Top 3 Best Machetes for Survival Review

Most if not all outdoor survival enthusiasts agree that machetes are very essential tool in any outdoor survival adventure. From clearing brushes, chopping wood, gathering firewood, and building shelter, having a machete in hand can make work more efficient. Survival machetes can also serve as a great all around cutting tool for just about any occasion as well as serves as an important survival tool for protection.

There are so many survival machetes that are being offered in the market today. And finding one that suits your taste and budget can be a little bit tricky. With each machete claiming to be the best, how would you know that the machete you will be buying is really the best and of the best quality?

So, when it comes to finding the best survival machete in the market, there are a few things that you should consider before jumping in to make the purchase. In this article review, we will be comparing 3 of the best and top selling survival machetes in the market today. We will be looking at each machete’s strength as well as their weaknesses. We will also be comparing each machetes market price and see if these survival machetes are really as good as advertised.

1. Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri By: Ka-Bar ($49.38)

Product Description:

• 100% Synthetic
• Imported
• Made of highest quality material
• Manufacturer: Ka-Bar
• Ka-Bar kukri machete
• Black Kukri-style machete with carbon-steel blade
• Ideal for chopping weeds, clearing campsite, and more
• Ergonomic Kragon G thermoplastic elastomeric handle
• Includes black leather/Cordura combination sheath
• Blade measures 11-1/2 inches; weighs 1.7 pounds
• Blade shape: Kukri
• Stamp: Taiwan
• Edge angle: 20 degrees
• Steel: 1085 carbon
• Pocket clip: N/A
• Lock style: N/A
• Grind: Hollow
• Handle: Kraton G

Review on the Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri

The Blade

The Ka-Bar Kukri Machete’s blade is made of 1085 carbon steel. A material that is somewhat similar in composition to the 1095 carbon steel. While the 1085 and 1095 maybe similar in composition, what separates them is that the 1085 carbon steel material used in forging the Ka-Bar Kukri is tougher and less likely to chip. Take note that the blade of the Ka-Bar Kukri is made from carbon steel material, and because of this, the blade of this knife is not stainless and is highly susceptible to rust. So after each use of your machete, always make sure to keep it dry as possible and apply a little bit of oil into the blade before storing it away.

The Ka-Bar Kukri survival machete has also applied a black powder coating to the blade that greatly reduced the risk of rust and other damages that the blade may encounter. The shape of the blade is also uniquely designed in order to give much power to the wielder as possible.

The Handle

The handle of the Ka-Bar Kukri survival machete is made from Kraton G. A rubber material that is very durable that provides the perfect grip without feeling sticky. It doesn’t matter if your hands are dry of wet; the Ka-Bar’s handle is so adept that slipping is close to impossible.  The thickness, length and the curve at the very end of the handle aids greatly in comfort, traction and most especially in peace of mind knowing it won’t slip away from your hands in the middle of a hard swing. Lastly, the handle also has a lanyard hole for other practical purposes.

The Sheath

The Ka-Bar Kukri Survival Machete comes with a sheath that is made from a mixture of black leather and cordura. It has two snaps to securely hold the machete in place. At the belt loop, a D-ring is threaded through it. And at the end of the sheath, there is another D-ring for attachment purposes.

Pros and Cons of the Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri

Pros:

• Imported
• High Quality
• Sharp of the box
• Highly durable
• Non slip grip
• Excels at chopping and basic field use
• Easy to strap to your body
• Blade is weighted down

Cons:

• Cannot be thrown
• Small diameter handle
• Minor inconsistency in the sheath leather

Bottom line, the Ka-Bar Kukri survival machete is a quality survival tool for its price. And if you are on a budget and looking for a good yet affordable machete for your outdoor needs, then the Ka-Bar Kukri is the one to buy.

