Good vid & sound advice. I’ve had my 18” D handle for 25 years… love it. Got a 12” D handle version for camping. Love that one too. I prefer the D handle overall.
I've had my Ontario since I was 19 I'm 28 now granted I don't use it a hell of a lot only a few times a year but I did collect machetes for a while and the Ontario was by far the best
Your point about being aware of where your free hand is at is VERY important. Many years ago, as a new machete user, I almost removed an index finger while being careless *stupid*. For some idiotic reason, I thought it would be a good idea to hold the weeds that I was cutting into a tight clump. Fortunately my leather glove took some of the cutting force and the blade stopped when it hit bone. A very painful and expensive lesson.
Oh wow, that is rough. That's a huge reminder to be sure to wear gloves. I forgot to mention that. But, like you said, they will absorb some of the damage. That's a terrible "lesson" to learn, but glad that it wasn't worse. Thanks for watching. ONS
My first Ontario was Army issue in 1971 and bought the D guard years later because I thought it looked "cool" . The D guard totally sucks and was removed with a hacksaw . The 12 inch Ontario is one of the best all around camp blades and perfect for quartering and butchering large game . Hard to believe Ontario never made a sheath for the 12 inch and mine is made from heavy harness leather . Cool review video and Thanks from an old Southpaw in New Mexico .
I also wish they would make leather sheaths. Nothing fancy, just a plain leather sheath (left-handed, too, but that's probably asking too much). I've thought about getting an Ontario 12 machete. I think it would be less cumbersome to take when I'm not sure if I will need a chopper. Thanks for commenting. Take care.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 It's a right handed world and I learned this from childhood . Leather , heavy canvas , pop rivet tools and hand stitching will make a better Lefty sheath than can be purchased . Have a great 2021 .
Darn good video and a common butchers steel is great for keeping the Ontario 12" & 18" razor sharp . Walking 20 miles with a machete on my belt would drive me nuts , but if it works for you , All the best . Have a great year Southpaw and THX for sharing .
Thanks for the comment AV. Yep, 20 miles would drive me nuts, too. I'll do 6-8 miles at work and the sheath swinging around has definitely gotten on my last nerve by then. I wouldn't bring it when I'm on a well maintained trail because there wouldn't be much use for it. But, when exploring around the woods, I don't really cover great distance. I really use it most when I'm getting into thorns, briars, and vines. It seems like all creeks and streams in my area have a wall of vines and briars that you have to get through to get to the water. And there are areas of eleagnes/silverthorn/russian olive that are a pain to get through. These are the situations where the machete is most useful. I wouldn't have a machete as an EDC, but I would want it for my 1 tool option, if that makes any sense. Anyhow, thanks for watching, and I hope you have a great year as well. Take care. ONS
En El Salvador uno empieza a utilizar el machete como a los diez años bueno eso es los que crecimos en las zonas rurales aqui es una herramienta indispensable para podar arboles cortar leña cortar hierbas etc Pero es una herramienta que hay que ulizar con mucho cuidado mi hermano mayor en un descuido casi se corta el dedo indice de una mano yo me corte en un pie realizando labores agricolas es de utilizarlo con mucho cuidado en los angulos de corte nunca tiene que ir el corte en direccion de quien lo esta utilizando sino siempre hacia afuera
Thanks for watching. I've used Gerber (thought it was junk) and Condor (it was okay), but I just like the Ontario machete better. Especially for the price. Thanks for commenting. Take care.
Good advice you the only one to suggest using a mill file to sharpen with its the best thing to use I also got a 12in machete what I did about the pins I took a small tap and die set and put threads on the pins screw them together been using mine for the last 5yrs no more problems
using a mill file is definitely the way to go for sharpening chopper blades. you have better modding skills than i do, I'll stick with tape for now. Thanks for watching!
I purchased one this week. It's heavy. what is the best type file I don't really know the differences? I am new to bush crafting, it will be a hobby. I live in North Alabama and I have traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains in N.C. to camp since I was 8 years old with my family. My family and took several camping trips to GSM's and it's a wonderful place. We live in the Tennessee Valley on the Wheeler Lake area. Thanks for the great video. I don't like a D Handle it does not make sense to me.
Hey James, I personally like a mill file. It does the fastest job of sharpening. I forgot to mention to wear gloves when sharpening (for the same reason as filing away from the edge - safety). Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you're enjoying bushcrafting, it is a fun hobby and a great excuse to get outdoors. Take care.
Get the full size Ontario with the rubber sheath and the 12 inch for an Excellent camp knife . Lowes home improvement stores sell the 18 inch Tramontina machete with a great sheath for a measly 26 buck$ . A Tram is lighter than the Ontario and has a great reputation depending on your terrain and what your requirements are .
The sheath is leather (I think the brand is "Site Pro"). I like the 18" machete with a sheath for the 22". the machete sits down in the sheath with just a bit of handle sticking up. With matching sheath and machete lengths, the handle will be up near your ribs. If you're bending over or ducking through brush, it can jab you in the ribs, which I find uncomfortable.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 Make a sheath using the baldric carry . Adjustable strap goes over your shoulder and handle is chest / belly high . My adjustable baldric carry is made from old blue jean material and has pockets for fire starting , fishing kit ... etc .
