The Best Combat Machete 2023 for Any Budget

Gone are the days when a knife was the only tool used by humans for hunting, survival, and agriculture. Now the machetes are here to serve as a multi-purpose tool with high-class performance, appearance, and durability. For many centuries, a knife has been the prime weapon of tribes living in the deadliest jungles.

This tool has been modified from stone to wood and now the latest shape is the combat machetes made from premium quality steel. There are many types of machete used all around the world for different needs.

The first thing is to clarify the use of the machete such as where you want to use it, in the jungle, for adventure or for survival, etc. There are three basic features of the best combat machete.

But when you look for combat machetes, there are countless brands offering the best in the business. How can you select the best among the bests? Don’t worry; we are here to help you. We have analyzed combat machetes and made this list for you to pick the best one according to your needs.

01. Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Fixed Blade Machete

Ethan Becker is the man who founded the Becker Knife and Tool Corporation in the 1980s. Being an avid outdoorsman, he loved martial arts and hunting. He always wanted to improve the tactical gear industry and thus founded one of the most popular combat machete manufacturing companies.

KA-BAR is one of the five best-selling models by Becker. With 9 inches blade length and 16.8 ounces weight, the Ka-Bar Becker features a classic handle design and an American bowie-style blade.

This machete is an ideal gift for adventure lovers. 1095 Cro-Van Steel has been used for the blade which is easy-to-sharpen carbon steel that maintains its edge perfectly. The Swiss-made Grivory handle is created with glass-fiber-filled nylon for additional strength. Other features are the Ka-Bar Becker stamp, a flat grind, and the 20-degree edge angle. The overall length of the BK9 is 14-3/4 inches.

02. Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife

Gil Hibben IV is famous for the 440 stainless steel and a high-quality grain leather sheath. It is one of the most durable knives for chopping baton wood or thick knives.

The machete has the ability to chop bushes effectively. This best combat machete can be handy to save energy and time as it has a very sharp and durable blade to perform perfectly.

The solid hardwood handle is there for an ideal non-slip grip that makes it easy for you to chop different items without any difficulty. One of the most appealing aspects of this combat machete is that it is easy to maintain. All you need is a simple diamond sharpener to keep it sharp.

03. Schrade SCHKM1 19.7in Kukri Machete

Schrade is amongst the most reliable and trustworthy knife manufacturers that produce perfect blades for all outdoor adventures. Whether you are camping, hiking, hunting, or chopping, you must have a Schrade SCHKM1 in your kit.

This popular brand has its own reputation for its excellent craftsmanship, durability, and quality. This combat machete by Schrade is exceptionally well-made in strength and size. The reliable nylon sheath has the ability to keep it safe for you.

The highly durable 3Cr13 Powder Coated S.S steel has been used in making the 13.3 inches blade. This machete has 19.7 inches overall length with a 1 lb weight. It also has a Ferro rod, sharpening stone with a lanyard hole. The polyester sheath offers quick and easy access.

You also enjoy the belt loop, leg strap, and shoulder strap with it. The Safe-T grip black handle improves the grip on the machete in the worst conditions. The curved pattern also increases the cutting strength. Whether you are cutting a tree, chopping firewood, or making a path by cutting bushes, The SCHKM1 is the best pick for you. Last but not least; the blade is highly rusted-resistant.

04. Ontario Knife 8180 498 Marine Combat Machete Knife

As the name suggests, this machete has been used exclusively by the United States Marine Forces. Ontario has produced various premium-quality knives for decades and almost all are used by the U.S armed forces. The 498 Marine Combat Machetes is yet another masterpiece by Ontario. The handle of this machete has been created using weather-proofed black leather.

It features a non-reflective black zinc phosphate finished blade for high performance. The 7-inch blade is .17 inches thick that has been created from strong high carbon 1095 steel which protects it from rust. Other classy features of Ontario 498 are the 5” Kraton handle for an ideal solid grip and a belt loop with black leather sheath. The overall length of this combat machete is 12 inches with a 9.9 oz weight which is very appealing for machete lovers.

05. United Cutlery UC3024 M48 Ops Combat Machete

This wicked-designed machete by United Cutlery is manufactured from high-end materials for flawless performance. The M48 Combat Bowie is highly recommended for serious missions. This awesome machete features a full tang blade, military design, an M.O.L.L.E sheath, and a 420A stainless steel. What I personally like about this machete is the durability and safety test for hard conditions.

