There’s a few options when it comes to combat machetes. Combat machetes are different to tactical machetes. First you have to decide what you’re using it against. Are you using it in the jungle? Are you using it against someone wearing a helmet or body armor? Do you need a powerful slashing machete or a thrusting machete? Are you in an urban environment where you could be in a narrow hallway without much option for slashing, only for thrusting? If you need a smaller blade you might be better off with a combat knife rather than a combat machete. Below I’ll go over several options and let you decide which is best for you given your specific circumstances.
| Machete | Rating | Size (inches) | Steel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ka-Bar Combat Kukri Knife Check price at amazon | 4.6 | 13 3/8 | 1095 high carbon steel | $$ |
United Cutlery M48 Ops Combat Bowie Check price at amazon | 4.6 | 16 | 420A stainless steel | $$ |
Ontario 6145 Military Machete Check price at amazon | 4.5 Best value combat machete | 24 | 1095 Carbon Steel | $ |
Condor Tool and Knife Combat Machete Check price at amazon | 4.5 | 18 | 420 High Carbon STAINLESS STEEL | $$ |
The top 6 best combat machetes
1. Ka-Bar Combat Kukri Knife
The Gurkha’s knew a thing or two about combat and the kukri is the machete that they chose for battle. Ka bar are famous for their military knives so putting together a kukri and ka-bar is a great idea. This model has an overall length of 13 3/8 inches. The steel is 1095 high carbon steel, epoxy powder-coated 1095 steel non-reflective black blade. The handle is a slip-resistant, black Kraton G elastome. It weighs only 0.9 lb so can be used for slashing at a rapid rate.
The Ka-Bar Combat Kukri design is an updated version for the Gurkha weapon. The best part is, it provides the user with the best of both worlds, you get the fierceness with the famed Nepalese fighting knifes as well as the no-nonsense survival knife reliability.
The Ka-Bar made the list as it is popular for being one of the most reputable brands in the U.S. and it’s even made in the USA with this model being produced in Olean, New York. The Combat Kukri is smaller than a full size Ka-Bar machete and Kukri, but it is still able to hold up to what you through at it. The size being smaller actually makes it more combat appropriate and easier to carry.
The blade is designed using 1095 Cro-van steel and has a full tang development. The material is made from strong carbon steel, which makes it easy to sharpen and one of the top options in the Ka-Bar lineup. The HRC hardness rating is between 56 to 58.
The blade length is 8.5 inches, with a thickness of 0.165 inches. There is a 20-degree angle on the cutting edge, a common design with production knifes. The overall length of the Ka-Bar Combat Kukri Knife is 13 3/8 inches and weighs in at just 0.80 pound.
The handle is made using Kraton G elastomer, which provides a non-slip design and grip control. It has five 360 milled groves that makes it comfortable. It also comes with a sheath that is designed from a heavy duty polyester for durability and gives it weather resistant functionality.
https://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/156
2. United Cutlery M48 Ops Combat Bowie
This bowie knife is going to have you prepared and ready for anything that you may be needing a machete for. You are going to find the new M48 Ops Combat Bowie from United Cutlery is going to handle any mission, with a powerful, full-tang designed blade to a military style and reinforced M.O.L.L.E sheath. All of United Cutlery’s M48 Ops combat bowie’s are designed for all types of rigorous requirements and specifications to survive years of durable use and application.
If you are looking for something with some surface area, the blade length is 10 inches. This is good for those smaller to medium size jobs that you need taken care of in a hurry.
The overall length is just 16 inches, making it easier to carry around compared to other machete styles. For those who plan to carry it on longer hikes or trips, it weighs in at 2 pounds. That puts it just a little heavier than others on the list, but still light enough to carry easily without wasting too much energy from extra weight.
Check out this awesome video to see how well it works.
When it comes to the look, the blade has a titanium electroplated finish, made from stainless stell as well as a stainless steel handle. This means it is a very durable tool, which landed it a spot on our list, and can be purchased for less than $100.
http://www.unitedcutlery.com/ProductDetail.aspx?itemno=UC3024&cat=M4
3. Condor Tool and Knife Combat Machete
Features:
- Handle: Poszegrip Soneoprene
- Blade Material: 420 High Carbon STAINLESS STEEL
- Blade Finish: Ultrablack2
This is absolutely more of a weapon than a machete and can be used effectively for thrusting. The design is similar to the Roman Gladius.
If you are looking for a well-designed and long lasting machete, the Condor Combat Machete may be just what you need. You are going to find that it was built to perform all sorts of chores and jobs. If you need it for simple jobs like camping to hiking or many other things, you may need it for.
The blade is made from 420HC steel with a black finish to make the appearance more elegant. The blade length is 13 inches, handle length is 5 inches, with an overall length of 18 inches. It has a sharpened upper edge that adds more functions, and the cutting edge is 12 inches in length. The spear point blade shake has a 0.13-inch thickness as well. This helps it to withstand the tougher jobs you throw at it.
The handle is made from Santoprene, which gives it a good grip and comfortable to hold. The leather sheath allows it to remain in good condition between uses and the overall weight is only 16.60 ounces.
4. Ontario 6145 Military Machete
This machete has been used by US Armed Forces since WWII as a combat deployed machete.
Features:
- 18 inch carbon steel blade with an overall length of 24 inches
- Made in the USA
- 1095 Carbon Steel
- Blade hardened to 50-55 HRC
- Does not come with a sheath
Some of the more iconic machetes used by the U.S military has been produced by Ontario, so it’s a sure bet their products are designed to last. The Ontario 6145 can be purchased on a budget at around $20, it’s a USA made product with a high quality design. But, price is not the only area the Ontario 6145 shines.
The blade of the 6245 is 18 inches with a Latin-style that has no frills and simple look. This is a great thing because let’s face it, frills don’t belong on a machete, just on a lady’s dress. The heavy black coating has a dual purpose for protecting the blade, as well as appearance wise, it looks sexy!
The blade’s design is developed from carbon steel, and it is ideal for use on machetes because of the edge retention and toughness. The handle of the 6145 is created using heavy duty molded plastic, adhered to the blade using heavy rivets. It doesn’t look very comfortable, but it’s not that bad. It has a fat and square shape, which makes it better for larger hands.
There are two sheath options from Ontario, a black nylon sheath which is the basic and popular option. Then there is the hard plastic option that appears sturdy.
http://ontarioknife.com/1-18.html
5. Gil Hibben IV Combat Machete Blade Knife
Gil Hibben designed the Rambo 3 and Rambo 4 knives. This machete has the same look of the Rambo 3 knife but has the design of the Rambo 4 knife. Not designed for thrusting. It’s a shiny blade, not what you want if you want to use the element of surprise. It would be pretty cool as a zombie machete simply because it’s so bad ass. Check price at amazon.
- 16 1/2″ overall length
- Solid hardwood handle
http://www.unitedcutlery.com/ProductDetail.aspx?itemno=GH5008&cat=GH
6. United Cutlery Gil Hibben IV Forged Machete
This is basically the same as the Rambo machete. Not designed for thrusting so in a combat situation can only be used for slashing. It’s heavy so will do the job. Check price.
- length: 16-1/2-Inches
- Blade material – 1090 Carbon Steel
http://www.unitedcutlery.com/ProductDetail.aspx?itemno=GH5007&cat=GH