@@QuantumMech_88 I made the baldric carry from old seat belt material and heavy canvass with small Alice clip pouches for compass , fire starting gear , tourniquet etc. per your recommendations . 5X5 and ATB
I bought one five years ago & honestly I don't like it because of the amount of work I had to put into it modifying the square shaped handles & trying to sharpen it with a whetstone until a friend sharpened it for me with a belt grinder thinning out behind the edge to make it more slicey. If I had known it would turn out this troublesome I wouldn't have bought it.
Sorry to hear that you didn't like it. I like the larger handles, but hate the D-ring. I feel like a whetstone is more suited for slicing edges and would recommend a metal file (or powered machinery) for chopping edges. The file just takes away much more material, making the job faster and easier. Thanks for watching. ONS
Put your index finger in front of the D ring. I love mine and can't find the original longer D ring one anymore. My " friend" liked mine so much, he stole it.
Yeah, I wish they did a molded handle without the D guard. I've never tried the 12. Might be nice for walking as it is more compact. How's it do as a chopper? Thanks for commenting.
I have other complaints about these but the big one is that the handles absolutely suck. Unless you have Glock shaped bear paws, it's not for you. And I'm not a little guy, I'm about average. If I grab a ruler in a hammer grip and measure from the top of the skin across my palm down to the lowest "meat" of my palm (behind the pinky), I'm just under 4" and I've got long fingers. Personally, grips for these things are like gun stocks to me. It's easier to use something too small for you than it is something too big for you. For a fun project, I'm going to rehandle mine, sharpen it and see if we can't make something useful out of it. personally, I switched to using Khukuri for everything I wanted that machete for and they excel far and beyond what I had expected at a much smaller size and far greater control of the blade. But, we are talking about a very big price difference. Don't bother with KLO's.
Good vid & sound advice. I’ve had my 18” D handle for 25 years… love it. Got a 12” D handle version for camping. Love that one too. I prefer the D handle overall.
I’ve had one of those Ontario 1-18 machetes for 6 years. It’s a workhorse! 👍🏻
I agree completely. Good solid blade, and a fair price. Thanks for watching.
I've had my Ontario since I was 19 I'm 28 now granted I don't use it a hell of a lot only a few times a year but I did collect machetes for a while and the Ontario was by far the best
Your point about being aware of where your free hand is at is VERY important. Many years ago, as a new machete user, I almost removed an index finger while being careless *stupid*. For some idiotic reason, I thought it would be a good idea to hold the weeds that I was cutting into a tight clump. Fortunately my leather glove took some of the cutting force and the blade stopped when it hit bone. A very painful and expensive lesson.
Oh wow, that is rough. That's a huge reminder to be sure to wear gloves. I forgot to mention that. But, like you said, they will absorb some of the damage. That's a terrible "lesson" to learn, but glad that it wasn't worse. Thanks for watching. ONS
My first Ontario was Army issue in 1971 and bought the D guard years later because I thought it looked "cool" . The D guard totally sucks and was removed with a hacksaw . The 12 inch Ontario is one of the best all around camp blades and perfect for quartering and butchering large game . Hard to believe Ontario never made a sheath for the 12 inch and mine is made from heavy harness leather .
Cool review video and Thanks from an old Southpaw in New Mexico .
I also wish they would make leather sheaths. Nothing fancy, just a plain leather sheath (left-handed, too, but that's probably asking too much). I've thought about getting an Ontario 12 machete. I think it would be less cumbersome to take when I'm not sure if I will need a chopper.
Thanks for commenting. Take care.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 It's a right handed world and I learned this from childhood . Leather , heavy canvas , pop rivet tools and hand stitching will make a better Lefty sheath than can be purchased . Have a great 2021 .
@Quantum Mechanic - I wish you still made public videos and particularly hunting , fire starting and navigation videos . 5X5 and ATB from UT clan .
@@Cosmo_88 Agreed & 5X5 .
Darn good video and a common butchers steel is great for keeping the Ontario 12" & 18" razor sharp . Walking 20 miles with a machete on my belt would drive me nuts , but if it works for you , All the best . Have a great year Southpaw and THX for sharing .
Thanks for the comment AV. Yep, 20 miles would drive me nuts, too. I'll do 6-8 miles at work and the sheath swinging around has definitely gotten on my last nerve by then. I wouldn't bring it when I'm on a well maintained trail because there wouldn't be much use for it. But, when exploring around the woods, I don't really cover great distance. I really use it most when I'm getting into thorns, briars, and vines. It seems like all creeks and streams in my area have a wall of vines and briars that you have to get through to get to the water. And there are areas of eleagnes/silverthorn/russian olive that are a pain to get through. These are the situations where the machete is most useful. I wouldn't have a machete as an EDC, but I would want it for my 1 tool option, if that makes any sense. Anyhow, thanks for watching, and I hope you have a great year as well. Take care. ONS
Thank you for the review. I miss North Carolina very much.
