9 Best Machetes for Chopping Wood: Buying Guide
The best machetes for chopping wood are more than just tools, they’re your reliable partners in tackling tough outdoor tasks. If you’ve ever thought about the best way to tackle that pile of wood sitting in your yard, it’s no small feat, and you might instinctively reach for the age-old, trusty axe.
But wait! Have you ever considered a machete? It’s not the most obvious choice, I know, but hear me out. The right machete can be a game-changer, potentially outperforming an axe in versatility, sharpness, and durability.
You may be thinking, “A machete, really?” But trust me, you’ll want to see the 9 best machetes we’ve got lined up for you. They’re not just any machete, they are top-notch, proven, and reliable.
So read on if you want to know about our top picks for the best machetes for chopping wood available today.
Our Top 3 Picks Of The Best Machete For Wood Cutting
We have simplified our top 3 picks for the best machetes for cutting wood with our 1st and 2nd overall picks and a budget friendly option.
In This Guide
- What To Consider When Buying The Best Machetes For Chopping Wood
- The 9 Best Machetes For Chopping Wood
The 9 Best Machetes for Chopping Wood
If you want to make an informed choice when buying the best machetes for chopping wood, you need to know which machetes outperform the rest.
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Blade Material: 1075 high-carbon steel
- Blade Length: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 19 inches
- Full tang and very sharp blade
- Feels well balanced
- Durable hardwood handle
- Includes a 100% leather sheath
- A bit short for some
- Heavy
Our pick for one of the best machetes for chopping wood is the Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete because it makes cutting through tough material effortless with its 14-inch blade made from high-carbon steel.
Its slightly curved design enhances the chopping motion’s efficiency, while its black powder coating further safeguards against rust and other forms of corrosion.
Plus, its stunning walnut handle is aesthetically pleasing and enables you to hold the machete for prolonged periods comfortably.
Despite its weight, the Condor Tool & Knife Golok is a reliable and sturdy tool for chopping wood. While it may be too weighty for some to handle, this option is ideal if you’re looking for a reliable blade.
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Blade Material: 1085 carbon steel
- Blade Length: 11.5 inches
- Overall Length: 17 inches
- Very sturdy and easy to use
- Excellent edge retention
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Comes with leather/ Cordura sheath
- Handle is a bit short
The 1085 carbon steel blade of this Kukri-style machete makes short work of wood and other common tasks in the field, which provides excellent edge retention and durability.
It has a 17-inch overall length, an 11-and-a-half-inch blade length, and a black leather/ Cordura combination sheath with an ergonomically contoured Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer handle with a non-slip grip.
This machete strikes a good balance between chopping power and maneuverability. There’s also a hole at the base for a string or cord, so you may wear it on your wrist.
And the edge retention is top-notch. You can tell it was made specifically for chopping because the edge is thick and sharp. It’s great for removing weeds, sprucing up a campsite, and trimming small branches.
- Weight: 7.1 ounces
- Blade Material: Carbon steel
- Blade Length: 15.5 inches
- Overall Length: 28 inches
- Full-tang construction
- Durable and powerful
- Ergonomic handle
- Comes with a nylon sheath
- Hard to get in and out of the sheath
For decades, the Gerber Gator machete has been used in the Philippines to do it all — clear foliage, chop food and cut wood. This modern version retains all the qualities of the original’s style while enhancing its functional and practical features.
The bolo shape can provide more chopping power. It has a 22-inch blade constructed of high-carbon stainless steel with good edge retention and durability.
Crafted with ergonomic precision to fit snugly in your hand, this handle guarantees a secure and comfortable grip as you cut effortlessly. You can also use the wrist lanyard and wrap it on your hand while swinging for added safety.
Built to meet the rigorous demands of outdoor tasks, this durable tool can effortlessly handle any job you throw at it.
