Many of us who once collected smaller knives have
found that sooner or later, it’s time to graduate to a machete. A machete is one of the most functional
blades that there is, being capable of fulfilling a stunning array of uses,
especially in the outdoors. Any serious
outdoorsman will tell you that a machete is an essential purchase which makes
life much easier, as the right machete can do all of the heavy lifting for you
so that you don’t have to put nearly as much effort into using a blade.

But, as you may have figured out by now, not all
machetes are created equally. If you’re
going to invest in one, you want to make sure that you’ve considered all of the
factors that determine which one is best for you so that you get the best
value, and choose one that best suits your specific needs. At Sword ‘n’ Armory, we offer a large catalog
of quality machetes in different shapes, sizes and more.

What to Be Looking For?

So, what are the factors to be looking out for when
you go machete shopping? We believe that
there are seven key things to take into account before making a purchase, which
all work together to determine which option is best for you. Let’s go over those seven factors now.

Factor #1: What the Machete is for

The first thing that you’ll need to consider is what
the machete is for. Some people use a
machete exclusively for clearing out branches, finding it an invaluable tool
for this purpose. Others never go
camping without one, as they rely on it for a wide range of tasks that would
otherwise require lots of physical effort.
Then, there are hunting machetes which are specially designed for
hunting trips. You’d be surprised by how
much subtle differences in design dramatically change the capabilities of a
particular machete. By determining the
purpose of owning a machete, you’ll be able to find the style that’s best
suited for what you’ll be doing.

Factor #2: Maintenance

All machetes require some level of maintenance, which
includes wiping down the blade after each use to preserve it. But how much maintenance you’ll need to
perform depends largely on the materials of the piece. For instance, some metal grades require frequent
oiling compared to others. Plus, some
grip materials need to be oiled or waxed regularly as well. Ask yourself realistically how much time
you’re willing to spend taking care of your machete and choose the model
accordingly.

Factor #3: Budget

Of course, budget is a big factor. Machetes come in all price points, and while
the higher-end ones are obviously the most appealing, they may not be necessary
for what you’re using your machete for, and how often you’ll be using it. If you do want to splurge, however, make sure
that you’re getting a good value.
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a more ornamental model just for the
sake of it, either.

Factor #4: Handle and Grip

Many overlook the importance of choosing the right
handle and grip, and only realize their mistake when it’s too late. You should carefully explore the different
options that are available before settling, because ending up with a cheap
handle or an uncomfortable grip will greatly interfere with your ability to use
the machete as you desire. A bad grip
alone can make the act of using it uncomfortable or painful, which is bad news
if you plan on using your machete regularly.

If you’re unable to try out a grip before making a
purchase, spend the first couple of days handling the machete for generous
lengths of time - 30 minutes or so. This
will give you an idea of how compatible the grip is with your comfort level,
and how durable the handle is as well.

Factor #5: Resilience

Resilience and durability matter tremendously. You don’t want a machete that’s going to wear
out simply from being used outside during humid periods of the summer, or a
blade that comes off the handle when you are trying to chop down a branch. It’s important to inspect the materials of a
machete before buying it and check the craftsmanship as well. Choosing a machete from a reputable brand in
the industry is a good way to avoid ending up with a cheap, unreliable model.

You’ll also want to consider your storage abilities,
as some materials are less resilient to certain climate-based circumstances
than others. Of course, you can create a
climate-controlled storage setup for your machete if you have the time and
energy to do so.

Factor #6: Shape

Machete blades come in various shapes, and the shape
largely determines what the machete will be most effective at. Short and wide blades are typically
associated with brush clearing and taking down branches, and points that are
uniquely wide are ideal for chopping. Basically,
the manner in which the blade slopes indicates its unique strengths. So, avoid the temptation to choose a machete
shape purely for aesthetic reasons, and stick with one that can accomplish that
which you require.

Factor #7: Size

Be especially discerning when choosing a size. Typically, machetes that go beyond 18 inches are
viewed as weapons, while shorter ones are basic utility items. Remember that the larger the machete is, the
harder it may be to maneuver, let alone travel with. 13 inches is the standard size for most uses,
and ultimately, it’s best to choose one that’s compatible with your height and
your physical strength.

The Machetes at Sword ‘n’ Armory

Now that you know what you should look for in a
machete, it’s time to explore the wide variety of choices that are available at
Sword ‘n’ Armory. We offer one of the
largest selections of high-quality machetes that you can find online, with
models in all kinds of sizes, shapes, and materials to ensure that everyone can
find the perfect one for them.

Our machetes all come from trusted brands in the
industry, which means that you can depend on them for long-term use, while
benefiting from their reliability, strength, and durability. Further, our prices are some of the best on
the market, which means that regardless of your budget, you’ll be able to find
one that works for you.