A machete is a tool that has been associated with self-defense for decades. The best machete for Self defense is an essential component whether you are hiking, camping, or clearing bushes at your farm. In addition, the chopping and cutting power of most blades of machetes makes them great self-defense tools. But, which machete should you choose? Find out more in this article.
What is a Machete, and Why Should You Get One?
A machete is a broad cutting tool typically 12 to 18 inches long and usually under 1⁄8 inches thick. The machetes are quite versatile as they can act as both a knife or an ax and provide a wide range of uses. Primarily, machetes are used for trail creation and maintenance. Similarly, a machete makes clearing brush, cutting compost and making a campsite much easier.
In addition to clearing and composting, a machete can be used as a weapon for self-defense to fend off small animals. It could also be used as a fighting weapon meaning it can be used for hacking or stabbing. The good bit is that the best machete for self-defense are relatively small to provide great speed, and the wide bade extra cutting power.
The other amazing bit is that carrying or having a machete at home for self-defense has been legal in most states. First, however, yopu need to ensure that the situation you used the machete needed self-defense. So let's dive in and look at the top 5 machetes you can use for self-defense with that understanding.
What type of machete is best?
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1. KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri machete
- Made in: Taiwan
- Category name: machetes
- Made in USA or imported
- Black Kukri-style machete with carbon-steel blade
- Ideal for chopping weeds, clearing campsite, and more
Ka-Bar Kukri machete is one of the top survival machetes on the market. This machete blade is high-quality 1085 carbon steel with a black epoxy powder finish. The high carbon steel machete is corrosion and rust-free, perfect for chopping weeds, clearing grounds, chopping wood, and self-defense.
Image credit: Ka-Bar
The overall length for this machete is length 17inches, whereas the blade length is 11.5 inches. Again the unit weight is also impressive, at only 1.30 lbs making it ideal. This machete also comes with a rubberized handle that gives you a comfortable grip every time you are using the machete. In addition to that, the sheath comes with a belt loop and end lop that helps keep it in place.
Furthermore, this survival machete can exert more power than other similar knives in the same category, thus making it an excellent choice. The only downside is that the Kraton-covered rubberized handle tends to cause blisters, so you may need to wear gloves when doing heavy-duty tasks.
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2. Ontario Knife Co 1-18" Military Machete
- Overall length is 24"
- Made of 1095 Carbon Steel
- Blade is hardened to 50-55 HRC
- Molded plastic and riveted handle
- 18" blade
Ontario Knife Co Military Machete is an ideal choice from a renowned brand supplying the military with machetes for years now. It has a full tang blade, and its construction is excellent, making it a heavy-duty machete. This means it is ideal for clearing bushes and chopping firewood.
image credit: Ontario Knife
It has a blade length of 18 inches, an overall length of 24 inches, and weighs around 15.9 Ounces. Again the blade is 1/4” thick, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The Ontario Knife blade material is made with 1095 carbon steel heat-treated to 50- 55 HRC. The best bit is that this blade is super easy to sharpen.
The Ontario Knife Co Military blade is perfectly attached to one of the most ergonomic handles, which provides a great grip. Plus, it has a lanyard eyelet that helps prevent your hand from sliding off.
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3. SOG Jungle Primitive Fixed Blade
- FULL TANG MACHETE KNIFE BLADE: This small machete is a heavy duty jungle machete, military machete, garden machete and hunting machete; machete full tang survival knife measures 15.3 inches in total length
- TACTICAL MACHETES WITH SHEATH: Brush machete stores easily in its ballistic nylon compact machete sheath with storage pouch; use as a hiking machete and tree machete with the rugged belt loop sheath
- STAINLESS STEEL SAWBACK MACHETE: Hardcased black military machete is made with hardcased 8Cr13MoV stainless steel; jungle knife serrated edge is ideal for survival machete heavy duty cutting and sawing tasks
- BIG KNIFE W/ KRATON HANDLE: SOG’s Digi-Grip keeps this machete heavy duty, lightweight and easy to handle; a great 14-ounce machete for camping, gardening, or clearing brush, grass, saplings and tree branches
- SOG MACHETE FOR LIFE: Take care of your tactical machete knife with sheath and we’ll take care of you; your SOG’s survival knife machete is built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests
If you want to get the best survival machete, then the SOG Jungle Primitive Fixed Blade would be ideal. This machete has a blade crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, which gives it extra durability and corrosion resistance features. The blade is usually 9.5 inches, and the actual machete length is 15.3 inches making it a perfect choice for self-defense.
image credit: SOG
The SOG Jungle Primitive machete features a full tang that provides a full swing with the full power to cut through anything. The amazing bit is that it has a Kraton Thermoplastic rubber handle with a lightweight yet strong grip, even with sweaty hands.
Additionally, you can easily and instantly change this machete blade from self-defense to a small machete, limb saw, or hammer. It also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath with a utility pouch to keep the machete and the user safe.
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4. Tramontina Bolo Machete
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- Made in Brazil
Tramontina Bolo Machete is a machete that is originally made in Brazil, and most people use it as everyday survival gear. The amazing bit is that this blade is cost-friendly and is quite durable. Its full tang machete blade is specially designed to meet users’ expectations. It also has a construction that implies that the blade extends to the handle for increased durability.