- Weight: 18.3 ounces
- Blade Material: 65Mn carbon steel
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Overall Length: 16 inches
- Full-tang steel
- Smooth and tough coating
- Ergonomic over-mold texture handle
- Comes with a molded sheath
- Not for heavy-duty use
Kershaw produces high-quality, high-performance, excellent, functional tools and knives at affordable prices, which has positioned the company to lead the everyday carry, folding pocket knife industry.
The Kershaw Camp 10 tool is designed to make chopping wood a breeze, thanks to its 10-inch carbon steel blade coated with black powder for added durability. It also features an over-mold handle built to last, providing a secure and comfortable grip for extended use.
One of the biggest advantages of the Kershaw Camp 10 is its compact size, which makes it easy to transport and use in tight spaces. It’s also relatively lightweight, so you won’t tire out as quickly when using it for extended periods.
With its compact size, ergonomic grip, and rugged build quality, it’s no surprise that this machete is a prime choice among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Weight: 40 ounces
- Blade Material: Hardened steel
- Blade Length: 18 inches
- Overall Length: 31.5 inches
- Axe and machete in one tool
- Rust-resistant and low-friction coating
- Strong blade and handle
- Comfortable grip
- Long and heavy for some
For those tricky jobs that involve clearing massive spaces or slicing through the toughest of materials, this machete axe is what you need.
The Fiskars 29-Inch Machete Axe features an 18-inch blade made from high-carbon steel with a unique shape that combines a machete-style blade with an axe-like edge, which can provide more versatility for outdoor tasks.
The razor-sharp, rust-resistant blade is ergonomically designed for various uses, allowing you to multitask easily. And with its special design, you can split with the required strength without sacrificing control.
The handle is made from textured plastic, which provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. With an overall length of 29 inches, it’s the ideal choice for more challenging chopping and clearing jobs.
- Weight: 25.6 ounces
- Blade Material: 3CR13 stainless steel
- Blade Length: 15 inches
- Overall Length: 20.25 inches
- Strong handle grip
- Well-balanced design
- Sturdy construction
- Comes with high-quality sheath
- Requires sharpening before use
Unique among tools, Hooyman’s products are distinguished by their H-GRIP handles, which have a non-slip design to provide a firm and secure hold.
The 10-inch blade of this knife is constructed using 3CR13 stainless steel for maximum durability and edge retention, while the soft handles provide a reliable grip even in wet conditions.
Its blade also has this feature and a balanced design. Plus, a sharpened edge is ground into the blade to ensure a clean slash every time.
It also includes a handy belt sheath that fastens without needing to take off your belt — all you need to do is snap on the loop. This simple feature makes carrying around easier than ever, ideal for outdoor excursions.
- Weight: 15.7 ounces
- Blade Material: 3Cr13 stainless steel
- Blade Length: 18 inches
- Overall Length: 24 inches
- Sharp saw edge and blade
- Non-slip and comfortable handle
- Comes with a sheath
- Lightweight
- Handle isn't comfortable to use when using the saw back
The Sogfari is a compact and versatile tool with an 18-inch blade made from 3Cr13 stainless steel, providing good corrosion resistance and durability. This blade features a partial serrated edge, perfect for easily cutting through tougher plants and shrubbery.
The handle is made of Kraton, which gives a sturdy and pleasant grip. It’s well-balanced and designed for comfort in the hand, and its matte finish looks great and resists fingerprints.
Also, the synthetic rubber used to manufacture the grip is durable and resistant to heat, weather, and chemicals.
Its blade presents a remarkably good balance for its length. With a nimble and easy-to-maneuver length of 24 inches, this lightweight axe is perfect for trimming shrubs or hacking through logs.
- Weight: 15.87 ounces
- Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
- Blade Length: 18 inches
- Overall Length: 24 inches
- Made of durable carbon steel
- Heavy-duty blade
- Sharp and intact edge
- Full-tang construction
- Plastic handle scales make it slippery (fixable)
The Military Machete from the Ontario Knife Company has a long-standing reputation as a dependable and sturdy tool used by the US military for many years. It is known for its consistent quality, a hallmark of OKC products.