This is a special machete in our best machete list for enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals. The titanium electroplated blade finish adds to the fabulous appearance. Another quality feature is the reinforced impact-resistant handle that offers a solid grip in any condition. It has a 2.4 lbs weight with 16 inches overall length.

06. Condor Tool and Knife Dendritic 8-Inch Combat

The history of this brand traces back to 1787 when the GERB WEYESBERG COMPANY was founded in Solingen, Germany. The brand is well-known for producing quality swords, agriculture tools, military knives, and household cutlery.

Condor Tool and Knife is the world’s largest knife and sword manufacturer. The Dendritic is one of the most powerful and professional combat machetes produced by the master in the business.

This machete features a metal handle with CAST 440C Stainless Steel blade material and an Ultrablack2 blade finish. With only 1.16 pounds weight and 8 inches blade, the machete is easy to carry and use for multiple tasks. Every knife comes with a classy handcrafted, heavy-duty black leather sheath.

07. MTECH USA Wood Handle Full Tang Fixed Blade Combat Machete

With 9.5 inches full tang blade and 1.6 pounds weight, this modern machete with the fixed blade has an ideal solid density, clip point, and excellent striking power. The 6.5-inch dark wood ergonomic curved handle is exceptionally comfortable, elegant design, and easy to hold that prevents the machete from slipping in wet situations.

The polished dark wood with a lanyard hole makes it an eye-catching machete. The durable construction is made for heavy-duty use and can last for a long time.

This tool is ideal for fighting, self-defense, hunting, camping, survival, and bushcraft. Durable nylon belt sheath help in easy carry and also improves the life of the blade. You also enjoy a free HOLT multi-tool keychain.

08.  FALCATA KOPIS Kukri Gurkha Bolo Machete

This machete is ideal for bushcraft, chopping, game processing, fishing, and hiking, camping, hunting, and above all, for surviving. This machete is one of the largest on this list with 14 5/8 overall lengths. The blade is 9 7/8 inches long with a cutting edge of 4 ¾ inches and .25 inches thickness tempered to 59HRC.

Its handle is finger grooved with 5 inches in size which is an ideal size for any hand. An appealing aspect of this largest Bolo-Kukri machete is a handcrafted premium-quality leather belt sheath. This machete comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. D2 steel has been used in the sharp blade.

09. Gerber Gator Machete

Gerber is one of the reliable company names in the world of quality machetes. The products belong to this always at top-notch. A gator machete is also one of the perfect products for them.

This tool comes with high carbon stainless steel. It escalates the durability and performance of the blade. Its attractive edges look like SOG kukri. On one side, you can see a 15-inch fine edge that is used for supreme chopping. And, on the other side, an 18-inch saw blade is located. It is designed with a classy look. You can easily cut bushes and heavy grasses with great comfort.

Furthermore, it will provide you with a 7.7 –inch lengthy handle. The handle is made of rubber stuff so, you can easily grip it. There is no risk of slipping from your hand during your work. The rubber grip will give you confidence and security for your performance.

Moreover, if we talk about the sheath of the gator, its sheath is made of nylon and perfectly fits it. You can easily transport if you are working in a jungle or hiking with your gadget. The sheath is one of the essential parts of a machete. A good and reliable sheath can facilitate you to carry your tool from one place to another.

You will find it a terrible product because it is very cheap but very nice to use and pretty in design.

A Buying Guide to Best Combat Machete

The problem is all machetes look the same as they are made to work in the same way for the same purpose. But being a buyer, it is important to carefully look at many aspects of a machete before paying for it. For instance, the size and shapes of machetes are different from each other. Here are some important things to consider when buying the best combat machete.

Handle

There are many types of handles commonly found in machetes.

Handle Materials

Handle Styles

Blade

There are three types of blades used in machetes.

All of there are meant for different tasks. The style of the blade is one essential aspect that must be considered carefully.

Types of Blade

Barong
This is a leaf-styled blade mostly found in machetes. The history of this blade style is traced back to the 16th century when the Filipino tribes used it against the European colonizers. It is commonly sharpened on a single side. Such type is also best for hunting and skinning, cutting bushes to create a mountain path, and cutting down tall grass.

Bowie
It is named after the popular frontiersman Jim Bowie. Bowie is incredibly famous among huntsmen and survivalists. The tip is just amazing for skinning.

Bolo
In Filipino, the Bolo literally means the Machete. This Philippines-native tool soon got famous in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. This tool is commonly used for harvesting and farming, opening coconuts, and chopping wood. You can use it for camping due to its amazing chopping power.

