>>1468205Gavilan Machete have been the best in my opinion.
At least get an 18" blade GI Spec Latin Machete.
They are not meant to hold edge, the metal is softer and meant to take abuse so that you can easily put an edge back on it.
A big tip I would give you is trash the handles that come with the machete and invest in getting some nice handles made for the comfort of your hand with proper palm swells.
Black walnut or similar are great for handles so that it absorbs vibration.
I personally use HPDE Plastics or similar, and sand some texture on it.
A custom Plastic handle to me absorbs more vibrations and can chop longer without fatiguing my hand.
I prefer Machete's over hatchets for hiking. You can easily chop thick wood by wacking it into the wood and keep hitting end of the machete with another heavy log or stone.
