A knife that doubles up as an axe – that’s a machete for you. The machete has become one of the most useful utility tools of modern times. From chopping to cutting, there is nothing that a machete can’t handle, provided you buy the right one. A poor quality machete will drill a hole in your pocket and waste all your time and energy.
The most popular use of a machete is to create trails in the middle of forests and large jungle areas. To cut a thick branch or trunk, you need a sharp and durable axe that will not bend. While traditional axes are useful, they are bulky and often result in injuries to the user. The machete was invented as a safer and more suitable alternative to the traditional axe. It is lightweight, easy to use, and can withstand heavy wear and tear.
Why Do you Need a Machete?
From professional trailblazers to amateurs, everyone prefers a machete for clearing paths. It is a great tool with many uses. The versatile features of a machete make it popular among users. You can use it for creating paths, chopping down bushes, creating funnel points, and much more. The usage of a machete is not limited to a particular profession. Fishers, hunters, farmers, and even regular home keepers use a machete for their daily work.
If you are interested in knowing about a detailed description of the uses of a machete, here’s a list for you.
Clearing bushes
You can use your machete to chop off bushes and create a clearing anywhere you want. Wildlife enthusiasts use a sog jungle machete to create clearings for survey stations. They set up cameras to monitor the activities of wild animals. You can also use a machete for clearing large chunks of wood after a cyclone or hurricane.
Chopping wood
The sharp edges of a machete make it perfect for chopping wood or compost. You can chop up any variety of wood to create firewood. If you have a fireplace at home, you need not buy firewood and spend a fortune. Chop your wood and create a crackling fire anytime you want.
Cutting crops
Recently, many farmers have taken to the machete for cutting high-density crops. Rice, corn, barley, oats, sugarcane, and even wheat can be easily harvested with the help of a machete. A traditional sickle is inconvenient, so if you want a modern tool for cutting your crop, the machete would be very useful.
Gardening
Although people have machines to cut bushes, if you want something lightweight, you can go for a machete. It can trim branches, remove vines, remove side branches, and cut unreachable tall grasses. You can trim your entire garden and make it look neat and clean.
Butchering
The sharp blade of the machete is perfect for chopping meat. If you are having an outdoor Sunday brunch, you can use a machete for chopping beef, turkey, or pork.
The Best Machete with Reviews
We have picked up the best machetes for you so that you won’t have to hunt down the internet. Go through the extensive description to decide which machete you want to buy. It can be exhaustive to find the perfect machete for your daily uses. The SOG machete has been ruling the machete industry for many years now. It is one of the best machetes that you will find in the market. To help you decide the type of machete you should buy, here are the top 3 SOG machetes that can handle any amount of work.
1. SOG SOGfari 18” Machete
Features:
• Size: Eighteen-inch
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Dimension: 24×2.5×0.75 inch
• Colour: Black
• Power source: AC/DC
• Blade edge: plain edge
• Material: stainless steel
• The machete fits comfortably in your hand.
Overview:
If you are looking for a speciality knife and tool, the SOG SOGfari blade will not disappoint you. It has a working saw at the back that you can use for chopping wood. Whether you want it for survival or clearing trails, the SOG machete can double up as a great tool. Synthetic rubber material provides excellent grip while handling the machete. You can attach it to your belt to keep it safe and secure. The base of the machete has a small lanyard hole to allow you to run a string through it and tie it somewhere.
You get a black sheath with this machete to keep it safe while carrying. There will be no accidental cuts as the grip is perfect and the sheath will protect you from the sharp blades. If you are looking for a lightweight utility tool, the SOG SOGfari machete will give you the best value for money. You also get a warranty against the blade, and it covers up for defects during manufacturing. As the blade is made of stainless steel, it can withstand heavy chopping.
On the downside, some users complained of the poor quality of the build. You have to alternate between heavy and light chopping to maintain the sturdiness of the blade. After several uses, you need to sharpen the blades, or you will end up with a blunt blade that won’t be useful.
