![broken image](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/9273131/762315_570154.jpeg)
These are long, ranging from five to nine feet in length, and typically consist of a thick blade with a sharp edge on one side and a concave cutting surface on the other. Sometimes, it has a curved blade that makes it better for cutting bamboo or chopping wood. A machete can also be called simply by its country of origin: "bush knife", "garden knife" or "cane knife".
A straight-edged type is sometimes associated with the pirate movies of the late 1960s and 1970s swashbuckler films, but this is not accurate. The idea of a straight-bladed originates from the Dominican Republic, where such blades are still used as backwoodsman's tools. No civilized country, not even the Dominican Republic itself, uses machete blades on purpose.
It is a traditional tool for cutting down trees and saplings for log houses in Haiti and other Caribbean islands. Using these tools allows you to split wood (even hardwood) into relatively small pieces with minimal effort; or to sever larger branches which would require heavy equipment to do so.
History and Origins of Machete
The origins of the machete are often contested, with many scholars arguing over which culture introduced the first blade-tipped tool. In modern times, it is most widely associated with the natives of Central America and South America. Today, these tools are used in such diverse places as tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, deserts, and jungles. Additionally, they have been adapted to use as weapons for military and law enforcement personnel in a wide range of countries including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
It was a Spanish word derived from an Arabic term meaning "to hack". In 1513, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro used this tool to clear jungle growth in an attempt to save time and energy while building a hacienda. The word spread relatively quickly across the Iberian Peninsula and is believed to have been commonly used in Spain before Columbus's 1492 voyage to the New World.
In the early 1600s, explorers began utilizing machetes as weapons of war. Maps from that period show the first recorded usage of machetes by soldiers fighting for Dutch, English, and French colonial powers in Indonesia. Many accounts of early European activities on the African continent record the use of machetes against Bantu natives by traders or missionaries.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Machate:
It is an essential tool in the outdoorsman's arsenal and the ultimate homesteader's friend. Included in this list are five factors to consider when buying a machete, from blade sharpness and weight to overall size. You will be able to find the best machete for your needs among these factors and many others:
1. Blade Length and Shape
The machete's blade is often the most important element to consider when purchasing this tool. A blade that is too short will limit your ability to cut effectively; a blade that is too long can make your machete difficult to use. Further, the shape of the blade can affect how you use it. Some blades are sharper on one edge or the other, so it's best to check both sides. The blade should be sturdy enough to withstand hard hacking without bending, and thick enough for easy gripping.
2. The Quality of the Blade
If your tool's blade is made of a lower-quality metal, you can expect a shorter lifespan. For example, carbon steel-bladed tools are sharper than common stainless steel ones, but they are also prone to rust and discoloration with regular use. Luckily, those factors can be mitigated with a quick wipe after each outing.
3. Weight and Handle Size
The handles come in many shapes and sizes; sometimes the handle style is specific to the manufacturer or country of manufacture. Choose a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and feel free to try out different sizes if you have the opportunity - most stores will let you hold their machetes before purchasing one.
4. Blade Sharpness
An unsharpened blade will dull and make your machete difficult to use. Again, the manufacturer or country of manufacture can affect this factor, so it is worthwhile to check both sides of the blade before committing to a purchase. After using this tool for some time, sharpen the blade with a whetstone as needed. While you are sharpening your machete, look for any signs of rust or discoloration on the blade's surface - these could indicate potential problems with your blade.
5. The Machete's Overall Size
Choose the knife that fits comfortably into your backpack or toolbox. If you plan on carrying the machete in one hand, the blade should be within reach for a chopping motion.
Major Benefits of A Machete:
A Machete is perfect for chopping through dense brush and vegetation. They can be used as a weapon, such as in the event of an intruder or attacker. This tool could also help with clearing out underbrush when camping or setting up a tent or other outdoor equipment. You might even use it to clear your way through an overgrown path. Shaped like a weapon, these tools are used to cut wood for fuel and to clear underbrush. This folding knife has a 3-5/8" long blade that is ideal for cutting through vegetation and brush in a park or forest.
It has a red handle that protects the user's fingers from the heat of the sun and from blisters. It's not easy to find an axe that is big enough to chop down trees, but a machete is just right for a job like this. The machete is very similar in size to an axe, but it is less cumbersome and easier to carry around. This tool is versatile in that the blade can be used for clearing vegetation, cutting wood, and chopping through tough brush. This tool has a sturdy handle with a metal hook to make it easier to hang and carry.