Its blade measures 18 inches and is crafted from 1095 carbon steel. This material is known for its exceptional edge retention and impressive toughness, making it a popular choice among machete enthusiasts.
The blade’s straight shape also offers a more efficient cutting motion, allowing for precise and accurate cuts with every swing.
The sheaths are made from durable Micarta and are designed to be MOLLE-compatible, allowing for easy attachment to backpacks or other gear.
While this is an undeniably strong and well-made tool, some users have reported issues with the handle — the plastic scales on the handle can be slippery. Fortunately, you can easily solve this issue by wrapping the handle with some sports tape to get that extra grip.
- Weight: 28 ounces
- Blade Material: 3CR13 stainless steel blade
- Blade Length: 21 inches
- Overall Length: 22.4 inches
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Very sharp
- Sturdy with great heft
- Full-tang blade
- Carrying belt is a bit short
- Cord-wrapped grip is uncomfortable
The Jungle Master Machete with Reverse Serrations is your go-to tool for tackling any strenuous outdoor job and it’s our budget pick for one of the best machetes for chopping wood. Boasting a 21-inch blade constructed from 3CR13MoV stainless steel, this product ensures dependable corrosion resistance and durability.
The unique blade design of the model JM-031B Jungle Master Machete is what makes it so powerful. It features a large belly and a rounded edge, allowing you to move it quickly while striking a heavy blow.
Boasting a straight edge that ends in an unsharpened point perfect for thrusting, the machete is further enhanced by its jagged serrations along the back of the blade — providing it with extra cutting capabilities.
The grip is securely wrapped with a black cord, providing you with a firm grasp in even the most humid conditions. It also includes a black nylon sheath for safekeeping.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Machetes For Chopping Wood
A machete’s efficacy is often determined by its construction and features. By understanding aspects akin to a hatchet’s weight or an axe’s blade material, one can pinpoint the perfect machete. These factors will impact your chopping experience significantly.
Because when it comes to chopping wood, having the right tool for the job is crucial. A machete can be an excellent alternative to an axe, providing versatility and strength for various woodcutting needs.
Here are some factors to consider before purchasing a machete:
Blade Length
A machete with a longer blade can give you more chopping power, but may be less portable. Generally, the longer the blade, the more chopping power it will have. However, longer blades can be more difficult to handle and maneuver.
On the other hand, a shorter blade can easily be maneuvered in small areas but aren’t for heavy-duty use.
Blade Material
Machete blades can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and high-carbon steel, which significantly affects durability and sharpness.
- High-Carbon Steel: A popular choice for machetes because it’s durable, holds an edge well, and sharpens easily. However, it does require regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Stainless Steel: It is rust-resistant and requires less maintenance than high-carbon steel. But it’s not as durable and does not hold an edge either.
- Carbon Steel: A hybrid between high-carbon steel and stainless steel. It is more durable than stainless steel and less rust-resistant than high-carbon steel. However, it’s not as easy to sharpen as high-carbon steel.
Handle Material
Like the tang of a sword, a handle’s material plays a pivotal role in grip, comfort, and overall tool longevity. A comfortable grip enhances your control and minimizes hand fatigue.
Here are the most common handle materials:
- Wood: Comfortable to grip and provides a good balance. However, it does require regular maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
- Plastic: Durable and low-maintenance handle material. However, it may provide a different grip than wood and become slippery when wet.
- Rubber: A comfortable and non-slip handle material that is easy to grip. However, it may not be as durable as wood or plastic.
Tang
The tang refers to the part of the blade that extends into the handle. It’s best to look for full tang products, as these provide maximum strength and durability. They are more expensive but are worth the investment if you’re looking for a long-lasting tool.
Weight
Heavier machetes deliver powerful chops but can tire you out quickly. A heavier machete can provide more chopping power but may be more tiring to use over extended periods.
So when you’re choosing your machete, think about what you’re going to be using it for. This way, you’ll ensure you pick one that’s just the right weight for you.