2. SOG Tanto Machete – SOG SOGfari survival machete
Features:
• Size: 16 inches
• Blade length: 10 inches
• Edge: Straight
• Finish: Hardcase black
• Sheath material: Nylon
• Colour: Black
• Power source: AC/DC
• Operation: Manual
Overview:
If you want a powerful machete that can double up as a wood saw, this is your best pick. The SOG tanto machete is meant for survival in the jungle, and you can use it for so many things. The best feature of this machete is a working saw at the back that you can use for cutting wood. A heavy-duty stainless steel blade can cut anything from crops to dangling branches. The machete gets its sturdy grip from the slip-proof rubber handle. So, you can cut away effortlessly without worrying about the blade slipping away from your hands. The best reviews elaborated the light-weightiness of this machete. It will feel like a dream in your hand, and you will be able to chop off with ease.
The knife is durable and strong so that you can use it in all weather conditions. There is a sharp piercing tip at the top that will come in handy while cutting. It is dependable, affordable, and compact – so you get all three amazing features packed into one. The manufacturers provide a nylon sheath with the machete that will protect you from getting hurt.
Although the SOG tanto machete is packed with many useful features, there are several downsides that you cannot ignore. You will end up with a sore arm after repeated use of the machete as it is lightweight and needs more control. Also, you can’t use the machete for clearing thick bushes or jungle areas. If you have lightweight uses like chopping firewood or trimming branches in your garden, then this machete is perfect for you.
3. SOG SOGfari 13” Machete MC01-N – SOG Jungle Machete
Features:
• Length: 19 inches
• Weight: 13 ounces
• Material: High carbon stainless steel
• Handle: Rubber
• Blade length: 12.9 inches
• Blade edge: Plain edge with saw
Overview:
The SOG SOGfari 13-inch machete is a powerful utility knife that you can also use as a saw. Making clean cuts is easy with this knife as it has sharpened stainless steel blades. You can use this machete in every weather condition as the blade, and the handle has been made weather-proof. It can tolerate chemicals, heat, and other corrosive materials so that you can use it for any kind of material. The extended saw can help you cut through large chunks of wood or compost.
You can use this machete in the toughest of conditions for clearing through forested areas. It is a versatile tool and can help you for clearing trails, chopping wood, harvesting crops, and much more. There is a spiked tang at the back that can scrape and pound through various materials.
There are a few things that can cause a little discomfort while using. The sheath has rough edges so, if you hold it in your arms, you might get scratches. The overall performance of this machete can be compared to the SOG SOGfari Kukri Machete in terms of design and ergonomics. If you are looking for a lightweight tool that can do a lot of things at once, you should consider buying this machete.
How to buy the perfect machete?
Buying a perfect machete depends on why you need the product in the first place. Decide the purpose for which you want to use a machete and then look at some of the aspects that can help you decide. There are many important things to consider before buying a machete for your daily use. Here’s the simplest machete buying guide to help you pick the best machete.
Machete blade style
The shape and style of the blade can play an important role in deciding which machete would be perfect for you. A billhook machete would be ideal for harvesting purposes whereas a kukri machete can help you cut through wood. If you want to use a machete for lightweight cutting, the bolo machete can come in handy.
Blade length
Again, the purpose of usage will determine what blade length you should choose. There is a wide range of blade lengths, from 11 inches to 28 inches and larger. Smaller blades are for light-duty applications but are portable. If you have heavy-duty uses, you need to invest in a longer blade.
Blade material
While carbon stainless steel is the perfect pick for many people, you can also opt for normal stainless steel blades. High carbon stainless steel provides additional strength and durability to the blade but can cost more than regular stainless steel.
Tang or no tang
Tang is the connecting portion of a machete handle and the blade. The tang holds the blade steady while cutting, so you need to ensure that the tang is fully extended and riveted in place. A shorter or loose tang can result in unfortunate mishaps.
Machete handle material
Rubber is the best material for the machete handle. It provides adequate grip and can withstand pressure effortlessly. Avoid hard handles as your hand will hurt after repeated use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• Can you use a machete for cutting meat?
Yes, you can use a machete for chopping meat as long as it is clean. Wipe the blade with a clean cloth and clear it of debris. If you frequently use it for cutting other materials, consider washing it before you use it for preparing meals.
• How do you sharpen a machete?
There are several machete sharpening kits available online. Use those kits to sharpen your machete and increase its longevity.
• Can you engrave a machete?
If you want to customize your machete, you can engrave it. Although it will require great effort, you can still give it a try.
Conclusion
After reading several SOG machete reviews, we can confidently say that the SOG machete is the clear choice for heavy-duty cutting and chopping. If you want a high-quality machete at affordable prices, the SOG machete is the perfect buy.
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