I think a lot of blades out there are fine.... especially for around the house lighter work. ...
but you figure that BG cost $30, more or less, and that is okay. But you can get a martindale for about 20, and a tramontina even less.... plus, you don't have to use a 24".... some guys like 18"... some even smaller, although I have said this in the past... *I* have trouble calling anything under 18" a machete....
(I know Vic, the marine raider machete is 12", ... notice I prefaced the statement with "I") <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I can tell you this, if I had an expensive machete like some manufacturers produce and it slung out of my hand into the murky swamp and became lost, I would be upset with myself (doesn't mean I don't have any of those, 'cause I do)...If I lose (and I have) a cheap blade... I just get a new one.

Oh... before somebody says lanyard or wrist strap, don't do it... I have hauled more than one crew man to the ER over that. Tether a blade to your hand, and get cut when it comes loose...

This is just my opinion, and you know about those..

But to each his own... it is better to be proficient with what you have and comfortable using it, than to have something just cause someone else likes or recommends it.



I like reading about everyone's ideas... its how I learn...

Doc