| When it comes to surviving a jungle, to breaking | | | | The best machete sheaths are made of a very |
| out of a tangled hell, there isn’t anything, | | | | tough, very thick flexible plastic that completely |
| anywhere that can compare to the magnificent | | | | covers the blade from tip to handle. Military |
| machete. You won’t find another tool or | | | | surplus stores are the best places to find them, |
| device that can work as fast and as efficiently. | | | | although they are available at many other |
| So, how do you know what to look for when | | | | stores. They aren’t as common as leather |
| it’s time to get one? | | | | sheaths but they are so much more functional. |
| Well, when it’s time to choose a machete, | | | | My personal favorite is the one that comes with a |
| there are certain features that it should never | | | | metal swivel belt hook and a built-in sharpener. |
| have. Really. It shouldn’t be lightweight. It | | | | The classic military machete sheath. Very nice. |
| shouldn’t be bright and shiny. Please, no. | | | | Some new machete models have features that |
| Machetes that possess such qualities usually | | | | are quite impressive. These features improve |
| can’t hold a very sharp edge. This makes | | | | the functionality of the machete. Some have a |
| them very inefficient. The machetes themselves | | | | prominent saw-toothed edge at the spine of the |
| won’t last very long, either. That very thin | | | | blade, sometimes called a saw back. Minus the |
| blade could just break in two on your first hard | | | | tip, it sometimes covers almost the entire length |
| job. A shattered blade flying uncontrollably | | | | of the spine. It’s awesome. This is a |
| through the air is entirely possible. Believe it. | | | | machete with a fully functional saw. Really nice, |
| The best kinds of machete are those that are | | | | especially for rubbery or extremely hard wood. |
| made of high carbon steel blades with spring | | | | There’s no need for repetitive chopping. |
| temper. This sturdy composition allows for | | | | Another improved feature is the addition of long |
| some flexibility of the blades with very little fear | | | | grooves that run lengthwise along the flat of the |
| of snapping them in two. They can be identified | | | | blade. These grooves allow for better removal |
| immediately by the black oxide finish of the | | | | from sappy wood or vegetation of similar |
| blade. If not, there is usually some other black | | | | texture. Lanyard holes are not a requirement of |
| anti-rust baked-on finish. The best handles are | | | | machete handles but they sure are nice to have. |
| high impact shatterproof polymer handles that are | | | | It helps for temporary storage on the quick. |
| usually black in color. Steel compression rivets | | | | There are many styles and types of machetes |
| are optimum for holding the handles in place. | | | | available in today’s market. You could get a |
| As with a sharp knife, a sharpened | | | | Bowie machete, a bolo machete, a two handed or |
| machete—and even when its not—should | | | | a double edged machete, to name just a few. |
| always have a sheath on. Just falling on an | | | | These machetes range in price from just over |
| unsheathed machete, knocking your swinging arm | | | | five dollars to nearly a hundred dollars (sheath and |
| into it or even accidentally kicking it on the ground | | | | sharpening stone included). Even the best |
| could really result in a terrible injury. Don’t | | | | machetes can be found at less than thirty |
| even question the need for it. If you | | | | dollars. Just be sure it has the best features |
| haven’t got a sheath, leave it at home. | | | | possible and lacks the features that will only |
| Here are a couple of “don’ts” for | | | | weaken it. |
| choosing a sheath. Cloth-like vinyl sheaths are | | | | A good quality machete is an extremely valuable |
| easily found but they aren’t recommended. | | | | tool in the right circumstance. It is extremely |
| The blade should have a much stronger form of | | | | versatile and efficient. Any person who often |
| protection. There are some wooden sheaths | | | | finds him or herself out in the field is highly |
| available but they aren’t very practical, | | | | recommended to have at least one in their |
| especially in the field. They could split or break | | | | collection of tools. Nothing compares to the |
| and you’d be left carrying an unsheathed | | | | magnificent machete. |
| machete. | | | | Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an |
| While some machetes come with very nice | | | | adventurer who strives to protect the natural |
| leather sheaths, this type of sheath isn’t | | | | world. If you would like to learn about |
| recommended for a working machete. Especially | | | | - Knife Sharpening: How to |
| not when you’re going to store it. It is | | | | Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them |
| suggested that they only be used for show. | | | | - Tests for Sharpness, |
| Leather absorbs moisture and facilitates the | | | | Steeling, Stropping and more |
| production of tannic acid. This will then accelerate | | | | - Sharpening Other Blade |
| the formation of rust. Such a problem can, and | | | | Edges |
| should be avoided. You really don’t want to | | | | (i.e. |
| go there. | | | | |