>>2271300I've used similar tools for a considerable period of time for mostly gardening
Pic relate looks like a piece of shit.
I like the tools because if their ability to cut brush, and if you're actully gathering wood you'll be doing a lot of that.
I've used traditional square tip machetes that have ratatan handles and they are fine- but the weight is great for non critical tasks.
If the tasks were critical I'd take one with full tang.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with using an old cleaver either- better use an old cleaver with a solid handle then some chinkshit.
You can re-purpose a lot of old steel into these type of tools, I've seen all kinds of shit hacksawed into a machete, notably scrap plate from useless machines (as the plates are already square)
What I would say here
A. use soft steel, you will need to sharpen frequently and have that impact resistance- you also get a raw edge which will bite into things you cut which is important.
B. your handle has to be solid, rats tail handles are fine if they are burnt in the traditional way.
C. never get a fine japenese style bevel- these are actually dangerous as tools because of their propensity to shy off things. It's a chopping tool so get a wide "V" chopping bevel just like you would a hatchet.
