Last Updated: July 15, 2022
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Best Survival Machete in 2023

Tools have been tantamount to survival since early man used a combination of antler, bone, and sharp stones to hunt, forage, blaze trails, and fend off enemies. Tools evolved over thousands of years, and by the 9th millennium, humans discovered metal, a game-changer in the history of tools.

Fast forward to the 18th century. Iron smelting and metalwork enabled manufacturers to produce sheets of metal to create razor-sharp edges for tools.


At A Glance: Top 4 Survival Machetes


By 1845, a manufacturer called the Collins Company in Connecticut, USA sold the first modern machete and followed up by exporting them to various parts of the world for everything from agriculture to weapons.

Today, catastrophe preppers, survivalists, and outdoor adventurers prize the machete as the ultimate survival tool to have in your survival backpack. A machete is like a combination of a survival knife and an ax with the blade edge as a cutter and the weighted upper blade giving you force to chop. It allows you to slash, chop, split, hammer, and more.

Machetes come in many styles from the bolo to the billhook with different features and functions. Let our collection of the best survival machetes help you find the right one to add to your survival gear.

 

Top Product Overview

Condor Tool & Knife Parang Machete Knife with Leather Sheath - Heavy Duty Machete with Sheath - 1075 High Carbon Steel - Walnut Handle - 6mm Thick with Convex Edge - 33.9oz
  • durable and flexible
  • lightweight and well-balanced
SEE ON AMAZON →
Kershaw Camp 18 (1074) Camp Series Machete; 18” 65Mn Steel Fixed Blade with Black Powdercoat Finish and Rubber Overmold Handle; Includes Molded Sheath with Nylon Straps And Lash Points; 2 lb. 14 oz
Best for Heavy Work
  • strong 65N steel with carbon content
  • secure-grip handle
SEE ON AMAZON →
Genuine Gurkha 6' Blade Panawal Ankhola Kukri Rose Wooden Handle-Hand Made Knife- Knives in Nepal
  • strong 5160 high-carbon steel
  • lightweight
SEE ON AMAZON →
SOGfari 10 in. Machete, Kraton, Tanto Plain
Best for Versatility
  • strong 3Cr13 stainless steel
  • two-sided fixed blade
SEE ON AMAZON →
KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri,Black
  • strong carbon steel blade
  • comfortable ergonomic handle
SEE ON AMAZON →
Gerber Gear Gator Bolo 22' Gardening Machete, Full Tang Knife with Plain Edge, Gator Grip and Protective Sheath
Best for Hiking and Camping
  • tough carbon steel blade
  • ergonomic non-slip grip
SEE ON AMAZON →
Condor Tool & Knife Engineer Bolo | Heavy Duty Machete with Walnut Handle | High Carbon Steel Machete Knife with a Handcrafted Welted Leather Sheath | 15in Blade | 40.3oz (5mm Thick)
  • extra-thick blade for dense vegetation
  • hidden brass rivets for extra strength
SEE ON AMAZON →
Ontario Knife Company 6120 1-18SBK Machete Sawback Black
  • strong sawback blade
  • steel construction rivets
SEE ON AMAZON →
Condor Tool & Knife Warlock Heavy Duty Machete - 1075 High Carbon Steel - Hand Crafted Leather Sheath - Tactical Machete - 0.2in Thick - 14.5in Blade - 30.7oz
  • good multi-purpose tool
  • sharp tip for piercing and stabbing
SEE ON AMAZON →
Schrade Delta Class Decimate Kukri Machete with Stainless Steel Blade for Outdoor Survival
  • sturdy 3Cr13 stainless steel
  • lightweight
SEE ON AMAZON →

Best Survival Machetes


Condor Parang Machete

Condor Tool & Knife Parang Machete Knife with Leather Sheath - Heavy Duty Machete with Sheath - 1075 High Carbon Steel - Walnut Handle - 6mm Thick with Convex Edge - 33.9oz

The Condor Parang Machete features a 17.5 inch blade made of heavy duty1075 high carbon steel. It’s coated in a black powder epoxy making it flexible yet durable for a powerful, long-lasting tool.

The curved blade lets you easily cut through vines, brush, and small trees to get rid of vegetation and set up camp almost anywhere in a few strokes. Also, use it for defense against dangerous animals.

Amazingly, the Condor Parang only weighs one pound so wrist fatigue is minimized. The blade is full-tang meaning it runs through the handle. This gives the survival machete a good balance for heavy-duty use. The blade is about a quarter of an inch thick at the handle and thins to the point.

The hardwood handle is ergonomically designed for control and comfort and has a hole for a lanyard. A black leather belt sheath protects the blade when not in use.

Although the blade is slightly thinner than some, the Condor Parang holds its own when cutting through thick brush.

