Machetes
The machete
In a large part of the world, machetes are part of everyday life. The tool is extremely versatile as it can act as both a knife and an axe. The machete blade is used for cutting, while the weighted upper blade provides strength for chopping.
The machetes come in different shapes and sizes. Throughout its existence in the many rural areas of the world, the machete has evolved, and today there are many styles, characteristics and adaptations to suit different types of use and specific environments. Names and styles vary from region to region. Even the names of machetes differ from country to country. However, everyone's preferences depend on their style, but the most important thing when choosing a machete is to choose according to your needs.
Choice of the machete according to the handle
The machete handles are available in many shapes, sizes and materials. Just like the blades, the choice of the handle is quite decisive. It is made according to your needs, e.g. workers (gardeners, farmers), needs manoeuvrability and freedom of movement. They therefore need a simple and light quillon.
The material from which the handle is made is also an important selection criterion:
- Wood is appreciated for its good adhesion and lightness, however it is not very strong.
- Moulded plastic has the advantage of being the cheapest and easiest to maintain, but slips on by hand.
- Stainless steel is strong and pleasing to the eye, but is relatively heavy.
- Rubber is pleasant to handle, but wears out quickly.
- Leather is robust and offers good grip, but requires good maintenance.
- The micarta is very comfortable and robust, but quite expensive.
So you would have noticed that each material has its advantages and disadvantages, but the main thing is to find the model adapted to your use and especially to your budget.
The different types of use of a machete
Agricultural uses
Crops such as rice, sugar cane, maize, rye, millet, barley, buckwheat, oats and many others can be easily harvested with a machete. The hook and sickle style machetes are both perfect for agricultural use.
Gardening
Machetes are an excellent choice for pruning and clearing woody vegetation, as well as for snetting - removing the side branches of the main truck from a tree. Many landscaping professionals opt for machetes for quick and clean cutting of unruly branches, plants and inaccessible tall grass; and, similarly, more and more foresters are using machetes to clear brush to reduce the risk of wildfire. Management of the campsite.
Hunting
Machetes can be useful for outdoor hunting enthusiasts. They are useful for killing wild game, livestock or poultry - quickly breaking deer, etc. They can also be used to harvest berries, grapes and other fruits and nuts.