Machetes
Short version: a 13 inch machete is the right size for clearing shooting lanes and brushing in a blind. An 18 inch blade reaches farther and chops harder on trail work. Kukri shapes put weight forward for chopping. We carry Cold Steel, SOG, Hooyman, Camillus and Rite Edge.
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Machete length
Length decides how a machete behaves. A shorter blade, around 13 inches, is quick and easy to control in thick cover. It also packs into a bag and rides on a belt without catching on everything. SOG's Sogfari 13, Cold Steel's 13 inch Kukri Machete and Tanto Machete sit here.
An 18 inch blade gives you reach and more swing speed at the tip, which is what you want for cutting a trail through cane or clearing a fence line. The Sogfari 18 and Cold Steel's Gladius and Latin D-Guard are this size.
Blade shapes
A straight bush machete is the general-purpose shape and the easiest to sharpen. A kukri curves forward and carries its weight near the tip, so it chops wood and thick stems with less effort. Hooked blades like the Hooyman Hook'em pull vines and brush toward you as you cut. Hooyman also makes straight bush and curved kukri models, and Camillus offers the Carnivore and Carnivore X.
Using a machete around the stand
Most of a hunter's machete work happens in late summer and early fall: shooting lanes, the path to the stand and brushing in a ground blind. Cut at an angle, let the weight of the blade do the work and keep your other hand behind the edge. On public ground, check the area rules before you cut anything.
Machete FAQs
What size machete is best for hunting?
For shooting lanes and blind work, a blade around 13 inches is easy to carry and control. Go to 18 inches if you clear trails or heavy brush often.
Kukri or straight machete?
A kukri chops harder because the weight sits forward. A straight blade is more versatile for slashing brush and easier to sharpen.
How do you sharpen a machete?
A machete wants a tougher, less acute edge than a knife. A coarse stone or file to set the edge, then a finer stone to clean it up. See our knife sharpeners.