Pros

  • durable and flexible
  • lightweight and well-balanced
  • ergonomic handle

Cons

  • thinner blade than some
  • report of piece of handle breaking off

Product Information

  • Handle Material: Wood
  • Color: Black
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Dimensions: 26 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches
  • Weight: 0.2 Kilograms
SEE ON AMAZON

Best for Heavy Work

Kershaw Camp 18 1074 Machete

Kershaw Camp 18 (1074) Camp Series Machete; 18” 65Mn Steel Fixed Blade with Black Powdercoat Finish and Rubber Overmold Handle; Includes Molded Sheath with Nylon Straps And Lash Points; 2 lb. 14 oz

The Kershaw 1074 Camp 18 Series machete sports an 18-inch 65 MN steel fixed blade with a black powder-coated finish. This type of steel has excellent wear resistance.

The carbon content gives the full-tang blade a high degree of strength and hardness for hard use applications. The blade is 5.08 mm thick and the total weight of the survival machete is 2.6 lbs.

A perfect companion in deep jungles, at camps, and on farms, Camp 18 makes light work of clearing brush and removing small trees. You get a secure grip even in soggy, humid conditions with the solid polymer handle wrapped with textured overmold.

The handle’s built-in guard has a lanyard hole in both the front and back.

The Camp 18 comes with sturdy nylon straps and a molded sheath.

Pros

  • strong 65N steel with carbon content
  • secure-grip handle

Cons

  • report of blade coating eroding

Product Information

  • Handle Material: Rubber overmold
  • Blade Material: 65Mn
  • Style: 1077
  • Blade Length: 10 Inches
  • Power Source: AC/DC
  • Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 1
  • Weight: 0.5 Pounds
SEE ON AMAZON

Genuine Gurkha Kukri Knife

Genuine Gurkha 6' Blade Panawal Ankhola Kukri Rose Wooden Handle-Hand Made Knife- Knives in Nepal

Handmade in Nepal, the Gurkha Kukri has a thin 10-inch extra-strong full-tang blade made of 5160 high-grade carbon steel. This survival machete has a 10mm thick blade that weighs only 1.98 lbs. The durable handle is made of rosewood.

The quality of the steel used in crafting the Gurkha Kukri makes it easy to sharpen and stay sharp. It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry and a favorite among campers, hikers, and survivalists.

It comes with a cotton-lined buffalo skin, a leather sheath for protection, and easy access. Two smaller utility knives are included with your purchase.

The Gurkha Kukri is hand-forged by Kami/Biswakarma castes, masters of the art of kukri-making.

Pros

  • strong 5160 high-carbon steel
  • lightweight
  • cotton-lined sheath

Cons

  • reports of crack on handle

Product Information

  • Handle Material: Rosewood
  • Blade Material: Carbon Steel
  • Blade Length: 8 Inches
  • Dimensions: 1.8 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 1lb
SEE ON AMAZON

Best for Versatility

SOGFari Survival Machete

SOGfari 10 in. Machete, Kraton, Tanto Plain

The SOGFari Survival Machete is a 2-in-1machete and wood saw. The 10-inch full-tang black blade has a straight edge on one side, a serrated edge on the other, and a strong tip for piercing.

The saw teeth cut extra-deep for clearing jungle vines and small trees. The blade holds an edge and is easy to sharpen.

The two-sided fixed blade of this machete is fashioned of strong and durable 3Cr13 stainless steel with a handle of nonslip black Kraton. An extended spike tang on the handle makes it suitable for scraping and pounding.

It’s versatile for many tasks from building a shelter in a survival situation to harvesting crops.

The SOGFari measures 16 inches in total length and is lightweight at 13.5 ounces. It comes with a sturdy ballistic nylon sheath with a belt loop.

Pros

  • strong 3Cr13 stainless steel
  • two-sided fixed blade
  • serrated edge for sawing

Cons

  • doesn't fit well in sheath

Product Information

  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Power Source: AC/DC
  • Dimensions: 16 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches
  • Weight: 13.5 Ounces
  • Blade Shape: Tanto Point
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Value

KA BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri Machete

KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri,Black

The KA BAR company is known for high-quality products and the Kukri-style KA BAR 2-1249-9 Machete is no exception.

The heavy-duty carbon steel blade measures 11 and 1/2 inches and is lightweight at 1.7 lbs. Imported from Taiwan, the KA BAR is excellent for clearing campsites and more. The Kragon G thermoplastic elastomer non-slip handle is ergonomically designed and comfortable to carry.

The KA BAR Kukri is a powerful tool that chops wood and brush without strenuous effort. It comes with a black leather sheath combined with Cordura.

