5 Best Machetes for Chopping Wood – And Buying Guide

While
nothing
can
defeat
axes
when
splitting
wood,
packing
them
for
a
backpacking
or
camping
trip
can
be
pretty
challenging.
A
hatchet
is
an
exceptional
alternative;
however,
it
is
limited
to
hammering
and
chopping
wood. 

Your
best
option
would
be
a
machete,
which
is
a
versatile
tool
that
can
do
more
than
chop
wood.
A
machete
can
help
you
clear
your
way
in
the
forest
and
cut
branches.

Despite
being
versatile,
not
every
machete
is
designed
for
chopping
wood.
To
chop
anything
more
significant
than
a
twig,
you’ll
need
a
heavy
machete
with
exceptional
swinging
power.
You
will
need
a
machete
with
a
solid
blade
that
can
sharpen
easily
and
withstand
wear. 

So,
if
you
want
to
know
the
best
machete
for
chopping
wood,
please
read
on…

Top
Pick

Our
favorite
is
the

Gerber
Gear
31-002076N
Gator
Bolo
Machete
22-inch,
as
it
has
a
bulged
tip
that
helps
with
swinging
power.
This
blade
is
strong,
sharp,
and
can
do
more
than
chop
wood.
Plus,
it
offers
a
slip-proof
grip
and
a
blister-free
experience.

The
Best
Machetes
for
Chopping
Wood
Are

1. 
   Gerber
   Gear
   31-002076N
   Gator
   Bolo
   Machete
   22-Inch
   —
   Overall
   Best

Gerber
Gear
is
known
for
producing
exceptional
tools,
and
this
bolo
machete
is
no
exception.
The
Gerber
gator
bolo
is
a
modern
version
of
a
classic
knife
that
has
been
used
for
centuries
in
the
Philippines.
Therefore,
it’s
no
surprise
why
we
had
to
feature
this
bolo
machete
in
our
list;
after
all,
it
is
a
powerful
tool
that
can
efficiently
chop
wood.

One
thing
I
like
about
this
tool
is
its
burly
stout
blade
that
can
withstand
the
chopping
force.
The
blade
has
a
bulge
near
its
tip
that
offers
additional
swinging
power,
which
has
helped
me
when
chopping
wood. 

It
makes
chopping
work
relatively
easier
since
I
don’t
have
to
use
much
force
when
clearing
bushes.
According
to
Gator,
this
blade
is
part
trimmer
and
part
ax
thanks
to
its
full
tang,
increasing
its
strength.

Gerber
Gear
upgraded
an
ancient
blade
and
gave
it
a
slip-proof
grip
and
an
ergonomic
handle
that
can
keep
your
hands
blister-free.
Plus,
it’s
comfortable
and
easy
to
maneuver,
so
you
can
chop
any
wood
with
ease.
It
has
a
solid
grip,
so
will
not
have
to
worry
about
it
slipping
and
flying
through
the
air.

Unlike
the
Fiskar
18-inch,
the
bolo
machete
comes
with
a
rugged
nylon
sheath.
So
you
can
strap
it
on
your
belt
or
your
bag
using
a
D-ring
attachment
and
enjoy
your
hike.

Specs

• 
  Brand:
  Gerber
  Gear
• 
  Weight:
  7.1
  ounces
• 
  Material:
  carbon
  steel
• 
  Blade
  length:
  15.5
  inches
• 
  Sheath
  material:
  nylon
• 
  Handle
  material:
  gator
  grip

Pros

• Durable
• Easy
  to
  use
• It
  has
  a
  full
  tang
• It’s
  strong
• It
  comes
  with
  a
  sheath

Cons

• Unlike
  the
  traditional
  bolo
  knives,
  this
  machete
  is
  lightweight

Overall
rating:
4.6
out
of
5

Verdict:
The
gator
bolo
machete
is
designed
to
do
most
of
the
work
around
the
camping
site.
Its
weight
and
bulge
near
the
tip
help
increase
your
swinging
power. 

2.

Fiskar
18
Inch
Machete
Saw

As
an
outdoors
person,
I
always
aspire
to
travel
light;
this
means
looking
for
multi-purpose
tools
that
can
make
the
trip
easier.
one
tool
that
has
never
disappointed
me
in
my
trips
is
the
Fiskar
18-inch
machete
saw. 

