Machete, a versatile knife
Ideal equipment for any adventure in a forest environment, the machete is the weapon of explorers and adventurers. In the jungle or in a wild environment, it remains an essential survival knife. In ancient civilizations, it was moreover used in this sense. It is also the ideal tool for working the land. Its great versatility allows it many uses at any time.
Machete: what is it used for?
The machete is a versatile knife. Its use can be called upon in all routine tasks at home.
- In daily life, it can be used to cut wood and make logs for heating.
- In the kitchen, it can be used as a skinning knife or to cut the toughest meats, such as game.
- In gardening, it also remains useful insofar as it allows cutting branches, pruning trees or clearing the land.
- In fields and plantations, it can be used to cut weeds.
Apart from its domestic use, the machete is also used in martial arts. In certain combat sequences, it serves as a cutting or thrusting weapon depending on the model. This great versatility of the machete gives it particular manufacturing codes and provides it with great diversity in terms of shapes and materials.
Machete characteristics
Between the knife and the saber, the machete is distinguished by a long blade. This can range from 25 to 70 cm. The most common models measure about 50 cm. It is a sharp, thick and solid weapon. The blade is generally made either of carbon steel, or stainless steel alone or stainless steel coated with titanium. This last characteristic gives it its robustness and great durability as well as its quality. On some models, the machete may have a false edge, in the shape of saw teeth. These are generally multifunctional models for survival.
Regarding the machete handle, it is generally short, less than 1/3 of the total length of the weapon. It can be made of wood, rubber or ABS quality plastic. These materials give it ease of ergonomics and maneuverability. They also allow for better grip firmness. The machete can be carried in a sheath often made of leather or nylon.
What is the difference with the coupe-coupe?
The coupe-coupe is another name for the machete. Indeed, the long knife with a short handle has several names depending on the region in which it is used and according to its purpose. Coupe-coupe or coutelas are the names given to the machete by Africans and West Indians. Réunion Islanders call the machete "la sabre à canne" or "sab". New Caledonians call the machete "sabre d'abattis". Besides these names, the machete also exists in different models according to their geographical origin. We can distinguish for example the bolo, the latin, the kukri, the golok, the Bowie, the tapanga.