Image credit: Tramontina Store
The Te Tramontina is made from mild carbon steel, durable and easy to sharpen. Of course, like other blades, you will need to sharpen them when it arrives since they won't be sharp or ready to use. But, amazingly, this machete is affordable and offers great value for your money.
Furthermore, it has a blade length of 14.5-inch, and it has a steep curve on end. It also has a wide yet short tip which allows you to perform light digging tasks. The only downside is that you will need to sharpen and shape the machete before you start using it.
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5. Condor Tool & Knife, Australian Army Machete
- Blade length: 12-7/8in, overall length: 18-1/4in, blade thickness: 0.18in
- Constructed of 1075 high carbon steel, heat treated and annealed to 50-55 Rockwell C scale
- Condor natural finish gives a bare metal look, that has the appeal of a well-worn pair of jeans
- The walnut handles are finished with a smooth grip and are known for their nice dark look and excellent durability
- Reinforced Canvas sheath with a durable leather belt loop and a 500lb Paracord
Condor Tool & Knife, Australian Army Machete is the last product we will look at. This machete is the ideal choice if you have been looking for a fine machete for self-defense. The machete combines all the necessary features needed for a survival tool. The amazing bit is that the tool's overall length makes it easy to use and even carry around.
Image credit:myshoptet.com
The Condor Tool & Knife, Australian Army Machete, has a thick blade of 0.25 inches, making it ideal for cutting through anything. It also features a solid handle with a durable rubber grip that provides optimum stability. In addition, this machete comes with a sturdy sheath and a fire starter kit.
The stainless steel machete has walnut handles that are finished with a smooth grip for flawless execution. Apart from preventing slipping, walnut handles provide a stunning appearance. This best machete for self-defense is an ideal tool handy for multi-tasking.
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Types of Machetes
1. Latin Machete
The Latin American machete is usually long and straight. Its blade is pretty thick, allowing you to cut through thick brush easily. Also, the blade is evenly weighted, and its design is extremely versatile. The only disadvantage of the Latin American machetes is that they are not as durable as other types.
2. Kukri Machete
Kukri machetes are usually more curved than regular machetes. These machetes have fewer inches shorter blades than most machetes, which can be easily carried around. The kukri machetes are usually the best to clear thick wood.
3. Parang Machete
Parang machetes are also commonly referred to as the Golok machetes. They usually have a distinctive curved shape. They also tend to belong and are fairly weighted. These machetes are ideal for cutting woody material
4. Barong machetes
Barong machetes are known for their distinctive leaf-shaped blade, only sharpened on one side. These traditional cutting tools are mostly used for Hunting and Livestock slaughter. They are originally from the Philippines.
5. Bolo Machete
The bolo is originally from the Philippines and is very popular in Southeastern Asia. They are commonly used as agricultural and farming tools for harvesting crops and chopping woody vegetation
6. Panga Machete
The panga machete is originally from Africa and is popularly used in Africa and the Caribbean. These machetes are designed with a deep belly to provide enough weight for cutting or chopping. They are usually ideal for slicing and chopping moderately thick woody vegetation.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Machete for Self-Defense
1. Blade Material
When purchasing any self-defense machete, you must check the blade material to get the most durable machetes. Most of the time, machetes are made of steel, high carbon steel, or spring steel. In most cases, machete blades are springer than typical knives blades. So you need to get a blade that would not bend out of shape.
2. Blade Length
You will need to check the blade length when purchasing the best machetes. The length of the blade will definitely affect how the machete functions. For instance, longer blades can cut through wide areas, but they are not easy to carry around. On the other hand, the shorter blades are lighter and easy to carry or store; however, there are not ideal for cutting through thick brushes.
3. Blade Style
Another factor that you need to consider is the blade style. Most of the time, the blade shape or style varies considerably depending on the use of the machete. However, the style will be based on your preference for the best machete for self-defense.
4. Weight
The best machete for survival should be lightweight for you to carry around and use effortlessly. At least you should aim at getting a machete that won't be tedious to have on.
5. Handle Style
When purchasing a self-defense machete, you will also need to check the handle type or style. The handles usually come in different shapes, sizes and materials. So, you will choose a handle that will provide a great and comfortable grip.
Frequently Asked Question about Survival Machetes
1. Are machetes legal to own and use?
Yes, machetes are considered legal tools in most states, but they are not classified as weapons in most cases. It is important thought make sure that before you purchase one, you double-check to see your local jurisdiction’s laws.
2. Is a machete an effective weapon?
Machetes are mostly used as an agricultural tool, but without a doubt, the machete is one of the best and most effective self-defense weapons. As a fighting weapon, the machete can be used for slashing, hacking and stabbing.
3. Are machetes good for survival?
Yes, machetes are great for survival. The machetes are used for clearing, composting and splitting nuts or fruits. In other words, the machetes are critical for survival. And as we have mentioned, they are also essential and great for self-defense.
image credit: primalsurvivor.net