When
camping,
I
know
I
will
have
to
chop
and
saw
wood
at
some
point.
So,
instead
of
carrying
a
saw
and
a
machete,
I
always
carry
my
Fiskar
18-inch
machete
saw.

This
machete
is
ideal
for
felling
small
trees,
stripping
logs,
cutting
trails,
and
clearing
bush.
Therefore,
if
you
have
a
thick
trunk
or
branch
to
be
cut,
you
can
flip
this
tool
and
use
the
saw
part.
This
tool’s
pull
and
push
strokes
will
make
cutting
the
branches
and
trees
easier
and
more
fun.

Another
incredible
feature
of
this
tool
is
its
18-inch
long
blade
made
of
tempered
steel.
Unlike
normal
steel,

tempered
steel
has
been
heated
and
cooled
to
increase
its
strength.
Therefore,
it
can
withstand
great
force
without
becoming
deformed.
This
means
that
you
will
never
have
to
worry
about
your
blade
giving
in
when
tackling
thick
trunks.

The
sure-grip
handle
has
a
huge
hilt
that
gives
a
firm
grip
and
a
low
likelihood
of
getting
blisters. 

Specs

• 
  Brand:
  Fiskars
• 
  Color:
  Multicolor
• 
  Blade
  length:
  18
  inches
• 
  Dimensions:
  2.12
  by
  4.62
  by
  27.12
  inches
• 
  Weight:
  14.4
  ounces
• 
  Material:
  Tempered
  blade

Pros

• It’s
  ideal
  for
  camping
  trips
• Easy
  to
  use
• It
  has
  a
  lifetime
  warranty
• It
  has
  a
  lanyard
• Easy
  to
  hold
  durable
• It
  has
  a
  saw

Cons

• It
  has
  no
  sheath

Overall
rating:
4.2
out
of
5

Verdict:
Fiskars
18-inch
machete
is
a
multi-purpose
tool
that
can
saw
and
chop
wood.
Therefore,
it
is
the
best
option
for
campers
who
like
packing
light. 

3.

Kershaw
Camp
18
(1074)
Camp
Series
Machete

Kershaw
camp-18
is
the
largest
and
most
powerful
machete
in
Kershaw’s
arsenal.
This
blade
makes
stripping
bark
and
chopping
wood
easy,
and
basically
makes
the
entire
campsite
tasks
a
piece
of
cake.
Plus,
should
an
unlikely
scenario
occur
and
a
zombie
attacks
your
camp,
Camp-18
can
also
take
care
of
that.

One
of
its
standout
features
is
its
full-tang
construction
that
increases
its
strength.
So,
you
will
never
have
to
worry
about
it
bending.
Kershaw
made
its
blade
using
65Mn
carbon
steel
and
applied
a
black
powder
coat
to
guarantee
its
strength.
Therefore,
wear,
and
corrosion
is
the
last
thing
on
my
mind
when
using
the
camp-18
machete.

Other
than
its
contoured
handle
that
offers
a
secure
grip,
I
love
the
handguard
that
keeps
it
from
slipping
when
it’s
raining.
Kershaw
added
a
glass-filled
nylon
sheath
with
belt
loops
and
gear
straps
to
keep
it
safe.
They
also
added
a
lanyard
for
more
carrying
versatility.

Specs

• 
  Brand:
  Kershaw
• 
  Length:
  24
  inches
• 
  Blade
  material:
  65Mn
  carbon
  steel
• 
  Sheath:
  glass-filled
  nylon
• 
  Weight:
  23
  ounces

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• It
  has
  a
  handguard
  that
  prevents
  slipping
• It
  has
  a
  contoured
  grip

Cons

• Not
  ideal
  for
  chopping
  small
  twigs

Overall
rating:
4.7
out
of
5

Verdict:
Camp
18
is
a
big
blade
that
can
tackle
a
wide
range
of
tasks.
Thanks
to
the
belts
loop
and
strap
gears,
this
tool
is
lightweight,
sharp,
corrosion-free,
and
very
easy
to
carry.

4.