Billhook
It is best known for its agricultural integrity and ancient roots. The downward edge is made for harvesting crops, chopping tree trunks, and gripping vines.

Kukri
It was initially used in Nepal and nearby countries as an all-purpose machete. The unique shape of the kukri is divided into three basic parts.

This three-blade division is one of the prime reasons for its success. Its tip can be used for stabbing while for chopping midsection is just perfect. The narrow bottom works best for carving. Due to its effectiveness and function, this machete design is getting an incredible response from users around the globe.

Cane
This is a wide and blunt-tip machete used for hacking in tall grass. A cane machete is an agricultural tool that works great for cutting sugar cane and corn stalks. The thin blade easily cuts through the plants.

Hawkbill
This is a slightly downward curved design created for piercing through tough materials such as wood and sugarcane. The inner blade of Hawkbill is highly effective for reaping vegetation and harvesting.

Colima
This unique machete design is a dual-edged blade highly effective for backhand and forehand strokes to improve cutting strength and decrease user efforts. The tool can be used for taking down huge clusters of vegetation.

Bush
This bush-style machete is an all-purpose machete with impressive features. The back side is straight with evenly distributed weight and has a thick blade.

Panga
Panga is a famous design in Africa used for countless tasks. It’s just like the bolo machete design but the main difference is the upswept tip of the panga which is used for piercing. You can use such a machete for cutting down thick wood and large chunks of vegetation.

Golok
This Indonesian machete with a short size and decent weight is mostly used for clearing large bushes and tall grass in the fields. But it can be an effective self-defense tool in the worst situations.

Parang
The Southeast Asian machete is known for its multi-purpose blade and ideal length. This type of machete is different from others in many ways. It features a very slender bottom section that can widen gradually to the blade end which is not pointed. The edge is classified into three aspects for particular uses.

The top end of the blade is perfect for precise cutting and skinning whereas the midsection is made for perfect chopping. The bottom section is created for whittling and carving. Due to the long blade length, Parang is an excellent survival machete to be used in jungles and other adventures.

Latin
Latin machetes are used by US military professionals in survival conditions. This type of machete is perfectly made for adventure lovers looking to explore dangerous forests. Latin machete features a full tang for the best possible performance.

Weighted/Heavy

This type of machete operates like a crossover between the knife and an axe. The balance of the weight is based on the top end of the end which is decent enough for cutting down the thick vegetation. The tool can be used for wood chopping or any tough tasks comfortably.

Blade Length

Machetes are available in different sizes with distinct blade lengths. Commonly the blade length lasts from 10 inches to 28 inches. The standard machete blade length is mostly around 17 to 29 inches in length. The benefit of the small blade is the easy portability but you have to sacrifice reach. Longer blades are effective for clearing obstacles and obstructions quickly but they are hard to carry on various occasions.

Blade Material

Best machetes are made out of stainless steel, carbon stainless steel, or carbon steel. It depends on your use and needs to select the blade material.

Machete Weight

Bulky machetes can be highly effective for chopping but it can hard to carry them around as compared to lightweight machetes. The best machete has a decent weight which can be easy to carry in even worst conditions.

Machete Tang

The machete’s prime feature is full tang because a full tang construction means that the blade can extend the entire knife length and can be found in the handle too. Full tang machete offers maximum strength and durability. It is more effective for digging as compared to the partial tang. But full tang machetes are more expensive than partial tang machetes.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Kind Of Machete?

A combat machete is one of the best multi-purpose tools with a pointed tip. It is used for all cutting purposes. Whether you are clearing brushes or using other similar tasks, it is best. [/su_spoiler]

What Is The Best Machete For Survival?

The combat machetes have different designs. Due to its lightweight feature, it is easy to use and carry. Its high quality gives you the best service against self-defense.[/su_spoiler]

Is A Machete Good For Self-Defense?

The machetes are not only used for cutting things but also it is great tools to use in self-defense.

When you are choosing the best machete for self-defense, there are many options available. One of the best out of them is the combat machete.

What Size Of The Machete Is Best?

Commonly, a machete is ranging between 10 to 28 inches. However, the less blade length machete offers less reach but better portability while the longer blades let you work on large areas in less time effortlessly but are hard to portable.

Can A Machete Cut Wood?

The machetes are versatile. This tool helps you to cut wood clear brushes, chop, and do both indoor and outdoor activities. Regardless of anything, this can cut which one you throw at its front.