
Best Machete for the Money 2022
Having a sharp and dependable machete is a must have for any survivalist. This is a tool that can be used for countless things, from personal protection to clearing paths, and this tool is worth its weight in gold when the time comes to use it. Often time you will want to look for a machete that has a fully tang a lot like many survival knives, meaning the blade runs down the entire length of the machete making it extremely strong with very few weak points.
This mean you’re able to swing and hack with it without the need to worry if the blade will become unattached from the handle. More often than not the handle will be molded around the blade making it one uniform and single piece. Another thing you need to get yourself with the purchase of a new machete is a sheath for it.
Generally one will be included with the purchase of a new machete and in our opinion it is 100% needed for overall protection and safeguarding of yourself, others and the machete itself. If you’re looking for a new machete or just curious when some of the best machetes on the market are, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our picks of the best machetes for the money in 2022.
Enjoy Our Survival Machete Reviews
Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete | Our Favorite | Amazon |
![]() | 2. SOG 18-inch SOGfari Machete | Premium Pick | Amazon |
![]() | 3. Elk Ridge 22-inch Machete | Great Value | Amazon |
![]() | 4. Fiskars Machete Axe | Amazon | |
![]() | 5. Gerber Gator Bolo Machete | Amazon |
Pricing of these Machetes Range Between $25-$45
Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete Review
The Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete offers the same toughness and versatility of the original jungle tribesmen tool but upgraded for better performance that’s suited for no less than the esteemed survivalist for whom it is named. The blade is 13.5 inches long and the entire machete has an overall length of 19.5 inches. The blade is pretty thin — only around 1/8-inch thick. The entire machete weighs 19.4 ounces while the nylon sheath with belt loop adds another 6 ounces, making the overall carrying weight around 25.4 ounces.
Gerber’s Parang Machete features an angled blade that’s made of durable high carbon steel. This makes it resistant to corrosion and easy to sharpen — something you’ll have to do quite often. While the blade is perfectly balanced for vegetation and light chopping, it also performs well when clearing shrubs, vines, and small limbs. Although it’s not really meant to chop hardwood, it can handle the work if you had no better choice. Additionally, it debarks very well which is something your tactical knife is also great at.
The machete’s full tang construction makes it an even more robust piece. Meanwhile, the textured rubber grip is ergonomically shaped to make it comfortable to hold without the risk of slipping.
In case of a true survival situation, the sheath has a stitched-on data sheet for emergency signals.
Pros
- Great for clearing vegetation, vines, and shrubs
- Can handle chopping wood
- Ergonomic, textured grip
Cons
- Thin blade
- Requires frequent sharpening
SOG 18-inch SOGfari Machete Review
The SOGfari by SOG is a Latin-style machete with a blade length of 18 inches and an overall length of 24 inches. It weighs an incredibly light 18.40 ounces (a little over 1 pound) and has the look of a rugged and tenacious knife, owing to its black powder coated finish and its solid black handle. The handle is made of Kraton polymer and is ergonomically contoured to provide good balance and comfort. Additionally, the handle features a full tang with spiked bottom, which is useful for scraping and pounding. The machete also comes with a black ballistic nylon sheath with a hook and loop enclosure which makes it safe and easy to carry.
What makes the SOGfari machete one of the most versatile hard-impact tools to keep around is its straight-edged blade with a serrated spine, which means it’s not only a machete but a saw as well. Whether you take it with you for an outdoor expedition or simply keep it around for yard work, the 0.08-inch blade will make light and easy work of your chores. It can clear brush swiftly, chop wood easily, and cut branches cleanly. Few in this price range can beat the versatility and functionality of the SOG 18-inch SOGfari Machete.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Straight edge + Saw back
- Spiked tang
Elk Ridge 22-inch Machete Review
The machete by Elk Ridge is a 22-inch knife that features a durable stainless steel blade. Its thin 3 millimeter blade has a Latin-style shape that features an angled edge and a serrated spine. This makes it a good option for hacking, cutting, chopping, and sawing.
The Elk Ridge Machete has a black handle with orange accents, which forms part of its aesthetic appeal. However, one of the most interesting things about this machete is its
full tang handle with a D-ring or knuckle guard. This makes it easier, safer, and more comfortable to handle when clearing brush or vines. Although this means it may not fit hands of all sizes, the handle is big enough to accommodate the average adult hand. Also, it takes a bit of practice to get used to sawing while holding on to the inverted handle.
To help protect the blade as well as make it safe and easy to carry, the Elk Ridge Machete comes with a stylish black nylon sheath. It also comes with a lanyard attached to the end of the handle.
Because of its versatility and strength, it is suitable not only for yard work but also for hunting, survival, and military situations.
Pros
- Angled edge + Serrated spine
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Knuckle guard adds safety and comfort
Cons
- Handle may not fit all hands
- Handle might make sawing awkward
Fiskars Machete Axe Review
The Fiskars Machete Axe offers even better versatility than your regular machete. The blade, which is an impressive 18 inches long, has an angled edge that’s perfect for clearing brush as well as chopping roots. Its most remarkable feature is the axe-like portion that sits at the tip of the blade. This makes it ideal for chopping branches and splitting wood. While those are the two main edges of the Fiskars Machete Axe, the curve at the bottom of the axe is useful for pull-cutting — something you might need to deal with suckers or vines. Additionally, the blade tip is useful for push-cutting.
The entire machete measures 29 inches long and weighs 2.62 pounds. Its blade is made of hardened steel — the same great quality you’ve come to expect from a brand like Fiskars. Its handles feature a contoured soft grip, is flared, and has a perfectly angled finger guard. These features make it comfortable as well as safe to hold, even when you’re swinging it around in full force. The handle is also textured specifically for a better grip and to minimize the risk of blisters. This will surely perform well whether you need it for yard work or for true outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Different parts of blade offers maximum versatility
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Irregular blade might be difficult to sharpen
Gerber Gator Bolo Machete Review
The Gator Bolo Machete by Gerber has the distinctive bulged tip of the iconic Southeast Asian tool, which is mainly used today in farming and agricultural settings. This bolo by Gerber takes on a more modern design, especially with its ergonomically-shaped full tang handle. The handle features Gerber’s trademark Gator grip, making it slip-proof and comfortable to hold even in wet conditions.
In total, this perfectly balanced machete weighs 20.8 ounces and offers a great striking force. It has an overall length of 22.5 inches where the blade itself is 15.5 inches long and made of corrosion-resistant 1050 cold-rolled carbon steel. It comes with a nylon sheath which adds a further 4.8 ounces to its overall carrying weight. The sheath has both a D-ring and a belt loop so you can carry it any way you prefer. Additionally, the machete also comes with a lanyard for additional safety, especially when you’re swinging it at full power.
Combining its ergonomic handle and its sturdy blade, it’s perfect for most outdoor applications from clearing tall grass to cutting limbs. This machete will pick up the slack where you standard pocket knife falls short!
Pros
- Perfectly balanced
- Ergonomic and Slip-proof
- Great striking force