Other Uses Of Machetes
Aside from wood chopping, machetes excel in tasks like clearing undergrowth and gardening.
While machetes are often associated with clearing brush and chopping wood, the versatility of a machete goes beyond that. Let’s dive into some other uses of machetes that you might find handy:
Clearing Brush and Undergrowth
A machete can be your best friend for clearing a path through the dense vegetation or removing brush and undergrowth, removing pesky undergrowth around your campsite or property. A good swing of a machete can make quick work of those stubborn shrubs.
Gardening
In a garden setting, a machete can quickly prune and shape plants. Yes, you heard it right. A machete can be a fantastic tool for removing weeds, trimming plants, or even harvesting crops. Think of it as a giant garden knife.
They’re great for swift and efficient weeding, trimming overgrown plants, and even harvesting certain crops. Plus, their long blades make it easier to reach areas that might be difficult to manage with smaller gardening tools.
Self-Defense
Historically, tools like the Tomahawk doubled as weapons. Similarly, a machete can be a potent self-defense tool when needed. A sturdy machete can also serve as a means of self-defense in emergencies.
While we hope you never find yourself in a situation where you need to use a machete for self-defense, it’s good to know that in an emergency, a machete can be an effective deterrent against both wild animals and potential human threats.
Building Shelters
Building shelters becomes a simpler task when you have a multi-functional machete at hand. If you find yourself in a survival situation, a machete can be invaluable. You can use it to cut poles, split bamboo, shape wooden stakes, and a whole lot more. With a machete, creating a shelter to protect you from the elements becomes a lot more doable.
Food Prep
This might surprise you, but a machete can also come in handy in the kitchen or at the campfire. From slicing fruits to cutting meat, a machete offers versatility in food preparation. You can use it for tasks like butchering large cuts of meat or chopping fruits and vegetables.
Tips For Using Machetes
Proper technique and maintenance can extend the life of your machete and ensure safer use.
- Safety First: Machetes are sharp tools that can cause serious injury if mishandled so, always handle a machete with care. Ensure you have a clear work area and that people, especially children, are at a safe distance when you’re using it.
- Right Grip: Hold your machete firmly but not too tight, your grip should be comfortable and flexible to allow for efficient movement. A good grip prevents the machete from slipping out of your hand.
- Proper Stance: Position yourself properly before starting to cut by maintaining a balanced stance, with one foot slightly in front of the other. This gives you more control and leverage.
- Swinging Technique: Swing your machete with a smooth, steady motion and avoid hacking wildly or making jerky movements as this can lead to accidents and inefficiency. Remember, it’s not about the force but the technique.
- Maintenance: Keep your machete clean and sharp by regularly checking it for any signs of damage or wear. Remember, a sharp machete is actually safer as it requires less force to cut.
- Storage: When not in use, store your machete safely in a sheath or secure place out of reach of children.
FAQs About the Best Machete for Chopping Wood
Can a machete replace an axe for chopping wood?
While a machete can be a versatile option for chopping wood, an axe may be better suited for larger pieces of wood or more specialized tasks.
How do I sharpen a machete blade?
Several methods for sharpening a machete blade include using a sharpening stone or a file. It’s important to maintain a consistent angle and use a steady hand to avoid damaging the blade.
How do I maintain a machete blade?
Regularly oiling the blade and keeping it sharp can help maintain its longevity and performance. Avoid exposing the blade to moisture or extreme temperatures.
H/T to @CliffGray for this video on how to sharpen machete blades.
Key Takeaways Of The Best Machetes For Chopping Wood
Machetes can be versatile and efficient tools for a wide range of outdoor tasks, from clearing brush to chopping wood.
It’s not only great for chopping wood, but it’s also a versatile tool that can come in handy in various situations.
Plus, in emergencies, having a reliable machete can make all the difference.
So, look at the recommendations we’ve provided in this guide, and find the best machetes for chopping wood and all of your other needs.
What’s your favorite machete? Let us know in the comments below.