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.