Machete

If we had to choose only one cutting tool in agriculture or in nature, it would certainly be the machete . For good reason: its versatility and its myriad of uses. Let's take a look at its history and uses and other important details about this accessory. Focus!

The History of the Machete

The word " machete " comes from Spanish. The name refers to a cutting tool that is similar to a knife , but larger. It therefore has a single blade and is generally between 40 and 60 cm long.

The tool naturally has a handle that facilitates its safe handling. It was the Spanish navigators who, during their explorations, brought this object to Latin America .

However, the very origin of this accessory, called " mache-coupe " in French-speaking Africa, is not precise. What is certain is that many peoples who have nothing in common used it almost simultaneously.

This is also why it is difficult to locate the cradle of this large knife with an often curved tip. History also reports that the tool served as a weapon for the Amazons of Dahomey against colonial invasion.

What are the uses of a machete?

The machete is used for so many tasks because it is somewhere between a simple knife and an axe. A multitude of trades use this instrument. Sugar cane cutters swear by the sharpness of the object.

Florists and gardeners also make it a privileged ally, as do many individuals. For those who like to crisscross rural areas, the machete is essential . Indeed, shrubs obstruct the passage, and the sharpness of the tool allows you to clear a path.

It is also used for:

Listing all the possible uses would be futile. This is partly due to the fact that the tool comes in a host of models.

The different types of machete?

There are a whole host of them, the most popular of which are:
kukri ;

Let's look at them in a little detail.

Kukri machete: Nepalese

Its blade adopts a strong curvature which gives it good cutting power. Its preferred terrain: clearing . It is also very popular in the field of bladed weapon combat.

A kukri machete often has grooves along the length of the blade that allow sap or blood to flow. This prevents the user from getting dirty or experiencing the discomfort of slipping due to liquids.

Thai machete: E-nep

It also bears the designation " E-nep " and looks a lot like the kukri model. However, it is less curved than the latter. It is a reassuring companion in the Thai jungles. The tool has a more or less wide blade and a formidable point. In addition, its lightness makes it easy to use for clearing.

Parang machete: a heavy and solid accessory

It has a long blade that gets wider and wider towards its tip. It curves slightly without adopting a point at the end. The parang machete weighs a lot. This is because it is intended for cutting thick wood.

Panga and tapanga machetes

The panga is mainly used for agricultural work in Africa and the Caribbean. Even in South America, it is very popular. Its cutting edge is long and ends in a square tip.

As for the tapanga , it is just a variation of the panga. Its end also ends at a right angle with a point pointing towards the top of the blade. Both panga and tapanga have grooves on their blade.

Bolo machete

This type of machete has similarities with the Latin model. The bolo has a wide and rounded tip. It also differs from the Latin by its greater weight. This allows it to easily cut tree branches, regardless of their thickness.

The sharpness of the bolo machete easily cuts through dry wood. In addition, it is comfortable to handle.

Latin Machete: A Popular Object

This is without a doubt the most well-known type due to its popularization by the American army in Vietnam. Although the Latin machete is a powerful combat tool, it is effective for clearing the jungle. Its light weight makes it easy and comfortable to use.

Golok machete from Indonesia

It is small in size and easy to carry. The golok machete is made in Indonesia. It is primarily a weapon made for the military. It is recognizable by its curved pommel and a strong thickness of its blade .

How to properly maintain a machete?

Taking care of your machete requires knowing how to store it, maintain its blade and keep the handle in good condition.

Proper blade maintenance

The most widely marketed and used machetes have a spring steel edge (high carbon content). They are therefore subject to corrosion. This is why you should avoid exposing them to moisture. Coating them with a layer of grease is a good way to protect them. Anti-rust oil is recommended for this.

Whenever the cutter comes into contact with any liquid, care must be taken to dry it. Stainless steel is easier to maintain. The oil layers keep its shine.

Handle maintenance

When it is made of plastic, the handle does not require any special maintenance. On the other hand, wood splits and warps under the simultaneous effect of humidity and heat. However, it is enough to apply furniture polish from time to time to preserve its condition.

How to store your machete properly

Choosing a dry environment is the solution. In addition, leaving your machete in its sheath when not in use causes rust. That said, it is advisable to check the shape of the object from time to time.

The different machete materials?

The materials used in the production of the cutter depend on the parts of the accessory. For the blade, we distinguish primarily: stainless steel and carbon steel . They have the advantage of being solid, durable and sharpenable as desired.

As for the handle, it is found in:

TPR is a material made of rubber. It is commonly used in industry. Considering the uses helps to adopt the best materials.