Pros

  • strong carbon steel blade
  • comfortable ergonomic handle

Cons

  • blade curve makes sharpening difficult
  • leather sheath is a bit flimsy

Product Information

  • Handle Material: Rubber Color: Black
  • Blade Material: Carbon Steel
  • Blade Length: 11.5"
  • Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5"
  • Weight: 1lb
SEE ON AMAZON

Best for Hiking and Camping

Gerber Gator Bolo Machete

Gerber Gear Gator Bolo 22' Gardening Machete, Full Tang Knife with Plain Edge, Gator Grip and Protective Sheath

With strong striking power, the Gerber Gator Bolo Machete is a traditional-style machete with a super strong and durable corrosion-resistant 1050 steel blade.

It’s a great survival tool that cuts through heavy-duty brush, trees, and other material with just a few strokes. It’s lightweight at 1.3 lbs so you can clear trails and campsites effortlessly.

The overall length is 22.5 inches, so it has a decent swing and heft for taking down anything you need to clear in your path. The full-tang construction gives it strength and durability. You won’t have to worry about sweaty palms with the ergonomic textured slip-proof grip.

The Gerber Bolo Machete is an excellent choice for serious campers and survivors. It comes with a durable Nylon sheath and has lots of carrying options due to the belt loop and D-ring attachments. And being Gerber, they always offer a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • tough carbon steel blade
  • ergonomic non-slip grip
  • limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • reports of blade chipping
  • handle could be better quality
SEE ON AMAZON

Condor Tool & Knife Bolo Machete

Condor Tool & Knife Engineer Bolo | Heavy Duty Machete with Walnut Handle | High Carbon Steel Machete Knife with a Handcrafted Welted Leather Sheath | 15in Blade | 40.3oz (5mm Thick)

The exceptionally sharp Condor Bolo Machete has a 15-inch blade made of 5mm-1075 high carbon steel.

The extra-thick (3/16-1/4) blade will slice through dense limbs and brush. Brass rivets that you can’t see add even more strength to the blade. The smooth, wooden handle is comfortable to hold but isn’t textured for gripping with sweaty hands.

At 2.54 lbs, the Condor Bolo is a bit heavier than some other machetes, but it maintains a sharp edge and is quite durable. The tip is also super-sharp for piercing. The full-tang construction gives it good balance. Overall, it’s well-made and powerful.

Pros

  • extra-thick blade for dense vegetation
  • hidden brass rivets for extra strength
  • blade maintains a sharp edge

Cons

  • a bit heavy
  • handle not textured for grip

Product Information

  • Handle Material: Wood
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Dimensions: 26 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches
  • Weight: 1lb
SEE ON AMAZON

Ontario Knife Company 6120-1-185BK Machete Sawback

Ontario Knife Company 6120 1-18SBK Machete Sawback Black

The Ontario Sawback has an 18-inch carbon blade with a zinc finish.

The flat-grind blade has a thickness of 0.12 inches and has straight-cut saw teeth. With an overall length of 24 inches, it weighs in light at 1 lb and 5.3 ozs.

The full-tang construction gives good balance and steel compression rivets provide this machete with extra strength. The Ontario Sawback is a good addition to your survival kit and bug-out bag. The handle is tough molded plastic. No sheath is included.

The Ontario Knife Company has been manufacturing survival machetes under U.S. government specifications for more than 60 years with the same quality expected by U.S. troops.

Pros

  • strong sawback blade
  • steel construction rivets
  • made by a reputable company

Cons

  • plastic handle not well set
  • no sheath included

Product Information

  • Blade Length: 18 Inches
  • Style: Machetes
  • Weight: 1.4 Ounces
SEE ON AMAZON

Condor Tool & Knife Warlock Machete Knife

Condor Tool & Knife Warlock Heavy Duty Machete - 1075 High Carbon Steel - Hand Crafted Leather Sheath - Tactical Machete - 0.2in Thick - 14.5in Blade - 30.7oz

The Condor Warlock has a 12.5-inch blade made of 1075 high carbon steel with a thickness of 5.0mm.

The blade is coated with black epoxy powder. The micarta handle is ergonomic for comfort and a good grip even in wet conditions. The full-tang Warlock has an overall length of 19.5 inches and weighs 2.07 lbs.

The Warlock is mainly designed for chopping, but it’s also a good multi-purpose tool. Use it to cut wood, clear brush, skin fish, and other game. The sharp tip, good for piercing and stabbing makes it a good defense weapon. This machete is good for camping and as an addition to your home survival kit.

Pros

  • good multi-purpose tool
  • sharp tip for piercing and stabbing
  • ergonomic micarta handle

Cons

  • heavier than some other survival machetes

Product Information

  • Color: Black
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
  • Dimensions: 19.5 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches
  • Weight: 1lb
SEE ON AMAZON

Schrade SCHKM 1 Kukri Machete

Schrade Delta Class Decimate Kukri Machete with Stainless Steel Blade for Outdoor Survival

The Schrade Kukri Machete has a 13.3-inch blade made of sturdy 3Cr13 stainless steel with a powder coating and a safety grip handle. The overall length is 19.7 inches and it’s lightweight at 1 lb 6.6 ozs.

