Machete

**Pict** · 06-12-2008, 12:22 PM

You can take any blade though checked luggage. I sometimes wonder what they must think when my bags go through! It isn't a problem as long as its in checked luggage.

I don't do alot of trapping here as it is illegal. The "arapuca" is a very common trap here, most rural kids know how to make them. Brazilians are really big on caged birds.

There is another that I have seen here that I have never seen in books called the "Quebra Cabeca" (Head breaker) that will kill about 4 - 6 pigeons at a time using a spring pole sapling that comes slapping down against the ground. I plan to build one and video it in operation.

It is hard to get people to talk about trapping because it is against the law. They have to know they can trust you before they go blabbing about illegal activities.

Just to be clear, I don't live in the jungle. Central Brazil looks alot like southern California. It is a mix of lowland tropical forest, scrubland called Cerrado, Savannah (grassland), and mountains that range up to about 6000 feet. The north of my state is a desert called the "Sertao", the eastern reigon is coverd by "Mata Atlantica" or Atlantic forest. The true jungle is about a 40 hour car ride north of me. I'll try to post some photos of the area I play in. Mac

ETA - If you want to see any of my stumbling attempts at video you can go to my Youtube channel by clicking the link below.

**Tactical Tom** · 06-21-2008, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the info guys, I'm going to the Smokies for vacation (week of the 4th of july) I'm going to SmokieMountian Knife Works while I'm there & I'm going to pick up a few Tramontian machete's

& maybe a couple of Moras ! & who knows what else !!!!!!

**tonester** · 06-25-2008, 01:59 AM

ive been looking for a machete for a while but there are so many different styles, which style would be best for chopping branches and splitting logs?

**crashdive123** · 06-25-2008, 07:04 AM

Tonestar - I don't know that you will find a machete that is good for splitting logs. While they can be a workhorse for you, you may need to carry something heavier for splitting logs - camp axe or heavy chopper. This isn't to say that you can't do some splitting with a machete, but there are other tools that make the task easier.

**Pict** · 06-25-2008, 08:46 AM

Seasoned hardwood is difficult with a machete. In North America the only machete I use often is a 12 inch Ontario. They are short and heavy and do a good job with light splitting, easy to pack etc.

The Tramontina 14 inch Bolo costs $6 and should be a part of every persons car trunk kit. Skip McDonalds one time and its yours. The only drawback on the 14 inch Bolo is finding a sheath to fit it. IMO they have the best handle design of all the Tramontinas and the balance of the blade is about perfect. The forward weight helps doing heavy chopping. Mac

**the grizz** · 06-25-2008, 10:41 AM

What about condor machetes?

**bladefrenzy** · 06-25-2008, 12:18 PM

I think you can get a Martindale to split with. Much thicker than most others, more Big Knife like. I cut mine down to 12 in blade and convexed it. Been beating the crap out of it for quiet some time now.

**tonester** · 06-25-2008, 02:07 PM

thanks guys. yah ive been looking at hatchets and camp axes also, but i think im gonna pick up a machete first.

**awfoxden** · 06-25-2008, 02:42 PM

check out www.m4040.com
he does a review on several big knives as well as a few machete. the kukri or the gerber make nice all around machete's that will do some choping and can be had for around $20.00

i also like the wetterlings axe's - inexpensive and have good quality if your looking for axes