Fiskars
29
Inch
Machete
Axe

Another
exceptional
Fiskars
machete
in
our
list
is
their
Fiskars
24-inches
clearing
machete.
Fiskars
29
is
a
great
tool
that
can
do
a
wide
range
of
tasks
in
your
backyard
or
the
campsite. 

This
blade
can
cut
palms,
tree
branches,
chop
roots,
and
clear
thick
brushes.
Fiskars
29
has
helped
me
keep
my
backyard
and
garden
stunning.

Its
Axe-like
blade
head
is
what
won
me
over
as
it
provides
a
powerful
and
controlled
splitting
and
chopping.
The
blade
curve
has
made
it
easier
to
clear
vines
and
remove
suckers
in
my
garden. 

This
tool
is
corrosion-resistant
and
has
a
razor-sharp
blade
with
its
original
edges.
So
it
can
serve
you
for
a
long
time
without
getting
disfigured.
Plus,
the
lifetime
warranty
that
comes
with
it
is
a
bonus.

You
can
use
its
ax-like
head
to
clear,
cut,
and
chop
pieces
of
wood
in
your
backyard.
Another
reason
it’s
ideal
for
clearing
brush
is
that
it’s
user-friendly
and
has
a
reinforced
handle.
And
unlike
most
ax-styled
machetes,
you
can
chop
wood
using
one
hand.

Specs

• 
  Brand:
  Fiskars
• 
  Weight:
  2.5
  pounds
• 
  Blade
  length:
  29
  inches

Pros

• Affordable
• Durable
• It
  has
  a
  strong
  handle
  and
  blade
• It
  can
  function
  as
  an
  ax
  and
  a
  machete

Cons

• May
  be
  too
  long
  for
  some
  people

Overall
rating:
4.6
out
of
5

Verdict:
Fiskars
29
inch
machete
is
an
ax-styled
tool
that
can
do
more
than
chopping
wood.
This
tool
can
clean
brushes
and
help
you
with
some
gardening
tasks.

5.

Ka-Bar
2-1249
Kukri

Ka-Bar
Kukri
is
an
exceptional
machete
for
chopping
wood,
clearing
bushes,
and
chopping
weeds.
Weighing
about
1.3
pounds,
this
machete
is
comparatively
light,
so
you
can
get
the
job
done
without
worrying
about
fatigue. 

This
is
the
best
option
for
people
looking
for
a
lightweight
machete
for
camping.

Besides
its
lightweight
characteristic,
the
ergonomic
TPR
handle
provides
the
needed
grip.
So,
you
can
hold
this
tool
confidently
without
worrying
about
it
slipping
off
your
hands
even
when
it’s
raining.
You
can
easily
carry
it
in
your
backpack
or
your
belt
and
move
around
thanks
to
its
weight.

Unfortunately,
Kukri
machetes
are
not
ideal
for
chopping
hardwood
or
clearing
thick
vegetation.
So
if
you
deal
with
thick
and
hard
pieces
of
wood
all
the
time,
then
this
is
not
for
you.
But
it
can
be
an
exceptional
companion
for
your
camping
trips.

Specs

• 
  Brand
  Ka-Bar
• 
  Blade
  material:
  1085
  carbon
  steel
• 
  Weight:
  1.7
  pounds
• 
  Blade
  length:
  11.5
  inches
• 
  Handle:
  Kraton
  G

Pros

• Durable
• Affordable
• Lighter
  but
  effective
• It
  comes
  with
  a
  compact
  Cordura/leather
  sheath

Cons

• It
  cannot
  easily
  chop
  through
  thick
  and
  hard
  pieces
  of
  wood

Overall
rating:
4.7
out
of
5

Verdict:
The
fact
that
this
Kukri
machete
is
lightweight
makes
it
an
exceptional
option
for
camping
and
hiking.

What
to
Consider
When
Buying
the
Best
Machete
for
Chopping
Wood

Besides
an
ax
and
a
hatchet,
a
machete
is
a
great
tool
for
chopping
wood
because
it’s
heavy,
sharp,
and
durable.
The
weight
of
its
head
can
help
with
the
swinging
force,
thereby
making
it
easier
for
you
to
chop
wood. 