En El Salvador uno empieza a utilizar el machete como a los diez años bueno eso es los que crecimos en las zonas rurales aqui es una herramienta indispensable para podar arboles cortar leña cortar hierbas etc
Pero es una herramienta que hay que ulizar con mucho cuidado mi hermano mayor en un descuido casi se corta el dedo indice de una mano yo me corte en un pie realizando labores agricolas es de utilizarlo con mucho cuidado en los angulos de corte nunca tiene que ir el corte en direccion de quien lo esta utilizando sino siempre hacia afuera
As much as I like the Tramontina , goloks and parangs , The Ontario 18 & 12 inch are still the faves . Great video .
Thanks for watching. I've used Gerber (thought it was junk) and Condor (it was okay), but I just like the Ontario machete better. Especially for the price. Thanks for commenting. Take care.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 Have a great year bro .
Good advice you the only one to suggest using a mill file to sharpen with its the best thing to use I also got a 12in machete what I did about the pins I took a small tap and die set and put threads on the pins screw them together been using mine for the last 5yrs no more problems
using a mill file is definitely the way to go for sharpening chopper blades. you have better modding skills than i do, I'll stick with tape for now. Thanks for watching!
Awesome tips... Hope see more of this machete
Thanks for watching.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 no problem
I cross my arm across my lower chest instead of behind my back, but otherwise same basic techniques I use as well
Yep, keep your free hand out of the way and safe. Thanks for commenting.
I purchased one this week. It's heavy. what is the best type file I don't really know the differences? I am new to bush crafting, it will be a hobby. I live in North Alabama and I have traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains in N.C. to camp since I was 8 years old with my family. My family and took several camping trips to GSM's and it's a wonderful place. We live in the Tennessee Valley on the Wheeler Lake area. Thanks for the great video. I don't like a D Handle it does not make sense to me.
Hey James, I personally like a mill file. It does the fastest job of sharpening. I forgot to mention to wear gloves when sharpening (for the same reason as filing away from the edge - safety).
Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you're enjoying bushcrafting, it is a fun hobby and a great excuse to get outdoors. Take care.
Which do you perfer the 18" or 22" in blade length types? Thx for the D handle tip!👍And what sheath is that? Leather?
Get the full size Ontario with the rubber sheath and the 12 inch for an Excellent camp knife . Lowes home improvement stores sell the 18 inch Tramontina machete with a great sheath for a measly 26 buck$ . A Tram is lighter than the Ontario and has a great reputation depending on your terrain and what your requirements are .
The sheath is leather (I think the brand is "Site Pro"). I like the 18" machete with a sheath for the 22". the machete sits down in the sheath with just a bit of handle sticking up. With matching sheath and machete lengths, the handle will be up near your ribs. If you're bending over or ducking through brush, it can jab you in the ribs, which I find uncomfortable.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 Make a sheath using the baldric carry . Adjustable strap goes over your shoulder and handle is chest / belly high . My adjustable baldric carry is made from old blue jean material and has pockets for fire starting , fishing kit ... etc .
@@QuantumMech_88 I made the baldric carry from old seat belt material and heavy canvass with small Alice clip pouches for compass , fire starting gear , tourniquet etc. per your recommendations . 5X5 and ATB
@@UT-CLANS THX
I bought one five years ago & honestly I don't like it because of the amount of work I had to put into it modifying the square shaped handles & trying to sharpen it with a whetstone until a friend sharpened it for me with a belt grinder thinning out behind the edge to make it more slicey. If I had known it would turn out this troublesome I wouldn't have bought it.
Sorry to hear that you didn't like it. I like the larger handles, but hate the D-ring. I feel like a whetstone is more suited for slicing edges and would recommend a metal file (or powered machinery) for chopping edges. The file just takes away much more material, making the job faster and easier. Thanks for watching. ONS
Put your index finger in front of the D ring. I love mine and can't find the original longer D ring one anymore. My " friend" liked mine so much, he stole it.
How much worth
Just cut the D-ring off. Problem solved. My fav is the Ontario 12 inch. Wish they sharpened it to the bottom
Yeah, I wish they did a molded handle without the D guard. I've never tried the 12. Might be nice for walking as it is more compact. How's it do as a chopper?
Thanks for commenting.
@@oldnorthsouthpaw1598 Excellent! It's a joy to use and since it's thickness is 1/8" it's very capable as a chopper
Your voice sounds like Dr Phil
I have other complaints about these but the big one is that the handles absolutely suck. Unless you have Glock shaped bear paws, it's not for you. And I'm not a little guy, I'm about average. If I grab a ruler in a hammer grip and measure from the top of the skin across my palm down to the lowest "meat" of my palm (behind the pinky), I'm just under 4" and I've got long fingers.
Personally, grips for these things are like gun stocks to me. It's easier to use something too small for you than it is something too big for you. For a fun project, I'm going to rehandle mine, sharpen it and see if we can't make something useful out of it.
personally, I switched to using Khukuri for everything I wanted that machete for and they excel far and beyond what I had expected at a much smaller size and far greater control of the blade. But, we are talking about a very big price difference. Don't bother with KLO's.
Why is your thumbnail so long girly man? Haha