My brother and I love adventure so much; it could easily be our middle name. Being nature and adventure lovers, we make sure to spend any time that we get free from work exploring and admiring the wilderness by packing our survival kits like machete, camping bags and tent stove.
You can lose yourself in wilderness sometimes, especially if you go to uninhabited places, and become stranded alone. When hiking or exploring, we prefer to roam around places far from the daily hustle bustle, making it difficult to ask for help in case we need it.
Best Survival Machete Comparisons
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Condor Tools & Knives |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
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Gil Hibben |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
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Ontario Knife |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
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Gerber |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
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Ka-Bar |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
Surely, being in the best physical state might help us survive, but there is only so much a human body can do. We’d definitely need the best survival machete around to help us just in case of a crisis.
Things to Look for When Buying the Best Machete for Survival
Handle
When searching for the best survival knife/machete, you’ll come across various types of handles. Wooden handles will stay warm in your hand and provide you with a good grip, but they might crack when they come in contact with water. Plastic on the other hand, does not crack but might become slippery when exposed to water.
Another famous type of handle is the Micarta handle; known for its strength, comfort and being super easy to grip. Surely, if you travel around water bodies, you might not want to pick wooden or plastic handles, but if you don’t, purchasing wooden/plastic handles, being cheaper than Micarta, can save you money.
Blade Material
Machetes are usually made out of either stainless steel, carbon steel or carbon stainless steel. Here too, you need to consider the type of environment you’ll be exploring. If it is a wetland, then you might want to opt for blades made out of stainless steel as they are less prone to rusts.
But if you are not, carbon steel might be best for you as it is cheaper, and more durable. However, if you are unsure of the type of environment you’ll expose yourself to, carbon stainless steel is the best (but slightly expensive) bet as it combines the best of stainless and carbon steel.
Tang
As you are trying to buy the best survival machete, you might want to opt for a knife that has full tang construction rather than partial tang construction. A full tang construction means that the blade extends the entire length of the knife, and can be found inside the handle as well. Full tang ensures optimum strength and durability and is more effective for digging than partial tang, but it can be more expensive.
Weight
While bulky machetes may provide more efficient chopping, they can be difficult to carry around in comparison to lightweight machetes. Choose a machete with a suitable weight considering the length of your journey.
Popular Styles of Survival Machete
Kukri
This type of machete is known for being the Nepalese Ghurkha’s choice of weaponry. Given an excellent self-defense rating, Kukri is known to efficiently chop off vines, branches or even limbs. Its spear point tip can also be used as a more detailed carver. It is one of the best survival machetes and among the most versatile around. Its full tang construction makes it a robust and durable product.
Parang
Survival Parang is much less bulkier than the actual Parang used in Southeast Asia to cut down crops. While it is modelled after the actual Parang, survival Parang is much more compact, conventional and portable. Its hooked blade prevents it from getting stuck in the things it is used to chop off.
Bolo
Bolo machetes are designed for brute chopping and slashing. Although it can get a little heavy, it boasts an excellent self-defence rating amongst its users. Its true spear point is versatile in the sense that you can use it to break coconuts or cut down a whole tree. It also has a full tang construction.
Panga
This type of machete has a weighted end that is perfect for intense striking power. However, as it does not have a direct spear-point, it is not the most apt for self-defence. Panga can be used to chop down woods, brush and even trees. If you are the type that likes to hike long distances, this might not be the product for you as it is quite heavy.
Latin
I recall, latin survival machetes are known for being used by the US Military. This machete is ideal for anyone who is planning to explore deciduous forest areas and travel through underbrush as it is an excellent hacker for anything that is under 3 feet. Like the Kukri, the Latin machete also has a full tang construction.
Being A Responsible Machete Owner
Getting the most out of your machete
In order to get the best out of your machete, you should take proper care of it regularly. As machetes are made out of metal, they are prone to rusting. Thus, once you get the best survival machete you should try to keep your survival machete as dry as possible.
For excess moisture protection, you should wipe it with mineral oil if it does get wet. No matter how durable the machete, its blade can dull over time. If you want to achieve the sharpest cut, you should sharpen the machete’s blade habitually.
Safety First
When swinging a machete, your body exerts a lot of force through your hands. To make sure that the machete doesn’t go flying off, you’ll likely be gripping it tightly. In this case, the constant friction between the handle and your hand can give you abrasions.
To save yourself from any discomfort, you might want to wear light gloves, if not work gloves, to protect yourself against reverberation or cuts. It is best to be cautious when swinging a sharp tool as a survival machete as the angle people normally swing at can slice through the weakest part of your thighs very easily.
Above all, you should also be careful when you are inserting your machete inside the sheath. It might be best for you to insert the knife with the cutting edge facing the fold instead of the stitches. The sharp blade can slice through the stitching and can cut your fingers.
Survival Machete Reviews
Condor Tools & Knives Warlock Machete Knife, 12 1/2-Inch
- 19.5 x 1.5 x 1.8 inches
- 2.5 pounds
- 66 sculpted vents
- 5mm-1075 high carbon steel
With a full tang construction and an epoxy black powder coating blade finish, this machete is one of the most rugged looking survival machetes around. Although it might be a bit more expensive than other products, its high durability makes it worth the price. Get manufacturer’s warranty upon request.
This survival knife might be ideal for you if you are the type of person who goes into the wild frequently as it can chop any thick vine, bushes, or split logs that you might find blocking your way.