The
weight
can
multiply
your
swinging
force,
making
it
easier
for
you
to
chop
wood.
I
know
that
choosing
the
right
tool
can
be
quite
challenging
with
the
many
options
available.
So
here
are
a
few
factors
that
can
help
you
narrow
your
search
for
the
best
machete
for
chopping
wood.

The
Blade
Style
and
Length

For
most
folks,
the
distinguishing
feature
of
this
tool
is
the
blade’s
shape,
which
varies
with
the
use
of
the
machete. 

The
most
common
styles
include
kukri,
parang,
bolo,
billhooks,
and
Latin-style
machetes.
Bolo
machetes
are
ideal
for
chopping
woody
vegetation,
while
kukri
blades
are
multi-purpose
tools.
So,
the
first
thing
you
have
to
consider
is
what
you
plan
on
doing
with
the
machete.

The
use
will
also
help
you
pick
the
right
blade
length,
with
the
most
common
length
being
18inches.
The
length
of
machete
blades
ranges
from
10
to
28
inches.
You
can
go
for
longer
blades
if
you
plan
on
clearing
a
huge
area.
Remember
though
that
long
ones
are
heavier
and
could
be
hard
to
transport.

The
Handle
Material
and
Style

Like
the
blades,
the
handles
come
in
many
sizes,
shapes,
and
materials.
So
you
should
look
for
a
handle
with
more
than
enough
contours
to
offer
a
perfect
grip.
It
should
also
be
well
designed
and
not
too
smooth. 

Since
you
plan
on
using
the
machete
for
a
very
long
time,
the
material
used
to
make
it
matters
a
lot.

Molded
plastic
is
low
maintenance
and
cheap
but
can
crack
easily.
Thus,
the
best
material
for
a
machete
handle
is
micarta.
Micarta
is
made
from
paper,
canvas,
plastic,
linen,
and
fiberglass
layers.
If
it’s
a
long
machete,
make
sure
the
handle
is
big
enough
for
two
hands.

The
Tang

The
tang
is
a
crucial
part
of
this
tool
and
it
extends
from
the
blade
up
to
the
handle.
The
tang
helps
strengthen
the
blade.
So
the
best
option
for
chopping
woods
should
have
a
full
tang
that
extends
to
the
handle.

Weight

While
these
tools
are
generally
light,
there
are
some
machetes
that
are
quite
heavy.
Their
usage
and
size
determine
the
weight
of
machetes.
The
design
and
features
also
play
a
key
role
in
the
overall
weight
of
the
machete. 

The
extra
weight
on
the
tip
helps
with
the
swinging
force.
But
if
you
want
a
lighter
option,
you
should
look
for
a
slimmer
and
shorter
blade.

Presence
of
a
Sheath

The
presence
of
a
sheath
is
very
important
for
the
safety
of
the
blade
and
you.
The
sheath
helps
secure
the
blade
when
not
being
used,
so
the
right
option
must
have
a
sheath.
But
when
picking
the
right
sheath,
you
should
consider
the
material
used
to
make
them. 

Molded
plastic
is
reliable
but
heavy,
while
leather
is
susceptible
to
dampness.
On
the
other
hand,
heavy-duty
materials
are
resistant
to
most
elements
but
can
be
damaged
by
sharp
blades.

Conclusion

Machetes
are
reliable
tools
that
can
come
in
handy
when
gardening
or
preparing
your
front
yard.
A
machete
is
an
exceptional
tool
that
you
will
need
at
least
once
every
month.
Plus,
it’s
going
to
be
with
you
for
as
long
as
you
take
care
of
it.
Therefore,
it’s
crucial
that
you
purchase
the
best
option
that
can
do
everything
you
need
and
be
portable.

Therefore,
you
shouldn’t
just
pick
the
first
machete
you
see
when
you
go
to
the
store.
From
our
list,
we
have
concluded
that
the
best
machete
for
chopping
wood
is

Gerber
Gear
31-002076N
Gator
Bolo
Machete
22-inch.
This
machete
is
a
perfect
presentation
of
a
classic
bolo
knife
used
in
the
Philippines.
It
is
easier
to
use
and
can
chop
the
hardest
and
thickest
woods.

Original Source