Cold Steel Latin D-Guard Machete 18"

This is near perfect, especially for the price. I've used a parang before, but the ones I've seen are either too thin/not full-tang, or too heavy. I've had a Brazilian machete I've used for years, but the edge rolled easily, the handle necessitated gloves, and it didn't hold an edge (even when it wasn't rolling). I have been looking for a capable machete to trim back thick saplings, tall grasses, and trim trees. I'll start with the pros: The d-guard protects your hands/knuckles, gives a firm grip, and is just the right size (I have slightly larger hands, so some handles are too small). The edge holds up very well, the black stays in the blade, no rolling, easy to sharpen, and it came razor sharp. It has a traditional apple seed shaped edge, so it holds up well when chopping or cutting while taking minimal effort to resharpen. The sheeth fits snuggly, doesn't add much weight, and secures well to the handle with a snap. 18 inches is the right length for most people and it's not heavy when you're swinging it. Cons: there's really just one thing, the handle material is way too smooth. I think I'm going to take a file or heat to it and add some texture. Final verdict: even at 3 times the price, this would be a great buy.

Good Machete! I wrapped my own Paracord wrapping on the handle for extra grip. It's perfect in size & weight for my use, light enough to swing a lot, heavy enough to get the job done! I was a little skeptical about the handle when ordering but when it arrived, I had no more concerns, it's good. It comes already pretty darn sharp, but I touched it up on a wet stone, Oh yeah, and it holds a good edge!

Holds an edge and takes an edge well. I've cut down trees and thick brush with this without issue. Low maintenance blade. Sheath does it's job. Hand guard protects you significantly from debris, thorns or any over striking. Good weight. It won't fatigue you, but will cut very well. Is thin enough to do precision work near siding.

Dangerous junk. Blade sheared at the hilt after 5 mins of chopping some light brush (1/4" soft green saplings). Luckily no one was injured and the blade just fell into the brush. The steel was full of massive imperfections at the shear point, literally looks like toy recycled cast pot metal.

This is the second Cold Steel product I've purchased for myself. The fourth I've bought over-all. my EDC is their mini-tac tanto. I loved the quality so I gifted one to a friend. I also got their XL Voyager Tanto for a friend who lives on a Caribbean Island. Then I bought this. Living in a major city my home defense options are limited. Over a decade ago I was a student of Grand Master Federico Lazo, so I know a thing or two about Kali/Arnis, so figured I'd make use of it. This baby is a beauty. Quality construction. Straight blade. Full tang that even goes around the whole guard(nice protection against blunt objects an if you're cutting brush. The odds of needing it to fend of a sword are minimal these days. lol). Full black color to keep it from being easily spotted in dim light. Absolutely perfect. My only complaint is that the hand grip is not textured. It feels slippery. I purchased some bat tape to correct this, inexpensive and excellent solution. I do wish that Cold Steel had put the same textured plastic that I have on my mini-tac tanto. But I suppose some people do find that to be too rough, so bat tape is an adequate solution. All in all, I love it, and it's an absolute bargain given it's price range. I could've spent twice as much and not gotten a tool with even half the quality. IMO go for the reputable brand, buy a tool from a nobody and you're going to end up regretting it. Edit: I put some Rawlings bat tape made a world of difference on the handle's grip. I highly recommend adding bat tape.

Extremely high quality. Came razor hair shaving sharp and oiled from cold steel. The sheath does its job both g fancy. Feels very balanced in the hand for chopping or slashing brush

Had for about a year and zero issues. Handle is holding up fine and doesn't slip badly when a little wet. Cuts cleanly through brush and small branches.

Came with pitting on both sides of the blade, as well as discoloration on the blade edge. After three uses I ended up with a sizable nick after chopped a 1/2inch branch…not horrible for price by any means. But maybe a little poor QA on the manufacturer

Excellent tool for clearing trails. Highly recommended

Came with the blade significantly warped to a point where its almost useless