The full-tang blade is approximately a quarter of an inch thick.

The Schrade comes with a polyester sheath with a removable shoulder pouch, shoulder strap, belt loop, and leg strap making it the ideal cutting tool. A front quillon ensures that the blade will not slip. It features a ferro rod, sharping stone, and lanyard hole and is ideal as a camping and survival tool.

Pros

  • sturdy 3Cr13 stainless steel
  • lightweight
  • includes ferro rod and sharpening stone

Cons

  • a few reports of breakage
  • sheath needs to be stiffer

Product Information

  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Blade Length: 13.3 Inches
  • Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 2.2 Pounds
  • Blade Shape: Kukri
SEE ON AMAZON

What to Look For

A good survival machete can serve a lot of purposes in clearing land, chopping wood, cleaning fish and game, and preparing food to cook. A sharp tip on a machete can protect you against vicious wildlife and predators.

Survivalists use machetes for safety while hiking and camping and store one away in case of a doomsday event. Features to consider when shopping for a machete include blade material, weight, tang, and the type of handle.

Blade Material

Strong blade material is important when selecting a machete. You want something that is durable and won’t break down when you need it the most. Carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel but isn’t rust-resistant, so it may not be the best choice for rainforest jungles and wet places.

Stainless steel is more rust-resistant thanks to the additives that form an oxidized layer on the surface. Several of the survival machetes in our collection use high carbon steel, a combination of both strength and rust resistance.

Tang

Look for full-tang for the best survival machete. Since the blade extends the entire length including the handle, a full-tang machete is stronger and better balanced than a half-tang or rat-tail tang.

Weight

If you plan to do a lot of heavy-duty work like chopping and clearing dense vegetation, one of the heavier survival machetes may be more efficient. But if you are an avid outdoorsman, lightweight is better for carrying.

Consider purchasing a lightweight machete for camping and hiking, and a heavier one to keep in your survival kit for catastrophes.

Handle

A good handle is an important component of a survival machete. It needs to be strong and have a good grip. An ergonomically designed handle is comfortable to hold. Smooth, wooden handles are comfortable, but textured materials may give you a better grip.

Wooden handles may also tend to rot around a lot of water. Plastic handles can be durable but may be slippery, especially when wet.

Our Picks

The following are our picks for the best machetes to help you survive in the wilderness!

Best for Heavy Work

The Kershaw 1074 Camp 18 machete is made of 65MN stainless steel with carbon content for hard use applications. The polymer handle with textured overmold gives a good grip even when wet.

Kershaw Camp 18 (1074) Camp Series Machete; 18” 65Mn Steel Fixed Blade with Black Powdercoat Finish and Rubber Overmold Handle; Includes Molded Sheath with Nylon Straps And Lash Points; 2 lb. 14 oz
  • 18-inch fixed blade, full tang machete made with high-performance 65Mn steel and black powdercoat finish for unmatched hardness, strength and durability
  • Excellent companion for use in camp, the backcountry, deep in a jungle, on a farm or in a zombie apocalypse

Best for Hiking and Camping

The lightweight 18oz Gerber Gator Machete Pro with a 16.5-inch carbon steel blade clears trails and campsites with ease. A textured Gator Grip handle gives good grip with comfort.

Gerber Gear Gator Bolo 22" Gardening Machete, Full Tang Knife with Plain Edge, Gator Grip and Protective Sheath
  • DURABLE GARDENING TOOLS: The Gerber Bolo 22" Gardening Machete features an 15.5" plain edge steel blade with full tang construction and a textured Gator Grip rubberized handle and a nylon sheath for secure carrying and storage
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Gator Grip provides a secure grip in wet or dry conditions, offering a comfortable and stable feel for various gardening and outdoor tasks

Best for Versatility

The SOGFair Survival Machete with a 10-inch full tang blade of 3Cr13 stainless steel has a straight edge on one side, a saw edge on the other, and an extended spiked tang on the handle for pounding. It’s suitable for a variety of tasks including sawing, cutting, and piercing.

SOGfari 10 in. Machete, Kraton, Tanto Plain
  • 10 INCH TANTO MACHETE KNIFE BLADE: The SOGFari tactical machete features a black tanto blade with stronger tip for piercing; hunting machete measures 16 inches in total length
  • HIKING MACHETE AND SAWBACK MACHETE IN ONE: Jungle machete is a versatile survival tool with a working saw on the back of the blade; saw machete has sharp teeth that cut deep

Best Value

Priced under $60, the KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Survival Machete is a high-quality product with a blade made of strong carbon steel and an ergonomically-designed handle.

KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri,Black
  • Made in: Taiwan
  • Category name: machetes