Well... for what it is worth, and as a long time user of machetes, I believe what a blade is called depends mostly on where you are standing, and to whom you are talking. For my money, a blade under 18" is a big knife... but there are others here that see it differently. Different strokes for different folks. Depending on what continent and/or country, heck even region you are in, a blade is known by what everyone calls it. Its the same with food, clothing, etc. Blade identification is best left to whatever you like, as well as what it takes to communicate.

Doc