Ontario OKC18 Blackie Collins 18 Inch D Handle Field Machete (18 Inch 1095HC Black Oxide Coated Blade) Polymer Handle 8514

This is my all-in-1 camping tool. Ive cut down a few smaller trees with it, split firewood with it, and then used it to clear blackberries. Still sharp as hell. I wasnt careful and it took the tip of my finger off. Phenomenal quality!

I got a job with an engineering and survey company while I was in Engineering School a few (20 ) years back. The company was the "official" surveying company for U.S. Fish and Game. The company supplied machetes were not high grade. So I purchased a much more expensive one (this one) for myself.

Given who we were surveyed for, 95% of our time was spent in Florida swamps. Our mornings started with sharpening the machetes with a file before work began. At lunch time, we got another chance to sharpen our machetes. By the end of the day, my machete was the only one that held a good edge, so I was always at the front of cutting line. I ordered this one hoping Ontario Knife hadn't changed their quality. From what I have seen so far, they haven't. It has held a great edge, though the vegetation is more sparse. I believe the quality is still there.

My only complaint would be from my previous experience. The D of the handle,
protecting my hand, often beat the crap out of my knuckles.

I use it for camping and to keep in my Rubicon the weight is perfect and the steel holds a keen edge.

Holds up great to use and retains a edge for a long time. Its exactly what I expected to get from 1095 steel. Ontario machete is the way to go. Do not buy anything else in hopes it will be the same as an Ontario machete. There is a reason they issue these things to the military.