Jun
This handy guide details the different types of machetes that are used all over the world, proving it to be one of the most efficient, effective and universally practical tools available.
Barong Machetes
The barong is a broad leaf shaped machete believed to have originated in the Philippines. Generally, they have blades ranging from 8 to 22 inches. The thick, heavy blade makes it ideal for slicing as well as for use in agriculture.
The machete featured above is the Cold Steel Barong.
Bolo Machetes
The bolo machete is popular in South East Asia, often used as an agricultural tool, especially for harvesting crops such as rice, peanuts and mung beans. It has a distinctive bulge which adds weight to the front of the blade making it efficient for chopping.
The machete featured above is the Cold Steel Bolo.
Billhook Machetes
The billhook machete has a distinctive curve at the blade point making it ideal for cutting around tree trunks, cutting vines and brambles and general agricultural work. Also used for snedding, coppicing and hedge construction due to the sharpened area on the inside of the curve.
Bowie Machetes
The bowie machete features a clip point blade, making it useful for skinning wild game. The machete of choice for hunters and woodsmen.
The machete featured above is the Cold Steel Bowie Machete.
Bush/Latin Machetes
The bush or ‘Latin’ machete is a very popular machete with a straight backed blade. Normally, the blade is evenly weighted making it an excellent all round tool for cutting vegetation and clearing brush.
The machete featured above is the Cold Steel Two Handed Latin Machete.
Cane/Heavy Machetes
Cane or Heavy machetes have a wide blunt tip, ideal for hacking and chopping through corn and sugar cane. The blade is often hooked to make it easier to cut through vegetation.
The machete featured above is the Cold Steel Heavy Machete.
Kukri Machetes
Kukri machetes have three distinct parts to the blade – a sharp point for stabbing, a wide belly for efficient chopping and a sharp narrow area close to the handle for fine work.
The machete featured above is the KA-BAR Kukri Machete.
Panga Machetes
The panga machete is a design popularised in Africa and the Caribbean. It features a deep belly for efficient chopping and an upturned point for piercing.
Parang/Golok Machetes
The parang (also known as a golok) have a distinct curve in both the blade and spine. They tend to be quite long for effective cutting and clearing, with a heavy weighted blade.
The machete featured above is the Schrade Parang Machete.
The proliferation of the machete as a tool demonstrates it’s universal practicality and efficiency. It is used globally in all manner of situations proving just what an effective tool it can be, in any of it’s many designs.