2. Kershaw Machete/Camp Knife By: Kershaw ($36.73)

Product Description:

• Weighs 1lb 3oz – around 539g
• Blade measures 10”
• Handle measures 6”
• Blade is made of carbon steel
• Handle is made of full tang rubber over mold
• Rubber construction prevents slippery
• Fixed blade construction
• Both handle and blade are powder coated
• Professional sheath included in the package
• Review on the Kershaw Machete/Camp Knife

The Blade

The blade of the Kershaw survival machete is an 18-inch fixed blade made of 65Mn high carbon steel with a black powder coating for additional durability and protection from corrosion. The carbon steel material of the Kershaw Machete ensures the blade to be tough, durable, and has a high resistance to wear and tear. With the blade’s black powder coating, it also makes maintenance and cleaning easier.

The Handle

The Kershaw Survival Machete Camp knife’s  6-inch handle is made of polymer material.  It is contoured for better traction and has a sure grip rubber over mold that completely hides the handles tang. To prevent slipping during intensive use, the machete is also equipped with a hand guard both from the front and the rear of the handle. Lastly, the handle also has two holes for attaching lanyards.

The Sheath

The sheath of the Kershaw Survival Machete is made from a molded hard plastic sheath with a robust nylon straps that can be removed and positioned for either right or left handed carry. The sheath also has a strap that holds the machete securely in place. If you observe the sheath of the Kershaw, you will notice that it has many points all around it. These points are used for tie downs or lashings that can be used for additional storage pouches or lengths of paracord if needed.  There is also a drain hole at the tip of the sheath to prevent water from accumulating inside.

Pros and Cons of the Kershaw Machete/Camp Knife

Pros:

• Easy to maintain
• Excellent length for chopping through medium sized brush
• Versatile tool especially for the price
• Excellent handle
• Decent sheath
• Surprisingly light for its size

Cons:

• Blade coating is somewhat thin

Overall, the Kershaw Machete/Camp Knife is a good tool to have in any outdoor survival situation. It is great for hunting and camping and with its great handle, it is also easy to wield despite its size. The Kershaw Machete is a competent and robust survival tool that can be used in any survival situation.

3. Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete By: Gerber ($28.38)

Product Description:

• Angled Blade – Ideal for clearing brush or limbs
• Robust High Carbon Steel Blade – Enhances strength, corrosion resistance and ease to sharpen
• Full Tang Construction – Boosts durability
• Ergonomic Textured Rubber Grip – Maximizes comfort and reduces slippage
• Lanyard Cord – Acts as guard, enhancing grip security
• Nylon Sheath – Lightweight, military-grade, mildew resistant
• Includes Land to air rescue instructions and SOS
• Priorities of Survival – Pocket guide contains Bear’s survival essentials
• Overall Length: 19.5’’
• Blade Length: 13.5’’
• Weight (with sheath): 25.4 oz.
• Weight (no sheath): 19.4 oz.

Review on the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete

If you’re a little tight on budget, this just might be the machete for you. Weighing just about 1.2 pounds, this survival machete is one of the lightest survival machete in market today, and it’s also a bit lighter on the wallet compared to others.

The blade of the Gerber machete is made from a robust high quality and military grade carbon steel material which is known to be very durable. The machete’s angled designed blade is also ideal in cutting vines or limbs. It has a mildew resistant properties and sharpening its blade is a breeze.

The handle of the Gerber Machete is made from ergonomic textured rubber grip that provides enhanced grip security. With a highly durable full tang construction, the handle of the Gerber survival machete has a non slip aspect that can be easily used even with wet or sweaty hands. Lastly, when you purchase a Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete, you will also receive SOS instructions that can enhance your survival capability.

Pros and Cons of the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete

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:

• Blade might not cut through Split/ Baton wood

For all its intents and purposes and for just under $30 bucks, the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete is a bargain. It is one great tool to have if you are planning to go to an outdoor survival adventure.  With the machete’s great design, chopping light vegetation will no longer be a hustle but an enjoyable activity.

Final Word

All of the three survival machetes reviewed in this article are all great survival tool in each of their own way. All three were designed using the best materials available in the price range as well as equipped with the necessary features that make for a good machete that can be used in any survival situations.  All three survival machetes are also very affordable and positively reviewed by thousands of people who have already tried these products. It is now up to you to choose the machete that fits you and your budget.  The only assurance I can give you is that you will not go wrong in using any of these three machetes in your outdoor survival escapades.