Hello guys!

I've got a question for you all!

When using choppers and/or machetes I almost always wear leather work gloves because no matter what the maker/manufacturer claims are about their handle design and finish, I get blisters almost every time after some extensive work. Also, I often use my free hand to hold/grab/get out the way the cut brushes or small lumbers etc. and gloves provide good protection and grip.

My point is that, despite my very normal/medium size hand, I always find that choppers' and machetes' handles are too short and don't provide enough space for the fingers, they get squeezed sorta, especially when using lined gloves during the winter. Of course, with bare hands it's fine, but it seems to me that makers/manufacturers don't consider the use of gloves when working with their choppers and machetes.

Do you have the same problem? So far, my father and I agree on this (might be about the only thing we agree on!). How about you?

Just to give you an idea, the chopper I'm currently using provides 4 5/8'' of finger span (total handle length is about 6 3/8''), which is plenty when using it bare hand, but is just right with plain leather gloves and slightly short with lined winter gloves.

What confuses me is this chopper is one with about the longest handle on the market and my father and I feel squeezed using it with gloves...


What is your experience in regard to choppers/machetes handle length folks?

Thanks a lot for your input!