KA1248-BRK Machete Cutlass

I bought the Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete a couple months ago and have been delighted with it. The carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen, takes a great edge, and holds the edge well. One important use for me is working inside our hedges. A long machete just won't work there as I cannot get a long enough swing to cut anything. The Ka-Bar is just right: short enough to swing well, heavy enough to develop some momentum. It easily cuts branches and stems over inch thick with one stroke, and easily handles bigger than that- it just takes more swings. It's also a real good size for camping when you don't want the burden of something bigger. It feels good in my hand, and the hook at the end of the grip helps a lot for retention. The sheath has gotten some negative comments. While I would prefer it was all synthetic to resist mold here in Hawaii (no problem with that yet tho), I use the sheath mainly for storage and have no real gripe with it. I have two other short machetes which I liked a lot, both traditional hand made Philippine pieces. One, hand forged from what I suspect was a leaf spring from a vehicle, with buffalo horn grips was a favorite until I got the Ka-Bar. The Ka-Bar has more mass for better chopping. When I am finished for the day, I clean the blade, sharpen it, and oil it before putting it away. Treat good tools well and they will treat you well for a long time. I expect this one will. UPDATE: We are just back from several days at a campground on the North Shore of Oahu. I used the Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete for splitting ironwood/Australian Pine (Casuarina)logs up to 5 inches thick into kindling, and it worked fine. The technique is simple: wearing heavy gloves, lay the blade on the middle of the end of an upright log (that is, bisect it so you get two roughly even sized pieces), letting the tip end of the blade project several inches beyond the log. Whack the top of the blade with another piece of wood to set the blade into the log, then, holding the machete handle firmly, keep hitting the projecting part of the blade until you have split the log. Repeat until you have pieces appropriate for kindling. Don't hit it like you are trying to kill an attacking T.Rex, just firmly. Do bisect the log: if you try to cut a quarter off, the blade may veer out of the side of the log, and hit your leg. Self-amputation is widely regarded as exciting, but considered bad form. And yes, do wear shoes while doing your wood splitting. Your toes are attached for a reason. Keep them that way. UPDATE II (February 2013): I have now used it on a camping trip on the Salmon River in Idaho, camping again on the north shore of Oahu, and cutting bamboo for a couple hours in the mountains above Honolulu, as well as routine yard work. I am still delighted with it. I generally sharpen with a diamond sharpener it before each use, and spritz it with WD-40 before putting it away. On the Salmon River trip I used it to fell dead Ponderosa pine up to about 5 inches, to trim off the branches, and to baton the logs for kindling. Camp on north shore: split ironwood again for firewood. Bamboo: I helped remove invading bamboo from around a radio transmitter station/tower. Most of the bamboo was 1" to 2" diameter, so not the big stuff. It worked like a dream, and after two hours was still quite sharp. Green bamboo, by the way, is softer and easier to cut than dry (brown) bamboo. So far the sheath is holding up fine. I have not experienced the problems several others have reported, but I use it more for storage than hard use on my belt. If you'd like a video showing how to baton firewood, just go to YouTube and plug in "baton firewood". There are a number of videos, some by people who look like they have never done it before, but you'll get the idea. Just remember to keep splitting the log in half, not shaving a skinny piece off the log. Also: Keep a firm grip on the handle when you hit the blade. You do NOT want this thing flipping out of the log and hitting anyone.

I have owned this blade for over 12 years and it continues to be my go-to for camping, hiking, yard work, you name it. The blade is full tang and the balance is much nicer than a kukri style, making it easier on the wrists. I have sharpened it around 3 times and it holds an edge exceptionally well. It's also not as long and flimsy feeling as a traditional machete, making it great for batoning and splitting wood. You can quickly and easily cut through standing or fallen timber since it has a head weight similar to a small camp axe. The blade is also broad enough to use as a makeshift trowel and I've even used it to flip burgers once. The handle is very comfortable, durable, and doesn't strain your hand after prolonged use. It even comes with a hole on the end for attaching paracord or something. The one thing I don't like about it is that the included sheath is kinda cheap and over time the blade tends to slice through the threads holding it together when you pull it in and out. Mine is still holding together, but just so. I will definitely find someone to make me a kydex sheath for it soon. Another thing is that when I'm sweating a lot, the handle does get a bit slippery, but this is to be expected with anything really. I added Talon grips (kinda like skateboard grip tape) to mine to decrease the likelihood of it flying out of my hand when Im chopping and sweating like a pig. For the price, this is by far the best machete you can buy and I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is the winner to me. You should always carry at least 2 knives with you when you go off into the wilderness or in nature. One large and 1 small,but if your state allows and you want to gamble and carry just 1, take the Ka bar cutlass. I think this is the king jack of all trades knife period. It will chop and split wood and do all the small knife tasks as well.If weight vs usage is a concern this is clearly the answer.I got the edge extremely sharp. I think I could cut the head off of a deer with 1 swing It will fit in your pack or you can strap it on the outside. The feel is great as well. the sheath is leather and nylon with a swinging belt loop that straps the handle. It is not my favorite but it is ok. I don't know why I did not write a review before. I have had it for several months and it is keeping it's edge very well. I think I paid 42 bucks for this. It was worth it.I own several knives and machetes. I am really happy and satisfied with this blade the most.I own a lot of Ka-bar knives just because when I am looking for a good deal on a particular style of knife, Ka-bar just seems to have what I am looking for. Thinking about buying a second one to be a 2 fisted cutlass machete swinging mad man. UPDATE 9/2013- After use of all the knives axes and Machetes I have I have to say that This is the most useful. Again I don't think you should try to venture out into the woods with just 1 knife and if you did I would take this over any knife 9 inches or under. I have given this blade a respectable beating and it has earned my trust and respect. If you ever got lost or stranded or injured and needed to prolong your stay in the woods and needed to use the woods to construct shelter, traps, fuel for fire, or whatever this is by far a better option than whatever fixed blade knife under 9 inches that you would carry and yes I bought another 1.

I bought this machete about 2 weeks ago to use at work and it has not let me down yet. I'm a professional landscaper and use it for removing brush, branches and pretty much anything else that gets in my way with ease. The kraton-g grip is incredible, absolutely no slipping even in wet conditions. The 1085 carbon steel blade came fairly sharp out of the box, good enough for all heavy duty tasks, but was also able to take a hair popping razor edge when I worked it with a diamond sharpener. While its not the absolute best machete I've ever owned (as I'm an absolute knife knut and own too many blades to count) it is by far the best bang for your buck and an absolute steal at 60$. I highly recommend this blade to anyone who needs a smaller machete/big knife for around the house, professional use or outdoor activities such as camping.

Works well, and hold a edge quite well. I put it through some abuse to test if the edge would roll or not and it handled it all perfectly.

Good quality. Very strong

Great product. Received on time and was exactly what was expected. Husband loves it!

Sharp right out of the box. Durable, comfortable in your hand, not to big but has that power to remove any brush in your way.