Condor Golok Machete

This machete made its way into my gear bag out of a problem I was facing driving along remote mountain firetrails and rarely seen tracks that had become so over grown they were creating a brushed aluminium look to my 4wd. Since its sleepover in my kit bag it has proved its usefulness and $130 price tag. Along with track clearing the Golok has proved its capability in splitting logs for kindling to get the camp fire roaring. This is due to its solid design, heavy head and full tang (blade continues right through the handle for strength.) This all sits nicely in your hand with a walnut handle and on your belt or pack with a leather sheath.

Replacing the need for my hatchet and reducing the weight added to all my gear. Its not light by all means at just under 794 grams but compared to axes and hatchets it is a featherweight.

I have found it can struggle with thinner more flexible vines, kind of like trying to pot a plant with a backhoe, it comes down to suitability for the job. In heavily vined areas a smaller jungle style machete would be more suitable. In saying that it will get through them if sharpened well and swung correctly.

When swinging ensure the path of the blade isn't toward your body or limbs - if you miss or slice through easier then expected it could do serious damage and you may need to consider training for the paralympics in the future.

Since owning it I have come across numerous fallen trees where this machete has cleared a path beautifully, depending on the type of tree you could expect good results clearing limbs around the 15 centimetres in diametre.

Tip: Dont try to cut directly across the grain of the wood - use the natural structure of the wood by swinging to slice at an angle through and along the limb. You will find the blade cuts through quicker and cleaner and if it does take further strikes your blade will find the same spot time after time.

Crucial bits:

Cost: About $130

Weight: 794 grams

Blade Length: 14 inch

Overall Length: 21 Inch

Handle: Walnut

Blade: 1075 Carbon Steel coated in black epoxy

Country of Origin: El Salvador

Uses: Heavy limb clearing, kindling.

The Golok made short work of this limb.