At 2.5 pounds, this machete is sturdily made and is also less prone to get stuck while chopping. Its construction features 5mm-075 high carbon steel and 66 sculpted vents. This Condor product also has a ‘Micarta’ handle, known for its ultra grip and high comfort. Even its sheath, made out of leather, is of high quality.
PROS
- Full tang construction
- Leather sheath
- Can chop thick vines, bushes or split logs
- Sharp
- Highly durable
- Heavy duty; sturdily made
- Less prone to get stuck while chopping
- Comfortable ‘Micarta’ handle
CONS
- Might be a bit heavier on the top
- Sleeve might be a bit loose
Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife
- 17.7 x 1.8 x 4.3 inches
- 2.8 pounds
- Solid hardwood handle
- Top grain leather sheath
- 440 stainless steel
This machete is popular for its 440 stainless steel. It also comes with a highly durable top grain leather sheath. The Gil Hibben IV is a very strong and sharp knife that will come in handy especially when you have to chop thick vines or baton woods. This machete can even chop bushes very efficiently. It only requires minimal amount of strokes to chop through an item and is very efficient – saving you both time and energy.
Moreover, the Gil Hibben IV has a solid hardwood handle gives it a non slip grip, making it easier for you to chop down the item that is obstructing your way. Another feature that sets this knife apart from others is that it is easy to maintain – a simple diamond sharpener can do the trick! If you are the type that is really into the aesthetics of machetes, this just might be the product for you.
PROS
- Easy to maintain
- No slip
- Easily chops through branches
- Minimal strokes required
- Durable
- Sharp
- Heavy duty
- Constructed from 440 stainless steel
CONS
- Pommel might twist and loosen
- Sheath might not be a perfect fit
Ontario SP8 Machete (Black)
- 17.9 x 3.8 x 1.9 inches
- 1.5 pounds
- Made of 1095 Carbon Steel
- 10 inch plain edge blade
- USA made
Designed specifically for military, sporting and rescue use, Ontario’s SP8 might be the perfect tool for your survival kit. It is suitable for people who like to trek/hike long distances as it is lightweight and conventional. My brother especially loved this practical feature because it was so comfortable to carry around.
Additionally, the handle is designed with a comfortable grip that reduces hand fatigue during extended use. This makes the Ontario SP8 a reliable and efficient tool for outdoor activities such as camping and survival situations.
PROS
- Robust sheath
- Designed for military, sporting, and rescue use
- No slip grip
- Highly durable
- High quality; USA made
- Comfortable to wear and carry around
- Can strip branches with minimal strokes
CONS
- The saw might become clogged on thick wood
Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete 31-002289
- 25.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches
- 1.2 pounds
- Full tang construction
- Ergonomic textured rubber grip
I believe this knife might be perfect for you if you have a tight budget and are looking for a machete that is of good quality. At just 1.2 pounds, it is very lightweight and is ideal for long hiking trails. Made with a robust high carbon steel blade, this machete is also known to be highly durable. One of the reasons why people love this survival machete is because it is military grade, and therefore of a high quality.
Additionally, its full tang construction also makes it highly durable. This product also features a lanyard cord and an Ergonomic textured rubber grip which provides enhanced grip security. I especially love this ‘non-slip’ aspect of the machete because it makes it easier for my constantly sweaty hands to grip properly and comfortably without using too much of force.
Gerber Bear’s angled blade makes it ideal for cutting vines or limbs. It is also easy to sharpen and mildew resistant. One unique feature about this product is that its packaging comes with SOS instructions, which only enhances your survival capability.
PROS
- Angled blade
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Easy to sharpen
- Corrosion resistant
- High quality
- Lightweight
- Military grade
- Mildew resistant
- Highly durable
- Non slip
- Enhanced grip security
CONS
- 1/8 inch thick blade; Might not cut through Split/ Baton wood
Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri
- 17.4 x 4.6 x 2.4 inches
- 1.7 pounds
- 100% Synthetic
- Ergonomic Kragon G thermoplastic elastomer handle
- Black leather/Cordura combination sheath
Firstly, I’ll admit, this is one of the highest rated machetes for survival in the market. It is 100% synthetic and its Ergonomic Kragon G thermoplastic elastomer handle gives you a non-slip and comfortable grip. I admire its sheath along with the actual knife itself, which is known for durability as it is made from a combination of black leather and Cordura. It is imported and is of high quality.
In addition, I love that the Ka-Bar Kukri is easy to strap to your body and the weighted down blade manages to give you that smooth and efficient cut. I found this feature especially beneficial when traveling through the underbrush, as when the machete is safely secured to your leg; it can streamline your gear and help you navigate your way much more quickly.
Finally, I think the sharp blade and the drilled handle for a small slip rope are excellent. I like the hook design on the back of the handle which helps you to retain control of your knife and reduces fatigue while holding the blade still.
PROS
- Imported
- High quality
- Highly durable
- Non slip grip
- Excels at chopping and basic field use
- Easy to strap to your body
- Blade is weighted down
- Very sharp
CONS
- Cannot be thrown
- Small diameter handle
- Minor inconsistency in the sheath leather
Which One Would I Recommend?
Finally, I have carefully evaluated the various types of survival machetes, I think that the ‘Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete’ is the best one. Not only is it super affordable, it is also lightweight and perfect for my husband and I as we love hiking great distances. I chose this machete as the winner because it’s a top-rated military grade machete.
I love that it is also mildew resistant, easy to sharpen and it has an Ergonomic textured rubber grip which provides maximum grip. Because it features an angled blade, I can chop vines and branches efficiently. Do you think this is the best machete for survival?
