late to get a high-quality machete, we are here to offer you with the top models that are currently on the market online. Let’s get going!
Kershaw 18 (1074) Camp Series Machete
The moment we heard the brand Kershaw we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed.
With its high-performance working knives and tools, the company has been dominating the knife market for many years, and the Kershaw Camp Series is just the next proof of how innovative design and advanced technology can be combined to create solid, reliable blades that are also affordable to all consumers.
A zombie apocalypse may sound like a movie scenario, but in the crazy years we live in, we bet you wouldn’t be surprised if that really happens.
With this knife, you will not only be prepared for any survival situation, but you will also be able to do some of your everyday chores with ease- removing tough vines, clearing bushes, maintaining your trail, etc.
This Kershaw machete is one of the top survival machetes you can add to your survival gear.
The knife has an 18-inch blade made of 65Mn steel. The blade is super durable due to its black powder coat finish, and since the unit is also lightweight- 2.60 pounds, you can carry it wherever you go.
Additionally, the instrument has a molded sheath with nylon straps. We like how ergonomically shaped the device is, and we also think the strong polymer handle is a major plus.
KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri
Camp tasks require you to have a quality survival machete, and that’s why, in our list, we’ve gathered heavy-duty suggestions that can literally save your life, just like this Ka-Bar Kukri-style machete.
With its high carbon steel blade, this survival machete can cut through anything that comes in your way. It is super sharp, and even after years of use, it won’t break. The blade itself is easy to sharpen, and we guarantee it is worth the investment.
The thing we find to be the greatest advantage of this tactical machete is how lightweight it is- 1.7 pounds.
When it comes to choosing survival machetes, you need to look for a combination of sharpness, portability, and comfort, and this suggestion definitely has it all. Its carbon steel blade length is 11-1/2 inches, and the overall length of the unit is 17″.
The ergonomic Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer handle of this survival machete is also essential to mention.
The tool is easy to grip and can survive the most robust field testing. For even greater comfort, this Kukri machete comes with a black sheath made of leather and Cordura.
Ontario Knife Company 6120 1-18SBK Machete Sawback
OKC was founded in 1889 and ever since then has been producing one of the most wide-ranging product lines in the cutlery industry. Working with quality materials and components, the company has even built knives and tools for the U.S. military, so yeah…this next suggestion is definitely worth the money!
This machete is made of 1095 carbon steel and can shop through hardwood, pine, and pretty much anything you can think of.
It is the ideal machete for everyday carry, and you can use it while camping, hunting, working, etc. It features a square plastic handle with rounded corners that is secured with rivets. We also enjoyed the pinky hook on the end that can keep you from throwing the machete on a swing through the target.
Even though this high carbon steel machete weighs 1.4 ounces and it is very thick and can swing fast. This hiking machete acts a lot like a hatched but offers a much better balance.
We are sure that even after years of use, this carbon steel 18-inch blade will not bend or wobble.
See also: Most Wanted Survival Saws in 2023
Condor Tool & Knife
When we tried this machete for the first time, we felt it was a bit too heavy than most other units. However, after a few weeks of constant usage and tests, we can now say that this is one of the greatest machetes for professionals out there.
There are no nicks on the blade, even after we used it various times and sharpened it.
With units like this one, balance is more important than weight for several reasons, one of which is not feeling tired after a few strokes.
With weight and heaviness on the handle end, this cutting tool is well-balanced and enables you to swing it with enough cutting force to chop practically anything.
We also like that this machete is suitable for mixed uses. The heavy blade thickness makes it ideal for larger bush, and its sharpness is perfect for thinner problems.
Keep in mind, though, that this survival machete is not suitable for inexperienced users; it is a serious machete for professionals!
The blade material is 1075 high carbon steel, and the unit comes with a black leather sheath. The hardwood handle and the sharp tip are also great advantages.
SOGFari Survival Full Tang Machete
Now, this suggestion is even more interesting than the first two since it is a 2-in-1 high-quality full tang unit that combines a machete and a wood saw.
It is ideal for camping, hiking, and hunting, and it measures 16 inches in total length. The black tanto blade is made of durable 3Cr13 stainless steel, and the saw is located on its back. The tip of the blade is also very sharp!
We liked the fact that despite the heavy-duty construction, this full tang knife has a perfectly balanced weight. The non-slip rubber handle is also a great addition to the design.
The safety grip handle also has lanyard holes in it. If you’re searching for a jungle machete that can pierce, cut, and saw, you just found it!
Even though this full tang survival machete is built to last, you need to make sure it is maintained properly, and that’s why we really liked the high-quality nylon sheath the blade comes with. It will protect your stainless steel blade and help you carry it with you wherever you go.
This SOGFari survival knife is undoubtedly one of the most reliable outdoor survival tools you can get for that price!
Schrade SCHKM1 19.7in Kukri Machete
Here’s another Kukri machete that we know you will love. It is cheaper than our other suggestion, but it is just as durable and trustworthy.
This survival tool is the perfect addition to your survival gear, and it will make all of your outdoor adventures fun and safe. The blade shape allows for a quick and effective cut.
The 3Cr13 stainless steel blade makes this unit a steady performing companion while camping, hiking, executing bushcraft, hunting, etc. Its overall length is 19.7inches, whereas the blade length is 13.3inches.
The unit’s weight is also impressive, only 1.6 lbs with the case on. Speaking of that, this stainless steel machete comes with a nylon sheath for easy carry. You also get a removable shoulder pouch, leg strap, shoulder strap, and belt loop.
We also liked the black, safe-t-grip handle with front quillon since it is very comfortable to grab.
With this easy-to-sharpen machete, you will have confidence that the blade won’t slip, and you will be prepared for everything since the unit comes with a lanyard hole, a Ferro rod, and a sharpening stone.
See also: Survival Lighters For Survival And Preparedness
Wrap Up
There are many things you need to keep in mind when choosing the best survival machete. Does the unit have a thick blade? Does the handle offer a rubber grip? Do you get a polyester sheath with a belt loop? What about a Ferro rod and a lanyard cord? Luckily for you, our reviews of machetes cover all of these questions, and we are sure you will find the perfect machete blade with the ideal shape for your survival uses.
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